The 6 Most Important Pool Design Principles

The 6 Most Important Pool Design Principles: Pool design principles remain the same as the best universal design principles, regardless of their application. This is why architects, landscape designers, interior decorators, and pool designers use the same design elements – such as rhythm, balance, proportion, and scale.

Two of my design preferences are higher water levels and lower overall elevations for the pool. When these elements are missing, swimmers may feel like swimming in a shallow container.

Gallery

The 6 Most Important Pool Design Principles: Intro

A wall around the pool’s perimeter makes people feel even more enclosed. This is further heightened when you come across a wall that’s 18 inches high and look over it. The feeling evoked can be pretty powerful and almost incidental.

A high pool wall may make someone feel confined or claustrophobic when you take a closer look. That’s why in my designs, I try to avoid it and instead opt for something that is not as overwhelming from a visual perspective.

1. Color Theory

When creating a pool, designers must recognize that the primary purpose of it is for observation more than use. It’s been known for centuries that people are likely to look at the pool 90% of the time, spending only 10% in it. Therefore, designing a structure that reflects beauty and elegance is essential.

Although darker colors tend to absorb and reflect more light, they may not be suitable in every situation. For example, bright white is often preferable in certain circumstances as it can capture blue tones simply by depth perception.Putting the same pool indoors, however, can make it look lacklustre.

As such, designers must choose a color that will look aesthetically pleasing in different water depths – this means considering gradation differences.

People may have the idea of owning a blue pool but in reality, green would be a much better choice for any outdoor space.

This is because it blends in more easily with the existing landscape.

2. Dividends of Training

An important part of any top-notch design program entails teaching students the essentials of art, architecture, and color theory. This includes teaching designers to draw by hand instead of relying on a computer to generate their designs.

While many in the pool industry are yet to recognize the value of increasing their knowledge, those who do can work effectively with architects and landscape designers. Even though they may not have a proper degree, specific individuals understand key design elements and how to use colors effectively in a particular environment.

The word ‘designer’ is often misused about someone who develops pre-programmed software for an existing environment. However, high-end pool clients have high expectations when it comes to design. Designers must have a unique understanding of colors and design, making selecting the right shade combination for your pool effortless.

Without any official education, one can’t guarantee that their hunches are factual. On the other hand, by taking a proper course, they gain the knowledge they may not have even contemplated prior.

Water Features and Sound Control

When landscape architecture includes water features, it is usually wise to conclude the vertical drops before they reach the pool edge. To illustrate this concept, think of a stream that flows from a waterfall into a pool. The main goal is to reduce the wave turbulence in the pool to give it a more reflective quality. Furthermore, the water feature is moved back, so the family doesn’t have to face an elevated area at the edge of the swimming pool.

Sound control is also essential. Raising your voice to speak above the sound of the water feature is uncomfortable, and it disrupts the desired sense of tranquility. I

Flowing water is one of the most peaceful and tranquilizing sounds. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly disruptive when it drowns out conversations. That’s why sound control is so important when it comes to installing a water feature in your backyard or garden.

With the proper installation and design, you can ensure that your water feature provides a pleasant background noise while allowing you and your guests to converse comfortably without having to shout over the sound.

I use a decibel meter for accurate sound control to ensure that the volume is in the correct range. This can be achieved effectively by managing hydraulic pressure and utilizing variable frequency pumps.

3. Creating a Seamless Effect

Before beginning construction, a competent designer will consider the sight lines from the house and create a pool design that complements its surroundings. This is an essential factor to ensure their client has a desirable and harmonious outdoor space.

A designer should take advantage of the environment when creating a vessel, examining inside and outside spaces to see what materials or shapes can be included in the design. The goal is to create a harmonious blend between the vessel and its environment, where the distinction between them is difficult to discern.

It is essential to decide on the pool’s design – whether it should be geometric, freeform (or even both!). Deciding on a design for your house can be difficult. You could even opt for a geometric pattern that complements the architecture of your home.

The pool can then lead into a more natural or freeform backdrop, creating a seamless transition between the orderly geometry of your home and the fluid beauty of your outdoor space.

4. Design Criteria

When building a pool, there are three aspects to consider: structural design, hydraulics & mechanics, and decorative design – which encompasses materials, proportions & scaling.

If a vessel fails to live up to the criteria of structure, cosmetics & mechanics, it’s considered a failure. It won’t do its job without proper structural integrity and attractive aesthetics.

Even if all these criteria are met, troubles with hydraulics & mechanics can still render the vessel inefficient and thus make it a failure. It’s plain to see that for a design to be successful, it must fulfill all three elements.

5. Offer More Than Swimming

Other uses for a swimming pool in backyard, swimming pool aesthics

Owning a swimming pool in your backyard is an incredible luxury, but it can also be used for much more than just cooling off on a hot summer day. With the right design and landscaping, you can transform your pool into an aesthetically pleasing oasis where family and friends can gather to relax and entertain. From waterfalls to fire pits, there are plenty of unique ways to make your backyard swimming pool stand out from the rest.

So remember, a swimming pool in your backyard is meant for more than just swimming. Keep this in mind with reviewing designs. Can you imagine yourself hanging by the pool on a cold day, and what do you do? Where your eye is drawn, and more.