DESIGNS ON POOLS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CONSIDER TO CREATE AN IDYLLIC SWIM SPOT IN THE GARDEN

FITTING IN A garden pool area must be designed so it is part of the scene, complementing the architecture of your home and surrounding landscaping. Consider the shapes, lines and forms in the wider garden - the swimming pool needs to be sympathetic to that master plan design. For instance, if the garden has lots of organic lines, then a rectangular pool will look out of place, explains garden designer Marcus Barnett.

POSITION WISELY 'It should be in a discreet or hidden area, not seen immediately from the house, as pools are not attractive in winter when all one sees is a cover, but also consider the views from the pool,' advises garden designer Libby Russell. 'It is good to get afternoon sun on the main seating area, but also ensure the site is sheltered and not windy. The ground must be flat, but you can use the natural garden topography to hide the pool.

CHOOSING MATERIALS 'When picking pieces for around the pool, opt for smooth, non-slip paving, such as sawn, natural stone, as riven stone has toe-stubbing ridges,' advises John Wyer, CEO of Bowles & Wyer. 'If there is a large area of pool landscaping, a combination of finishes in the same material can lessen the overall impact, such as large slabs, steps or pitchers cut from the same stone. There is unity in material, but the different scales add an appeal,' adds Marcus.