\u201cIf you have two houses that are right next door to each other and one has a pool and one doesn\u2019t, the house with a pool<\/a> can ask for $50,000 more and absolutely get it,\u201d Long shares, noting that pools only added $20,000 in value the years leading up to the pandemic.<\/p>\n In HomeLight\u2019s Top Agent Insights Report for Spring 2021, agents from across the country echo Long\u2019s observation. Nationally, the amount of value an in-ground pool adds to a home has increased an estimated 69% on average<\/a> since the arrival of COVID-19.<\/p>\n We spoke with Kowalski and Terry Argenziano, COO of The Pool Boss<\/a>, New Jersey\u2019s top in-ground swimming pool company, for insight into trending pool design ideas. Dive into our round-up of the eight essential pool design features.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a swimming pool design for every outdoor living space, including those long and narrow yards and petite plots of land. According to Long, the ideal pool should occupy one-quarter to one-third of the total outdoor area.<\/p>\n For smaller yards, Argenziano says the new trend is the \u201cspool,\u201d or spa-pool combination<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s a miniature pool that you can use as a spa,\u201d Argenziano says.<\/p>\n Measuring approximately 10 feet to 16 feet long and 6 feet to 8 feet wide, spools are noticeably smaller in size than the typical in-ground swimming pool. Their small size allows spools to heat up quicker and for less money than larger swimming pools. Spools are also easier to maintain and keep clean for this same reason.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s an overview of the three main types of in-ground pool materials<\/a>:<\/p>\n Concrete<\/a> is the most popular (and expensive) type of pool. The average cost for in-ground concrete pools is around $60,000<\/a>. Construction time varies between 3 to 12 weeks on average, longer than the time it takes to build pools from other materials. Still, many homeowners opt for this material since it is highly durable.<\/p>\n The popularity of vinyl-liners<\/a> is growing \u2014 this material is now the second-most popular choice for in-ground pools. Vinyl-liner pools are built with a one-piece liner set into the excavated ground and attached to a steel or aluminum-framed wall. Vinyl-liner pools typically take three to six weeks to build.<\/p>\n While vinyl-liner pools are cost-effective (the average installation cost is around $45,000<\/a>), they\u2019re not as durable as concrete pools. Vinyl deteriorates over time with exposure to elements. Some liners are equipped with UV inhibitors which can extend the life from 10 to 18 years.<\/p>\n A fiberglass swimming pool<\/a> consists of a large, single-piece shell placed in an excavated hole in your backyard. Unlike concrete and vinyl pools, fiberglass pools are pre-made, meaning there is little room for customization. However, fiberglass pools are the quickest to build, taking just 14 to 30 days to install on average. The initial cost of a fiberglass pool is higher than vinyl, costing $50,000<\/a> on average.<\/p>\n Pool shape can complement or clash with your backyard\u2019s design. Here are some common shapes to inspire your design process:<\/p>\n The classic rectangle is the most popular shape for backyard pools<\/a> right now, according to Argenziano. This simple shape is relatively easy to build and complements most architectural styles, especially farmhouse, contemporary, and Craftsman homes.<\/p>\n Originally designed by architect Lawrence Halpin in 1948, the kidney-shaped pool<\/a> became a popular alternative to rectilinear pool styles. You can easily integrate the curving, organic silhouette into your surrounding landscaping for a more natural-looking water feature. Kidney shapes also complement the low-profile architecture, especially one-story, ranch houses, and modest cottage homes.<\/p>\n A new kind of pool was born in the 1930s with the rise of curvilinear shapes. Oval and round pools got their start in the backyards of Hollywood\u2019s elite when pool builder Philip Ilsley<\/a> created the first round-bottomed pool frame. Today, oval and round designs remain popular shapes for residential swimming pools. The soft curves complement most architectural styles, especially traditional homes.<\/p>\n If your backyard has an irregular shape, an L-shaped pool<\/a> can help you fully utilize the space. L-shaped swimming pools consist of two small rectangles joined together at a right angle. There are two types of L-shapes to choose from: a true L, which resembles the letter, and a lazy L, which suggests the letter but has a slight angle. Some homeowners take advantage of the two-part shape to sharply define the shallow and deep end.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re installing a new pool, depth is another important factor to consider. The standard backyard pool has a shallow end on one side that transitions to a deep end, but you can also opt for a pool that\u2019s shallow on both ends and deeper in the middle. Remember, different uses require different depths<\/a>. Here are the recommended depths based on the purpose of the pool:<\/p>\n If you want to use your pool to play water-based sports like volleyball, pool designers recommend a depth of 4 feet<\/a>. This depth makes it possible for adults to stand and play easily in the water. This depth is also ideal for casual wading and socializing.<\/p>\n A traditional pool will have a shallow end on one side, usually about 3.5 feet deep<\/a>. Shallow ends are a great feature if children or inexperienced swimmers are using your pool. According to Argenziano, more homeowners are opting for shallow pools today.<\/p>\n \u201cWith more people spending time at home and using the pool more than ever before, a more shallow deep end is popular because it creates more usable space in the pool for recreation and lounging.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n A wading pool<\/a> is a small area of shallow water where small children and adults can get their feet wet. They are usually around 2 feet deep and are ideal if you only want to get the lower half of your body wet. Kids can also chill out, play, and splash around safely at this depth.<\/p>\n The depth of a lane or lap pool<\/a> depends largely on user preference. Typically, the average depth is around 4 feet since this gives you enough water to swim laps comfortably. However, if you will be diving into your pool, a depth of 6 feet is safer.<\/p>\n If you add a diving board to your pool, you\u2019ll need a minimum depth of 8 feet. The height and type of diving board determine the pool depth required<\/a> to keep you safe from harsh impacts. The higher the jump, the deeper the pool should be.