The elaborate designs of resort and hotel pools have had a large impact on the design of residential pools, which have become more and more elaborate and exotic over the years.  If you decide to include an in-ground pool as part of the construction of your new custom home, here are a few design trends and ideas that you may want to consider. Knife’s Edge When the level of the water in a pool meets the pool deck at the same level, this is what is known as a knife’s edge.  This refers to the sharp edge between pool and deck where the water flows into a small slot on the edge and the surface of the water creates a mirror effect.  Technological advances in the past few years have made these kinds of features easier to install in the back yard, and a knife’s edge can easily lend a feeling of luxury and elegance to any pool’s design. Baja Ledge Many resort pools will have a shallow lounging area adjoining the pool, or built as part of the pool, and many residential pools are beginning to incorporate this kind of feature in their design.  The area in the Baja Ledge is usually quite shallow, perhaps a foot or so deep, which allows you to place lounging chairs or tables with an umbrella in the water.  Building the Baja Ledge near an outdoor bar or serving area can make it a fun place to hang out. Moving Water Water parks and fountains around the world have inspired people to want water features in their own back yards.  You can install a rock wall and have water cascade over it for a wonderful effect.  With enough space, you could even use a waterfall to divide out a secluded grotto to relax in.  Bubblers and fountains can be used as a decorative touch as well as offer pleasant ambiance for relaxing.  Waterfalls can be made as sheer sheets, cascades, or trickles, and each of these will provide a different sound quality to help create whatever atmosphere you prefer. LED Lighting LED lighting are a huge trend in all lighting around the home, and this includes the pool.  They use less energy than incandescent lighting, and they can come in many colors, even changeable colors from the same source.  Some of these lights are programmable and can be set up to change color over the course of the day or night to suit whatever effects you want to create. Building a pool as part of your new custom home design, especially in southwest Florida, can help create a fun and relaxing back yard.  And with advancements in technology, all of the impressive features that once could only be found at top-end hotels and resorts can now be found in back yards.  If you’re interested in exploring your options for a pool or a new custom home design, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes at (239) 205-5075 or stop by our model home at 2818 Tropicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.