Lola Interiors, Interior Design | East Coast Virtual Tours, Photography

Challenge: sometimes second time’s a charm Solved: Most remodels are baby steps. Upgrades. Not, this one. This was clearly a giant step. The deck, made of architectural concrete and Ipe wood—twice as dense as most woods and five times harder—features a cantilevered fire pit and floating barbeque. While these provide ample touches of wow factor, some of the most game-changing and appreciated enhancements are hidden from view: like the re-engineered, energy-efficient power plant and pipes that keep crystal clear water flowing silently and effortlessly space to space. In this case, it would seem, the second time’s a charm.

Daniel Driensky

Amelia Island courtyard Pool & Spa

Poolside Designs

Thornhill Poolscape

Arbordale Landscaping

2-1/2" thick locally sourced Limestone coping surround the pool edge, tops the garden wall, pillar caps, and steps. Pool deck and upper dining terrace are done in Unilock Brussels Block pavingstone. Cedar hedging and Purple Beech trees line the fence right up to the cabana. Wrought iron lounge chairs and ottomans make for an inviting feel. Photo cred. to the Japanese Maple branch at the bottom right of the shot!

Outdoor Oasis Anyone?

Deb's Inviting Interiors LLC

Outdoor entertaining space

Transitional Pool

Trophy Club Modern Pool, Spa & Cabana

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

Beautiful custom pool, spa & cabana designed by Mike Farley in Trophy Club, TX. The spa is the focal point for the home 365 days of the year. It was raised 18" high for comfortable seating and a nice water feature. 3 stainless steel spill edges match the spillways coming out of the fire and water bowls. The silver Splitface Travertine tile matches the coping and porch Travertine. The rolled edge spa tile also matches the tile used on the pool waterline and details. The grade drops in the yard so the back of the spa is bar height so the patio was included for barstools on the back of the spa. The fireplace in the cabana provides screening from the neighbors view. The pool and spa had to be piered because the grade was raised 10' above the golf course. Waterway Jets were used to provide a variety of hydrotherapy options. Beauty and function are the best combination for a spa and this one has it all.

Pacific Palisades Estate

Leyva & Wilde, Inc.

Lakeside Cottage

Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Gallery

Greater Detroit Landscape Company

Colorful Contemporary Glass Tiled Pool

Holloway Pools, Inc.

Designed and built by Holloway Pools; Photo by: Ashley Holloway

Pasadena Backyard Remodel

Spazio LA

The backyard features a new freeform pool with quartz pebbles liner; a custom slide and spa with stacked stone matching the barbecue area; custom redwood side gates and wooden fence throughout the property; new barbecue area, stone pavers; matching stairs to the house and new trees and landscaping with irrigation system.

Oak Forest

Heavenly Outdoor

Pavers

Big Daddy Construction and Design

Greenbush Residence

Hsu McCullough

Backyard

Homer Pool Project

Sandals Luxury Pools, Inc.

Recent Work | August 2015

Stillwater Pools Inc.

Transitional Pool Design Ideas

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A transitional pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your transitional pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your transitional backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your transitional pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your transitional pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.