|
|
 |
Pool Design Ideas
Swimming pools and spas are part of the quintessential Australian lifestyle and can add significant value to a home. Whether it is for relaxation, fitness, therapy, or just plain fun, a well-designed pool or spa can bring endless enjoyment to your family. The decision to get a pool or spa is a big one, however, and talking to a professional will ensure that you get the best pool or spa for your current and future needs.
Deciding on your Needs
The first thing to consider is what you will be using the pool for. Some common uses include entertaining, for fitness, for fun, or as a rehabilitation device. Spas can be used for therapy, fitness and relaxation. The size and shape of your pool will depend on your needs. However, the size and shape will also be affected by the size of your backyard, the slope and by council regulations. Councils often regulate on matters such as how far the pool is from the boundary fences etc.
Do you want a prefabricated pool or a custom-made one? Do you wish to incorporate water features into your pool? What kind of landscaping or outdoor area will you require around the pool? Will the pool be used primarily in the warmer months or all year round? How much maintenance are you prepared to undertake? All of these are questions that need to be answered and a professional can help to eliminate the confusion. Most pool companies have design professionals that are more than happy to work with you to ensure that your needs are fulfilled.
Choosing your Pool
When choosing a pool, you have a choice between aboveground and inground. Each has their own advantages. Aboveground pools are usually quick to install and are considerably cheaper than inground pools. They come in two types – rigid-sided and soft-sided. Rigid-sided pools are more permanent and the wall is usually made of wood, aluminium or steel. Soft-sided pools are pools where the vinyl liner is part of the structure and can be packed away during the cooler months or taken with you when you move. If you are worried about an aboveground pool will look on your property, good landscaping and decking can make the whole area look very appealing.
Inground pools are a great way to increase the resale price of your home, especially if you live in the more inland areas of Australia. If you are after a specific look, then inground pools are a good choice as they can be made to almost any shape or size. Many pools are custom-designed to fit the backyard perfectly. It is worth remembering that inground pools take significantly longer than aboveground pools to install (anywhere from three to twelve weeks on average) and will require excavation and construction permits.
Inground pools can be concrete, fibreglass or vinyl liner. Some pools can even have glass walls! Concrete pools can be custom-designed to exactly the shape and size that you want and, once poured, the concrete can be coated with your choice of finish. Finishes include tiles, paint, or pebbles. Fibreglass pools are pre-made and are more flexible than concrete pools. Vinyl liner pools are an aboveground pool built inside an excavated hole. While they are cheaper than other inground options, the liner will require replacing periodically.
Also consider if and how you would like your pool to be heated. You can choose between solar, electric or gas heating. Solar heating is cheap and environmentally friendly; electric heating is energy efficient; and gas heating is fast and efficient though more expensive than other forms of heating. If you do heat your pool, ensure that it is fitted with a cover to reduce heat loss.
Covers are also important for reducing the amount of leaf litter and debris that falls into the pool.
Other Considerations
Another thing you will need to consider when designing your pool is the pool fence. Pool fences are mandatory in Australia and some basic requirements are that the gate opens outward, is self closing and that the latches cannot be reached by small children. There are also regulations governing the height of the fence. Your pool builder will be able to provide you with more information. Also consider what material you would like your fence to be. Some common pool fence materials are reinforced glass, steel or aluminium.
Landscaping will also be something to think about. Your pool builder or design company should be able to provide you with some ideas that will maximise the usage of the pool and also blend in with the surrounding features. Keep in mind the maintenance of the plants and the pool (you do not want plants that will shed litter into the pool). Also decide if you want features such as a deck, paving, seating areas, pergolas, etc. Many pool companies will also provide a landscaping service, thereby taking the pool construction process from beginning to end.
Spa Design
A spa is a great way to relax after a long day and has both therapeutic and leisure benefits. It can also be used for fitness! When selecting any spa, be sure to sit in it dry first before making any decisions. If you are comfortable in the spa without water, then it will only be better once it is filled and running.
There are four main types of spas. Which one you choose will be dependent on your needs. Swim spas are long spas that have surf jets at one end, allowing you to swim on the spot, similar to a treadmill. It’s great for fitness but hydrotherapy jets are also included, allowing you to relax like you would in a normal spa. Therapeutic spas use hydrotherapy jets to relieve muscles and joints through heat and massage. Portable spas are great as they are easily installed and run, and can be taken with you when you move, or even just moved around the backyard if need be. Inground spas are attached to swimming pools or located by themselves. There is a flexibility of design as concrete spas can be made to suit your requirements. However, standalone spas commonly use prefabricated shells.
There is more to a spa than just the spa unit itself. Nowadays you can turn your spa into a home entertainment centre, or use mood lighting to create a certain ambience. Want a complete relaxation centre? Add a flat screen television and speakers to your spa setup and set special LED lights into your spa for that muted, atmospheric glow.
Printer Friendly Version
References
Related Categories
Pool Builders