Geometric pools: Classic, practical, adaptable
There are a million ways to customize a pool, so when you’re planning on building your own, it’s important to think through what design fits your space, your budget, and your tastes. One guiding decision you must make is whether to go with a geometric design with simple, rectangular shapes and angles, or a freeform pool, with a curvy, irregular edge.
The strong lines and angles that geometric pools bring to an outdoor space accent modern and Mediterranean homes. Besides giving a much different look than freeform pools, geometric pools also offer these advantages:
- Maximize swimmable area
- Better for swimming laps or playing water sports
- Easier to clean
- Easier to update in the future
- Versatile shape allows for seamless add-ons like spas or infinity edges
Choosing a geometric pool shape is the first step in a design process that could go in many exciting directions. The experts at White’s Pools can design a custom geometric pool for your property specifically, working with the natural surroundings and architecture.
How to choose a geometric pool for your space
Freeform pools are preferred by some homeowners because they trick the eye into thinking a small space is larger. However, if you have a smaller space for your pool but want to get the most out of it, a geometric design is the better choice because it maximizes the pool’s swimmable area.
Your geometric pool will feel much more spacious when you’re swimming in it than you would feel in a freeform pool in the same space. There are design features that can make a geometric pool feel larger. For example, including a vanishing edge that blends into the pool’s natural surroundings.
If you have a large backyard space to fill, a geometric pool can achieve an expansive, dramatic look. The possibilities are endless, whether it be creating a spacious lagoon for swimming workouts or taking advantage of the space by adding one or two of the many extra features that suit a geometric pool. A tanning ledge or inlaid spas are lovely in a geometric style, and segment the space for social activity. Make your pool the center of every large gathering.
Ideal for the everyday athlete
The biggest advantage a geometric pool has over a freeform pool is its swimmable area. The simple math of geometric pools makes them the most efficient in terms of surface area. In the same amount of yard space as a freeform pool, a geometric pool’s uniform rectangular design and larger perimeter equals more swimming area.
Swimming is a hobby that boosts your health and well-being significantly. It’s a low impact, full-body workout with muscular and cardiovascular benefits, but it can be a chore to get to a public pool for a daily dip – not to mention the hygiene concerns of public locker rooms! If you aspire to be more active, a geometric pool could be your perfect at-home gym solution. Get a refreshing workout, shower in your own bathroom, and get on with your day.
Beyond swimming laps, geometric pools are the perfect venue for sports like volleyball and water polo. Sunday funday games with no worries about the unfair advantages or safety hazards a freeform pool’s erratic perimeter causes. Host the best bar-b-ques in the family, or the most competitive rec league events in the neighborhood. If you want to get the most usability out of your pool, a geometric design is an efficient and functional choice.
Are geometric pools more practical than freeform pools?
Geometric pools have many practical benefits over freeform pools. Their simple lines and shapes are easier to clean and maintain than the nooks and crannies of a freeform pool. Keeping your pool pristine can be difficult, but going with a geometric design gives you an advantage from the start.
The shells of geometric pools are also the easiest to remodel or modernize if you want to change up the look of your pool down the line. Planning for flexibility and longevity can save you money and frustration as a pool owner. You never know how you might want to upgrade or refresh your pool, and having a geometric pool will make it easier to change. While there isn’t a huge cost disparity between installing a geometric pool and freeform pool, geometric pools can be made with cheaper materials if you’re value-conscious.
If you’re concerned about safety, an automatic pool cover is the most practical choice, and only available for geometric pools. Keeping leaves and debris out of the pool is an added bonus to the peace of mind a cover offers.
Explore the possibilities of geometric pools
The simplicity of geometric pools makes it easier to incorporate different water and design features. When envisioning a geometric pool for your backyard, consider that you have the perfect opportunity to include a:
Vanishing edge
No need to feel ‘boxed in’ by a geometric pool design. Long, straight edges mean you can easily turn one or two sides of your geometric pool into an infinity edge. Infinity edges have stayed popular in upscale pool design for decades due to their clean lines and timeless effect. They ooze luxury.
The optical illusion of an infinity pool makes it look like the pool surface is seamlessly fading into the horizon, creating an endless paradise. The modern infinity edge is versatile, but looks best when your pool has a brilliant view to blend into. If you’re building a pool to complement a natural backdrop, geometric lines will let the beauty of your surroundings take center stage. The sound of the continuous water flow of the infinity illusion also creates a peaceful atmosphere.
