Many people who live in the desert Southwest wouldn't consider building a home without also building an inground swimming pool. Here are some books about pool and spa design that can help you design your dream swimming pool. Thanks to Kevin Woodhurst, the President of Precision Pools and Spas in Chandler, for these personal recommendations.
1. The New American Swimming Pool
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By James Grayson Trulove. In 40 case studies the author provides site plans, lists of materials and more than 300 color photos of unusual and innovative swimming pools. Paperback.
2. Master Built Pools and Patios
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By Tina Skinner. The subtitle of this book is: An Inspiring Portfolio of Design Ideas. Describes, and shows in photos, about 300 pools built by the world's best pool builders. This book will help inspire ideas for anyone planning a new pool project. Hardcover.
3. Poolscaping
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By Catriona Tudor Erler. The subtitle of this book is: Gardening and Landscaping Around Your Swimming Pool and Spa. You can have a swimming pool hole in the ground with a fence around it, or you can have an area of your home that is inviting and pleasing. This book addresses decking, enclosures, structures, furniture and plantings.
4. Small Pools
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By Fany Tafari. This book focuses on pools for small spaces and limited budgets. More than 200 color photos. Hardcover.
5. Spectacular Pools
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By Francisco Asensio Cerver. A coffee table book with very high end swimming pools from around the world. Your dream pool may be featured here!
6. Reflections on the Pool
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By Melba Levick. The subtitle of this book is: California Designs for Swimming. This book spotlights forty examples of pools by well-known pool designers, and depicted in 100 photographs. Suitable as a gift or coffee table book. Hardcover.
7. The Springboard in the Pond
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By Thomas A.P. Van Leeuwen. The subtitle of this book is: An Intimate History of the Swimming Pool. This is not your typical design or maintenance book. This hardcover book is full of tidbits on the swimming pool's formal development and about designers, patrons and users of public and private pools. This would be more appropriate for the pool lover who appreciates metaphysical concepts.
8. Pools and Spas
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By Alan E. Sanderfoot. The subtitle of this book is: New Designs for Gracious Living. Full color photographs of fantastic and elegant pools. This is not a how-to book for the typical homeowner. You'll enjoy this one more as a coffee table book.
