Modern Pool Design: What You Need To Know

Pools, the timeless oasis of tranquility, have adorned human civilization since ancient times. From the opulent baths of the Roman Empire to the serene water features of Eastern gardens, these aqueous marvels have consistently captured our hearts and imagination. Over the centuries, pools have evolved from humble bathing spots to iconic symbols of luxury, recreation, and social gatherings. Today, the art of pool design has reached unprecedented heights, as architects and designers push the boundaries of creativity, resulting in an awe-inspiring array of contemporary pool designs that redefine the concept of aquatic escapes.

First, you should understand the various pool types you can use when creating a modern pool design. Here are five pool types that work well for a design with modern character. 

Classic pool designs often include arches, clean lines and 90-degree angles. These features give off a Mediterranean aesthetic that can lead the viewer’s eye toward various focal points around the pool. Many people enjoy combining the classic pool type with Roman or Grecian decorations for a modern-day historical appearance.

A freeform pool is one that uses irregularly rounded, curved edges to create a pool shape that is unlike any other. They’ve grown in popularity in recent years thanks to the tailored approach needed to design them. Because of the unique shapes they can take, freeform pools are perfect for expanding the square footage of the pool around existing architecture and other obstacles on the property.

Infinity pools, also called vanishing edge pools and negative edge pools, have at least one side where water continuously flows into the catch basin below. The design of an infinity pool creates a striking visual effect that looks as if the pool is not completely enclosed, letting the water flow out and onward. Swimmers will have the unique experience of feeling like they could keep swimming past the boundaries of the pool, as the vanishing edge draws their eyes toward the horizon instead of the pool’s edge.

An indoor pool, as the name implies, exists within an enclosed structure. This structure can either be a part of the main building, or it can be in its own dedicated indoor pool building. Indoor pools are ideal for hotels and resorts in climates where the weather gets cold, snowy or rainy at certain points of the year. Guests can enjoy the pool all year long.

Fitness pools, or lap pools, are ideal for athletes practising the sport of swimming. But they are also perfect for regular swimming activities like cooling off on a hot day or getting exercise. They often include swimming lanes with distance markers and rope guides so swimmers can measure their progress. Fitness pools can work with many different pool designs and luxury pool features to achieve a modern aesthetic

After choosing your pool type, it’s time to consider its shape. There are many modern pool shapes to choose from, and if the circumstances permit it, you can get as creative as you want. Here are some of the main pool shapes that can inspire your modern pool design:

This is the classic pool shape. It features two pairs of equal-length sides, one pair being longer and the other pair being shorter. By adjusting the lengths of the sides, you can achieve a unique modern pool shape that can accommodate many or a few swimmers. If you design the pool to have all four sides of equal lengths, then the pool becomes a square, which can provide a unique look in a variety of modern pool landscape settings. 

Geometric pools use straight lines of various sizes and quantities to create unique shapes. Give the pool six sides to create a hexagon, eight sides to create an octagon, and so forth. You can also give the pool variety by making one end of the pool have a certain number of sides and the other end of the pool have a different number of sides. Although uncommon, you can even design a triangular-shaped pool. The options are endless when designing a modern pool.  

Curved pools forego straight lines to achieve a more rounded shape. These circular pools are great for a modern pool design, as they achieve a sense of elegance and contemporary appeal. You have many options when making curved pools, including a fully circular pool or one that curves in different directions to achieve a desired shape.   

Curved pools forego straight lines to achieve a more rounded shape. These circular pools are great for a modern pool design, as they achieve a sense of elegance and contemporary appeal. You have many options when making curved pools, including a fully circular pool or one that curves in different directions to achieve a desired shape.   

Combination pools use the various shapes listed above, combining them in any way that suits your modern design. You can combine rounded sides with straight sides or create geometric shapes branching off the end of an “L.” The possibilities are almost limitless — all you have to do is design it. 

