Many clients come into our office wanting an oasis that adapts to their available space and lifestyle. If you think a small backyard cannot hold an in-ground pool or a large lot needs a large pool, think again. Have you ever heard of a cocktail pool before?
What is a Cocktail Pool?
Cocktail Pools are typically less than 400 square feet and three to four feet deep. Their small size can turn your small backyard space into a cozy and charming one.They can feature heated jets and comfortable seating and are perfect for grabbing a drink or relaxing with friends and family.
The Advantages of Cocktail Pools
• Requires very little space
• It is perfect for small yards
• Less expensive to heat than a traditional pool
• Takes less time for maintenance
• Lower maintenance costs (water, chemicals, etc.)
• Can be heated like a hot tub and used in early spring or late fall (year-round in some climates)
Take a Cocktail Pool to Another Level
Make a cocktail pool a focal point for backyard parties. Surrounding the pool with a stylish patio is a start. Then, add water features like cascades, jets, and fountains to give a touch of sophistication and elegance, making it even more ideal as an entertainment venue. Better yet, add dramatic lighting that sets the pool off!
Cocktail pool designs provide a great place to reunite with family and friends, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Since it’s a smaller version, it pairs well with a heater for winter use. Depending on the decor, it also makes for a relaxing backyard and an exceptional aesthetic. With a touch of sophistication and elegance, it is ideal for entertainment; you can set the scene with LED lights! They surround the oasis with a stylish deck and add cascades, fountains, and jets. Many choose to make the pool the focal point of the garden.
Popularity
A cocktail pool design is more common in urban areas, where backyards are smaller than in suburban areas.
However, some homeowners opt for smaller pools giving additional space for parties, garden features, outdoor kitchens, and lounge areas.
Maintenance
Everything needs maintenance. A Cocktail Pool is no exception. However, the advantage is that it takes less time to clean. Keep in mind that an oasis, like a home, needs maintenance.
Cost
The cost of building a cocktail pool may depend on selected materials and features. We build gunite concrete pools since they are more durable. You can expect a cocktail pool to cost approximately $60,000. Still, it can be cost-effective.
Is A Cocktail Pool Right for You?
The design may be the right choice if you want to add the most desirable pool and spa features. It’s beautiful, affordable, and durable and can be the centerpiece of your parties for years to come. We invite you to check out our article “Small Backyard Pool Ideas” for examples of small pools that are perfect as a Cocktail Pool.
An infinity edge pool is a type of swimming pool design in which the water appears to extend to the horizon, giving the illusion that the pool has no edge. The water flows over one or more edges of the pool, creating a seamless transition between the pool and the surrounding landscape. Infinity pools are often found in luxury resorts and high-end homes, and are often associated with a modern or minimalist design aesthetic.
Challenges in building an Infinity Pool
Building an infinity pool can present several challenges, including:
Engineering and construction: The pool’s design must be engineered to ensure that it is structurally sound and able to withstand the weight of the water.
Water flow: The pool’s water flow system must be carefully designed to ensure that water flows smoothly over the edge without spilling or leaking.
Water treatment: Because the pool’s water is constantly flowing, special filtration and treatment systems may be required to keep the water clean and clear.
Maintenance: The pool’s water flow system and filtration system will require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that the water remains clean and clear.
Cost: Infinity pools can be more expensive to build and maintain than traditional pools because of the additional engineering, construction, and maintenance required.
Site specific challenges: The location and topography of the site can play an important role, as the pool needs to be built in such a way that the water flows over the edge seamlessly, and the view of the infinity pool is not obstructed by natural or man-made structure.
Infinity Pool Sizes
The size can vary greatly, depending on the available space and the desired design. Infinity pools can range from small, intimate pools that are only a few feet long to large, resort-style pools that stretch for hundreds of feet.
In residential settings, they can be built to fit the available space, for example, a small design for a backyard or a larger one for a big compound.
