Whether you’re planning to revamp your old pool or build a new one, be inspired by these stylish swimming pool designs.

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1. LAP OF LUXURY

For keen swimmers Stella Kühn von Burgsdorff and Robin Schleich, a lap pool was a must-have when they renovated this Noordhoek house. Framed by charcoal tiles and constructed by MacD Designer Pools, this one wraps around the corner of the house.

swimming pool designs

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2. URBAN ESCAPE

When designing this pool on a small narrow property in Jo’burg, event specialist Stefan Norval of Afresh Event and Design was inspired by a pool he saw at the W Hotel in Koh Samui in Thailand. To get the same pinstripe effect, they used glass mosaics laid in strips. With the help of Ruben Schroeder of Rescape Landscape Architecture, a stainless steel water feature was installed on the boundary wall to form a focal point. Strategically placed lights illuminate the pool and the stairs from the rooftop garden, adding to the luxury resort ambience. “The dark tiles, pool finish and the artificial grass make this area easy to maintain,” he adds.

swimming pool designs

3. EASY ENTERTAINING

The pool at Ashley and Hagop Jaghlassian’s home in Centurion forms an integral part of their entertaining area. Surrounded by decking, the small plunge pool connects to both the bar and the kitchen. This way the cook is always part of the action and it’s easy to keep an eye on the children.

swimming pool designs

4. A NEW LEVEL

“We wanted a contemporary pool that formed an extension of the architecture of the house,” say the owners of this Durban house who, as their children are grown up, didn’t need a large pool. Built on the middle level of the property, it has a glass panel at one end with a long step where they can sit and enjoy the view. “The non-slip decked surround has been left unsealed so it’ll eventually turn grey,” says interior designer Lisa Walters. The house was built by Graeme Kerr Building Contractors and the pool installed by Sunshine Pools.

 swimming pool designs

5. DOUBLE DUTY

As space was limited, stylist Stephen Graham combined a splash pool and water feature in his Norwood, Jo’burg, property. The garden, landscaped by Karen Gardelli, features raised beds overflowing with roses. “We gave the pool, designed and built by Kuming & Staples Construction, a curve to blend it with the beds behind,” explains Stephen. “The black paint finish and the stone-clad wall into which copper spouts were fitted, turns it into a water feature,” he says.

swimming pool designs

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6. TOUCH WOOD

The rectangular swimming pool on Kenneth Clucas and decorator Bronwyn Smidt’s Jo’burg property draws the eye out towards the surrounding forest. They opted for a charcoal cement lining with a similar mosaic tile finish. “The dark pool looks more natural in this country setting and absorbs heat, effectively extending the swimming season.” The matching anti-slip tiles from Lifestyle Ceramics resemble decking and are a safe and practical option for wet areas.

swimming pool designs

7. CLASSIC COOL

Using different floor finishes is sometimes the best option for a pool surround. Here, a white outdoor screed was combined with decking. “If we had decked the entire entertaining and pool area, the decking would have worn unevenly as part of it is undercover,” explains Amy Mitchell of Studio Mitchell. “The solution was to use the more cost-effective screed for the sitting area and the wooden decking on the other three sides.”

 swimming pool designs

POOL WATER AND ENERGY SAVING

Quinton Jacobs of Pool Style Renovations these tips:

  • Repair leaks in the pool structure, equipment and plumbing immediately. A small leak can result in a massive loss of water in a short period.
  • Limit the use of water features, fountains and pool lights.
  • If using heat pumps and elements to heat your pool, lower the temperature on the thermostat as warm water evaporates faster.
  • When the pool is not in use, cover it with a solar blanket or solid PVC cover. This will curb evaporation and reduce the need for chemicals.
  • Install a pressure gauge on the filter. This indicates when a backwash is required so you don’t backwash unnecessarily.
  • Consider changing the filter material (usually sand) to glass or Clinobrite. This shortens backwash times and you won’t have to change the sand as often.
  • Maintain the correct pH level. Have the water tested at a pool shop regularly. Test kits are also available from any reputable swimming pool retailer.
  • Clean out the pump and weir baskets daily.
  • When the pool is in high use, keep the water level slightly lower than normal to avoid excessive water loss.
  • Consider installing a rainwater harvesting system and use this water to top up the pool after swimming or backwashing.
  • Install a timer on the pool pump.