Every decorating style has certain elements and features that make it recognizable. Contemporary design uses clean, straight lines and geometric patterns. Cottage-style décor uses light pastel colors and many natural elements. But did you know that there are different styles of pools as well? And just like decorating styles, pool styles have certain features that make their style recognizable. One popular design for pools in Atlanta is the Roman style. Keep reading to find out what a Roman-style pool is as well as the features that make it recognizable.

An Upscale Look

Roman-style pools have a high-class, upscale look that draws on neoclassical decorating styles and brings it to the outdoors. The elegance of Roman accents combined with the modern conveniences of a backyard pool makes a beautiful oasis that stands out from standard swimming pools. If you’re looking for a pool design that’s extremely sophisticated, then the Roman style is probably the right option for you.

Shape

Though Roman pools are typically rectangular in shape, they’re recognizable by the accents at the ends of the pool. A Roman pool can have sharp corners and accents at one end, and often has a semicircular end on the other side; this is called a Roman end. However, if you prefer, you can have a Roman end on both sides of your pool.

Step Entries

The Roman ends of a Roman-style pool usually feature steps for entering and exiting the swimming pool. Alternatively, the end of the pool could also be converted into a shallow area for young children to play or for adults to lay in to keep cool while tanning (called a tanning ledge). These shallow areas can be anywhere from a few feet to several yards long, depending on the size of your pool and your preferences.

Decking

What truly makes a Roman-style pool recognizable is the decking and accompanying décor. As the saying goes, “The devil is in the details,” and it’s in these details that the pool’s style is truly revealed. The decking of a Roman-style pool is typically ornate, featuring neoclassical elements such as columns, pedestals, and statues.

The best decking material to use if you want to fully achieve the Roman look is marble. Of course, this is a rather expensive material. If your budget doesn’t allow for marble decking, travertine is a more affordable option that mimics the look of marble. Whichever you use, make sure the pavers are tumbled to prevent water seepage and to make them less slippery when wet.

Is It for You?

Before setting your heart on a Roman-style pool, it’s important to consider any potential limitations on your pool design. One common issue with this style of pool is space; the distinctive end caps on a Roman pool take up quite a bit of space, so this style usually works best in large backyards. Additionally, consider how you want to use the pool. If you want to swim laps, then the decorative nature of this pool’s design probably means it’s not for you, and you should go with something a bit simpler and more utilitarian.

If you’re looking to install a new pool—whether it be a concrete, Roman-style pool or inground vinyl liner pools in Atlanta—contact Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc., for professional design and installation services. Call now!