Costa Rica Home Swimming Pool Design

A swimming pool is not an element that is designed separately from a house; it is an integral part of its social area.

Therefore its context, design and function will be determined by the external area it occupies, in according with the surroundings, and the relationship of external and internal design options.

Consequently it is important that the architect, together with its future users, take the following points into consideration:

1) Is it an area integrated with the social activities, or is it independent from them? The answer determines whether the pool will be a dynamic or a static element, either active or contemplative.

2) Does the swimming pool serve only as a social meeting place, or does it have other functions? A large surface of water near a house is an excellent cooling element, if it is oriented towards the daily predominant wind direction. Due to the evaporation of the water by the heat, a warm breeze cools it off and the resulting air current can create a refreshing environment in the interior of a house.

3) The architect can look, in addition, for a “mirror effect” in the design of a swimming pool. Surroundings are projected in the water, creating unique optical impressions during different hours of the day, and luminous ones at night.

4) Is an integral part of the house or separated? If it is integrated, then it would be an element, which tends to continue the architectural lines of the building and its surroundings. An example are the pools designed by the architect Victor Cañas, where the illusion of a continued horizon exists between the pool and the seaside, blending in, at the same time, with the natural and artificial surroundings. A pool can be separated optically with columns, panels, and variances in ground levels, even if it closely situated to the house.

5) Straight or curved? Curved pools are esthetically more pleasing to the eye, especially those upwards of 50 m² (aprox. 550 square feet) in size.

If the pool is to be separated completely from the house, it can create its very own environment, with auxiliary installations surrounding it, such as changing booths, a bar, a rancho, bronzing areas, etc.

On the other hand, a swimming pool, or parts of it, can also “invade” a house, thus creating a special ambience, which has its continuity via the exterior of the house.

Another possibility is the pool being supplied with water by a natural spring. Here a “controlled jungle” can be set up with ferns, waterfalls, flowerbeds, etc., therefore creating an artificial oasis.

In other scenarios, pools can serve as walls and roofs of houses. The walls could be made of glass or reinforced plastic, letting the aquatic ambience into the rooms. The visible “landscape” will change radically with the ensuing reflecting-light effects.

Consider this as part of your investment

1. A swimming pool greatly increases the value of a property.
2. Make sure that there is enough free space available, and carefully plan its final location within the property.
3. Plan the function of the pool beforehand, including the maximum number of swimmers.
4. Contract the services of specialists! Preferably a company that provides its own civil, electrical and mechanical engineers.
5. Ask for a detailed estimate that includes costs, materials, warranty, and after-installation service.
6. Balance the estimate against the actual running costs of a swimming pool.

Our thanks to our friends at La Nacion – Costa Rica’s largest Spanish circulation newspaper for their permission to use their article in English.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.