With the housing market on the rise, many families are now opting to purchase smaller properties and incorporate savvy space-saving designs to get the most out of their compact block. Here, Emma Phillips explores the current pool-design trends that are emerging to suit small backyards.
It’s every Australian’s dream to have their own family home with a backyard pool. While blocks of land are shrinking in response to increased urbanisation, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dream of having an outdoor pool. Pool designs have evolved considerably in recent years to accommodate for smaller property sizes and changing trends. Families now want the freedom to create an outdoor space that includes both a pool and the luxury of an alfresco entertaining area. While this may have previously been considered a pipe dream, it is now a reality for homeowners who are willing to get creative with their design approach.
Incorporating a compact pool into your outdoor space is a great way to utilise every inch of your backyard; plunge pools, narrow lap pools and innovative small pool designs in particular are gaining popularity.
With the help of an experienced professional, you can achieve a backyard design that will not only look beautiful, but also complement your lifestyle.
HELP WANTED
Building a pool with limited land space can be a complicated process. Fortunately, many pool designs that specifically cater to smaller blocks of land are now available, which means homeowners have an abundance of options when designing their backyard space. Not all designs will suit your unique space though, so you need to consult a qualified pool builder before settling on anything.
It’s important to do your research and consult a professional pool company that openly airs any restrictions or limitations on the construction of your pool. Be mindful that the cheapest quote may not include costly building permits or required materials. An experienced pool builder
will be able to guide you in the right direction and advise you of the best design options for your backyard, while sticking to your original budget.
Including your landscaping plans in your overall backyard design will allow your pool area and garden to flow seamlessly from one to the other. This will not only be visually pleasing, but will ensure you’re making the best use of space while increasing the value of your home.
THE SHAPE OF WATER
With endless options for plunge pools, narrow lap pools, and spas taking the industry by storm, it can be hard to know which style is right for you and your family. Narrow lap pools are one of the most popular styles available on the market. With the ability to be perfectly tailored to suit a small section of your backyard, lap pools can be added down the side of a home, which utilises an otherwise unused section of land. Similarly, plunge pools are quickly becoming a backyard favourite for their versatile and flexible designs. With the ability to fit into almost any area of your backyard, it’s easy to see why they have become a coveted addition to many inner-city homes across Australia. Plunge pools can also be designed with an integrated water feature, so your backyard can truly have it all!
ROOFTOP REALITY
Alongside homeowners opting for smaller blocks of land, we’ve also seen an increase in families living in apartment complexes. Going hand in hand with shared outdoor areas, rooftop pools are becoming the epitome of luxurious city living.
Adding a pool to your complex is a sure-fire way to increase the value of your apartment. However, it’s important to note that the
expenses of adding a rooftop pool to an established building are far greater than the cost of incorporating one into a new design. That said, the cost will be drastically reduced when divided between a group of residents.
A MATERIAL WORLD
When considering what materials to use to build your pool, it’s important to consult a professional and do your research. There are benefits to using either fibreglass or concrete as the main material in your new pool’s design. While fibreglass is the cheaper option, concrete is more durable and can easily be tailored to suit your unique backyard space. For this reason, opting for concrete in a small outdoor area is a wise choice.
OVERCOMING HURDLES
You’ll face a number of creative challenges when building a pool, especially if you have a smaller backyard. The best option will depend on the amount of land you have available and the lifestyle you lead. For example, a plunge pool with swim jets is a great option for those wanting to enjoy all the benefits of a large pool. Alternatively, a narrow lap pool is ideal for serious swimmers who want to utilise the small area between their home and fence line.
Constructing your pool in conjunction with your home is essential for a cohesive overall design. If you’re in the planning stages of your home, then this is an ideal time to consider adding a pool. You can utilise tight spaces by designing a pool along the walls of your home. Including your pool into your home’s design early on will not only save
incorporate stunning features into your outdoor area, such as pool-wall windows. The pool will become the focal point of your backyard, while maintaining optimal functionality.
Building a pool on a small block of land doesn’t mean you have to abandon other important elements in your backyard. With a wide range of stylish compact pool designs available, you can create the backyard you’ve always dreamed of, without compromising on space.
It’s important that your pool builder has the experience and knowledge to achieve a long-lasting result that accommodates your budget
and space requirements. After working together with your builder from the design stages through to completion of your project, you’ll be able to relax pool-side in your backyard oasis and feel content that you’ve utilised every inch of space around you.
After all, they say good things come in small packages!