In commercial settings like hotels and resorts, you will find them to be much larger and can be designed to accommodate a large number of people at once. These pools can be hundreds of feet long and may include multiple levels, waterfalls, and other features to create a luxurious and visually stunning swimming experience.
It is important to note that when considering building an infinity pool, the size of the pool must be designed with the surrounding environment in mind, to ensure that the pool blends seamlessly with the natural landscape and that the view of the infinity pool is not obstructed.
This is one of our latest design projects completed in Cypress Texas. Below you will learn how one of our professional designers worked with the homeowner to achieve this gorgeous design along with pictures and specifications of the pool.
“What was it about this project that required an unusual level of quality workmanship” This pool had a lot of different features that each took a lot of coordination and quality of workmanship to accomplish. To begin, we introduced a negative edge swim up bar up against the pavilion. We had multiple fire features as well as a weeping wall behind the perimeter overflow spa. With so much glass tile, travertine decking, and features, quality workmanship was king. The customer spent over 75k upgrading materials so making sure we executed the workmanship was essential. The glass tile weeping wall behind the spa required an extremely level and smooth finish to assure the water flowed correctly and evenly. This goes the same for the negative edge and spa.
“Describe how this pool design integrates effectively with the home, landscape, or both” The first thing this customer told me is she wanted people to come over and say “wow, I haven’t seen anything like this before”. We utilized the kick outs of the house to “wrap” the pool around to give a feeling of connectivity of the pool and house. Due to the slope of the yard, we used that to our advantage to add the negative edge spillway and create a “fire and water” aspect with the fire pit being up against that area under the pavilion. When sitting under the pavilion, you get to see the spa as a centered feature with the weeping wall as a back drop to the spa.
“Describe the aesthetic appeal of this entire project” A wow factor was a must with this project. Ensuring that we did something unique aesthetically was important. By doing water and fire features that you don’t see everyday added that to this project. With the fire feature in the center of the pool with the cap over it gives a twist to the traditional fire bowl or linear fire feature you commonly see. When thinking about the spa, privacy from neighbors was important. We utilized the wall to our advantage and when walking into the spa over the floating pads past the scuppers, it feels like you are going to a new destination. You then get to overlook the entire pool that seems to go on continuously because of the negative edge. We used a lot of different materials so each feature was unique but also complimented the next. We wanted to be unique, so we went with a wood look tile, nice glass tile for water spillovers, stainless scuppers we custom powder coated black, and a full travertine deck.
To see more examples of our gorgeous pools throughout the Houston, Austin and San Antonio areas, view our Design Gallery. If you would like to talk to a designer about creating your own backyard oasis, click here to Schedule a Consultation
With all the benefits a swimming pool brings to your home and life, there is never a “wrong” time to build a pool. However, as with most home projects, the sooner you start building a pool, the sooner you can enjoy it. The biggest reason for this is that inground gunite pools take on average 90 days to build, based on their size and complexity. As for the seasons, each has its own advantages and disadvantages for pool construction. But imagine deciding to build in a pool in March. Starting in March could mean that it’s July before you can enjoy your pool. Now, imagine having your pool ready by March or April and enjoying it all summer long? That is one reason to consider building in the Fall or Winter. Below are more solid reasons why you should consider Fall & Winter to build your new pool.
Regardless of the Season…Be Prepared and Plan in Advance
First off, regardless of when you build, there are many factors to consider when looking for the best pool for you and your home. Get a professional pool builder, like Cody Pools, to discuss your dream pool and request a quote. Learn about the different pool types and narrow your choices based on your preferences and budget. An honest consultation with a design consultant can help you create the right pool for your budget and lifestyle.
Below are some of the many factors to consider when planning your dream pool:
Type of pool deck and materials
Pool size, design, shape, and depth
Saltwater or chlorine pool systems
Pool features – e.g., lighting, pool access, water features, spas, slides, diving boards, etc.
