Everything is bigger and better in the Lone Star State, even the swimming pools. Texas is home to the world’s largest backyard pool (El Campo). The state also has some of the country’s most notable pool designers. It’s no surprise that Texas pools are highly regarded countrywide.
Here are the nine amazing pool designs in Texas.
1. Infinity Edge Pool
An infinity pool works more like a waterfall. The water flows toward the edge overflows into a catch basin before it’s pumped back to the upper pool. This creates the illusion of a vanishing edge. Such swimming pools are ideal for Texan backyards overlooking a lake, river, garden with beautiful flowers, or dense forest.
Remember, the vanishing edge is just an illusion; thus, you can swim close to it without the fear of dropping off. And if you somehow fall off, there is another platform or catch basin to break your fall.
2. Elevated Pool
Why build a regular swimming pool when you can get an elevated pool? Such pools are often built out of necessity. For example, if your backyard is heavily sloped that it can’t accommodate a regular pool. You can also build an elevated pool out of preference, but it will cost more. On their own, pools offer great views but add a majestic landscape, forest, or lake in the foreground, and the beauty multiplies. You can improve the build by adding a vanishing edge.
3. Pools With Water Features
Rock waterfalls are popular in homes in San Antonio, but it isn’t to say you can’t add other water features. There is always a water feature idea to exploit or customize to your liking. For example, you can have three waterfalls cascading from a raised wall.
If you don’t prefer cascading waterfalls, you can add rain curtains. It’s similar to cascading waterfall, but it features a tall frame-style structure instead of a raised wall. The structure typically stands at 4-8 feet tall, making it visible when you approach the pool. Add LED lights to the structure, and you can enjoy the breathtaking view even at night.
Another popular water feature is the water bowl, which can be any shape from square to round. The bowls are placed on raised walls or columns, allowing water to flow from the bowl into the pool. Alternatively, add a spouting statue around the pool. It can be a statue of anything from your favorite animals to classical figures. How do you install a water feature? The cheapest option is buying kits from online stores and installing them on your pool.
4. Swimming Pool Bridges
Swimming pools create the idea of a vacation without travel expenses. Add a bridge to the pool, and you have got your exotic getaway in your backyard. The bridge adds versatility to your pool. You can hang out on the bridge as the rest swim under you. The bridge should have enough clearance to swim under it. Alternatively, the bridge can be the ideal chill spot during winters when the swimming pool is frozen and too cold to use.
5. Swim-Up Pool Bar
If you have been to exotic resorts, you have probably enjoyed meals and cold drinks while sitting on a barstool built into the swimming pool floor. You can replicate the same in your backyard next to the red berries. Think of the possibilities and the uses of a swim-up pool bar.
However, before you jump on the idea, consider the available space. The swim-up pool bar will require additional space for the permanent stools, countertops, or full kitchen. For example, you can have 3-5 permanent stools and a full kitchen where chefs can cook meals and serve the pool guests.
6. Swimming Pools With Backyard Fire Pits
Texan homeowners looking to spend more hours near their pools can add backyard fire pits. You can purchase the fire pit and add it to your deck or custom-build it to blend in with the landscape, deck, and swimming pool. Alternatively, build a sunken conversation pit inside your pool.
7. Residential Pool Slides
Homes with kids are incomplete without water slides. Yes, swimming pools are fun, but kids love the excitement and thrill they get from water slides. Homeowners in Texas are installing the pool slides not only for the kids, but also for themselves and their pets.
8. Shipping Container Pools
The 2000s have witnessed a shift towards recycling and repurposing things. Eco-conscious homeowners are repurposing shipping containers into swimming pools. They’re faster to install than conventional swimming pools as you don’t need to dig, mold or cure.
Unlike conventional pools that are permanent, shipping container pools have a smaller footprint and can be relocated. You can have additional features such as windows, a heater, or even a jacuzzi. While repurposing, you can convert a shipping container into a pool house and build a deck around your swimming pool.
9. Natural Swimming Pool
Natural pools are popular in Europe but are gradually gaining a foothold in states like Texas. These swimming pools offer an alternative to conventional pools filled with chlorine. They blend in better with the natural landscape.
Instead of the usual chemical additives and complicated filtration systems present in conventional swimming pools, natural pools use gravel, clay, and aquatic plants. They’re also easier to maintain as you will only need to fill it once. The natural pool will freeze like a small lake or pond during winters. However, natural swimming pools aren’t for everyone. They’re impractical in regions with hotter climates as you will have an algae problem. They can also attract animals such as frogs and snakes.
Final Thoughts
Swimming pools are valuable as assets and chilling spots to entertain guests or family members. However, the design, planning, and building process are often complicated. You will have hundreds of designs and trends to choose from and not enough money to explore all options.
Start by identifying the perfect location for your pool. It could be in your back or front yard, depending on where you think it will survive best. Once you have calculated the space available for a swimming pool, you can explore the pool designs available. For example, you can build an inground or above-ground swimming pool. The bottom line is, without the proper considerations, these design ideas can’t become a reality.
