Curves have been making their way into our homes for some time, from arched doorways and rounded joinery to curved walls, furniture and garden design. Now the pool is getting in on the act.
For architects and designers, the appeal of a round pool goes beyond aesthetics. Its softer geometry can change the way an outdoor space is organised, while a smaller footprint can open up possibilities where a conventional rectangular pool simply wouldn’t work. Here are five reasons circular pools are worth considering.
1. They bring a softer geometry outdoors
The return of curves in residential architecture has been gathering pace, particularly in Australia, where rounded forms are appearing across everything from façades to kitchen islands and landscaping.
A pool doesn’t have to follow the straight lines of the house. A circular form can introduce a different geometry to the garden, creating contrast while still feeling cohesive with a broader design language.
For Nic Fry of Plungie, it makes sense that the trend has extended to swimming pools.
“Pools want to join in on the fun!” she says.
2. They can become the social centre of the garden
There is something inherently sociable about a round pool. Rather than creating a linear edge that people tend to sit alongside, a circular pool draws people around it.
Fry describes the pool as the heart of the outdoor space, much as the kitchen has become the heart of the home. A semi-recessed or above-ground pool can strengthen that effect, making the water itself part of the architecture and a natural focal point for entertaining.
3. They make better use of smaller outdoor spaces
As houses occupy more of the available site, outdoor space has to work harder. Fry says average lot sizes have reduced while homes have become larger, leaving less room for generous gardens and swimming pools.
A traditional pool can dominate a backyard, whereas a smaller round pool can be used to create distinct outdoor zones. There might be a dining area, a garden or entertaining space alongside a pool rather than having the pool dictate the entire layout.
This is one of the ideas behind Plungie’s new Orb, its smallest pool, which is designed for spaces where a conventional pool may not have been feasible.
4. They can create different kinds of outdoor zones
The idea of the backyard as one large entertaining space is giving way to more layered outdoor environments. A pool might form part of a wellness zone, a quiet place to sit, or a dedicated space for family life.
That can also mean having more than one water-based zone. A larger pool might handle swimming and play, while a smaller pool creates a more intimate space for relaxing, soaking or cooling off.
The Orb has been designed with this flexibility in mind. Seating around four people, it is smaller and shallower than Plungie’s larger Arena pool, making it suitable for courtyards, rooftops and compact gardens, or as an additional pool within a larger outdoor scheme.
5. They can make a pool feel more architectural
Perhaps the biggest shift is the way pools are being considered as part of the architecture rather than an object added to the garden afterwards.
The shape, positioning and relationship between the pool and the house can help extend indoor living outdoors, particularly where large openings create a visual connection between the two.
And because a round pool can be relatively compact, it gives designers another tool for creating that connection without sacrificing the rest of the outdoor space. As pools become smaller, they’re opening up new possibilities for how we design and use our outdoor spaces.
Explore pool projects by Plungie on ArchiPro, or discover new products and connect with trusted professionals to bring your outdoor space to life.
