What Was This Summer Missing? Planning the Perfect Pool and Spa for Next Summer in Hummelstown and Mechanicsburg PA Areas

This might have been a summer like no other, with fewer out-of-home activities than usual. This may have led you to wonder, “What was this summer missing?” Planning the perfect pool and spa for next summer in Hummelstown and Mechanicsburg, PA, can start right now, when the memories of this summer are still fresh and you know what you can do to make next summer absolutely magical. Let’s get started!

Related: 9 Design Ideas for a Pool and Spa Fit for a Staycation in Camp Hill PA

A pool and spa design that works for your family can be the difference between wishing and living the perfect poolside life.

Pool

Consider the size and shape of the space and your pool needs. Bigger isn’t necessarily better! Shapes, sizes, and location can make the space awkward, or magical. Balance the pool with other backyard needs so that other activities aren’t sacrificed for the sake of the pool (after all, the pool only gets used during the summer). A great backyard design considers year-round functional and aesthetic needs. 

Pool Deck

The size and shape of a pool deck is also up to your individual preferences. For safety, you want at least three feet of solid footing all the way around. If you enjoy lounging at pool side or want a space for the kids to play, the pool deck could become significantly larger.

Spa

A hot tub should be large enough to accommodate all regular users. Once you have your hot tub size figured out, consider the ideal placement for the best views, privacy and convenience. Think about seasonal uses. If you enjoy year-round soaks, positioning your spa closer to the home to make it even more enticing.

Now that the practical considerations are taken care of, it’s time to style your space. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Tropical

Tropical styles bring to mind exotic islands with private sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and impossibly clear blue water. A blue-tinted pool, sand-colored pavers and a boulder-lined waterfall - perhaps an overflow waterfall from an elevated spa - will give you the feel of a tropical grotto. Stagger plants so that some are closer to the pool’s edge than others to create the feeling of a natural spot where water and plants come together. A Baja deck can give your pool the magical sand-meets water vibe.

Urban Chic

If the look you’re after is sleek and modern, you could opt for a monochromatic planting scheme, large-format pavers with little or no texture, linear shapes, and sparse yet comfortable decor in neutral colors. The look is simple but not boring since the design brings focus to the materials and shapes. Use pea gravel where you would normally put mulch, a modern pergola for shade, and a cypress living wall for privacy and a softer look. Ornamental grasses and a sheer drop waterfall can complete your urban-chic look.

Mountain Hot Springs

A rustic design will create a relaxed, natural setting reminiscent of a private mountain hot spring. Curved shapes, textured pavers and retaining walls, stone slab steps or stepping stones, wood privacy fencing, a mix of wood and stone (or faux stone), and easy-keeping native plants will do the trick. Position the hot tub higher than the pool and surround it with large boulders and add a waterfall spilling into the pool for a secluded and inviting retreat.

Next summer can be anything but boring with the right pool and spa design!

Related: Designing a Pool and Spa for a Small Backyard in Hershey PA