A free-form pond shaped pool can be an oasis. Casual Water, Bridgehampton, 631.537.5700

Gone are the days of boring rectangular or oval-shaped pools!

With miles of coastline at our doorstep featuring sparkling clean waters, rolling waves and gentle tidal pools, it may seem odd to dig a hole in our backyard to fulfill the same purpose as the Hamptons famous beaches--frolicking in the water. Yet a swimming pool or spa is one of the most in-demand features an East End home can have. In addition to providing hours of fun and a focal point for entertaining, having or not having a pool can literally make or break the sale or rental of a home.

In an area that is home to many professional pool firms who can expertly guide a potential pool buyer through the process of selecting the right pool, homeowners will be pleased to find that today's pools and spas can be custom built to almost any size, color, and shape.

A luxurious spa - ready at a moments notice. Ocean Spray Pools and Spas, Westhampton Beach, 631.288.6006

Out of the three choices of pool construction--vinyl, gunite or fiberglass--vinyl is the least expensive of the three. Having greatly improved in quality over the years, vinyl pools are constructed of reinforced walls with a thick vinyl liner. Liners are available in a wide variety of patterns and colors including renderings of mosaic tile that look as authentic as the real thing.

For those looking for a speedy installation, fiberglass pools are the way to go. Made of a one-piece shell unit, they are installed directly into the ground. Fiberglass eliminates the need for liners and resurfacing and many pool companies advise that a fiberglass pool is generally easier to maintain and requires fewer chemicals.

Gunite pools are the most expensive to install but widely considered the highest quality. Made of concrete and plaster, they have a long life span when properly maintained and have the ability to be finished with plaster or pebble applications, allowing for a wide range of creativity.

A popular trend for today's pools are vanishing edges, waterfalls, attached spas, and multiple entryways into the pool. Those looking for a little extra are choosing to install a swim up bar, such as those featured in many Caribbean resorts. Complete with bar stools and water-proof bar, these structures are built right into the pool.

Fountains and the use of multiple water jets are another option that can be used to create exciting visuals. Special nozzles are installed that create pressurized jets of water that can be choreographed to dance from end to end of the pool. These water jets can also be illuminated with light to create a dazzling effect.

Go geometric! Islandia Pools, Riverhead, 631.727.6312

Gone are the days of boring rectangular or oval-shaped pools. Modern pools can be fashioned into almost any configuration, from L-shaped, kidney, triangle, round, or free-form. Pools can also be personalized with the use of mosaic tile. From Grecian aquatic nymphs to frolicking sea life, the mosaic tiles are installed one by one. There is a famous Hollywood actor who has a portrait of his wife meticulously done in tile on his pool floor. Other options can include initials, favorite sports teams, college names, and even family pets immortalized in tile.

For lighting a pool or spa, fiber optics are highly recommended by pool installers. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lighting are perfectly good options, but fiber optic lighting is easily installed and safe for use around water. Fiber optics allow for the use of colorful lights that can be timed to circle the pool perimeter, flash on and off, be tied in to a stereo system and keep time with the music, and create myriad effects. When used in tandem with water jets, the look is opulent, impressive and will surely turn heads.

Choosing to install a pool is a big decision and a large investment, but most realtors will tell you that it certainly increases a home's value and desirability factor. And while a trip to the beach is certainly a fun way to spend the day, nothing beats stepping right out of your door into your own private aquatic oasis.

Resources:

• Blue Diamond Conservatories, 1.866.558.4237
• Casual Water, Bridgehampton, 631.537.5700
• Islandia Pools, Ltd., Riverhead, 631.727.6312
• Johns Swimming Pools Inc.,Westhampton Beach, 631.288.5222
• J. Tortorella Pools, Southampton, 631.283.7373
• Kazdin Pools and Spas, Southampton, 631.283.4884
• Ocean Spray Pools and Spas,Westhampton Beach, 631.288.6006
• Penguin Pools, Hampton Bays, 631.723.3320
• Pinto Swimming Pools, East Moriches, 631.878.0966
• Pooltastic Pool Works, Hampton Bays, 631.728.3983