The best thing about 3D rendering services is that you get to see how the swimming pool should look, even before construction begins. Modern CAD technology allows you to design everything in a virtual space where you can build, make changes, and basically fine tune the plan on a computer screen. Rendering does cost money, but it helps you avoid potential costly mistakes during the construction. You can consider it a three-dimensional photorealistic blueprint but without all the confusing technical construction annotations.
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Swimming pool 3D rendering
Photorealistic rendering is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) construction document digitally drawn to scale, so you get a clear idea of what the final outcome will be early on in the project. To make the rendering as accurate as possible, it has to go through several steps:
1. Concept: the process starts with some simple sketches on paper to determine basic specifications such as shape, dimensions, materials, and location relative to the house or main building. If there needs to be structures around the swimming pool, like glass enclosure, deck, furniture, and decorative elements, they should be included and detailed in the sketch as well. The sketch will have to go through one or two refinements before everything is ready for digital drawing.
2. Modeling: the render artist begins creating 3D models of all objects in the pool and the surrounding landscape. If the pool is close enough to the main building, a small part of it might be included in the modeling to put everything to scale.
3. Detailing: once the modeling is done, it’s time to put more details into each object. The process may involve adding colors, textures, lighting, and shadows.
4. Water simulation: one of the most challenging parts of 3D rendering is creating photorealistic water. Most render artists use specific CAD software services to generate depth, transparency, reflection, and the illusion of motion on the surface.
5. Lights and shadows: the viewing angle along with light direction determines the shadow. Since the rendering also involves water, there should be some refractions as well. Shadows on the water surface should be different from those on hard surfaces, too.
6. Rendering: the actual rendering task is done by the computer, but the artist still needs to configure a few settings like the resolution and output format.
7. Post-processing: once the rendering is done, post-processing helps improve fine details such as brightness, saturation, contrast, and specific effects.
Swimming pool 3D rendering costs between $500 to $1500. Keep in mind that the rendering fee has nothing to do with how much the actual swimming pool will cost you.
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Types of swimming pool
A swimming pool is a striking home improvement element. It comes in plenty of different sizes, shapes, and styles, but sometimes more options make it even harder to make the right choice. You have many things to consider, from functions and maintenance to design and complexity. But one thing is certain: a swimming pool is not cheap. Pool design services don’t have to be expensive, however.
In-ground
A multi-use recreational swimming pool is often a standard feature in a luxury house. In some real estate markets, such as the Sun Belt region in the US (stretching from Virginia and Florida in the southeast through Nevada and southern California in the southwest), an in-ground pool – or any type of swimming pool, for that matter – is pretty commonplace in middle-class neighborhoods as well. Even if you’re not overly keen to swim, the feature will come out as an excellent investment that brings a significant addition to the property’s long-term value. And if you do find swimming enjoyable, an in-ground swimming pool requires regular maintenance, at least several hours a week for cleaning.
Above ground
Soft-sided and hard-sided options are available for above-ground swimming pools. And if you add a frame around the outside walls or elevated deck, the final outcome is barely distinguishable from the in-ground type. The soft-sided option allows you to disassemble the entire structure in case you need the extra space or during cold winter. Reassembly is relatively easy for DIYers, but then again, you may come across some difficulties when the structure is poorly built in the first place due to clumsy planning. Compared to the in-ground type, an above-ground swimming pool is a much more affordable investment and easier to maintain.
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Lap pool
Most lap pools are built as an in-ground type, but there are also above-ground variants installed as either permanent or non-permanent structures. The ideal size for a lap pool is anywhere from 45 ft. to 75 ft. long; the standard Olympic-sized length is 164 ft. As for the depth, it usually has three levels: 3 ft. at the shallow end (for entrance), 4 ft. in the middle, and 5 ft. at the other end. While the entrance seems suitable for children, a lap pool is intended only for workout use without additional elements like water slides or diving boards. A lap pool is long, narrow, and shallow. It’s constructed in a rectangular shape, making it an ideal option for a small backyard area because it doesn’t take up too much space. The installation of an in-ground lap pool with the aforementioned size costs around $45,000. But if you’re looking for a store-bought above-ground type, expect to pay around $10,000, including labor.
