As you embark on the exciting journey of adding a custom pool to your property, the very first decision you’ll encounter is selecting the ideal style and shape. With a diverse range of options available, it’s crucial to discover the perfect fit for your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore four primary pool styles—elevated pools, inground pools, plunge pools, and infinity pools—and delve into key considerations that will help you make your choice.
Comparing Pool Styles
Just like their owners, every home possesses its unique style and needs. As the Lowcountry’s premier custom pool builder, we’ve cultivated a keen understanding of how to seamlessly blend fashion with function, resulting in pools that satisfy on all fronts.
1. Elevated Pool
Elevated pools are an excellent option for homes that are raised above ground level, particularly when a homeowner desires the pool area to be at the same finished elevation as their residence. These pools are meticulously designed with thoughtful consideration for the use of the surrounding pool area. While the pool itself serves as the main focal point, it’s equally important to account for social gatherings that will take place around it.
Depending on the scope of the project, the vision for the space is brought to life through collaborative efforts with a team of design-build professionals. This team includes your Aqua Blue Pools expert, structural and civil engineers, architect, landscape architect, and general contractor.
Elevated pools offer breathtaking views, especially if your home overlooks marshlands or waterfront vistas, and they undeniably elevate any outdoor setting. These pools provide swimmers and sunbathers with a unique experience and perspective.
Pros:
- Panoramic Views: An elevated pool affords magnificent panoramic views, allowing swimmers to fully appreciate the surrounding landscape or cityscape. This elevated perspective significantly enhances the overall swimming experience, fostering a visually stunning and deeply relaxing atmosphere.
- Architectural Aesthetics: An elevated pool can profoundly contribute to the overall architectural aesthetics of the house. It transforms into a striking focal point and introduces a unique design element to the property, thereby enhancing its visual appeal and making it stand out, ultimately transforming your outdoor area into a luxurious retreat.
- Cooling Effect: Elevated pools can benefit from natural breezes, particularly if the house is situated in an area with good wind flow. This natural air movement can create a cooling effect around the pool, making outdoor enjoyment more comfortable, especially during the heat of the Lowcountry’s summers.
Due to their distinctive design and complex construction requirements, elevated pools necessitate specific construction considerations not typically needed for traditional inground pools. This includes determining the appearance and material for the structure’s exterior wall—such as stucco, stone, brick, paneling, etc.
Elevated pools incur higher costs due to these additional requirements: engineer evaluations, soil tests, pool area railings mandated by building safety codes, and robust pool supports, for example, a block wall foundation and piers.
2. Inground Pool
Inground pools are widely popular for their versatility, design flexibility, and seamless integration with your existing landscape. These pools can be extensively customised to fit your property’s unique layout, creating an inviting environment that fosters relaxation and recreation.
Pros:
- Highly Customisable: Inground pools offer virtually endless design possibilities. You have the freedom to choose the perfect shape and size that beautifully complements your property’s layout and architectural style.
- Complementary to Landscaping: These pools effortlessly blend with your landscaping, allowing for the incorporation of beautiful garden features and enhancing poolside aesthetics.
- Various Material Choices: While Aqua Blue Pools specialises exclusively in custom, high-quality concrete gunite pools, you can select from other various types, such as fibreglass and vinyl-lined, based on your individual preferences and budget.
- Permitting and Approval Processes: The permitting and approval processes for in-ground pools can be more streamlined and standardised compared to above-grade pools. Elevated pools might necessitate additional engineering assessments and approvals from local municipalities.
- Structural Complexity: When comparing inground pools to elevated pools, above-grade pools often involve more intricate structural elements, such as supporting frameworks, elevated platforms, and additional bracing. In-ground pools generally feature a simpler structural design.
Due to the excavation process, some might mistakenly believe that inground pools are excessively expensive or take longer to build. However, this is simply not the case! In-ground pools typically require less extensive site preparation. Excavating the ground for an in-ground pool is generally more straightforward than the complex structural requirements, construction, and groundwork needed to build a pool above ground level.
Your pool designer can provide expert advice and assist in coordinating the specialists required for your specific project needs.
3. Plunge Pool
Plunge pools are compact, shallow pools ideally suited for relaxation and cooling off. They are an excellent choice if you have limited space in your garden and can bring a touch of luxury pool experience to virtually any property or outdoor area.
