As more people stay at home instead of investing in country clubs and recreation center pools, a series of alternative-style pools have hit the market for those willing to go the extra lap with their summer swimming plans. From unassuming plunge pools to all-out secluded retreats, the options for different pools have expanded. It’s slowly becoming more of a reality for people to have an oasis of their own. “I think there is definitely some alternatives to just your normal, above-ground wider pool,” says Brandon Kliment, a senior landscaper at Ground Works Land Design in Westlake. “There are some really cool, different pool options now that you can do.”
Container Pools
Price Range: Low
Installation Time: 2-3 weeks
Best For: This trendy option cuts a chic and modern silhouette into any backyard. The square-like design can be customized with a jetted hot tub on one end, while lights, bubblers and even a transparent glass wall can be included for an extra feeling of luxury. With around four sizes to choose from, this is a perfect, low-maintenance option for business professionals and suburban families. “It’s unique and it’s different,” says Kliment. “I think that’s what it is, just trying to be different than the standard cookie-cutter pool.”
Plunge Pools
Price Range: Medium
Installation Time: 4-5 weeks
Best For: Take a refreshing dip on a humid afternoon in this eclectic pool that comes in a variety of shapes: rectangle, circle, square or free-form. These pools are popular for empty nesters looking for relaxation or families who have tinier lawns, but still want to make a splash.
“It’s a little more casual,” Kliment says. “[It’s for someone] that just wants to have something they can get into at night and relax, have a glass of wine.”
Resort-Style Pool
Price Range: High
Installation Time: 6-8 weeks
Best For:It may seem over-the-top, but the neighborhood will be jealous of your private backyard escape. Kliment has worked with clients to deliver projects with beach-inspired shallow ends, fountains, sun decks, and even exotic grottos hidden behind waterfalls. These awe-inspiring factors are perfect for young professionals wanting to not only relax in their pool, but also entertain. “They’re making those investments in their properties to have that outdoor living space they’ve always been dreaming about,” says Kliment.
Deep Dive: Three things to consider before starting to build your perfect backyard pool.
Be purposeful. You might be content with an elaborate, custom pool all to yourself, but no one wants a crowded pool when you decide to host a larger gathering. What the pool is used for and how often is just as important as its features, so make sure you address what you want it to achieve. “We’re designing the pool for you based on the things you want, how many people you have to entertain, [if] you have a lot of family in the area, all those things play into our designs,” Kliment says.
Plan it out. Before you start digging, envision what you want while also keeping in mind the size and shape of your yard. As fantastic as a custom or resort-style pool can be, some practicalities will need to be accounted for. A plan can help visualize these elements with ideal stylistic trends or their contrasts. “[Some] want to have more of an irregular shaped patio [with] a free-form pool inside of it,” Kliment says. “That’s really cool to be able to bring that to life for them.”
Be flexible. Don’t let a smaller yard limit your plans. Container pools have been a solution for smaller properties for a good reason: plumbing and electricity are partially housed internally, and concrete isn’t required, making it easier to install. If you’re dead set on a more custom pool, be ready to work around space issues. But according to Kliment, there can always be a workaround. “Every space is unique,” he says. “Sometimes we’re able to come up with some really creative solutions and we turn those negatives into positives.”
