Swimming pool design ideas for your inspiration. Here in Southern California we have plenty of sun all year to enjoy relaxing pool-side. The type of use your pool will get is important to consider with the design. Whether you’re looking for a fun place for the kids to splash and play, or an oasis for entertaining, pool designs today have unique features to fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorites.
Waterfalls
Pool waterfalls can vary in complexity. For something small, a simple poolside mount positioned just above the waterline can recirculate water in a small arcing sheet back into the pool for a waterfall effect. For something more grandiose, natural stone waterfall features can be built into your pool area, creating a dramatic, natural effect. Add a grotto for swimmers to splash behind the falls for a truly lavish swimming experience in your own backyard.
Infinity Pools
Infinity pools are perfect for pools with a view or perched on a hillside. The infinity pool design allows the water to flow over a recessed edge creating the perception that the water has no boundary lines. Set this pool style against the back drop of open skies or a larger body of water, like the ocean or a lake, and it creates a visually appealing outdoor element that blends with the surrounding environment.
Baja Shelf
Also known as the tanning ledge or the sun shelf, a Baja shelf is like an extended middle step creating and extended shallow area for swimmers to lounge. Baja shelf pools are great for families with children and for pool owners who want to provide an additional lounging area for guests. While Baja shelves can work in almost any pool, they generally come with an extra cost. You can make your Baja shelf even more fun by adding colorful tiles or a bubbler element. You can even create a shady area for water play by adding a built-in umbrella sleeve.
Swim Up Bar
A swim up bar may be the ultimate element for your poolscape if you’re creating a space for entertaining. Swim up bars are an ideal place to serve food and drinks to swimmers, but it can be tricky in residential pools to create space for people on the dry side to access the bar at the same level as the swimmers. Creating seats in the shallows that put the bottoms of swimmers near the top of the water and building a serving bar higher than the traditional edge of the pool provides an area that is more accessible. Swim up bar areas are also an excellent feature for families with kids, providing a space in the shallow end for swimmers to relax and enjoy a snack during an afternoon of splashing in the pool with friends.
Additional Ideas
- Unique pool shape
- Outdoor shower
- Stepping stones
- Submerged step
- Inside/Outside pool
- Rock wall
- Built-in slide
- Diving board
- Black bottom pool
- Above ground fish tank pool
- Fire Features
- Bridge or dock
- Multi-colored lighting
- Lane pools
- Abstract art
- In-Ground basketball hoop
- Sandy beaches
- Non-Traditional tile
- Sloped entry
- Covered comfort
- In-Pool seating
- Tiki hut pool house
- Lazy river
- Wading or plunge pool
- Pool playground
- Splash park
- Enclosed pool
- Standing wave pool
- Elevated jacuzzi
What’s your favorite pool feature?