Current Swimming Pool Design Trends

History of Pool Design

The progression of swimming pool designs often mimics home design trends of the time. At the turn of the 20th century, swimming pools were generally created with functionality in mind, taking the form of plain rectangles few decorative flourishes. In the 1950s and 1960s, kidney-shaped pools came into vogue. These pools featured a more natural, undulating design meant to evoke the appearance of more natural bodies of water. Throughout the 1990s, geometric shapes such as squares and rectangles grew increasingly popular again. Today, you will see a mixture of geometric and freeform pools with the vast majority of pools being built today following modern contemporary design trends.

Here are a few current pool design trends worth watching:

Eco-Friendly Designs

Constructing environmentally friendly swimming pools that use renewable resources and cutting-edge technology is becoming increasingly popular. This includes pool coverings that prevent water evaporation and heat loss as well as solar-powered heating systems, lighting with LEDs, and lighting with motion sensors.  Many municipalities also now require variable speed pumps, cutting energy waste and saving homeowners on electricity bills.

Dark Colored Pools

The trend towards darker-colored swimming pools, particularly those with black or dark blue finishes, is continuing to gain popularity. These pools have a more dramatic appearance and are most often constructed out of a pebble or similar aggregate type material for longevity.

Smart Pool Technology

The popularity of ‘smart’ home technology has led to an increase in accompanying ‘smart’ pool equipment. The availability of ‘smart’ features, automatic pool cleaners, and intelligent water chemistry monitoring has made it possible to simplify owning a swimming pool.  Many backyard swimming pools are operated via a wifi connection and an app on your cell phone.  Gone are the days of manually turning valves and setting temperatures. Pool automation now enables you to manage your features and water chemistry using a mobile device. The associated wifi apps allow you to adjust temperature, lighting, water features, pump speed and also monitor your chemicals.

In-ground Spas

The installation of a built-in hot tub is an opulent touch that can be added to most any pool design. Built-in hot tubs provide a soothing and therapeutic experience with heat and therapy jets, also complementing the aesthetic of the pool. Elevated spas lend themselves to natural waterfall features while flush spas contribute to a modern vibe.

Elaborate Outdoor Living Spaces

Pools are increasingly becoming more than just a place to swim; they are often the focal point of an elaborate outdoor living concept. Outdoor living spaces open up the home and extend the ambiance to the exterior.  Various elements, such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, turf surrounds and grand hardscape elements can be created to ensure the perfect functional space.

Natural Pools

Sustainable and environmentally friendly pool designs can now effortlessly integrate into your outdoor living space.  Pools that blend with nature are often chemical free and filtered with enzymes and natural vegetation. These swimming pools are designed to look like natural bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, and ponds, and they make use of natural elements and materials in their construction, such as stones, pebbles, and sand.

Swim-up bar

A swim-up bar is a luxurious addition to a swimming pool that enables swimmers to get a drink and lounge without getting out of the water. This element can be fashioned as an attached bar or an independent structure with seating and a working surface.

Underwater Lighting

Creating a spectacular visual effect in the pool, colored LED lights can add volumes to the night-time ambiance of your space. LED lights can be used under water to illuminate the pool, under the coping for a wow factor or as low voltage landscape and deck lighting to tie it all together.

Sunshelf (Baja Shelf)

A sunshelf is a shallow area of water within a pool that provides a place to rest and relax without getting entirely submerged in water. If you are not familiar with what a sunshelf is, it is essentially just an oversized top step and can range in size from a few square feet to spanning the entire length of the pool.  Many people with young children also like the option of a sunshelf to allow the kids to toddle and play in just a few inches of water.  Sunshelves can have bubblers and other water features as well as lounge chairs and umbrella holders built right in.

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