Infinity Pool

Image credit: @Marina Bay Sands

Singapore is well known for having the world’s highest infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands tower. Located at 57th floor, the pool seems to have a zero edge, perfectly blending into the city's skyline. But, there is a safety platform below to ensure that swimmers don’t fall to their death. Security patrols also ensure that guests don’t wreck havoc near the edge or do silly stunts for that perfect selfie.

Cottage Chateau Pool

Image credit: @Château d'Audrieu

From one extreme to another, you might want to build a romantic chateau pool. That’s right, we are talking about an outdoor pool next to your stone-brick mansion with sun deck chairs and perhaps a table for breakfast. Other than enjoying the sun, you will feel just like the royalty of Europe.

Lagoon and Grotto Pool

Image credit: @Wally Gobetz

Similar to the chateau pool, the Lagoon and Grotto Pool is a popular design that you can see in condominiums. With rock-like-formations and even tunnels that one can swim through and into, the lagoon pool gives off a sense of wonder and adventure. Kids will be highly entertained and adults will enjoy the novelty. This is definitely a pool to consider if you have been dreaming of visiting places like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

A famous lagoon and grotto pool that everyone knows about is in Playboy Mansion. It features jacuzzis in one of their grottos, and is a den of sin and fantasies.

Minimalist Swimming Pool

Image Credit : @Giovanni Gargiulo

Recently made popular by the ‘Minimalists’, a couple of men who gave up material possessions for a simpler life, the style of minimalism has been all the rage. The style elements usually include ensuring that there is no clutter, neutral colours and a respect for space. It is especially popular in Japanese designs where architects seek to incorporate nature and simplicity into a spot.

Lap Pool

Image credit: @Janet Lancaster

While on the topic of simplicity, let’s discuss the most basic pool design of all — lap pool. Akin to that of a regular swimming pool, they are long and rectangular, and are at least 13.716 meters in length. They may not be as stylish as above designs, but they serve a main purpose of ensuring that you can get a good swim in. 

Other design features include using a metal grab rail instead of steps and having a fair bit of pavement on the sides to ensure that dirt does not get into the water.

Freeform Pool

Image credit: @kumarakomlakeresort

It’s time to throw out all the typical swimming pool designs and go for something more fun… Something fun like a freeform pool. These pools often have curved boundaries and they can be in the form of meandering, lazy pools. Many also enjoy putting in features like waterfalls and it is perfect for small, confined spaces.

Kidney-Shaped Pools

Image credit: @MidCentArc

One of the most popular freeform pool designs is actually the kidney-shaped pools. Many jumped onto the bandwagon of this trend after it was first designed for the Donnell family in California, 1948. Today, it can be found with features such as jacuzzis and elevated platforms due to the flexibility of its shape.

Natural Pools

Image credit: @Dan Dickinson

A natural pool may look so much like the surrounding landscape that you think it is a pond. These pools do have cleaning systems within it to ensure that you don’t get sick from swimming in it. They are also lined with rubber and you usually can see the bottom clearly. 

If you are strongly against swimming in chlorinated waters and or just want to feel wildy free, this is the design for you. Do consider adding fireplace pits to add to that rustic feel like resorts in Switzerland, on mountain tops do. Alternatively, you can go completely green and be one with nature (hey, if no one is around, there’s nothing with skinny dipping right?)

Mosaic-Tiled Pools

Image credit: Charles Nadeau

Have you been dreaming of Europe lately? One sure way to feel like you are in an exotic european destination is to design your pool with mosaic-tiles. There are factors you should take note of when purchasing your tiles. Research and buy tiles that are slip-proof, and can withstand water pressure. Be sure to water-proof your floors first as well so that water sipping through would not cause a structural issue.

Plunge Pools

Image credit: Matt@PEK

So, the next thing you head for a swim, have a look and consider which features you enjoy best. Are there features you can live without? What features could be a hazard for you? You can also consider having different designs combined together. Design can greatly affect the ambience and mood you want so it is crucial to take your time and think it through!

Find out more about Swimming with SwimRay Swimming Lessons in Singapore

Hi Readers! A peek into my life consists of figure skating, traveling, writing and doing many things to keep up my fitness like yoga and swimming. As a skating coach and former music & movement instructor, I hope to shed some light on how fitness and swimming in particular, can benefit and aid you. Cheers!