For many homeowners, a luxury swimming pool is the ultimate backyard luxury. But not all pools are created equal. A basic pool allows you to swim laps and cool off on a hot day. Luxury swimming pool builders can help you create a high-end pool that provides an upscale oasis for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation. If you’re considering installing a high-end pool, here are some features that take a swimming pool from ordinary to extraordinary.
Size Matters
One of the hallmarks of a luxury pool is its ample size. Standard backyard pools are often simple rectangles or kidney shapes measuring 15×30 feet on average. Luxury pools are typically much larger, ranging from 20×40 feet to custom freeform shapes over 60 feet in length. This expanded size allows for amenities like water slides, waterfall features, and designated relaxation areas. The spacious dimensions also mean the pool won’t feel crowded if you regularly host gatherings or have a large family.
For size-conscious homeowners, another option is an infinity pool. These pools have one or more outer edges that seamlessly overflow into the landscape, creating the visual effect of a water feature that stretches out endlessly. Infinity pools maximize your yard’s square footage and create a striking silhouette.
Premium Materials
The materials used in construction also differentiate standard pools from luxury ones. Basic pools often use concrete and vinyl liners. Luxury pools take advantage of higher-end materials like brick, natural stone, glass tile, and pebble finishes. Options like granite coping stones, quartz decking, and stone waterline tiles provide an elegant, upscale look and feel.
Premium materials not only elevate the aesthetics of the pool but also enhance durability and reduce maintenance requirements. Using natural stone materials can help the pool better withstand the elements year after year. Glass tiles stay brighter and resist staining and discoloration better than traditional plaster finishes.
Built-in Features
Upscale pools incorporate amenities and features right into the pool construction. This provides convenient access and a seamless look compared to adding accessories after the fact. Common high-end built-in features include:
- Waterfalls or fountains
- Bubblers, air jets, or laminar jets for relaxation
- Custom rock formations, grottos, or caves
- Swim-up bars with stools and drink ledges
- Diving boards, slides, or jump rocks
- In-water benches, loungers, or tables
- Infinity edges that spill into a vanishing edge
- Perimeter overflow channels rather than skimmers
- Poolside tanning shelves
- Integrated planters, fire bowls, or fireplaces
- Underwater lighting, fiber optics, or LED light shows
- Integrated audio systems
Built-in features transform the pool into an extension of your living space – an aquatic entertainment and recreation area all its own. The more amenities you can seamlessly incorporate, the more your pool begins to warrant the luxury designation.
Superior Filtration
A sparkling clean, crystal clear pool not only looks luxurious but also ensures a healthy swimming environment. That’s why superior filtration systems are a must for upscale pools. Basic filtration keeps the water reasonably clear, but higher-end options provide pristine water quality.
Cartridge filters, DE filters, or sand filters paired with an automated chlorination system take water clarity to the next level. For the ultimate in filtration, consider eco-friendly options like saltwater chlorine generators, mineral sanitation, or ozone purification. These systems reduce chemicals for a soft, pleasant swimming experience.
Luxury pools may also use advanced hydrotherapy jets for massage, heated water for comfortable swimming year-round, or integrated hot tubs for relaxation. Effective water treatment keeps these amenities hygienic and safe.
High-Tech Controls
Technology transforms an ordinary pool into a smarter, more convenient backyard oasis. Luxury pools incorporate high-tech controls like:
- Automated covers to regulate heating and keep debris out
- Variable speed pumps and electronic flow valves for efficiency
- Remote monitoring and control through smart home systems
- Underwater lights synchronized to music or light shows
- Backup power generators to maintain operation in outages
- Robot cleaners to scrub surfaces and remove debris
With a range of automation options, you can program and adjust features from an app on your phone or with voice controls. State-of-the-art technology adds safety, convenience, and sheer luxury to the swimming experience.
Resort-Style Ambiance
The ultimate luxury pools emulate the look and feel of a resort right in your own backyard. This resort-style ambiance comes from the cumulative effect of using premium materials, incorporating high-end amenities, and attending to every detail.
With lush landscaping, paved surfaces that mimic exotic locations like Bali or the Mediterranean, poolside furniture that rivals a five-star hotel, and a harmonious design, a well-crafted luxury pool lets you vacation at home.
Adding luxury cabanas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and entertainment areas makes the pool an extension of your living space. Consider working with a custom pool builder and designer to craft a cohesive look that reflects your personal oasis vision.
Final Thoughts
A luxury pool requires a significant investment over an average vinyl or concrete pool. But for homeowners who consider the pool an essential lifestyle feature, the expense brings lasting enjoyment, convenience, and resort-style living. With strategic planning and design, you can create a luxury backyard pool that becomes your family’s own personal vacation paradise.
FAQs
Q: What is the average cost of a luxury pool?
A: The average cost of a luxury pool is $80,000 to $150,000 installed. High-end materials, extensive amenities, and automation can drive costs over $200,000.
Q: How big are luxury pools?
A: Luxury home pools are generally larger than average, ranging from 800 to over 2,000 square feet. Custom shapes, infinity edges, and integrated spas expand the size.
Q: What amenities help make a pool luxurious?
A: Popular luxury pool amenities include waterfalls, grottoes, swim-up bars, infinity edges, hot tubs, fire features, outdoor kitchens, and technology like lighting, audio, and automation.
Q: What type of maintenance do luxury pools require?
A: Luxury pools require weekly maintenance such as testing chemical levels, cleaning, and scrubbing. Features like auto-covers, superior filtration, heaters, and cleaners help reduce overall maintenance.
Q: How long do luxury pools last?
A: With proper installation and care, a concrete luxury pool can last 40-50 years. Using natural stone materials can extend the lifespan to over 100 years.
Tags: pool chemicals, pool cleaning, pool construction, pool installation, pool renovation, swimming pool design