Natural pool shapes are designed to look like they are a part of the natural environment. While these are often popular in residential backyards, some hotels and resorts may want to accent their swimming areas by creating a more natural appearance. 

Natural pool shapes are designed to look like they are a part of the natural environment. While these are often popular in residential backyards, some hotels and resorts may want to accent their swimming areas by creating a more natural appearance. 

One way to boost the modern appeal of a swimming pool design is to add a waterfall. Modern pool designs with waterfalls are impressive to look at and provide a new way to enjoy the water. The waterfall keeps the water moving, which keeps swimmers feeling cooler in warmer weather. The sound is also pleasant, providing relaxing white noise for anyone lounging poolside. 

Bubblers, or pool gushers, are small jets on the floor of the shallow end of a pool. They shoot streams of water through the shallow water and up into the air. Oftentimes, you can adjust the intensity of the stream to make it as intense or subtle as desired. The water also makes a bubbly sound which can be enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Scuppers offer elegant beauty to a modern pool design while also providing some necessary functionality. Scuppers are spouts or slots on a raised ledge that pour water into your pool from another area. Scuppers can be especially helpful if your pool design includes a spa, as it ensures the water is getting the circulation it needs to stay clean and balanced.

A rain curtain, or rain sheet, is a pool feature that has water run off its surface into the pool or a dedicated catchbasin. They can be mounted on an overhang, a pergola roof or on a nearby wall. A freestanding rain curtain can provide the visual characteristic needed to turn a regular pool area into an outdoor oasis. Plus, they provide a pleasant sound to the pool area, which hotel or resort guests or apartment tenants are sure to enjoy. 

Fire bowls can give any modern pool design a more dramatic appearance. Also called fire pots, fire pits, fire bowls are modern pool features that use fuel to burn a flame in a contained area. They provide a subtle warmth to the air around them and give off a pleasant light, which is perfect for hotels and resorts that allow night swimming. But even during the day, fire bowls look cool and provide a satisfying contrast to the pool’s water features. 

Spas and hot tubs provide an area where guests can enjoy warmer water to relax and unwind. A modern pool design can include an attached or detached hot tub area, depending on the preferences of your client. There are many unique ways you can accent the hot tub, utilising different shapes, colours and features to set it apart from or blend it in with the rest of the pool area. 

Lighting is vital in modern pool designs, as it can give light to swimmers after the sun goes down while accenting different features throughout the pool area. Use spotlights to showcase a nearby rain current, waterfall or scupper. Light up the pool water in unique ways, letting every guest know that they’re looking at a truly modern pool. 

The last element of your modern swimming pool design is the colour scheme. The colours present in a pool area will evoke different emotional responses in viewers, from bold, contrasting colour schemes to more neutral, monochromatic ones. It all depends on your client’s preference. Here are some of the areas of pool design where colour is important:

Pool coping is the concrete, brick or stone pieces that go around the perimeter of the pool on its edge between the deck and shell. Pool coping helps maintain the pool’s structure and ensures water does not build up near the pool’s exterior. When looking for modern pool coping ideas, be open to trying unique materials and colours that can elevate the pool’s aesthetic. 

The pool lining separates the pool’s shell from the water. The lining can consist of different materials, and one of the most popular modern pool solutions is to install tile rather than opt for the traditional vinyl pool lining. The colour of the pool lining and tiles is essential as it will give the entire pool its characteristic colour through crystal clear water. 

Pool grates are inlaid in the area around the pool past the pool coping. Drains serve the purpose of catching any overflowed water so water does not build up around the pool, which can be a hazard to guests. You can choose the colour and design of the pool grates to provide a visual accent to the surrounding area.

Pool grates are an essential part of modern pool design, ensuring the pool area stays safe and looks amazing. Jonite is your destination for reinforced stone decorative grates that will inspire your architectural mind to create the perfect modern pool design for your clients. Jonite understands how every little detail can make a big difference in your project, and you can trust that Jonite pool grates will add the perfect flare and function you’re looking for.