<\/p>\n Will you design a tropical escape or a sleek modern infinity pool? There\u2019s an endless array of swimming pools styles to choose from. Here are a few of today\u2019s most popular styles:<\/p>\n Trending pool design styles vary by area. In New York and New Jersey, people can\u2019t get enough of the Hamptons-style pool<\/a>. This pool style features a classic rectangular shape, traditional edging, cool coastal decor, and lots of luscious green grass around the pool area.<\/p>\n Bring the beach to your home with a tropical pool theme<\/a>. Tropical pool design is most popular in areas where pools are used year-round, such as California or Florida. Tropical pools are often include dramatic lighting, stones, fire pits, tiki bars, and soft, beachy materials. A pebble finish<\/a> can also help create a natural-looking design. This material costs between $8,000 to $15,000<\/a> depending on the type of pebble used and lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.<\/p>\n Modern pools<\/a> are typically geometric in shape and minimal in design. This style favors clean lines and neutral colors. Up the ambiance around your pool by adding a fire pit, rectangular couches, and structural plants like yucca, succulents, and cacti.<\/p>\n For a pool that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, consider using flat stones for steps, benches, and waterfalls. There are a variety of different natural stone decking options<\/a> available, including travertine, flagstone, and slate. Bluestone is a fantastic choice for an outdoor space surrounded by natural charm \u2014 it\u2019s a durable, non-slip, and water-resistant material. Keep in mind that you\u2019ll need to periodically seal natural stone to protect it from weather and pool chemicals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Reminiscent of an Italian villa, Mediterranean pools<\/a> evoke an Old World charm. They feature colorful tiles, often hand-painted in royal blues, oranges, and natural tones, and terracotta or stone pavers. The surrounding landscape mimics Italian and Greek landscapes with olive, cypress, and citrus trees.<\/p>\n Once you have the basics down, it\u2019s time to explore the most fun pool design ideas \u2014 features. Elevate your pool space with these decorative and playful features:<\/p>\n Baja shelves<\/a>, also called tanning shelves or sun decks, are a popular trend on the rise. According to Long, this is the most desirable feature for homebuyers in Florida at the moment. Typically, the shelf is a flat area 8 inches to 16 inches under the water. It\u2019s the perfect spot to lay on a chaise lounge and soak in the sun, coconut cocktail in hand. Young children can also sit and play in this area since it\u2019s not as deep as the rest of the pool. If you want to include this feature, expect to pay around $2,500<\/a>.<\/p>\n Adding a beach entrance, also known as a zero-entry, is another great way to create a backyard swimming oasis. This sloped, gradual entrance mimics the feel of a natural beach or lake. While there\u2019s no denying this feature is great, be warned that it can cost you up to an additional $7,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n With more and more people wanting the tropical resort experience in their backyard, swim-up bars are becoming more popular. The bar design may simply include a surface higher than the water line to rest drinks on or include bonus features like underwater stools and an overhead shade. While the price depends on your specific design, the average swim-up bar costs around $5,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you want to add some jewelry to your pool, consider adding water features like waterfalls or deck jets, streams of water that shoot out into the pool. Argenziano shares that a recent client requested a pool with a sheer descent waterfall featuring fire bowls<\/a> at the top.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a show stopper. Fire and water are two elements that, when side-by-side, create a really powerful statement,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n While costs for water features vary widely, typical pool waterfalls add about $7,000 to $10,000<\/a> to your total price.<\/p>\n Shape, depth, and size aren\u2019t the only things you have to consider when designing your pool. Sometimes the space around your pool also needs a little TLC to make it comfortable for you and your guests.<\/p>\n Argenziano recommends thinking about everything you want in your dream backyard before you start building your pool. \u201cYou want to make sure that the entire space is what you want, even if it takes longer or you don\u2019t have the pool for one extra summer,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Here are some tips for creating a beautiful outdoor living space:<\/p>\n Once you have the basics for your pool down, reach out to pool contractors to compare portfolios and prices. Professionals will give you even more pool design ideas to play with. When you get your pool design right, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re on vacation in your own backyard. No passport or hotel reservation required.<\/p>\n Header Image Source: (Meg Hill \/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From fountains to fire bowls, these pool design ideas will take your outdoor living to the next level. Who needs a beach when you can design the perfect pool?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232,"featured_media":23115,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-add-value","category-home-improvement"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/pool-design-ideas-rectangle-666x381.png\")
<\/a>1. Design a pool that\u2019s max one-third of your yard size<\/h2>\n
2. Choose the most durable pool material for your budget<\/h2>\n
Concrete<\/h3>\n
Vinyl-liner<\/h3>\n
Fiberglass<\/h3>\n
3. Decide which pool shape flatters your yard and home<\/h2>\n
Rectangle<\/h3>\n
Kidney<\/h3>\n
Oval or round designs<\/h3>\n
L-shaped<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/pool-design-ideas-depth-666x381.png\")
<\/a>4. Determine your ideal pool depth<\/h2>\n
Water sports<\/h3>\n
Play zone for kids<\/h3>\n
Lounge<\/h3>\n
Lane swimming<\/h3>\n
Diving<\/h3>\n
5. Summon summer with these pool styles<\/h2>\n
Hamptons-inspired<\/h3>\n
Tropical<\/h3>\n
Modern<\/h3>\n
Natural stone<\/h3>\n
Mediterranean<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/pool-design-idea-baja-shelf-666x381.png\")
<\/a>6. Float the day away with these fantastic pool features<\/h2>\n
Baja shelves<\/h3>\n
Beach entrance<\/h3>\n
Swim-up bars<\/h3>\n
Waterfalls and deck jets<\/h3>\n
7. Dream up a beautiful outdoor living area<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/pool-design-ideas-deck-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Pool design ideas are endless<\/h2>\n