Modern L Shaped Pool Designs and Features
Dreaming of an oasis in your own backyard? Look no further than a stunning L shaped pool design. With smart angles and ample space, an L shaped pool maximizes every inch while providing an elegant, contemporary backdrop for rest and relaxation.
An L shaped pool strikes the perfect balance between form and function. The long, lean lines complement modern architecture while the angled design adds visual interest. The L shape also creates a natural separation between shallow and deep ends, making it ideal for families with children. Read on to learn more about how to design the L shaped pool of your dreams.
Benefits of L Shaped Pool Designs
Compared to traditional rectangular pools, L shaped designs offer some unique advantages:
- Provides ample space for steps, benches, and seating areas.
- Offers more definition between shallow and deep ends, making it ideal for diving.
- Maximizes the use of space in irregularly shaped yards.
- Is a unique and varied design compared to common rectangular pools.
- Can be less severe (45-degree angle) for a less drastic design.
With smart dimensions and deck space, an L shaped pool can accommodate laps, games, lounging, and more. The elongated design also lends itself well to landscaping accents like botanical gardens, flower beds, rock formations, and water features.
For homeowners who enjoy swimming laps or aquatic exercise, the length of an L shaped pool provides excellent functionality. By orienting the pool parallel to the home, both legs can be used for walking or swimming back and forth. For families, the ample shallow area is perfect for young children to splash and play safely.
Popular L Shaped Pool Layouts
One of the appeals of an L shaped pool is versatility in dimensions. Whether working with a compact space or expansive yard, L shaped pools can be customized.
Split Level L Shaped Pools
This design incorporates a raised wall to divide shallow and deep sections. Steps connect the two levels. The split creates built-in seating and separates areas by depth. Families appreciate the security of younger kids remaining in the shallow end, while the deep end has sufficient room for diving boards.
Compact L Shaped Pools
For smaller yards, compact L shaped pools with lengths of 30-40 feet can maximize space. The cozy design still allows for laps and lawn games with smart layout. Using angles less than 90 degrees makes the most of precious real estate. Compact L shaped pools are ideal for urban lots or yards with limited room.
Extended L Shaped Pools
Sprawling backyards can accommodate larger L shaped pools, some extending up to 60 feet in length. This spacious design has room for games, exercise, and design accents. With lavish dimensions, the possibilities are endless. One leg can house diving boards, slides, and sports, while the other offers a serene spot for lounging or sunbathing.
Custom Shapes and Styles
For a truly custom L shaped pool, consider unique lengths, angles, and curves. A gently rounded L shape softens sharp corners. Or extend one leg into an elongated oval for extra length. An dramatic wavy edge adds personality. Consult with an innovative pool designer to customize the shape.
Design Elements for L Shaped Pools
When designing an L shaped pool, consider the visual and functional elements to complement the layout:
Pool Decking
Decking materials like natural stone, tile, brick, concrete, and wood provide appealing texture underfoot. Be sure to allow ample deck space for loungers, tables, and safe circulation. Non-slip finishes are essential for safety. Composite decking offers durability and custom colors to match any style.
Landscaping
Choose plants, rocks, pathways, and garden beds to soften harsh angles. Dramatic palms, flowering bushes, and cascading greenery enhance the pool visually. To blend the pool with its surroundings, use native plants suited for the climate and natural stone that echoes rock formations in the area.
Water Features
Make a splash with fountains, waterfalls, or bubblers. These accents amplify ambiance with the soothing sight and sound of moving water. For contemporary designs, sleek water walls with clean lines complement the minimalist style. Large boulders with cascading water evoke a peaceful natural grotto. Consult a landscape designer to select the perfect water features.
Pool House/Cabana
To complete the backyard oasis, consider adding an adjacent pool house or cabana for changing, cooking, and lounging shaded relaxation. The structure can mirror main house architecture and tie-in with decking and landscaping.
Customizing L Shaped Pool Designs
Half the fun of an L shaped pool is customizing it for your backyard. From depth to lighting, you can tailor it to your lifestyle.
Pool Depth
Varying depths accommodate different activities, from a kiddie section to diving zones. Many designs incorporate depths from 3 feet to over 10 feet. Gradually sloping the pool floor creates smooth transitions between depths. Dropoffs work for separating areas, but should be clearly marked.
Pool Finishes
Plaster, tile, pebble, and glass are popular interior finishes. Each material offers different textures, patterns, and visual appeal. Softer plaster is gentle underfoot for play, while glass tiles lend dazzling sparkle. Darker finishes elegantly contrast with the water.
Pool Lighting
Underwater lights illuminate night swimming while deck and landscape lighting creates ambiance. Fiber optics offer dazzling effects. For safety, ensure adequate lighting in steps, changing depth markings, and perimeters. Remote control allows you to vary the mood and brightness.
Heating Options
To extend the swimming season, consider pool heaters like solar panels, natural gas, electric, or heat pumps. Calculate costs to determine payback period. Programmable thermostats help manage efficient operation.
Integrating L Shaped Pools into Backyard
An L shaped pool should complement your architecture and landscaping. Careful design ensures it looks seamless.
Complementing Home Architecture
Align the pool with clean lines and angles that mirror your home. For contemporary homes, sleek minimalism enhances the modern style. Curved pools pair well with Spanish or Mediterranean homes. Match decking patterns and finishes to your exterior design.
Blending with Landscape
Use decking, fencing, and plantings to blend the pool area with your yard's terrain. Repeating elements like stone, greenery, and elevation changes visually integrates it. Local plants, rocks, and natural woods make the pool feel like part of its environment.
Privacy Considerations
With its elongated shape, carefully consider the L pool's visibility and access from indoors and adjacent lots. Strategic fencing, screens, and foliage ensure privacy. Windows overlooking the pool should have tinting.
Constructing L Shaped Pools
Like any pool project, constructing an L shaped design requires careful planning and execution.
Hiring Pool Builder
Seek an experienced pool contractor familiar with engineering unconventional shapes. Verify licensing, insurance, references, and review examples of past L shaped pool projects. Reputable builders handle permitting and oversee subcontractors.
Permitting and Regulations
Be sure to check local codes for fencing, setbacks, utilities, and environmental regulations. Your contractor can ensure the design adheres to standards. Permits often take longer for unique pool shapes.
Proper grading, drainage, utilities location, tree removal, and soil testing ensure a stable base for installation. Rough terrain may require retaining walls or elevation adjustments.