With a hot Australian summer upon us, there’s nothing more delightful than a dip in your very own pool. Blessed with sunshine and long days, it’s no wonder that Australians have the highest per capita rate of pool ownership in the world at around 12% of all households.
If you’re dreaming of a swimming pool, or looking to upgrade an old one, it’s worth doing some research. Swimming pools start at around $35,000 for a small inground fibreglass option, with an upper ceiling that can run well into the six figures.
Your swimming pool should always be designed with your home’s aesthetic in mind – a tropical cabana and swim-up bar are unlikely to match your stately Victorian, for example. And some trends that have been around for a while look like they’re firmly here to stay. Infinity pools continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and make an eye catching statement for homes overlooking the ocean.
That said, there’s no harm in keeping an eye on the latest trends. By being at the forefront of fashion, your investment is more likely to last the distance when and if you come to sell.
From landscaping to automaton, here are four trends to keep an eye on.
1. Outside-in pools
Once placed squarely in the middle of the back yard, swimming pools are starting to creep closer to the house. Seamless architecture helps to integrate the swimming pool and the interior of your home to create an all-weather solution.
That might mean a lap pool running alongside the house with a verandah for shelter, or a pool that runs from a covered entertaining area out into the garden. Some homes even feature sliding glass doors from a purpose built room that allows you to either enclose the pool or open it to the elements.
2. Natural landscaping
Interior design is trending towards a natural look in 2018/19, and swimming pools are following suit. Instead of pool decks and high gloss edging, the latest in pool design incorporates elements from nature.
Be careful with plant life, as not everything will thrive in full sun or with high humidity, and some plants will shed debris into the pool itself. Good choices include ornamental grasses, such as bamboo, which you can add to the pool surroundings to create an oasis of privacy and peace. Rockeries and natural stone pathways add to the organic feel.
3. Embrace the dark side
Inside the pool, consider a dark liner instead of the light reflective materials of the past. Darker interiors create the illusion that the pool is deeper than it is, like a natural rock pool. They also heighten the reflective properties of the water itself, allowing it to mirror the surrounding landscape. If you like a mosaic tile look, these look amazing in darker palettes like navy and purple.
Pool fencing, too, is going dark. While frameless glass is still the most popular choice, they’re often braced on black spigots instead of stainless steel. Black and charcoal coated fencing are also on the way up.
4. Smart pool technology
Once upon a time, owning a pool meant regular maintenance and manual controls. Today, the work is done for you by smart technology that’s controlled from your smartphone. You can control everything from the lighting to the chlorine levels, set ambient music to play and adjust the temperature, all from a touch of a button. If you’ve ever dreamt of arriving home and jumping straight into your heated pool with your favourite songs on stand by, this is the technology for you.
You can also get in-floor cleaning systems that take the work out of maintaining the freshness of your water. These circulate the water through your pool and extract dirt and debris so that you don’t have to spend time with a skimmer.