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Design Dilemma: Let’s Take a Dip! Our Annual Edition of Cool Pools

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In the steamy days of summer, there’s nothing better than taking a dip in the pool. So annually, with thoughts of cooling off thanks to a refreshing swim, we pay homage to the fantastically creative, arresting or unusual pools out there. Shall we get started?

First, we have to give a nod of approval to the violin-shaped swimming pool above. Designed by the New Jersey firm Cipriano Landscape Design, the pool uses glass tile and special lights for the snazzy lighting effects.

Here’s another daytime view:

 

Below is another glass tile pool from the same firm. Part of the pool is in ground, but there’s a stylish glass mosaic tile lip that protrudes from one end.

Some of us crave a lake, or at least a pond, rather than a pool. For those, check out the natural swimming pool below, which boasts no chemicals. Instead, it relies on a constructed wetland of plants and gravel to filter the water. This “regeneration” zone is like a water garden; a variety of plants selected by a natural pool specialist or a landscape architect create an ecosystem that cleans the pool water.

Some natural pools are a little bit more constructed than the one you see above. Below are two more, that still feature a regeneration zone, but have more of the traditional look of a pool:

Some people want anything but natural. For those folks, we offer a couple of really sleek “city” pools from the Melbourne area landscape design company C.O.S. Design.

And this:

Not all of us have the space for a fancy, large pool, however. For those of us with limited space, but a love of swimming, we offer these cool pools:

If all you need is some space to do laps, the petite pool above, could be just the ticket. The pool is surrounded by inexpensive pea gravel and an extra-long wooden deck which can serve as a spacious entertaining space, even though the pool itself is small.

Also small but cute is this half-moon shaped pool below:

This pool measures only 16 by 32 feet but is still large enough for the kids to splash around in. Plus, it’s cute.

And what about the in-deck pool:

Although this pool is mostly above ground and measures only 10- by 25-feet, it manages to feel impressively solid, thanks to the sleek deck surround.

So as you can see, pools come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Ready to take the plunge?