Pros:
- Ideal for Small Properties: Plunge pools are specifically designed for homes with limited garden space.
- Easier Maintenance: With a smaller surface area, plunge pools are more manageable in terms of cleaning and maintenance.
- Versatile Use: While modest in size, the plunge pool style offers significant options and is remarkably versatile for hydrotherapy, relaxation, and even water fitness.
- Quick Installation: Plunge pools can be installed in a quicker timeframe, offering a speedier transformation to your outdoor area.
Considering a plunge pool for your home? First, contemplate how you intend to use the pool. Due to their compact size, plunge pools are not suitable for swimming laps or vigorous water sports and are not ideal for accommodating large gatherings. They are, however, perfectly suited for providing a peaceful space to cool down on a hot Southern day.
Hydrotherapy jets can be incorporated into any size pool, but they are particularly effective in plunge pools, truly delivering a powerful experience. These water features, combined with precise water temperature controls, can offer a range of health benefits. Cold water can promote circulation, reduce muscle inflammation, and accelerate recovery after intense physical activity. Conversely, warm water can help relax muscles and alleviate stress. While you cannot swim laps in a plunge pool, you do have the option of adding a swim resistance system to the pool.
These compact pools can serve multiple purposes—fitness, therapy, relaxation, or simply unwinding at the end of each day.
4. Infinity Pool
Infinity pools, also known as vanishing-edge or negative-edge pools, create distinct illusions. Whatever you call this pool style, the visual effects vary based on its backdrop. The pool water can seemingly extend infinitely into the horizon of another natural body of water (infinity edge), or the pool’s water can appear to gracefully drop off the pool’s edge (disappearing edge).
In the Lowcountry, these pools are frequently found in luxurious settings and homes boasting scenic beachfront, marsh, or harbour views. Infinity pools deliver a serene, visually captivating experience, providing the most stunning illusions among all swimming pool styles.
Pros:
- Aesthetic Excellence: Infinity pools are highly celebrated for their breathtaking visual impact, creating an extraordinary focal point in your outdoor space.
- Perfect for Properties with an Elevated View: These pools are especially well-suited for properties with panoramic scenic views, as the vanishing edge appears to dissolve into the horizon.
- Dramatic Visual Impact: The water seemingly spills over the edge, crafting a captivating and profoundly serene experience.
Like elevated pools, infinity pools are often raised or partially raised, and consequently, they incur a higher construction cost than the other pool styles discussed earlier in this article. Infinity pool designs are inherently intricate, demanding precise engineering and hydraulics to ensure the pool operates flawlessly.
It’s important to note that not all properties can accommodate an infinity pool due to specific space constraints and site characteristics. However, when they can be achieved, their visual effects are truly stunning. Looking for local examples? You can experience our work (literally) at these Lowcountry resorts: The Sandcastle and Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Pool Shapes: Freeform vs. Geometric
When it comes to pool designs, freeform pools offer a picturesque, organic appeal. They draw inspiration from nature’s meandering lagoons and ponds, creating a laid-back and inviting ambiance. Freeform pools are ideal for informal settings, nature-inspired landscapes, and cultivating a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
On the other hand, geometric pools present a striking contrast with their precise lines and well-defined shapes. Perfect for modern and minimalist settings, they add a touch of structured elegance and formality to your surroundings. Geometric pools are an excellent choice for those seeking a contemporary and organised aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Pool for You
Whether you opt for an elevated pool offering breathtaking views or a sleek inground design, your choice will undeniably define your property’s personality. These key considerations will assist you in navigating between the enticing pool styles listed above:
- What is my budget for this project?
- How will my land affect or potentially limit the pool’s design and build?
- What will be the pool’s primary intended use?
- Which design features are most important to me? What will look best with my existing space?
- Have I consulted with a professional pool designer?
If you answered no to this last question, we are here to help you through the process! With more than 30 years of experience, Aqua Blue Pools makes custom pool design simple and enjoyable!
Elevate your environment with Aqua Blue Pools!
Discover luxury in your garden with an oasis of your own. As the Lowcountry’s premier custom pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to help you realise the pool of your dreams. Since 1991, our team has constructed pools in a diverse range of styles for residential and commercial clients across South Carolina. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your oasis!