7 Ways to Create an Award-Winning Pool and Spa in Mechanicsburg, PA
The pride a homeowner feels when they finish an incredible pool project in their backyard is something that can last for a lifetime. There are many ways to customize a pool and spa to the point where it not only inspires friends and family but it even catches attention of the community and beyond. With all the potential in some creative design and what your landscape has to offer, here are some of the seven ways to create an award-winning pool and spa in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Related: 6 Water Features to Add to Your Pool and Spa for a More Relaxing Oasis in Enola and Camp Hill, PA
Tasteful Lighting
Every pool needs excellent illumination as soon as the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but there are plenty of ways to get creative with it. Tasteful lighting should interact with all the elements of the pool, reflecting off the water itself and drawing attention to the beauty of the pool structure and surrounding landscape features. Landscape designers will build layers of lighting in order to create a dazzling array of lights that’s as stunning as it is safe and functional.
Full-Scale Entertainment Capabilities
A space should be well-designed so it is able to accommodate large parties, even if it’s modest in size. An outdoor fireplace, flat-screen TV and an outdoor kitchen will set the tone for many memorable gatherings.
Variations in Elevation
The outdoor living space is always best utilized when separated into different spaces of use. One of the best ways to achieve this is by building these spaces, including the pool, on different elevations. Pools are best insulated within the ground, though there are plenty of landscape spaces that can be set below the level of the pool, such as a fire pit lounge area that’s protected from the wind by being below grade. You can even set a hot tub and spa above the level of the pool to make such an exciting space even more prominent. These changes don’t have to be huge: even one step up or down will add a wonderful dimension to the space.
A Wraparound Design
An effective outdoor living space is one that is interactive, allowing people to engage in different activities as they enjoy each other’s company. To make a space more interactive, a wraparound design is a favorite among pool and landscape designers. You can surround a small space of your patio, such as a fire pit lounge, with a kidney-shaped pool. Likewise, you can surround a small section of the pool with the patio. It will keep these spaces integrated while allowing appreciation for both.
Moving Water
Pools are gorgeous both when completely still or filled with the laughter of children. Add moving water for an immersive experience. Waterfalls, for example, can interact directly with the pool itself. A waterfall splashing into the pool can create an interactive element that simulates the fun and adventure of a water park without all the crowds.
Walking on Water
Optical illusions are a great way to dazzle your friends and family with an outdoor living space. Award winning pool designers have been able to work optical illusions into backyard pools for decades and their designs are only getting more intricate. Build a stone walkway that seems to float across your pool to generate a great deal of intrigue. From a distance it may look as if people are walking on water, though they are simply enjoying the creative and thoughtful design of a beautiful pool and surrounding landscape.
Shelter
A poolside pavilion is a luxurious touch that quickly shows its practical side. It offers relief from the hot sun, as well as a place to socialize even when the pool isn’t in use.