Cranking up the air conditioning may help you cool off in Summer, but diving into a swimming pool does the job so much better. Depending on where you live in Australia, a backyard pool comes into its own when the mercury starts rising.

For an inground concrete swimming pool you’re looking at between $35,000 to $100,000 for installation costs. The average spend in Sydney is $45,000 to $50,000. Then there’s  the pump, heater, decking, fencing and other accessories. But if you invest in a quality backyard pool it should serve you well, plus cut down on costs for maintenance and repairs.

If you have limited space, there are less pricier options if you want to cool off in a backyard pool this summer. Above ground pools are a lot cheaper because there’s no excavation work needed. A small plunge pool or custom-made ‘spool’ (small pool) can also cost around 40% less than a larger inground pool and is a popular option for a functional garden water feature.

But while small pools are definitely on homeowner’s radars at the moment, there are other exciting pool trends to consider too.

1. Knife-edge pools

Knife-edge pools are winning out over more traditional style inground pools due to their sophisticated contemporary look. Though it’s one of the the most complicated backyard pool designs to install, the effect of having ‘no-walls’ makes the water look like a flat sheet of glass contained within the tiles or decking.

It’s best to hire a pool company who are experienced in this kind of design and have completed a number of backyard pools that you can review.

2. Lounging ledges

When thinking about backyard pool designs, consider the luxury addition of a lounging ledge or Baja shelf. This is essentially a shallow area of a pool where you can place sunloungers or generally relax and converse. This feature lets you stay cool without getting completely wet. Kids can also have a safe paddle.

3. 'Smart' pools

Smart homes are all the rage, so why not your swimming pool too?

The ultimate in luxury is a pool that is remotely controlled from your Smartphone or iPad. You can heat your pool on the way home from work, take off/put on the pool cover automatically, turn on/turn off lighting, pumps and cleaning equipment and more. People want their pools for relaxing in, they don’t want hard work. Sounds good to us!

4. Customised pools

Even if you think you don’t have enough room or an unusual space, customised backyard pool designs allow you to create a pool to suit your unique circumstances. Some pool building companies incorporate architectural planning and 3D design concepts into their services.

So if you have an idea that’s not a conventional rectangular design, then you can pretty much create it if you hire the right company. A customised pool is often a statement piece for a backyard that requires out of the box thinking.

5. Fire features

A very on-trend feature for swimming pools right now are fire features. If you want to add a resort-style atmosphere to your pool, then fire bowls situated on the edges of the pool or a fire pit on the decking will light up the night and take the chill off the air.

Water features are cool, but fire features add decorative drama to night swimming and pool parties!

Want to install a backyard pool? The right kind of swimming pool can definitely add value to your home as long as you live in an area where pools are in demand and it has the right features. Jump online to Bricks+Agent and connect with a local pool professional and get quotes to start your hoem project.