Two years ago I wrote about swimming pool trends. Let’s see what has happened since 2008.
Photo via Bestor Architecture
Architects and landscape designers are pushing the envelope of the rectangular cement pool. Take this raised pool designed by architect Barbara Bestor. One side acts as a barrier, a bench and a flowerbed. Also pay attention to how she defined several outdoor rooms in a narrow lot.
Photos via Chictip.com
Andres Remy architects play on the fishbowl concept for an urban home in Argentina. The long glass wall can be safer as it allows you to watch the kids more carefully when they are swimming.
You will notice that modern pools have no diving board or equipment to deter the eye from the clean lines.
Photo via Val-Mar
Pool Equipment
Consumers want a swimming pool with fewer chemicals. Electronic chlorination, which automatically turns ordinary salt into a self-regenerating supply of pure chlorine, became the norm for in-ground pools. It is more convenient to use than the traditional chlorine treatments. You get silky-smooth water without chlorine odor. I tried it and the comfort level has been raised. Sadly, no company makes a salt-water chlorine generator for an above-the-ground pool.
Now sand filters are not your only choices. Cartridge filters require less maintenance since they eliminate the backwash step. You simply hose off the cartridges twice a season. If you wish to trap the tiniest debris, look at the diatomaceous earth filters. The DE filters by Hayward catch debris small as two to five microns. Sand filters trap debris up to 20 to 40 microns.
By: Kim Vallee
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