There are a variety of ways to incorporate a vanishing edge into your geometric pool. Learn more about the details of this unique design here and see if it’s the right choice for your project.
Tanning ledge
A tanning ledge, sometimes referred to as a baja shelf or sun shelf, is an extended wading area, typically nine inches of water deep or less. Most extend about five to six feet, long enough to place a lounge chair. Tanning ledges can be used for tanning, lounging, or reading a book surrounded by the water’s pleasant coolness. While tanning ledges can be added to many types of pools, they look particularly sleek in geometric pools, adding visual texture and balance to their straight edges.
Lounging poolside is one of the best perks of owning your own pool. After a long day, nothing takes the edge off like relaxing by the water with sunglasses and a cool drink in hand. Unfortunately, in hot, humid climates like Atlanta’s, the summers can sizzle and make poolside seating unappealing. When the heat ratchets up, a tanning ledge is a cool-down sanctuary. Enjoy soaking up the sun without feeling deep-fried.
Tanning ledges also provide the perfect spot for toddlers and small children, giving them a safer space to splash and play with adult supervision. A tanning ledge is a gathering spot for all ages at summer pool parties, and a versatile addition to any pool.
Aesthetic entryway
There are many ways to add character and texture to the simplicity of a geometric pool. For example, incorporating tiered, symmetrical entryways with wide stairs. You can also add built-in benches for a comfortable nook where swimmers can rest while still submerging themselves. Think of the clean edges of a geometric pool as a starting place for infinite design combinations.
Automatic pool cover
Automatic pool covers are only available for rectangular, geometric pools. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to choose a geometric or freeform pool, an automatic cover feature could be your tipping point, especially if you have small children, or regularly host them at your home. An automatic pool cover makes it simple to close the pool when there’s no adult supervision around. An accidental drowning can happen in minutes, and automatic pool covers give parents unparalleled peace of mind.
In addition to child safety, pool covers have practical benefits. Leaves, pollen and other outdoor debris are kept out of the pool, keeping your water more hygienic and pleasant. If you have a heated pool, adding an automatic cover can retain the water temperature for more efficient energy usage. Automatic pool covers can be incorporated into your pool seamlessly. When the pool is open, the cover will be invisible, but easy to activate the minute you need to.
Luxurious spa
A geometric pool with spa elements built in is a perfect use of space, especially if you’re working with a smaller pool area. It’s a deluxe feature that lends an overall visual balance and grand feeling to your pool design.
Relaxing in the warm jets of a backyard spa is an excellent way to unwind, and provides a spectrum of health benefits. Pain relief for muscle stiffness and soreness, better cardiovascular health, and improved sleep are all documented benefits of soaking in a spa.
Including a spa area within your pool design is a luxurious way to use space and transition seamlessly from relaxation to fun and games in the pool. The ‘open floor plan’ created by a built-in spa improves the social flow of your poolside area effortlessly.
The tiered look of a geometric pool with spa features is a clean, minimalist design that accentuates the modern home. For an extra-luxe feel, consider including perimeter overflow, making the spa and pool appear edgeless and serene. Elegantly simple geometric designs can also serve as the perfect backdrop to striking custom tile work, adding a unique pop to any pool project.
The best aesthetic choices for geometric pools
Modern Marvel
Geometric pool designs are a stunning complement to strong architecture in modern homes. The clean, smooth surface of the water in a geometric pool reflects the graceful lines of a modern home for a vision of architectural unity.
Mediterranean Getaway
The warm tones and cheerful geometric pattern designs of a Tuscan backyard are the perfect backdrop for a geometric pool design. Tuscan design uses natural materials that are showcased beautifully by simple, tiled masonry around a geometric pool.
Tuscan style tends to incorporate stately, man made water features rather than nature-mimicking waterfalls. Tiled fountains look excellent in a geometric pool with spa elements in this style. The sharp, simple lines of a geometric pool underline the soothing warmth of Tuscan aesthetics. A well-realized Tuscan pool transports you to the magical atmosphere of the Mediterranean anytime you take a dip.
Schedule an appointment to discuss custom geometric pools
A geometric pool is an ideal canvas for creating the ultimate backyard getaway. If you want simple, elegant lines and maximum functionality from your outdoor space, a geometric approach is perfect for you.
The design experts at White’s Pools go the extra mile with every project we take on for Atlanta-area residents. We’ll work with you to build the right pool for your space and desires. Talk with us today and take one step closer to enjoying your own private paradise.
