A swimming pool can be the ultimate luxury feature in a custom-built home, offering a private oasis for relaxation, exercise, and entertainment. However, creating the ideal pool requires careful planning to ensure it complements your home’s design, suits your lifestyle, and adds value to your property.
Prime Building Projects custom new home builders on the Mornington Peninsula have plenty of experience when it comes to creating amazing designs with feature entertainment areas and modern pool areas. If you are looking for something a little different to make your home stand out from the crowd, then book a free consultation with one of our friendly team members today.
Here are a few tips to get you started…
Here’s a guide to the key factors to consider when designing the perfect pool for your custom home.
1. Define Your Pool’s Purpose
The first step in designing your pool is determining its primary use. Will it be a space for laps and exercise, a fun family feature, or a peaceful retreat? Your pool’s purpose will inform its size, depth, shape, and additional features.
Exercise pools typically have a rectangular shape and a length that allows for uninterrupted laps.
Family pools might be larger, with shallow areas for young children and possibly separate zones for play and relaxation.
Entertainment pools may include unique features like an adjoining spa, a beach-style entry, or a swim-up bar, ideal for hosting gatherings.
2. Choose the Right Location
The placement of your pool will affect how much you enjoy it, so consider both convenience and aesthetics. Pools positioned close to main living areas, like the kitchen or outdoor entertaining spaces, make it easy to access and supervise children.
If you’re focused on creating a visually striking pool area, consider views from both inside and outside the home. Pools with scenic views, such as a garden or coastal backdrop, add beauty to your property, while positioning your pool to capture sunlight throughout the day can help keep the water warm naturally.
3. Consider Indoor vs. Outdoor Pools
One of the biggest decisions in pool design is choosing between an indoor and outdoor pool, as each has distinct benefits:
Outdoor Pools: Ideal for a sunny climate, outdoor pools blend seamlessly with the landscape and offer an open-air experience. They’re generally easier to install and integrate with outdoor areas, like patios and barbecues.
Indoor Pools: If you’re looking for year-round use, an indoor pool may be the way to go. Indoor pools offer privacy, protection from weather, and can be fitted with temperature control for a consistent swimming environment.
An indoor-outdoor pool, one that’s partially covered or designed to extend from indoors to outdoors, may also be a possibility. This hybrid option combines the benefits of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Select a Shape and Style
The shape and style of your pool should suit the overall design of your home and outdoor space. Modern homes often feature sleek, geometric pools, while freeform or lagoon-style pools work well with natural, landscaped gardens.
Common shapes include:
Rectangular Pools: Ideal for lap swimming and contemporary styles.
Freeform Pools: Designed with curves that mimic natural bodies of water, perfect for relaxed settings.
Infinity Pools: A stunning, high-end option that creates the illusion of water extending to the horizon, particularly effective with scenic views.
5. Plan for Additional Features
The right features can enhance both the functionality and beauty of your pool.
Some popular options include:
Spa Areas: Adding a spa adjacent to your pool allows you to enjoy hot and cold water therapy in one area.
Waterfalls or Fountains: These features not only look beautiful but create a soothing ambience with the sound of running water.
Lighting: LED or fibre-optic lighting enhances evening use and creates a striking look. Lighting can be integrated along steps, around the pool deck, or within the pool itself.
Beach-Style Entry: A gradual, sloped entry mimics a natural shoreline and is ideal for families with young children.
6. Choose Durable, Aesthetic Finishes
The finishes you select for your pool will influence its durability, maintenance needs, and appearance. Options include:
Tiles: A popular choice for premium pools, tiles come in a range of colours and patterns to match your design aesthetic.
Pebblecrete: A durable, slip-resistant option that offers a textured, natural look.
Fibreglass: Easy to maintain, with a smooth surface that resists algae and stains.
Consider colors that complement your home’s palette and outdoor environment. Darker finishes absorb more heat, which can warm the water naturally, while lighter finishes reflect heat, keeping the pool cooler.
7. Think About Landscaping
The landscaping around your pool enhances the space, creating a cohesive, relaxing area. Plants can add privacy, shade, and beauty to the poolside area. Native plants are ideal, as they’re adapted to local conditions and require minimal water and maintenance.
Consider hardscaping elements as well, such as stone pavers, timber decking, or outdoor seating. Incorporating these elements can transform your pool into a true outdoor living area, blending function and aesthetics.
8. Don’t Forget Pool Safety
Safety is essential, especially if you have children or pets. Pool fencing is required by law in Australia and should be designed to fit with your home’s aesthetic. Frameless glass fencing is a popular option, as it provides a secure barrier without obstructing views of the pool area.
Other safety features to consider include:
Pool Alarms: Detect movement or unauthorised access to the pool.
Slip-Resistant Decking: Prevents falls around the pool area.
Covers: These can be automated or manual and help maintain water temperature, keep out debris, and prevent accidental access.
Designing the perfect pool for your custom home is about finding the right balance between beauty, function, and lifestyle. By defining your pool’s purpose, choosing the right location, and carefully considering shape, lighting features, and finishes, you can create a pool that’s both a practical addition and a stunning feature piece.
With the right planning and professional guidance from Prime Building Projects expert team, your pool can be a year-round retreat that elevates the value and enjoyment of your home for years to come.