Soak Up the Summer Sun with These Hot Pool Trends

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 05, 2014

Convenient. Chic. Comfortable. Cool. From apps and lights to sun shelves and umbrella sleeves, this summers swimming pool trends run the gamut. Whether youre looking to spruce up your existing pool or contemplating installing a brand new one to enhance your outdoor space, here are five tips from pool designer Aaron Blubaugh to consider while you plan.

Remote Control Automation is a huge trend in swimming pools. Nearly all new pools use some kind of electronic component and apps have been created to control almost every aspect of the pool: lights, lap currents, water features, even water temperature. With automation, youre in charge and in a way that is unimaginably convenient. Turn on the waterfall without leaving the comfort of your chair around the fire pit. Had a long day? Start your spa heater as you leave work so its the perfect temperature when you get home.

Pools arent just for parties and the weekend; theyre for Monday through Friday as well, said Blubaugh, owner of Lifescape Designs in southern California. The best way I wind down after work is relaxing in my spa. Having the ability to watch our favorite TV show from the pool and spa is something that our whole family enjoys. Creating a gorgeous backyard escape makes the outdoors part of the quality time I get to spend with them.

Its easier than ever to care for pools, too, he said. Whether youre at the office or out of town on vacation, you can manage your pool, features and energy usage from wherever you are.

Save Energy and Look Good Doing It Variable speed pumps help conserve energy in the pool area; the pump runs at a low RPM during the filter cycle throughout the day, and it revs up to the desired RPM while youre using the pool features. Blubaugh, who has been in the outdoor living and pool design industries for 20 years in Florida and California, says the timers that were new technology just a few years ago are now antiquated by comparison.

Pool lighting is changing, too, in options and efficiencies. While most new pools have a color wheel, energy-saving LED lights have started to become more prevalent. With 14 color modes, these lights offer more color variety. Additionally, nicheless LEDs are low voltage, add lighting to shallow water in past years, only deep water received lighting accents and are suited to feature areas in new and remodeled pools. Offering lighting accents to water features, bench areas, and sun shelves that were not available before.

Diving Boards Go Off the Deep End With an overall decline in diving boards, swimming pools have become more aesthetically pleasing. In place of the diving board, oversized natural boulders and faux rocks serve as a jumping platform for kids, yet assure the pool still melts into the landscape, which is a wish list item for people installing new pools today.

Length and Landscape Blubaugh says some of his customers want to convert their outdated rectangular pools to freeform or lagoon shape, and still others seek new, rustic rectangular pools that work with the ebb and flow of the backyard. Its all a personal preference, he said.

One commonality in pool landscape design is making sure the pool deck choice marries style with performance.

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Soak Up the Summer Sun with These Hot Pool Trends