Top Pool Designs: Infinity Pools, Lap Pools, Beach Entries, and More!

By Patti Plummer

There are a wide variety of swimming pool designs, and by discussing your options and preferences with a professional pool designer, you can choose the best one for you based on your property’s surroundings, your home’s architecture, and how you plan to use the pool. Once these questions have been answered, the designer will determine the ideal pool design for you, along with the best swimming pool shape and size to meet your needs.

Here are the top six pool design features to get your ideas flowing:

1. Splash Pools

Also known as play pools, splash pools contain a shallow area for recreation or lounging, making them fun for kids and adults alike. Many splash pools are shallow enough to accommodate lounge chairs, enjoyable for children to splash and play, and just deep enough to host an in-pool volleyball or basketball game.

Splash pools can be attached to multi-depth pools and cordoned off for privacy, although some homeowners prefer to build just the splash pool. For numerous homeowners, a play or splash pool is the perfect solution for settings that are too small and cannot accommodate deeper pools.

Above: This elegant splash pool is perfect for relaxation and entertaining: It features multiple shallow tanning ledges (also called sunshelves), a swim-up bar, a sunken seating area with a fire pit, and a path to a separate portable spa. The shape of the pool, along with the wall of features and design accents on the tanning shelves, make this pool visually stunning.

To see more beautiful pools by Aquatech pool builders, check the photo gallery of award-winning pools >>

2. Infinity Pools

Known by a variety of names, including vanishing edge pools, negative edge, disappearing edge, and flooded edge, the infinity pool is ideal for properties overlooking spectacular scenery like the ocean, a lake, or a mountain.

How do infinity pools create the amazing effect of disappearing into the horizon? The water flows over a weir wall and into a waiting catch basin that re-circulates the water back into the pool; the water acts as a blurring agent, blending the line between the pool and the adjacent view.

Many designers finish the pool to match the adjoining scene. A skilled pool professional can capture the hue and tone of the surrounding environment and determine the perfect color that unifies the pool and its setting into one harmonious unit.

See more photos by members of Master Pools Guild in the award-winning pools gallery >>

3. Perimeter Overflow Pools

A perimeter overflow pool creates another interesting effect in which the pool resembles a sheet of glass. It produces a reflective surface by circulating water over the pool’s sides, into a container or holding tank, and then back into the pool in a constant motion that creates a smooth surface with no discernible ripples to destroy the illusion.

Many perimeter overflow pools are set at ground level, with the water flowing into a slot or grate, producing a mirror-like surface while others are elevated and formed into a preferred shape.

Either way, the ebb and flow that results in traditional pools as water hits the sides is not a factor. Perimeter overflow pools always retain their glass-like qualities—that is, until someone jumps in!

See more pools by Aquatech pool builders and designers in the photo gallery of award-winning pools >>

4. Beach Entry Pools

Ideal for lagoon-style or tropical themed settings, a beach entry pool features a gradual sloping from the pool deck into the depths of the water—just like a natural beach.

Also called a zero-entry pool, the beach entry pool does not usually include stairs or ladders and can be finished in a variety of colors and textures to mimic sand or other organic materials.

Right: This tropical style pool features a beach entry that gives the effect of wading right into the ocean of a tropical Caribbean island. The Pebble Tec interior finish and natural rock waterfalls recreate the look and feel of a private beach resort without ever having to step foot outside your backyard.

5. Lap Pools

A lap pool is built to provide a straight-away for swimmers training for a sporting event or for those who swim for exercise. Usually long, narrow, and rectangular in shape, a lap pool can be any length, although most average between 50 and 60 feet.

Although usually built for athletic pursuits, lap pools do not have to be sterile in style or finish. Many pool builders surround a lap pool with attractive backdrops like stack-stone walls or they include water features that can be activated when no one is using the swim lanes.

See more swimming pool photos by Anthony & Sylvan Pools >>

6. Pools with Connected Spas

The best of two worlds, a pool with a connected spa is designed to provide homeowners with a place to swim and enjoy warm therapeutic benefits. In fact, swimmers can easily slip into the bubbling spa after physical activity in the pool.

