As the scorching summer approaches, so does the long vacation, just within reach. It seems the only thing we want to do is take off our shirts and dive into the pool. One of the hottest trends in home design is the home swimming pool industry, with record demand for pools. Gradually, the pool has become a central factor in deciding the location and selection of the next home.
To clarify the pool industry trends and understand what you need to know before diving in, Avner Tzadok, CEO and owner of Plagim, a company specializing in pool design and construction, explains, "Last summer, we talked about a 25% increase in demand for private pools in homes, and it seems this season the numbers are climbing."
"The demand for pools in Israel is enormous and unprecedented. The ratio of home pools to the population keeps growing, and this popularity has brought many innovations," continues Tzadok. "The pool industry is evolving, and the capabilities and quality of execution keep rising. One of the most prominent trends today is stone design in pools. We manage to create unique pool designs and play with different cladding materials, alongside advanced lighting types, underwater speakers, jets, hydraulic floors, and more, creating stunning pools. The finish level of pools in Israel is among the highest in the world."
According to Tzadok, "Overflow pools remain the most popular in Israel. These are pools with a perimeter channel that collects overflowing water, creating a unique effect of the pool blending into the horizon and integrating beautifully into the landscape and yard. Most pools built today in Israel are concrete pools, considered the highest quality due to their orderly construction based on stable concrete foundations. When space is an issue, there are technologies that allow for counter-current swimming."
"Regarding limited space, Israelis do not compromise even when there's no room. Even if it's at the expense of the garden and other leisure areas, it has become an essential part of the Israeli family. A pool is not seen as a status symbol but rather a lifestyle, part of Israeli culture and family bonding around it. The focus is not on the pool itself but the entire surrounding setup. This means a pool, outdoor kitchen, seating area, screen, jacuzzi, and various other amenities. The outdoor environment has become dominant with deep thought around planning. The outdoors is how we expand the living space for the family. The pool area allows us to significantly detach from daily life, something many people seek, especially these days."
"Building a private pool requires precise planning. It's not a quick fix. It’s a process that requires permits, precise planning, and professionals – but in the end, a pool has no price... it's simply the star of the house, and if at some point you want to sell the property, the investment in the pool will certainly pay off. Buyers will prefer a house with a ready pool over one that requires bureaucratic processes to create a new one," concludes Tzadok.