Cocktail Pool

What are cocktail pools?
A cocktail pool, by definition, is a small and shallow pool that allows people to walk around the entire bottom. This creates the feeling of being in something of a tropical bar, waist deep in water, where hors d’oeuvres and drinks can be enjoyed in a wet suit in the sun, in the shade, or under the stars and lights of an illuminated aquatic environment.

How does a cocktail pool differ from other pool styles?
It is not so much a difference in style than it is a degree of size. There are a number of design styles that Exterior Worlds can integrate into a Houston landscape master plan. Typically all of these styles have spas within them, and they are built specifically for adults. If a client family has children, we create other environments for the children.

The obvious reason for this is to separate activities which often involve alcohol from immediate contact with children. For more information on how we can accommodate both children and adults in our landscape design services, click here or talk to one of our design specialists.

Who typically wants this kind of pool?
Most often, clients who live on lots of limited size that lack sufficient area to install a larger custom swimming pool.

Do you normally build these water elements near the home or in the back of the yard?
They are normally constructed near the home so guests can come and go from the rear of the home as they please, and so hosts can serve drinks from a convenient bar or serving area.

What are the most popular patio styles you build around these features?
The style of patio varies according to home architecture and landscape theme. The size of the patio will be targeted specifically at the anticipated number of guests that will hosts expect to attend back yard events.

We do not want the patio to fill too much space in the back yard, but at the same time, we never want to construct a surface which in the long run proves insufficient to accommodate the numbers that eventually find their way to the cocktail pool.

What home architecture does it best support?
Due to the expertise of our firm in custom swimming pool design, cocktail pools can be built to support any type of home architectural style.

What organic support/garden design is used around it?
We use plant materials to create a feeling of enclosure around the patio. This gives guests a greater feeling of privacy in the typically smaller yards we tend to build these pools in.

Is these structures ever built near outdoor rooms or kitchens?
Yes. In fact, building them near outdoor kitchens is a great way to separate the eating from the drinking, yet still have both close at hand. Also, some guests of the host may want to have a good time without alcohol. Creating two entertainment zones side by side in this manner gives people choices as well as the convenience of having either choice they make right there, close at hand.

Does this ever have spas, waterfalls, water jets?
Cocktail pools can and do almost always include a spa to give that special feeling of exotic warmth we all tend to associate with tropical locales or vacation getaways. We can also build these pools with swim jets that allow people to swim in place much like a runner runs in place on a treadmill.