Landscaping
Budget
Schedule
Designing and Building During Fall or Winter is the Best Time
Building in the off seasons of Fall & Winter may not mean immediate enjoyment of your new pool, but it can mean more time enjoying your pool in Spring & Summer instead of waiting for your pool to be completed. Plus, with our mild Texas Winters, a pool with a firepit, outdoor kitchen and spa can still provide an enjoyable outdoor entertaining environment. If you know you want a pool and have the finances for it then now is the best time to start building a pool.
One of the main reasons that Fall and Winter are ideal for building your pool is the permitting process. That’s when things are less busy than the Spring and Summer months when most builders apply. That huge demand can slow down the construction process tremendously. By planning your pool design and landscaping early and obtaining the necessary building permits as soon as possible. Consider the costs and benefits of building your pool at different times of the year and start planning your dream pool.
You Have Multiple Months to Learn Your Pool’s Needs
Building in the Fall means you will have more time to learn how to run & maintain your pool before the pool season. Our Service Technicians will train you on how to operate and maintain your pool properly so that you have more fun time with no down time.
You Have Time to Decorate Your Outdoor Living Spaces
Building a pool can take a beating on green spaces. By having the Spring to plan your garden and the idealized style for patio furniture and accessories, there is no rush on the big ideas you’ve been thinking about during the construction time frame.
Backyard design includes patios, walkways, steps, walls, garden beds, planting, drainage, grading, privacy, and lighting.
If you plan landscaping around your pool, you’ll also need to weigh the best time to do this work and work with a landscape architect to integrate your pool’s design into your new landscaping. Even if you can not plant anything in the winter, you can still plan your garden landscape. Once it warms up and your pool construction is complete, you can plant flowers, shrubs, and new grass in the spring.
Keep in mind that landscaping your yard can take multiple months, depending on the project’s scope. So ensure you have your landscape design is completed so you can start working on it as soon as possible.
The world of swimming pool construction and backyard design is constantly changing. That’s why there are new and unique designs all the time. Luxurious pool features are all the rage. From waterfalls and slides to sunbeds, there is nothing that adds an elegant accent to a backyard oasis like pool fire features. There are many reasons pool designers should incorporate fire features into a backyard pool.
Incorporating fire elements into your pool area can benefit you in many ways. For example, it becomes a great source of light near the pool. Also, you can have a party with friends and family near the pool while you cook or entertain guests. Adding a fire element to your pool will take its beauty to the next level. Here are some various options for adding a fire element to your pool:
Fireplace:
Building a fireplace at the patio’s edge or pool can provide warmth and light. A fireplace near your pool will become the central focal point that combines everything in your backyard. It will complement both the interior and exterior of your home.
Fire and Water Bowls:
Fire and water can create a perfect balance in a swimming pool. Water is, by nature, the dominant element in the world of swimming pools, exuding tranquility, relaxation, and freshness. When combined with fire, the oasis reaches a new dimension. Combine fire and water bowls to give your garden a stunning pool feature.
Fire Bowls:
Fire bowls come in a variety of designs to place around the pool. The flames create pleasant and unique lighting around the pool. There are many variations of fire bowls, such as small waterfalls made of these fire sculptures. The combination of these fire bowls and the water flowing down creates a mesmerizing effect and will impress your guests.
Custom Fire Pits:
Fire pits are a way to add fire features to a pool and backyard since they are an inexpensive yet beautiful and elegant option. They can come in different sizes, ranging from three to six feet. They can be gas or wood-fired and built from many different materials such as concrete, steel, and brick. However, most prefer fire pits ignited with gas and using fire glass/media to ensure a safe and long-lasting flame.
Safety First
Fire hazards can occur, but following these safety tips can prevent accidents:
• Wind Direction – Before lighting a fire, ensure you know which direction the wind is coming from.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing if planning to light a fire feature.
• Be sure to keep children and pets safe. They should be at least three feet away from the fire.
Cody Pools is the number one swimming pool builder in the nation for over 9 years running! Contact any of our offices in Texas, Florida, or Arizona, or visit our website to to talke to a designer or schedule a free consultation. To view more of our pool fire and water features, Click Here
