Landscape Architect Pool Design: 9 Tips

By Blue Cube on Wednesday, 23rd Aug 2023 in Tips & Tricks.
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As experienced pool design specialists, we understand that luxury swimming pool design is much more than digging a hole and filling it with water. It requires a deep understanding of the landscape, the client’s needs, and the integration of the pool into the surrounding environment.

In this guide, we’ll dive into our top landscape architect pool design tips, allowing you to create a luxurious and sophisticated pool experience for your clients without sacrificing the integrity of the landscape.

Considerations for landscape architects when designing a pool

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Landscape architects are the trailblazers that can shape the outdoor living spaces of a home or gardens of a commercial property with their creative vision. Their expertise lies in not just understanding the living environment, but also integrating landscaping elements into that space – and many times that includes a pool.

While designing a landscape takes a specific breadth of skill, designing a pool for it takes an even deeper understanding of the environment and how to construct a luxury swimming space.

When it comes to designing a luxury pool, landscape architects should consider a few key factors:

  • Understanding the existing environment and how it can be incorporated into the pool design.
  • Creating an aesthetically pleasing pool that complements the surrounding landscape.
  • Structural integrity of the pool, ensuring it meets all safety guidelines.
  • Unique features to make the pool stand out from other designs.

It’s not all about aesthetics either. Safety is a very important factor when constructing luxury swimming pools, as special needs and requirements must be taken into account for both people and the environment.

Why landscaping is important in luxury pool design

Create a better living environment

Landscaping is key in luxury pool design because it can create a more inviting and cohesive experience for guests. When the surrounding landscape is well planned out, it creates an area that people feel more comfortable spending time in. It also helps to make the pool look larger and more luxurious, as well as making it easier to maintain over time.

Tie the property together

Landscaping also helps to tie the property together in a cohesive manner. It can be used to create both subtle and bold elements that help draw attention to the pool area, as well as other features or parts of the landscape. It’s also possible to use landscaping elements such as trees and shrubs for privacy, noise reduction, and blocking out unwanted views.

Create story, balance and flow

As landscape architects, you know that creating story and balance in luxury pool design is just as important as aesthetics. By carefully considering the existing environment and how it can be incorporated into the pool design, you can create an area of beauty that also functions properly. This involves taking into account the size of the garden space, shape, materials used, colours used, lighting elements.

9 landscape architect pool design tips from luxury pool specialists

Here are some key tips for landscape architects to consider when designing a pool.

Understand the space

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An understanding of the space that you’re working with is crucial when designing a pool. Consider the size, shape, and location of the outdoor space. Would a rectangular or freeform pool shape better suit the landscape? Is there enough space for decking or a pool house?

Take into account the natural elements of the landscape, such as slopes and trees, and think about how they can be integrated into the design.

Additionally, consider the view from the pool — what will swimmers see as they relax in the water? A well-placed pool can enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings while providing a luxurious retreat.

Use materials that enhance luxury

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The materials you choose can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and feel of the pool. High-end materials like natural stone, bespoke tiles, and exotic woods can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the space.

Consider the texture and colour of your chosen materials as well. For instance, a smooth marble finish can create a sleek, modern look, while rough-hewn stone might lend a more rustic, natural appeal.

By carefully selecting and combining materials, you can create a design that resonates with the overall ambiance of the space and amplifies the luxurious feel of the pool.

Consider the client’s needs

The client’s needs and lifestyle should be at the forefront of your pool design. If the pool is for a family, safety features like fences or covers should be included. If it’s for a couple who love to entertain, consider a swim-up bar or integrated seating.

For fitness enthusiasts, incorporate lap pools or resistance jets for a great workout. Remember, the pool should cater to the client’s lifestyle and serve as an extension of their home, aligning with their needs and wants while also providing a space for relaxation and enjoyment.

Incorporate natural elements

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Incorporating natural elements into your pool design can make it feel more organic and integrated into the landscape. This could include water features, like a waterfall or stream, or natural materials, such as stone paving or wooden furniture.

Consider using local plants to create a lush, tropical feel or designing an infinity edge to seamlessly blend the pool with a breathtaking view. These natural elements can help create a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic and experience of the luxury pool.

Integrate luxury pool features

There are several features that can be incorporated into a luxury pool design to make the space truly special. While some may be more costly, others can add unique touches without breaking the bank:

Think about functionality

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Functionality is key in pool design. Think about how the pool will be used – is it for laps, relaxation, or play? This will influence the size, depth, and features of the pool. Additionally, consider the maintenance requirements of the pool, and design it to be as low-maintenance as possible. A great way to lower all maintenance is by adding a dosing system. Bayrol PoolManger systems can handle chemical dosing, lighting, heating and much more.

All these factors will help in creating a design that is not only visually pleasing but also practical and easy to maintain. Always ensure that the pool’s design complements the overall design of the home or property, making it a natural extension of the living space and not just an afterthought.

Plan for lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in pool design, but it can make a huge difference in the ambiance and safety of the pool area. Consider both underwater and landscape lighting, and remember that it’s easier to install lighting during construction than to add it later.

Choose lighting that complements the overall design, perhaps adding a sense of drama or creating a tranquil ambiance. Remember, lighting not only enhances the pool’s aesthetic appeal after dark but also provides essential visibility for safety.

Safety and accessibility

Regardless of the luxury aspect of a pool landscape, safety and accessibility should never be compromised.

Ensure the design includes safety features such as fences or automated pool covers, non-slip surfaces, and suitable depths. Consider also how people will access the pool, including steps, ramps, and handrails where necessary.

Remember, designing a luxury pool is about creating an experience, not just a structure. It should evoke a feeling of tranquillity, joy, or excitement—whatever the client desires. By considering these aspects, you can help create a stunning water feature that adds value and beauty to any property.

Apply landscape architecture principles to the pool space

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Key landscape design principles such as rhythm, line, scale, proportion, order, and colour are all still key concepts when designing a pool. Establishing these early on will help ensure the design is cohesive with the rest of the landscape, creating a gorgeous end-result.

To apply these concepts to pool design, you can:

  • Consider the ‘lines’ of both the pool and landscape, as well as how they intersect.
  • Incorporate elements from the surrounding landscape to make it feel more organic (e.g. stone pavers or a patio, walls to provide shade, plants).
  • Make sure that the size and shape of the pool is in proportion to its surroundings.
  • Utilise colour and texture to enhance the design.
  • Incorporate elements like decks, seating areas, and water features to create emphasis and balance.

Final thoughts

Designing a luxury pool is an exciting endeavour that requires careful thought and consideration of many factors.

By understanding the client’s needs, considering the existing site environment, and integrating landscape design principles into your designs, you can create a stunning pool oasis that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And of course, don’t forget the basics – keep safety and accessibility front-of-mind when designing a pool.

If you’re a landscape architect, you already understand that creating beautiful outdoor spaces requires skill, knowledge, and creativity. Hopefully, with our expert luxury pool design input, your pool landscaping projects will tie together beautifully! 

Contact us today to turn your dream pool landscape into a reality.