Swimming pools represent a significant water element within a property, and according to Vastu Shastra, their placement is critical to maintaining the flow of positive energy. While the northeast, north, and east are considered ideal directions for water bodies, the reality of modern architecture often necessitates compromises. When a swimming pool is situated in the south or southwest—zones traditionally associated with heaviness, stability, and the fire element—specific remedial measures are required to balance the elemental discord. These guidelines, derived from established Vastu principles, offer practical solutions to harmonize the energy of a pool located in these challenging directions.
The Elemental Challenge of South and Southwest Pools
In Vastu Shastra, the orientation of a property is mapped to specific elements and energies. The south is governed by the fire element, while the southwest represents the earth element, signifying stability and heaviness. Water, the dominant element of a swimming pool, creates a natural conflict when placed in these zones. This elemental clash can potentially disrupt the harmony of the home or property.
The core issue with a pool in the south or southwest is the presence of heavy water energy in areas meant for earth or fire. To mitigate this, the primary strategy involves using complementary elements to restore balance. For the southwest, which is a zone of heaviness, the goal is to lighten the energy. For the south, which is fiery, the goal is to balance the water with fire or earthy materials.
Specific Remedial Measures for the South Zone
When a swimming pool occupies the south direction, it introduces a heavy water element into a fiery zone. To counteract this, Vastu principles suggest introducing elements that represent the earth or controlled fire to neutralize the excess water energy.
- Reflective Surfaces: One effective remedy involves the use of mirrors. Placing a north-facing mirror near the pool can reflect positivity and redirect energy flow. This helps in dispelling the stagnation caused by the wrong placement.
- Fire Elements: To balance the water element in the south, a small lamp or fire element can be set near the pool area. This introduces the necessary fire energy to counter the water.
- Color Therapy: Utilizing yellow or red decorative elements near the pool can neutralize the powerful water element with fire energy. Additionally, applying white paint on the pool’s edge is a recommended fix to soothe fiery undertones.
- Positive Symbols: Setting positive symbols, such as Buddha statues, in the north or northeast directions of the pool area can help elevate the energy.
Correcting a Southwest Swimming Pool
The southwest is considered a heavy zone governed by the earth element. A swimming pool here creates a situation where heavy water sits over a zone of stability, which can potentially stifle progress and create instability. Remedial measures focus on grounding the water energy and lightening the overall load.
- Earthy Materials: To offset the water element, use earthy materials like terracotta pots and stones. Placing large stones or sculptures in the southwest area helps anchor the energy.
- Yellow Accents: Since the southwest is associated with the earth element, using yellow accents is highly beneficial. A yellow accent wall or painting nearby walls yellow can bolster earth energy and lighten the load of the water.
- Pyramid Energy: Burying a copper pyramid beneath the pool area or nearby is a powerful remedy to stabilize the energy and correct the vastu defect.
- Lighting: Ensuring the pool area, particularly the northeast section of it, is well-lit is crucial to keep the energy vibrant and prevent stagnation.
Addressing the Southeast, Northwest, and West
While the focus is on south and southwest, other directions also present challenges and have specific remedies derived from the source materials.
- Southeast Swimming Pool: This zone mixes fire (southeast) and water. Remedies include utilizing metal decor to negate the elements, placing green plants in the east or north, and setting up a small water feature in the north. Green mats or a small fountain can also balance the fire and water tension.
- Northwest Swimming Pool: This airy zone requires stabilization. An eastward waterfall or light blue tiles can stabilize the energy. A northwest wind chime or blue curtains nearby can disperse stagnant vibes. Using natural stones or eco-friendly materials also helps balance the elements.
- West Swimming Pool: The west is associated with the water element but requires specific remedies. Incorporating reflective surfaces like mirrors in the east to deflect unfavorable energy is recommended. Setting a small fountain in the north or northeast and keeping it well-maintained is also beneficial.
Holistic Enhancements and Design Considerations
Beyond directional remedies, the overall design and maintenance of the pool area contribute significantly to energy flow.
- Furniture and Seating: Furniture should be made of natural materials like bamboo, wood, or wrought iron; plastic should be avoided. Lounge chairs and seating should be placed in the northeast, north, or east directions to promote positive energy flow. Cluttering the southwest with furniture should be avoided as it adds "weight" to an already heavy zone.
- Lighting: Lighting sets the mood and energy. Soft white or blue LED lights around the pool enhance calm. They should be positioned in the east or north to welcome positivity. Harsh reds or oranges should be skipped, especially in south placements.
- Plants: The area around the pool can amplify energy. Plants like tulsi, lotus, or jasmine thrive in water-rich zones and align with Vastu principles, especially near the northeast edge. Thorny plants like cactus or heavy trees that cast dense shadows should be avoided.
- Rooftop and Basement Pools: For rooftop pools, keeping them lightweight and avoiding the southwest is ideal. A low-profile rooftop pool in the northeast is recommended. For basement pools, skylights in the northeast can turn a modern space into a Vastu haven.
Seasonal Care and Budget-Friendly Tweaks
Maintaining positive energy requires attention even when the pool is not in use. Dry pools can sap positivity, especially in the off-season. Filling an unused pool with pebbles, sand, or creating a temporary garden in the northeast helps maintain vastu integrity. In a south-facing scenario, adding a small water bowl in the northeast corner during dry months keeps the water element alive.
For those on a budget, Vastu alignment does not have to be expensive. Affordable blue tiles, a northeast water feature, or potted plants can align with Vastu tips. For a south west direction fix, a white border or bamboo screen lifts energy without significant cost.
Conclusion
Correcting a swimming pool in the south or southwest is entirely possible through the strategic application of Vastu remedies. By understanding the elemental conflicts—water vs. fire in the south and water vs. earth in the southwest—appropriate countermeasures can be implemented. Using earthy materials, specific colors like yellow and white, fire elements, and reflective surfaces can neutralize negative impacts. Additionally, thoughtful landscaping, lighting, and furniture placement further harmonize the space. While these measures provide a framework for energy balancing, consulting a Vastu expert is recommended for fine-tuning specific property layouts to ensure the pool becomes a source of prosperity and well-being.