When your business is designing and building high-end, bespoke swimming pools and spas, no two days (like no two pools) are ever the same. However, while each pool is custom-designed, the experts at Aqua Platinum have noticed many popular trends emerging over the past few months.
We chatted with, the Senior Design Consultant at Aqua Platinum about the hottest new styles for swimming pools and spas.
What are your clients asking for when it comes to swimming pools?
There are several features that we’re seeing requested more and more frequently when it comes to pools. Customers tend to build up a clear idea of what they are after, then turn to us to make it a reality. This year, ultra-freeboard pools, halo lighting and clear panels are some of the most popular choices.
What is an ultra-freeboard pool?
An ultra-freeboard pool is one where the water is just below the level of the surrounding floor. For the past few years, deck-level pools (where the water is at the same height as the floor) have been popular, but now the ultra-freeboard pool is attracting attention once again.
There are several reasons for this. For pools in apartment blocks, the ultra-freeboard design takes up less floor space and less space in the plant room (as there’s no need for a balance tank). That means that developers are left with more available floor space to use for the saleable parts of the building, which always goes down well.
And you mentioned the demand for halo lighting, what exactly is that?
When it comes to privately owned pools, it is the enhanced aesthetics of ultra-freeboard pools that are increasing their popularity. In particular, the ultra-freeboard design allows for the installation of halo lighting. This LED strip lighting is installed beneath the pool’s coping stone to provide wonderful ambient lighting. The lighting can change tone in order to suit different moods.
What about the materials used to finish the pools?
Another top trend at present is large format tiles. Large-format porcelain tiles can be made to look very similar to natural stone, at a relatively low cost. As such, their popularity has increased significantly of late, with owners using the large tiles to create a very natural-looking finish.
Clear acrylic and glass panels are also increasingly popular. Many of those installing pools in their private residences are using these panels between (for example) the pool and the spa, or the pool and the leisure area. The panels separate the areas but create the impression of just one large space.
Technology is infiltrating every aspect of our lives, how is the swimming pool sector embracing tech?
The swimming pool sector and our customers are embracing high-tech features at the moment and we’re receiving a lot of enquiries about moveable floors. These aren’t limited to indoor pools – we’re currently working on an outdoor pool with a moveable floor and Bellagio-style fountains, complete with lighting and music.
And lastly, what about trends within the spa and wellness sector?
Wellness and vitality are top of many customers’ agendas, with steam rooms, saunas, experience showers and Jacuzzis all popular choices. It seems that a pool alone is no longer quite enough for many customers – the exercise and lifestyle benefits of pool ownership need to be complemented by access to superb spa facilities, all of which can be accessed without leaving the house.
For more information call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk
