Create unique backyard retreats with new pool designs

As summer approaches, many homeowners may find themselves catching the pool bug, imagining hot, lazy days poolside in the comfort of their own backyards. Poolside entertaining and easy trips to the kitchen aside, there are many new features aimed at persuading homeowners to take the plunge and consider an in-ground pool for more than just recreation, but as the focal point when landscaping their backyard oasis.

More than just a rectangular hole in the ground, homeowners have nearly limitless options when designing a pool to fit their landscape and lifestyle.

From simple wading pools, to lap pools for the swimming enthusiast, to elaborate pools that blend with nature and feature waterfalls, beaches and boulders, there is a style to fit any size backyard.

And for homeowners who have the terrain, innovative features like vanishing edges, fountains and fiber optic lighting have transformed swimming pools well beyond traditional styles. Advances in pool decking material such as stone, brick, tile or concrete, which can be stamped or stained to take on a whole new look, add to the options available to homeowners who want to create a unique retreat.

If you are thinking about joining the more than 4 million American households that have in-ground pools, there are a few things to consider before getting started. Just like remodeling or putting an addition on your home, building a pool is a large undertaking. Industry experts advise homeowners to budget about 15 percent of the total property value on constructing a pool and the surrounding landscape—more if you are planning a poolhouse or other structural features.

For example, if your home and property is valued at $350,000, you can expect to spend a little more than $52,000 on an in-ground pool and landscaping. Of course, that budget can soar if you are considering specialized water features, decking material or naturalized landscaping.

To make sure you are aware of all of your options and to establish a proper budget for your pool, consider talking with an architect, landscape architect or designer, or pool builder. Each professional may bring a particular expertise to the project depending on your goals and what, if any, engineering challenges exist.

Many pool builders have architects or landscape architects on staff that can design custom pools, or may offer a variety of existing designs to suit a more limited budget.

In-ground pools generally come in three basic construction types, concrete, vinyl-lined and fiberglass.

•Concrete pools, whether poured, gunite (dry gunned concrete), shotcrete (wet gunned concrete) or masonry block, are very durable and can be built in almost any shape or size you can dream up. Concrete pools also can be finished in a wide variety of colors, textures or tile patterns.

•A vinyl-lined or fiberglass pool, although limited in shape, size and finish, costs less, can be quickly installed and provides an alternative for colder climates where a concrete pool could crack without special reinforcement.

•Whether you’d like a large pool for family recreation or a unique design that incorporates an illusion edge or elaborate cascading water feature, a backyard pool can become much more than a relaxing haven for family and friends, it can make a beautiful landscaping statement that will provide homeowners with enjoyment for many years to come.