Explore, connect, thrive in
the expat community

Expat Life: Local Discoveries, Global Connections

Real Estate News The latest trends in swimming pools: from ivory-coloured bottoms to waterside fire pits - La Nacion Propiedades

BuySellBA

Administrator
The latest trends in swimming pools: from ivory-coloured bottoms to waterside fire pits - La Nacion Propiedades
1730149069800.png

Source:




October 27, 2024

Swimming pools have become part of a home's design, and the latest developments and prices make it worthwhile to think seriously about taking a dip



By Victoria Aranda



rs=w:1280

Light colors as a pool background are becoming a trendArchive

“Previously, it was valued only for its ability to entertain and refresh during the warmest months of the year, today, it is also considered an element of home decoration,” defines Juan Manuel Selvas, general manager of Selvas Natatorios, when asked about the latest in swimming pools , a must for those who want to enjoy water and sun at home and, as the businessman points out, much more too.





rs=w:1280

The current pools integrate perfectly with the architectural style of the house, creating a visual unit that combines functionality and aesthetics. Selvas Swimming Pools

A meeting place, a relaxation space and a play centre for children and adults at the same time, as well as a swimming pool, pools are all of these things and, in fact, a landscape resource that designers use, since through their visuals they provide sensations of well-being, which can even be audible when waterfalls are added.

“Pools are designed and harmonized with the style of the house, forming a unit,” said Selvas. “The reality is that there is no such thing as a trendy design, but rather a general architecture of the house and the land, which must be taken into account,” he stressed, before pointing out what else needs to be taken into account when thinking about your own pool .

What you need to know

A couple of really important considerations when it comes to swimming pools. The first is the orientation . According to the specialist, it is “essential” that they have the best afternoon sun , in order to maintain the temperature and enjoy them for as long as possible. “Then you have to analyze the terrain, its leveling, setbacks and, of course, the client’s wishes,” he recommends.

As for shapes, they say, the preference continues for straight and minimalist lines, although depending on the design of the lot and the house, there are also some with irregular shapes, which resemble water mirrors. “The measurements will depend on the client's choice and what they are looking for with the pool, as well as the space,” he explains, although he clarifies that the standard is 8x4 meters and usually requires 15 days of construction.





rs=w:1280

Beyond being just swimming pools, pools are now entertainment centers for adults and children, as well as providing key landscape value.Selvas Swimming Pools

In terms of landscaping, according to those in the know, infinity edges are recommended when there is a differential view perspective. That is, it is justified in water terrain or to enhance an open horizon on a golf course, for example .

Made of concrete, with quality materials and finishes, the cost of a standard pool ranges between US$13,000 and US$15,000,
according to the same source . A curiosity about the new pools: depth is a factor that has changed a lot in recent years, gradually decreasing. Specifically, while three decades ago they were chosen with up to two meters of depth, now they are from one to one and a half meters.

Regarding size, Cristian Escalante, head of Pool Naturals , explains that the size of the pool often depends on the family group. “For example, a family of five generally leans towards a 7 x 3 meter pool. And from there, up,” he says, indicating that about $14 million must be allocated for a classic 8 x 4 meter pool.





rs=w:1280

Adapted to the size of the family group, the pools usually vary in size, with the 8x4 meter one being one of the most common, ideal for enjoying in company.Selva Natatoriums

“Of course, there are also additional features that logically impact costs,” Escalante explains. “For example, a Finnish overflow pool, that is, one that overflows on all four sides, will have a higher cost because a cistern system must be installed to achieve this,” he explains. “Another additional feature is the jacuzzi, which can be elevated, internal or external. In general, there is now a tendency to request an external and rectangular one, for eight people,” he specifies.

But there are many more additional features. From enclosures to dry living rooms, with a fireplace, where you can even eat , says Escalante before referring to two of the most classic: lights and air conditioning. As he explains, for underwater lighting you can choose traditional round ceiling lights or, failing that and at the same cost, LED bars, “with good durability”, of Chinese origin.

As for the water and its ideal temperature, even with the current cost of energy, customers are inclined to request air conditioning , since it extends the use of the pool a little beyond the summer season. In this sense, specialists point out that the desired temperature can be achieved through solar panels or low-consumption heat pumps.

Coating and maintenance

Once the pool has been located and designed, another important point is the covering. Holstein, a materials importing company with several specific products, points out that there are well-defined trends. “ For a pool with a tropical feel, Bali, Ocean Blue, Ocean Wave and Andesite stones , which are natural and polished, are the most in demand ,” lists Mauricio Contreras, partner and founder of the firm, who gives an approximate price for this option: US$82/m² .

In Europe, however, a type of digitally printed Venetian tile is being used ,” he continues, specifying that in this case the price is around US$68.90/m².





rs=w:1280

With the infinity edge effect, this pool turns every view into a unique panoramic experience, perfect for terrains with unobstructed views or waterfronts.Selva Natatoriums

According to Contreras, there is a third option: Hydrocoat (US$35/m²), “widely used in the US and also here in Argentina,” which is a material like polished marble . “It is continuous, so the pool is left without any joints. In addition, it gives a smooth finish,” he explains.

If you have chosen to paint your pool, you must pay attention to maintenance , which will depend, of course, on the care you have given it . If it has been well maintained, painting should be done every four years. Or it should be done annually if it has not. Expert secret: repainting should be done in the morning, once there is no dew, and should last only until midday.





rs=w:1280

The 8x4 size is the most chosen for a domestic pool and in some cases waterfalls are added.

As for colors, ivory, sand and aqua green tones are increasingly being used, as people are tired of the typical light blue or sky blue, and today the market offers these possibilities ,” says Guillermo Ortega, manager of Sui Color, a company that sells products for this purpose. “There is also athermal paint available today for the edges of the pool, so that people who walk by it don’t burn their feet,” he notes in relation to the options for the season.

Inside and outside

Whether it's to lie down in the sun after a dip, or in the morning for breakfast, or for an aperitif before lunch, or for afternoon mates or an evening cocktail, a corner by the pool is also a space to design . All to enjoy the summer after a long hibernation.





rs=w:1280

fire pit attached to the pool that was built at the same time as the ground was dug Archive

To this end, there are new lines of furniture, designed to be placed right there and, thus, have the feeling of being “in the pool” right down to the last detail. With this purpose, Oscar Gil, designer of Fontenla , an Argentine furniture company, recommends the new outdoor collection, with an organic design, with an aluminum structure, fabrics such as nautical knitwear and electrostatic paint that provides protection against UV rays, prolonging durability.


www.buysellba.com
 
Back
Top