The New Wave in Pool Landscaping

With the development of many exciting features, the swimming pool industry has made it easy for homeowners to turn their backyards into a private oasis. Today's pools have evolved from the traditional set-up of the past to elaborate designs.

Although waterfalls are one of the most requested features for many pools, other requests include wet decks, vanishing edges, shooting fountains, bubbling fountains, colored fiber-optic lighting, and more.

If you are interested in having a pool built on your property, the following descriptions will help you decide what design features you want to include:

Wet deck - replicating the feeling of being at the beach, a wet deck offers a sloped entrance into the pool, giving swimmers the opportunity to ease into the pool or relax in only a few inches of water.

Vanishing edges - just as the name implies, vanishing edges create an illusion that makes the edge seem to disappear. Because the pool blends in with the surrounding environment, this feature is perfect for homeowners whose property overlooks a spectacular landscape.

Waterfalls - from elegant no-splash designs to ornate rock formations, pool fountains are available with a variety of options. Some falls are designed to pour off of a platform extended over the pool, creating a private area behind which swimmers can relax, while others simply run off of the edge of the pool into a separate trough.

Fountains - whether you want a fountain that causes water to bubble, one that shoots water into the air in a smooth arc, or one that ejects the water silently and smoothly, there is a fountain that is sure to suit your taste and enhance your pool's design.

Lighting - options in today's pool lighting not only illuminate the water, but can add color as well. Colored fiber-optic lights can be coupled with fountains to create a rainbow of flowing water. And color wheels are available so you can change the hue of the lights to match your mood with the flip of a switch.

With all of the personalized features that are available, designing a pool for your yard can be exciting. Once you select all of the features that will make your pool unique, don't forget the importance of adding foliage to complete your backyard oasis.

Carefully selected potted plants, trees and flowers will not only add beauty to the area, but they add privacy as well. Avoid vegetation that will extend over the edge of the pool and drop flowers, leaves or fruit. Look for plants and flowers that bloom during the months that your pool is likely to be used the most.