How Do I Make My Small Swimming Pool Look Bigger?
How Do I Make My Small Swimming Pool Look Bigger?
With the housing situation in Phoenix, many homeowners end up with a smaller backyard than they might have imagined. The good news is there are still ways to end up with a swimming pool you love at your home. A small backyard can be a challenge, especially related to building a swimming pool. Making a small pool appear larger can transform not only the practical utility of the space but also its aesthetic appeal, turning it into an inviting oasis for relaxation and enjoyment. Fortunately, various design and landscaping strategies can create an illusion of a more expansive pool area, allowing you to maximize both beauty and function. We are happy to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make your small pool look bigger and more inviting. Reach out to our team at Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas with any questions.
1. Choose the Right Color Scheme
From light to dark, color significantly influences how we perceive space. In smaller environments, lighter shades can create a sense of openness and airiness. For your small swimming pool, consider utilizing light-colored tiles, decking, and surrounding surfaces. Shades like whites, creams, and soft pastels not only reflect light but also brighten the area, imparting a feeling of expansiveness. Integrating these hues into the pool’s finish, coping, and patio can dramatically enhance the ambiance, making the space feel much larger than it is.
2. Strategic Landscaping
Landscaping is a crucial factor in creating the perception of size in your pool area. By planting trees, shrubs, and greenery thoughtfully around the pool, you can introduce depth and perspective that adds to the sense of space. Tall, narrow plants can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height, while strategically placed shrubs or ground cover can form a tasteful frame for the pool. It’s essential to avoid overcrowding; a few well-chosen plants can enhance the visual appeal without making the area feel cluttered or cramped.
3. Incorporate Water Features
Water features can serve as beautiful focal points that divert attention from the pool’s size. Consider adding elements like waterfalls, fountains, or pool jets, which not only deliver aesthetic value but also introduce a soothing auditory experience. These features can instill a sense of movement and vibrancy, enriching your pool area and making it feel more dynamic. Collaborating with custom pool builders ensures that these additions blend smoothly into your overall design, enhancing the space rather than overwhelming it.
4. Use Mirrors for Illusion
Mirrors are an ingenious tool for creating the illusion of more space. By positioning them strategically around the pool area, you can reflect the pool and its surroundings, amplifying the sense of depth and openness. Mirrored panels on fencing or walls can create the effect of an extended space. It’s important, however, to choose high-quality, weather-resistant mirrors to withstand outdoor conditions while maintaining their reflective charm. It’s amazing what mirrors can do for small swimming pools.
5. Opt for Minimalist Furniture
The type of furniture you select can make a world of difference in how spacious your pool area feels. Opt for sleek, minimalist designs that add functionality without overwhelming the visual space. Oversized or ornate furniture can make the area feel cluttered. Instead, choose streamlined, modern pieces that elevate the style of the pool area while allowing for easy movement. This approach will help maintain a clean, uncluttered appearance, contributing to a more expansive atmosphere.
6. Utilize Optical Illusions
Optical illusions can be integrated into your pool area design to enhance the perception of space. For instance, utilizing large-format tiles or paving stones around your pool area can create a seamless, expansive look. Additionally, a continuous line of decking or a border that gracefully fades into the surrounding landscape can enhance the sense of depth and make the pool look larger than it truly is. Pools in small backyards don’t have to put a damper on your fun in the sun.
7. Create Zones With Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in how your pool area is perceived. Utilize lighting to define different zones around the pool, such as lounging or dining areas. Soft, ambient lights conjure a cozy atmosphere, while strategically placed fixtures can highlight the pool’s features and surrounding aesthetic. Consider incorporating LED lights with adjustable settings to enhance the mood and appearance of the space throughout different times of the day. Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas offers pools for small backyards in the Phoenix area.
8. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces
Beyond mirrors, other reflective surfaces can further enhance the illusion of space. Elements like glass or polished metal can reflect light and contribute to a more open feel. A glass pool fence or polished stone tiles can add elegance and an airy touch to the pool area, increasing its overall allure. Reflective surfaces can make small inground pools appear larger.
9. Use Vertical Space
Don’t forget about your vertical space! Incorporating features that draw the eye upward can enhance the sense of height and depth, thus making your pool area feel larger. Tall planters, vertical garden walls, or artistic water features can create a stunning focal point while framing the pool beautifully, contributing to a cohesive design. Small pools can appear larger by utilizing this tip.
10. Choose Pool Shapes Wisely
The shape of your pool can significantly affect how spacious it appears. Opt for designs that enhance the flow of the area, such as freeform or infinity-edge pools. These styles can help integrate the pool into the landscape, making it seem like part of a much larger outdoor area. Consulting with custom pool builders about various shape options will guide you in selecting a design that perfectly complements your backyard while achieving the desired visual effect.
Bringing It All Together
By implementing these design and landscaping techniques, you can significantly alter the illusion of size around your swimming pool, even when working with a limited backyard. From selecting the right colors and incorporating water features to utilizing mirrors and minimalist furniture, each detail contributes to a more spacious atmosphere. Thoughtful planning combined with creative design can turn your small pool into a stunning focal point, giving your outdoor space an expansive feel that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Ultimately, with the right approach, your small swimming pool can evolve into an impressive centerpiece that enhances the beauty of your backyard oasis. Contact the team at Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas today to get started.
