Written by: Richard Disharoon
6 min read
Whether you’re lounging in the sun with a refreshing beverage or embracing the chaos of playing with your kids, nothing says summer like a pool. In the Capital Region, your pool is the centerpiece of your backyard, and it is just as visually pleasing as it is fun and functional.
Like the rest of your landscaping, your pool should fit the aesthetic design and scale of your property. With a variety of swimming pool shapes to choose from, this means that selecting the right custom pool design is a decision that will impact your home for years to come.
Read on for a professional look at the different types of pools you can choose from, insights into the benefits of popular pool shapes, and guidance on how to pick the best option for you, your property, and your family.
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The Top Types of Backyard Pools for the Capital Region
Popular Pool Types in the Capital Region
Swimming Pool Options FAQs
Custom Pool Designs by Gallivan in the Capital Region
The Top Types of Backyard Pools for the Capital Region
Outfitting your backyard with a pool is exciting. It’s a time that is full of possibilities, expectations, and visions of how your new pool will brighten your life and contribute to many memorable summers.
At the same time, the pool design and selection process can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, ranging from your budget and lifestyle to your landscaping and personal preferences.
Thankfully, you do not have to have all the answers up front. Instead, you can work with a local expert to determine the perfect swimming pool options for you and your intended use, starting with this very guide!
Popular Pool Types in the Capital Region
When considering pool types in Upstate NY, it’s a good idea to start your search with what is already popular and proven in the area. This foundation gives you the knowledge and confidence you need to begin adding your personal preferences to the equation, ultimately leading you to the perfect pool for your home.
As you discover the different types of pools, one thing stands out as perhaps the most important factor of all: each one is designed for a specific purpose. In other words, how you intend to use your pool will be among the key deciding factors in your process.
There are three popular pool shapes in the Capital Region that serve as excellent starting points: lap pools, infinity pools, and freeform pools.
Lap Pools: Sleek, Functional, and Fitness-Focused
For those in Upstate NY who plan to use their pool primarily for exercise, nothing tops lap pools. These svelte pools are as elegant as they are functional, offering an aesthetic boost while providing you with the option for continuous swimming and fitness training.
Long and narrow, lap pools are fantastic for spaces that require efficiency. You can even customize your lap pool with cleaning solutions, integrated spas, and other personalized features that elevate its appearance and functionality.
Infinity Pools: Luxurious and Visually Stunning
If visual intrigue is paramount to your pool design, an infinity pool is sure to appeal to you. These pools are designed to appear infinite, as the name would suggest, by having one or more walls with a vanishing edge. When done correctly, an infinity pool will blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
This illusion is done by allowing the water to cascade over the top of the vanishing edge and into a hidden catch basin. That water is then pumped back into the pool, ensuring that the water level remains optimal.
Known for being stunningly beautiful, infinity pools are the perfect complement to a luxurious property. They are best installed on elevated terrain, whether it’s a hillside or as part of your outdoor living space.
Freeform Pools: Natural and Family Friendly
Maintaining a natural environment that both facilitates your lifestyle and complements the beauty of the Capital Region is an exercise in intentionality and thoughtfulness. It is also where freeform pools shine the brightest.
Freeform pools mimic the shapes of naturally occurring bodies of water. This means that they take on non-linear shapes, creating a visual interest that is accompanied by a serenity you would normally find only in nature. Think of it as an organic alternative to the sharp angles and strong lines of rectangular pools.
The fluidity of freeform pool designs provides many benefits. They can be crafted to fit the layout of your property, incorporate natural entries, include grottos and ledges, and seamlessly blend into the paradise of your Capital Region backyard.
Swimming Pool Options FAQs
How do I choose the right type of pool for my Upstate NY backyard?
The best way to select the right custom pool designs for your home is to work with an experienced professional. Considering how you will use the pool, your aesthetic preferences, the unique features of your property, and a host of other factors is essential to finalizing a design that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Do different types of pools have different maintenance demands?
Yes, they do. For example, infinity pools require consistent maintenance to prevent the catch basin from accumulating debris and clogging. On the other hand, freeform pools are difficult to cover and clean due to their unusual shapes. Learning more about pool maintenance and working with a professional can ensure that your pool stays pristine and functionally flawless.
How do I ensure my pool fits my landscape?
Selecting from types of backyard pools for the Capital Region starts with evaluating your property. Your pool should be appropriately sized for the space, complement your home’s architecture and landscaping, fit the lifestyle of you and your family, and work with the topography of your yard. An experienced pool design team can help.
Do some swimming pool shapes cost more?
Yes. As a general rule, more complex swimming pool shapes cost more. A rectangular pool will be the most budget-friendly option, while a freeform pool will likely cost more. This is primarily due to the increased labor demand and construction work that must be done for unusual shapes.
What are the best types of backyard pools for the Capital Region?
While the shape of your pool is up to you and dictated by your preferences, the type of pool that you install should be guided by a professional. For example, fiberglass pools are an excellent option for the Capital Region because they are easy to install and can handle the freeze-thaw cycles that are common in the area. Gunite pools, on the other hand, are extremely customizable, making them fantastic for complex luxury designs, but they are far more expensive and take longer to install.
Custom Pool Designs by Gallivan in the Capital Region
No matter what pool types in Upstate NY strike your fancy, working with a professional to perfect the design, execute the installation, and bring your dream backyard to life is a must. That’s why we encourage you to reach out to us at Gallivan for pool design in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park.
With over 30 years of experience in the area, we can help evaluate your landscape, turn your vision into actionable plans, and transform your Capital Region home into a true oasis. Fill out our consultation form today - our in-house design team is ready to discuss your pool project with you, whether you are in the beginning stages of dreaming or ready to break ground!
