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Including a pool in your landscape design will give your home the look and feel of a posh resort where you can socialize and escape from the summer heat.

But knowing what kind of pool you need — and what materials to use — to create that resort-like atmosphere isn’t always easy. 

We’ve put together this guide to inspire you and help you decide. Take a look!

1. Concrete Pools: Lasting Beauty

With its sleek, clean lines, a gunite (concrete) pool provides a distinctly contemporary look and feel to your outdoor space.

And because the concrete is sprayed on over a form, the only limit to the size, shape, or depth of your pool is your imagination — allowing you to inject character and intrigue into your pool design.

Concrete pools are built to last, but — in addition to regular maintenance — they do need resurfacing every 8–15 years to keep them in optimal condition. 

As a caveat, concrete pools can be a bit rough on the feet, so if you have young children, a vinyl-lined pool might be a better option.

2. Vinyl Pools: Customized Fun in the Sun

If you’re someone who loves versatility and variety, a vinyl-lined pool is for you! 

Vinyl liners can be designed for a variety of shapes and sizes, including pools with tanning ledges and other water features. 

The liners are also customizable and are available in different colours, patterns and thicknesses… and because the liners are so simple to replace, it’s a simple matter to swap your patterns so your pool always looks cool and contemporary.

Vinyl pools are also quick and easy to install and hold up well in our harsh Canadian winters.

3. Fiberglass Pools: Easy Elegance

Fiberglass pools have a smooth, non-porous surface, making it difficult for algae to grow… giving you an easy, low-maintenance option.

Because they’re built off-site, fiberglass pools are quick and easy to install — with minimal disruption to your property. You could be hosting pool parties in as little as 3–6 weeks! (Compared to months, with concrete.)

The downside to this is an inability to fully customize your pool, since you’re limited by the shapes and sizes available from the manufacturer.

When You Want More Than an “Ordinary” Pool...

In addition to the size, shape, and materials you choose for your pool, you also have a lot of choices when it comes to the type of pool you choose. 

If you’re looking to take your pool from ordinary to something with a little more sophistication, 

here are a few options to consider:

• Infinity pools, also known as negative-edge or vanishing-edge pools, are designed with one or more of the pool walls built to be the same height as the water level. This creates the illusion that there is no separation between the water and surrounding landscape features. 

• The knife-edge pool is similar to the infinity pool, but it has no visible edge. The water spills over the knife-edge for the ultimate sophistication.

• Perimeter overflow pools allow water to flow over all four sides, so the water is level with the decking. 

Designing your pool can be fun, but there’s more to consider than how it’s going to look. You also have to plan for things like power, water, decking and landscaping.

At the Landmark Group, our professional designers will work with you to make sure your pool is a stunning jewel in your backyard oasis… and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is who to invite to your first pool party.

To set up an initial consultation so you can start planning your next pool party, fill out our online form or call us today.