'Always in style': The pool trends to keep an eye on for 2019

Swimming pools never go out of style and are the perfect addition to any Australian backyard. But, if you’re going to invest thousands of dollars in a beautiful new pool, consider these six trends for 2019 that will make yours the coolest pool in the neighbourhood.

Timber-look pools

Interior designer and stylist at Stage One Interiors, Louise Hatcher is all about the Instagrammable perfection of a timber-look pool for 2019.

“While real timber cannot actually be used to line a pool, certain porcelain tiles have a ‘wood appearance’ to them, which when combined with timber decking as surround, makes for a stunning timber-look pool.

“Earp Bros Starwood range of porcelain wood-look tiles are leading the way with this amazing new trend, that is about to take off in a big way.”

Small is beautiful

Architect and residential designer at VMA, Vanessa Hedges has realised that “small” is no longer a dirty word when it comes to pool design.

“My clients realise that very few backyard pools are used for swimming laps or exercise purposes, and in so doing have liberated themselves from the requirement for larger pools.

“The challenge now, dictated by both council restrictions and also from the clients, is to add a pool into a lot without swallowing the whole garden. Clients no longer want the backyard to be “all pool”, realising that it becomes a dead space in winter. Also, you can have lots of family fun splashing around in pools as small as five by three metres.”

Classic shapes and simple lines

Creative director at Octopus Garden Design, Gerrad Everson says that simple shapes still reign supreme for most backyard pool designs.

“While the classic rectangle is still the most popular shape for concrete pools, we love to incorporate full-width steps and long swim out ledges in our pool designs for seating and heating the pool so it can be used all year round.

“Simple and clean lines will always be in style, and occasionally we incorporate angles or add a fillet curve to one or two sides to soften an edge, or just to add a little bit of fun to the space.”

Vanessa Hedges agrees that simple and classic shapes are preferable, but that maybe there might be a few more curvy pools in the future.

“People are less and less adventurous (with pool shapes), and I would suggest minimal forms, straight lines, no spas, no jets and just a couple of steps or seats to help you get in. I’m still trying to sneak a circular pool into a design or two, however, so watch this space!”

Retro comeback

While most pool designs seem to be about maintaining simplicity, Hatcher says it’s worth keeping an open mind for all things 1970s.

“It might not suit everyone but the once-maligned kidney-shaped pool is having a resurgence, and its retro 1970s design is definitely cool again!”

Colour matching

Hatcher has a simple system for working out what colours might best suit your future pool.

“If you live near the coast and have a largely coastal palette of colours surrounding your home then blue tiles or render for the pool works well. For a pool in a bushland setting with grey, brown and green surrounds, consider a contemporary green look for your pool to flow on from and blend well with the rest of the exterior of your property.”

Smart pools

Finally, no one wants to give themselves more work or spend more money when it comes to installing and taking care of a backyard pool. Hedges knows that the one thing all of her clients can agree on when it comes to a new pool is that it must be cost effective and easy to maintain.

“It is all about the self-cleaning pool nowadays and if there is one thing that everyone looks for it is a “low-maintenance” installation as pools can be tricky to care for.

“The other smart option I look at with my clients is instead of tiles, going for a glass bead render. This finish is easier to maintain, much cheaper and once the pool is filled with water, hardly noticeable at all.”