Rim-flow, affinity or plunge? What’s hot this summer.

The warmer weather is fast-approaching and so The Know has dipped into the latest pool trends, so you can enjoy being sun-kissed in style.

Rim-Flow Pools

Rim-flow, or infinity, pools are probably the most visually impressive of all the pools but are not simple to build and are expensive, according to Neil Marwick of Swimagain Pools.

There are various elements you need to consider, including elevation, distance and ideally a view – as well as excellent engineering. A rim-flow pool requires considerable management thanks to the two different levels – the rim-flow pool at the top and the reservoir at the bottom. Two pumps are required – one to drive water up from the reservoir and the other for the sanitisation process.

What makes it all worthwhile though is how a well-positioned pool enhances a beautiful view and adds great value to your property.

Plunge Pools

The plunge pool is probably the most cost-effective option and offers many more advantages in terms of it being ecologically friendly – it uses less water, costs less to heat and can add great visual impact in a home.

Since plunge pools are often built within the structure of a house, careful engineering is vital because, as George Boorsma of Ink Design Lab notes, pools tend to leak. It is thus best to use a reputable pool consultant to ensure that the structure is technically sound.

Start by deciding on its shape and size – bearing in mind that keeping it small helps to contain the costs. Averaging 4 metres by 2.2 metres, plunge pools generally use less water, which means less evaporation. A plunge pool is not expensive to maintain and is infinitely manageable.

Natural Swimming Pools

The fundamental idea behind an eco-pool is that a natural ecosystem is allowed to develop so the water can regulate itself – making swimming in these pools much like being in a mountain pool.

The first step is a thorough analysis of the water chemistry so the correct components can be selected to create and maintain the ecosystem.

While the most aesthetically pleasing of the three pool types, and needing the least amount of maintenance, Dr Jerome Davis of Eco Pools cautions that natural swimming pools are expensive to build and do not work if not properly designed. They will also not be an overnight sensation as they take a while to become established.

But the pluses are huge. Long-term these pools are less expensive and, since no chemicals are used in the water, a healthier option for all concerned.

Read our Imagine Magazine article here

Posted by The Know - Pam Golding Properties