Swimming pools

NO LONGER JUST SIMPLE BLUE RECTANGLES GLISTENING IN THE SUN, POOLS ARE TAKING ON DIFFERENT FORMS AND COLOURS - DIVE RIGHT IN TO SEE WHAT THE BEST DESIGNS DELIVER

- FEATURE Roddy Clarke

‘Bathing, to me, is a powerful ritual of reconnection: with oneself, with water, with light, with silence,’ explains interior designer and architect Katja Pargger, discussing her approach to integrating pool areas within a home. ‘Every element - material, form, reflection - is designed to encourage a gentle, mindful immersion in the aquatic realm,’ she says. Nodding to a relaxed, spa-like experience, Katja's desire for peace and tranquillity is shared by many people – but the challenge often remains in seamlessly merging it with a practical functionality.

Added to this, as awareness grows around our endangered wetland habitats, many owners are now opting for natural pool alternatives, says garden designer Matthew Childs. ‘It’s a feature growing in popularity,’ he says. Speaking of her own natural pond, architect Linda Morey-Burrows says there are many benefits that go beyond the obvious environmental impact. ‘It’s beautiful to swim in,’ she says. ‘Filtered a third by the natural vegetation, the water feels pure and fresh and is home to newts, pond skaters and waterborne insects.’