With the August heat upon us, it’s hard to resist daydreaming about a flawless day at the pool. So sit back, relax and grab a good book and your favorite cold drink—this summer presents a whole new wave of pool styles and trends to enjoy. From glass tiles and waterfalls to a new type of infinity pool, here are the top 5 pool trends for 2015.
Glass Tiles
Concrete surfaces and porcelain tiles are a thing of the past when it comes to this year’s luxury pool trends. Glass tiles have swiftly taken their place, and according to Fortune Builders, have gained great popularity due to their smooth surface that creates a great depth of color when combined with clear pool water. Its resulting silky, chic appeal is undoubtedly reminiscent of a resort-like poolside paradise.
Pebble Finishes
According to Ocean Home Magazine, a pebble lining finish as opposed to the traditional gunite surface is at the top of the “now trending” list. It is described as being easy on the feet as well as the eyes, its spectrum of 40-plus colors and polished look effortlessly sparking in the summer sunlight.
4076 N. Sabino Mountain Drive-Tucson, AZ
Natural Elements
Cascading waterfalls over boulders and rocky-lined pools is another common pool design for 2015. Dreamscapes, a custom pool design firm based in California, notes that many of these nature-inspired pools are seamlessly tucked into a property’s landscape, designed to resemble peaceful ponds, streams and other beautiful elements of the wilderness.
33 Mount Holly Drive— Rye, NY
Integrated Water Features
Shallow shelves known as “Baja steps” are probably the most popular integrated features in today’s luxury pool world. Ocean Home Magazine defines the steps as shallow ledges with opportunities for chaise lounge chairs, umbrellas and other spa-like amenities. Fortune Builders refers to these unique steps as “tanning ledges,” which provide the perfect amount of refreshing cool water meets sizzling summer sun.
Caldes De Malavella, Spain / Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty
Knife-Edge Pools
Infinity pools now have a new rival—the knife-edge pool. Perhaps the hottest trend of 2015, this dramatic luxury-style pool also known as “the new infinity pool,” contains water at an equal level with the deck on all sides. As described by Blue Haven Pools, water is forced over the edges surrounding the entire pool, and collected in subsequent spaces. This then creates a mirror-like effect and overall “cutting-edge” design that gives the magical appearance of the water extending far beyond the horizon. Houzz shares a few great examples of knife-edge pools here.
7 Harbor Point-Key Biscayne, FL