Reflecting pools are water features that not only exude a serene and peaceful charm, but also accentuate the best aspects of your home or the canopy surrounding it by acting as a giant mirror! Modern reflecting pools have come a long way beyond the expansive and excessively large pools that require hefty maintenance and constant attention. Even contemporary homes that lack any significant backyard space are adopting these fluid additions in order to complement the interior or the entryway.
Bringing forth a sense of calmness and tranquility, it is the stillness of these features that makes them so attractive. Transforming any space into a personal and secluded retreat, reflecting pools usher in an ambiance that allows you to escape the rush of mundane life. Brilliant both as an architectural feature and a peaceful getaway, they combine the best of both the worlds with effortless ease!
by Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
by Abramson Teiger Architects
by Aquatic Consultants
by Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor
by Lewis Aquatech
by Wagner Hodgson
Design with Intent!
One of the first things to understand about reflecting pools is that they are much more shallow than normal swimming pools and need to feature a water surface that is as still and undisturbed as possible. While a deep body of water can also double as a reflecting pool, it requires a lot more maintenance, and the reflection may not always be ideal. A perfectly designed reflecting pool features an outer rim placed at a height that is lower than the central area of the pool. This intentional design strategy minimizes wave formation and create a calm and still surface.
by Meld Design
by E. Cobb Architects
A perfect reflection pool need not always be expansive. Most current homeowners are opting for small L-shaped water features around the house that double as lovely reflecting pools. This space-conscious feature gives the home a sophisticated, posh finish while making it appear visually far more airy and spacious both on the inside and outside.
by HMH Architecture + Interiors
by Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers
by Gregory Phillips Architects
by Dufner Heighes
Location and Reflection
Planning for a reflecting pool is much like framing a beautiful picture. In fact, that is precisely the function of this striking body of water. The placement of a large reflecting pool elevates the look of the adjoining structure as it elegantly captures the image of the architectural feature that you wish to highlight. The image that you wish to capture can vary from the silhouette of your lavish villa or the pool house on the deck to the beautiful fall canopy around your house or even the floating clouds in the sky!
by Ownby Design
by Root Design Company
A pool that is too small will not fully capture the image you wish to highlight, while one that is far too large will feature the unnecessary. Remember that the point from which you look at the pool also changes the view it captures (much like in the case of a mirror), so plan the seating options on the deck of the reflecting pool accordingly.
by KrisCo Aquatech Pools & Spas
by Dick Clark + Associates
by Sutton Suzuki Architects
by Diego Perez
Paint A Pretty Picture!
A reflecting pool brings plenty of benefits that go beyond the obvious. Add a wonderful walkway or a curated garden with a bridge that floats above the pool and you have a great setting for some fabulous evening walks. Reflecting pools not only encourage you to get a bit of fresh air and a healthy lifestyle, they are also a smart addition to homes in the tropics and the arid regions. The refreshing breeze that emanates from the pool cools your home significantly and keeps it naturally pleasant in the hot summer months. Eco-conscious owners will also love the fact that this ensures a significant dip in energy consumption as the pressure on home cooling units is eased considerably.
by Birdseye Design
by Rugo/ Raff Ltd. Architects
Small reflecting pools indoors are also a smart way to create a personal space that is serene and stylish. From preachers of Feng Shui to the best modern architects across the globe, pretty much everyone raves about the benefits water features bring to an urban setting dominated by glass, stone and concrete. What better way to do it than with a magical and mesmerizing reflecting pool?…
by Anthony Wilder Design/Build
by SBT Designs
by Eggleston Farkas Architects
by Bianchi Design
by Thuilot Associates