Based on the pool’s shape, a connected spa can be placed anywhere along the pool’s framework or depths: on the pool’s edge, elevated and doubling as a water feature, or within the pool itself.

Additionally, by including a spa during the planning stages, a homeowner can guarantee that the spa and the pool will integrate completely with each other as well as the setting.

See more photos of beautiful swimming pools by Master Pools Guild members in the award-winning pools gallery >>

Must-Have Pool Products for Fun, Fitness, and Faster Maintenance

Today’s high-tech pool equipment and accessories can boost your pool’s fun factor, improve your fitness level, and make pool care a breeze. Enjoy a great swim season this summer with the help of these top 5 pool products.

1. Swim Current Generators

A swim current generator can maximize your pool’s fitness factor. This portable, self-contained unit sits at the edge of your pool and produces a smooth adjustable current that you can swim in place against for a low-impact, high calorie-burning workout.

With a swim current generator you can enjoy continuous swimming without the interruption of flip turns or risk of injury. They can be used in aboveground and inground pools of any shape, size, and depth and are especially great for small or oddly shaped pools that are not conducive for swimming laps.

Variable speed settings offer a range of current paces to suit swimmers of any age or fitness ability. You can also swim laps, jog, or walk in place while the rest of your family relaxes and enjoys the pool.

The new Stream by SwimEx is a convenient swim current generator that operates via a rechargeable battery and requires no installation or setup.

Check out swim generator photos and videos of Stream by SwimEx >>

2. Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover retracts open and slides closed over your pool via a motor-driven track system that is permanently mounted along the length of your pool. Most automatic pool covers operate at the push of a button or turn of a key and can be installed on any type or shape pool, old or new, and indoors or out. Additionally, the track system can be mounted on top of your pool’s existing deck, under the coping, or seamlessly built into your pool’s design during construction for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Using a pool cover can significantly reduce your pool’s energy consumption and operating cost by minimizing the evaporation of heat, water, and chemicals. A pool cover also helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the water so your pool stays cleaner longer and requires less frequent skimming and vacuuming. This also reduces the workload on your pool’s circulation system and equipment.

In order to reap all the energy, money, and time savings, however, you need to keep your pool covered between uses. Automatic pool covers make it quick and easy to cover your pool when it’s not in use.

View more automatic pool cover photos and videos from Cover-Pools, Inc. >>

3. Control Systems

Swimming pool control systems allow you to manage all of your pool and/or spa equipment with the push of a button. Daily pool operations such as filtration, sanitation, and cleaning cycles are programmed or activated from a wireless, easy-to-use control panel located outdoors or inside your home. Most pool control systems can manage an unlimited number of pool equipment and features, including pumps, heaters, waterfalls, pool and landscape lighting, fountains, and more.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer optional remote controls, such as a spa-side remote or handheld wireless remote so you can operate equipment from anywhere in your yard. Automated pool control systems are available in various configurations, including pool only, spa only, pools and spas with shared equipment, and custom pools and spas with separate equipment.

With everyday pool operations on autopilot, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your pool. In addition, having automated control over your filter pump’s run time can help you save energy and money. For instance, when manually operating your pool, you’re probably running your filter during the day (between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.) when demand for electricity is at its highest. What’s more, chances are you’ve forgotten to turn off the filter on more than one occasion.

With an automated control system, you can set your filter pump to run during off-peak hours (before 1 p.m. or after 9 p.m.) and for the minimum duration. (Note: Time requirements for filtering depend on pool size, bather load, equipment, and amount of debris. Generally, filter operation should be no less than 4 – 5 hours.)

Learn about automatic pool control systems from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

4. Pool Waterslides

There’s no doubt your swimming pool provides countless hours of fun and excitement for you and your family, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping down a pool slide and splashing into the water. From stand-alone units with a straight or corkscrew runway to custom built-ins that zig and zag around landscaping or take riders through a cave waterfall, there are a variety of waterslide options to fit every swimming pool.

Fiberglass pool waterslides have become a common choice among homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and customization. Pre-designed models are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes and can typically accommodate any pool design or decking allocations. If you can’t find the exact waterslide you’re looking for, the majority of fiberglass waterslide manufacturers will work with you and your pool builder to create a custom slide that’s just right for your pool, family, and thrill-seeking needs.

