Make 'Em Drip With Envy With a Custom Pool

	Dive In
	Photo: Aquatic Technology

As the summer warms up, don't you just dream about diving into a cool, blue pool?

Even if you prefer just floating serenely, you'll still want a pool that is both unique and beautiful.

Here are some picks that will cool you down and also have your neighbors begging for an invitation.

First of all, make sure you shop around and get several estimates.

Also consider your home's style and surrounding environs when talking to designers.

Companies such as Cipriano Landscape Design, an architectural design company, Endless Pools, creators of a unique water-exercise pool, and Aquatic Technology, an ultra high-end pool and landscape designer, are good places to start.

The New Jersey-based Cipriano, for instance, will incorporate the entire pool area into the surrounding landscape, taking into account the setting and natural topography of the land as well as the architecture of the house, says landscape designer Bill Moore.

Usually projects range from $300,000 to $900,000. "The pool price will depend on many factors, including the materials, scope of water features [like] natural rock waterfalls or formal ponds, and saltwater chlorination systems," Moore explains.

It's certainly an investment, but you will get your money's worth -- Cipriano only takes on about six to 10 pools a year.

A Pool in Every Home

If you don't have a lot of space to work with, consider Endless Pools, which features an adjustable current that allows you to swim and exercise in place.

The pools are about eight feet wide by 15 feet long, and have easily adjustable temperature. Even though they are much smaller than traditional pools, they still offer many of the same benefits.

In addition, the freestanding feature makes it possible to fit one in a number of settings, both indoors and out, such as a basement, garage, porch or patio.