I thought I'd kick off my first outdoor post of the year with a splash.
Not many know this, but I have a close affinitive to swimming pools. My older daughter Liv is a swimmer - and let's just say we spend a lot of time poolside (are there any other swimming parents out there? If so, you'll know exactly what I mean!). Even so, I still dream of sitting by a pool with a co*cktail and page-turner all summer long.
And lately, I've noticed a surge in popularity in small pools here in Sweden. Generally, anything around 3 square metres (10 square feet) or less is considered a small pool and depth-wise, you're looking at 90 cm (3 feet) for a plunge pool and 120 cm - 150 cm (4 -5 feet) for a lap pool. The beauty of this smaller size is that there's a pool out there for almost every budget and outdoor space.
Ready to feel inspired? Let's dive in.....
Round pools
1. I love thisplunge pool built into the deck ofBruer Cabin designed by Lundberg Design.Behind it is a slightlylarger, 425 cm /14 feet deep pool made from a repurposed livestock water tank.A perfect sustainable watering hole in which to cool off in the Sonoma sunshine.
For a really budget friendly option, use an old bath - like the one at this Danish summer house.
2. This repurposed concrete water tank pool accessed via a bridge was installed in the garden of Mount Ninderry in Queensland, Australia - a sustainable and budget friendly home project by Sparks Architects. Such a clever idea!
3.Designer Raili Clasen of Raili Ca Design added this raised year-round round to the garden of her 1950s cottage to create a calming oasis in which to relax with her husband and their pooch. I'm a huge fan of these wooden tubs - which can also come with a wood burning stove for heat (I've been looking into this for our little cabin).
Square/ rectangle pools
4.There's something wonderfully fuss-free about this square plunge pool - dip in, cool off, return to whatever you were doing! Or pour yourself a drink and hang out for a while.
5. This sunken in pool at artist retreat La Maison Marrakech offers a lush place to keep cool and relax on a warm day.
6. Simple steps lead down to this minimalist plunge pool. I love the shower area which has been built-in to the wall too.
7. Sometimes the best things come in small packages - and I can totally imagine coming home after a long day and enjoying a soak surrounded by vertical greenery in this lush townhouse garden.
The thin pool
8. OK, maybe this one isn't really a 'small pool' but I thought I'd include it since it maximises the use of outdoor space by following the contours of the house. Just in case you need to 'test it out' for yourself, this incredible Eco Bush Retreat is available to rent via Airbnb. Just saying!
9. Just wide enough for a breaststroke glide (although you might struggle with butterfly), this lush, long pool idea is perfect for narrow spaces. Plus, the raised succulent bed adds shade.
10. No garden? No problem! This rooftop ledge in France has been transformed into a small pool overlooking the rooftops.
What do you think, could you imagine installing a small pool at home? Or perhaps you have first-hand experience of owning a pool - if so, please do share your thoughts below!
Looking for more outdoor space inspiration today? Check out:
10 ways to maximise your tiny balcony / outdoor space
16 inspiring outdoor terraces for every size, style and budget
7 boho ideas for outdoor spaces - big and small
16 beautiful outdoor bath and shower ideas
8 ways to pep up your outdoor space - Scandinavian style
I have to admit, we woke up to snow here in Malmö this morning - so summer is feeling very far away. It doesn't stop me dreaming though!
Har det så fint!
Niki
*If you're thinking of installing a pool, please visit Pool Safely (from the Consumer Product Safety Commission) for important information on pool safety.
Credits: Main image: unknown 1.Bruer Cabin by Lundberg Design2. Sparks Architects3.Raili Ca Design/ Karyn MilletLa Maison Marrakech4. Unknown (Pinterest) 5.La Maison Marrakech6. Unknown 7. Alisa & Lysandra - Albert Park Series8. Airbnb - Eco Bush Retreat / 9. Hither & Tither10. We Peps
FILED UNDER:outdoor spacesswimming pool