See more photos and videos of fiberglass waterslides from Dolphin Waterslides >>

5. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Want to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning? Replace your manual pool vacuum with a robotic pool cleaner. A robotic pool cleaner is a type of automatic pool cleaner that is driven by an electric motor, which can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or a low voltage water-safe cord plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. The self-contained unit roves around the pool, sucking up dirt, leaves, and finer particles and transferring them into an attached filter bag; some models feature rotating brushes or rollers that scrub surfaces.

The majority of robotic pool cleaners contain a microchip that allows you to program the cleaner’s route for effective and efficient cleaning, though most pools can be cleaned in about one to two hours. Some models come with a remote control for easy spot cleaning.

The perks of a robotic pool cleaner go beyond not having to manually clean your swimming pool: Because a robotic pool cleaner does not hook up to your pool pump or filter, it reduces the use of your pool’s circulation systems, which lowers energy costs and extends the life your pump and filter.

Check out automatic pool cleaners from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

Beautiful Award-Winning Pool Photos from NESPA

Explore Company Profiles in Pool & Spa Outdoor's New 2013 Buyers' Guide

Get Inspired with Award-Winning Pool Photos from APSP

How to Open a Pool

Spring is in full bloom and Memorial Day is right around the corner. For many pool owners across the country, this means it’s time to start getting the pool ready for the summer swim season. If you properly closed your pool for winter, opening your pool should be an easy process. Follow these instructions for how to open a pool for summer and ensure a great season of swimming fun.

1. Check your chemicals.

Before you open your pool, it is recommended that you take inventory of the pool chemicals you currently have on hand to see what supplies you’ll need to purchase. (This will also eliminate the hassle of taking multiple trips to the pool supply store.) Any pool chemicals that have expired or were not completely sealed should be properly disposed of and replaced. Also check the amount of product available in the remaining containers to see if you’ll need additional supplies.

2. Clean the pool cover and deck.

Before removing the pool cover, clean the deck area to prevent debris from being swept into the swimming pool; this also gives you an area for preparing the pool cover for storage without the worry of scattered twigs and stones causing punctures, advises Thomas Cal Brown, executive vice president of Aquatech, a society of pool-building professionals. If you have a solid vinyl pool cover, remove any leaves and debris from the cover with a pool rake or leaf net. This prevents any extra debris from entering the pool, which you’ll eventually have to vacuum out. Once most of the debris is gone, use a submersible cover pump to remove as much standing water as possible. When using the cover pump, don’t place the pump near or over any seams of the cover--this will cause water to drain from the inside the pool.

3. Remove and store the pool cover.

Remove the pool cover and lay it out in an open area such as a deck, patio, or driveway. Sweep or brush off any remaining debris and then use a mild detergent to clean the cover. Let the cover air-dry completely before rolling up or folding for storage to prevent mildew and deterioration. Be sure to keep the cover stored in a dry place away from insects and moisture.

4. Inspect the pool.

If you have a vinyl-lined pool, check for tears or washouts; these can occur when groundwater erodes the sand under the pool’s vinyl floor and causes the liner to rest on sharp rocks and stones. Any small tears can be repaired using a patch kit (available at your local pool supply store). Consult the pool’s manufacturer or a local swimming pool maintenance company for any damage that you’re unsure how to repair. For concrete and fiberglass pools, look for cracks in the waterline tile, chips in the plaster, or depressions in the pool decking or coping. Some minor repairs can be made yourself following the advice of a pool professional; more serious defects should be left to the experts.

5. Remove the plugs.

Remove expansion or freeze plugs from all of the water inlets. If your pool equipment was winterized with antifreeze, you’ll need to lower the water level in the pool until it’s below the inlets. Then remove the plugs and drain the antifreeze into a bucket.

6. Reinstall skimmer baskets and fittings.

Remove the winter plate (if used) from the skimmer box and reinstall the skimmer. Hook up any hoses from the skimmer and return jets that lead to the pump and filter. Make sure all fittings are clean and tight.

