The Galaxy Pool
Swimming under the stars sounds sumptuous, but swimming amongst the stars. . . heavenly. To get the effect of the deep dark sky in a 900-square-foot pool, designer Ron Gibbons custom-blended marble-dust aggregate and three blue hues of colored crystal aggregate into the pool basin's finish. And for the twinkle of the stars, he installed more than 2,200 fiber-optic lights.
Courtesy of Storey Publishing, Photographer: Carl Saporitti from Poolscaping
The Aquarium Pool
This pool may stop at 25 meters, but the view through the glass barrier extends into 13 acres of forest (caution: watch your head). For added illusion, the ceiling has a stainless steel band, cut to the width of the pool. It captures the water's reflection and gives the effect of submersion whether above or under water.
Courtesy of Collins Design, Photographer: Nic Lehoux
The Modern Water Park
This industrial chic waterfall adds more drama to this modern landscape than a mini-Niagara ever could. Shooting from the roof, this detail fuses the Santa Barbara home to its outdoor space.
Courtesy of ORO Editions, Photographer: Jim Bartsch
Quatrefoil Pool
Rectangular pools are so pedestrian, but an elongated quatrefoil? Now we're talking. This ornate shape was only fitting for an extraordinary Pacific Palisades villa.
Courtesy of ORO Editions, Photographer: Michael Kalla
The Buoyant Home
The only thing this minimalist living room is missing is the diving board. By connecting the main pool with another shallow one that surrounds most of the home, a true floating effect is achieved. The edge of the latter follows the slope of the site and allows the water to overflow. The reflection of the residence in the pool accentuates this effect of infinity, which also enhances the open views of the Pacific off this Costa Rican shore.
Courtesy of Collins Design and Loft Publications, Photographer: Jordi Miralles from Pools: Design Source
The Ultimate Shoreline
No matter the weather, these residents of Recife, Brazil, can enjoy the curve of the coastline without the brunt of the beach. Designed as if it were an extension of the sand and water, the pool is partly covered by a porch built from bamboo, logs and straw, which are typical materials from the tropical area where the residence is located.
Courtesy of Collins Design and Loft Publications, Photographer: Tuca Reines from Pools: Design Source
Ocean Pool
This residence (to be completed in 2010) near Abu Dhabi will have a garden spa pool, infinity pool, and indoor reflecting pools, but to hover over the world's largest salt-water pool- that's impressive!
Courtesy of Dror, Photographer: Screampoint Rendering and Dror
The Conservatory Pool
New Jersey may not be known for its tropical qualities, but it didn't stop this Franklin Lakes family from getting a beachlike escape. Skylights and mostly glass walls bring in the sunshine, but keep out the cold.
Courtesy of Marson Pools, Photographer, Bradley Olman
The Hollywood Mirage
A glowing neoclassical mansion's double limestone staircases leads down to a bursting fountain that spills into a pool that shoots archways of water down around its perimeter- this has got to be out of a movie! It's an actual home, but it's not a shock that a former MGM studio chairman lives in this Los Angeles fairytale.
Courtesy of ORO Editions, Photographer: Erhard Pfeiffer
Small Space Oasis
The confines of this cliff-side backyard could never allow a huge pool, but there is always room for infinity. The homeowners worked around the stunted space by building a flat area and retaining wall at the edge of their yard to create a swimming hole that fits with their landscape. The round design blends with the natural setting and balances the hard edges of the stone surround; it helps the rim to vanish into the woods.