Indoor pool
If budget is not a concern, an indoor pool is a no-brainer. As the name suggests, the swimming pool is located inside – therefore not exposed to the outside environment – and under a roof for better privacy and cleanliness. An indoor pool is usually in-ground and built for swimming exercises throughout the year rather than being part of a playground. Think of it as a fancier and larger version of a lap pool kept safe from the elements. When installed outside the main building (such as in a backyard), the pool is often covered with a glass enclosure; if you have enough space, you can even have the pool and enclosure constructed as a detached structure. Whether the shape is rectangular, circular, oval, semi-circle, or any other geometry you find pleasing and complementing the architectural style, an indoor pool is a true statement of taste and style.
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Infinity edge pool
At least one side of an infinity pool is set below the water level with an out-of-sight skimmer tray. The edge is designed in such a way that it looks as if the pool blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Done right, the water at the edge of the pool gives the illusion that it falls over the wall, just like a small waterfall, although you don’t exactly hear the sound of rumbling water. Infinity pool is a common feature in luxury homes located on hilltops or near the ocean. It’s always custom-built as part of the house blueprint and intended to highlight the view.
Spool
A blend of spa and pool, a spool is larger than a spa yet smaller compared to a typical pool. You can’t swim in it, although some spools have directional jets with adjustable power for the purpose. But most spools are built for relaxation – a place where you can soak comfortably with friends after a hectic day. Spools are usually an in-ground affair constructed from poured concrete, but there are also ready-made models installed with elevated decks. You can almost say that spools are oversized hot tubs. Some of the fancier models feature full temperature control, insulated cover, LED lighting, and a filtration system.
Note: if your spool turns out to be quite large, it may fall under the full-size swimming category according to the local building code. You may need to install protective fencing to meet the code requirements.
Plunge pool
Often an addition to an already existing in-ground swimming pool instead of a stand-alone feature, a plunge pool is not designed for swimming. It’s relatively small (about 10 x 15 ft.) and shallow at around 6 ft. Although it looks like an ordinary spa, the water inside the pool is intentionally kept cold to help you cool down and relax after an intense exercise. But just because plunge pools are small and shallow, it doesn’t mean they’re cheap. Installation may cost between $15,000 and upward of $20,000.
Natural pool
No, this is not a pool that naturally takes shape on your property, but an artificial pool designed to appear as if it has already been there for many years. It’s built as part of the landscaping and therefore equipped with a regeneration zone for an organic cleaning system. Since this is intended to serve as landscape appeal, the pool is not used for swimming. Even if you want to swim in it, you probably won’t have an enjoyable experience due to the shallow depth. Depending on the size, a plain natural pool is likely more affordable than an in-ground swimming pool, although you might spend more on styling elements such as small streams/waterfalls, boulders, and aquatic plant life.
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Architectural pool
The name says it all: an architectural pool is built to complement the design of the main building. The structure, materials, colors, and shape must be carefully selected to create a cohesive look. It might be an addition to an existing structure, but most are built as part of the house plan and designed by an architect. While it’s always a stand-out feature, an architectural pool should create the impression that it blends seamlessly with the main building as if each is an inseparable part of the other. If you’re building an architectural pool as part of a renovation, the cost can be more expensive than the house itself. Maintenance is just about the same as a regular in-ground type.
How Cad Crowd can help
A swimming pool is not a small investment, but proper planning and detailed 3D rendering can help you make sure that it is worth every penny you spend. Cad Crowd is home to professional render artists offering flexible solutions and customizations to meet even your most diverse requirements. Get in touch with Cad Crowd to get your free quote, and you can expect nothing but the best working with the best in the industry.