7. Reconnect the equipment and plumbing.

Reconnect the filter, pump (if you removed it), and heater (if you have one) and inspect them for signs of wear or rust. If anything needs to be repaired or replaced, do so at this time. Remove the top of the filter and check that your filter media (sand, diatomaceous earth, or cartridge) are in good condition and clean. Make sure all valves are open and fill the pump with water so it primes properly. Also check O-rings and gaskets for damage and make sure all have been lubricated

8. Fill the pool.

Grab your garden hose and add water until the water level reaches midpoint on the waterline tile or the middle of the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation. While you’re waiting for the pool to fill, skim out any leaves, twigs, and debris, and remove any debris from the leaf basket. Re-attach any equipment such as ladders, rails, diving boards, etc. This is also a good time to remove any scale from the pool tile.

9. Start the filtration system and vacuum the pool.

Turn on the power to the pool system (you may need to turn on the circuit breaker if your pool was winterized). Following manufacturers' instructions, start the pump and filter system. Look for leaks, split hoses, and cracks. If some pieces of equipment are damaged or not operating properly, turn off the power and contact a service technician for any repairs. Once everything is in working order, hook up your vacuum (pool cleaner) and vacuum/ sweep the entire pool and clean the walls with a wall brush.

10. Test the water.

Allow the pool water to circulate 24 – 48 hours to mix up the old and new water. Then test the water chemistry following the instructions on your pool water test kit. To ensure proper analysis, it is recommended that you bring a water sample to a local pool professional, who will provide you with instructions for balancing your pool water. For pools with a mesh cover, it is recommended that you add two or three gallons of liquid shock to the water about two weeks before you plan to open the pool to ensure good water clarity since these covers allow debris and sunlight to get through to the water which can lead to an algae bloom. It is also best to open your pool early (late April, early May) to avoid strong sunlight and temperatures above 80 degrees which can quickly turn the water into a green “swampy” mess.

11. Run the filtration system until the water is clean.

Continue to run the filter until the water begins to clear (it may take several days). During the first few days, it may be necessary to backwash sand and D.E. filters a few times or clean your cartridge filter, depending on how dirty the water was when you started. After the filter has run for a few days, test the water again to ensure it is properly balanced. Chemical levels should be as follows: pH: 7.2 – 7.6 Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm ( for unstabilized chlorine); 100 – 120 ppm (for stabilized chlorine, chlorine gas, or bromine) Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm Bromine: 1 – 3 ppm Cyanuric Acid: 25 – 50 ppm Once the water is properly balanced, you’re ready for the final step…

12. Jump in!

REMEMBER: Routine maintenance is essential to retaining a beautiful pool all summer long. Check out our Pool Maintenance Guide for tips on keeping your pool clean and healthy.

10 Tips for Planning Your Pool

Like any new endeavor, planning and building a pool can be exciting—but for many, it is full of unknowns. If you are ready to build your backyard retreat and are wondering where to begin, start here. These 10 pool planning tips will help you put everything into perspective and give you the tools you need to guarantee years of enjoyment.

1. Create a photo book of ideas. Collect photos from a variety of sources to determine the types and styles of pools you love. You can find tons of great photography on these sections of our websites and social networks:

-Pinterest boards for swimming pool ideas
-Award-winning pool photo galleries
-Luxury Pools photo galleries

Then share your collection with your prospective pool builder so he or she will have an idea of the direction you’re leaning toward.

2. Establish a swimming pool budget. Early in the process, you should determine how much you are willing to spend on your new swimming pool. Your costs may increase as the planning and building progresses, but know your limit—and be sure to communicate this with your pool builder.

3. Utilize trusted resources. Check out prospective designers and swimming pool builders with organizations like the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, or see our list of trusted pool builders and luxury pool designers. Also talk to family and friends: referrals are a wonderful resource. Don’t leave this important task to luck.

4. Choose your setting wisely. Remember, natural surroundings, optimum views, soil quality, and privacy issues factor into how and where your pool will be built. Suggest a location, but be willing to change your mind should the contractor recommend a different site.

5. Think about how you will use the pool and how often. Will you swim laps? Will it be for children? Do you wish to entertain during the evening? How you plan to use your pool may mean you’ll want additional options like a heater, pool/landscape lighting, waterslide, etc.

6. Look up local building codes. Your pool builder will help you pull the proper permits, but it is a good idea to know the regulations yourself before you start looking for a pool builder. There may be laws restricting where your pool can be installed in your backyard and how far away it must be from another property or road. Many cities and towns also require a safety fence.

7. Think green. Using eco-friendly equipment will help save on energy and save you money. Also, look into rebates. Depending on where you live, your local government may offer green incentives.

8. Consider maintenance. Think about who will clean the pool and balance the water’s pH. Are you willing to do the labor or will you hire a professional? Your contractor may be able to connect you with a reputable company, or the company may have its own service department. Ask your contractor about control systems to operate pumps and heaters, disperse chemicals, clean debris, and manage the lighting.

9. Don’t overlook insurance. Talk to your agent before you begin to make sure that your pool will be covered by your policy.

10. Keep safe. Create layers of protection to protect children, animals, and other guests around the pool. Look into swimming pool barriers such as safety covers, fencing, and alarms.

Photo courtesy of Aquatic Consultants, Inc./Brian Van Bower; Photography by M. Bouwmeester; Architect: Jasmit Rangr, Rangr Studio, Inc.

How to submit: Upload your video to Hayward's Facebook page

What your video should be about: Video submissions can focus on any pool- or pool-lifestyle-related subject as long as it’s deemed appropriate for the Hayward brand. The contest is intended to reflect the fun, relaxation and enjoyment of the backyard experience, says Bruce Porter, Hayward Director of Marketing Communications. “We want people to capture the essence of pure joy that swimming pools represent… The pool experience is about spending time with family and friends, health and happiness.”

Judging and voting: All winners—except for Fan Favorite—will be selected by a panel of judges. After the entry period ends, fans will be able to vote for their favorite video. The video with the most votes at the end of the voting period will win Fan Favorite and receive $500.

So get your creative juices flowing and have fun making a splash for cash! For more details, complete contest rules, and to see the current entries, visit Hayward's Facebook page and click the Like button.

About Hayward Pool Products

Hayward Pool Products, a division of Hayward Industries Inc., is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world. Headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Hayward designs, manufactures and markets the Totally Hayward^® System, a full line of residential and commercial pool equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, sanitization, automation, lighting, safety and energy solutions.

If you’ve ever been snorkeling, you know how exciting it can be to see the beauty and mystery of ocean life. Gazing at coral reefs and colorful sea plants as schools of fish swim past you is an experience like no other. Unfortunately, most of us can only have this experience when vacationing somewhere along the coast (and those one-time-use underwater cameras rarely capture anything close to the true look and feel of the ocean). But…could you have this experience in your own swimming pool at home?

According to Paul-Bertram Petereit, creator of the aptly named Aquatic Dreamworlds, you can!

Introduced in November 2010, Aquatic Dreamworlds is the first system to create simulated underwater environments for swimming pools. By projecting realistic 3-D computer animation on acrylic glass on the pool’s floor and walls, this unique system creates an underwater paradise. Can you imagine looking down and seeing a friendly dolphin waving and interacting with you? How about schools of angelfish that appear to swim right up against the pool walls before continuing on their way? Sea turtles, oceanic plants, rocks, and coral adorn the other walls and corners to complete the realistic effect.

Creator Paul-Bertram Petereit is an interior designer and one of Europe's leading trompe l'oeil mural artists. Petereit got the idea while on a glass-bottom boat trip in Florida. Looking down at the ocean through the clear window of the boat floor, he saw the amazing diversity of sea life and was inspired to recreate such a world in virtual form in a 5-foot (1.5-meter) deep swimming pool, complete with moving sea creatures a realistic mural setting. Together with VARIO POOL Systems, Panasonic, and Evonik, as well as the specialists for camera-guided interactive worlds, Vertigo Systems, Petereit has combined high-quality art with innovative modern technology.

This high-end, custom-designed projection system—combined with painted murals—can be installed on residential pools, although it carries a very hefty price tag. For those who can afford it, it’s definitely a unique feature worth bragging about!

Check out these videos to see this underwater world in action: Aquatic Dreamworlds Spot on EN 
 
Photos courtesy of Aquatic Dreamworlds