Pool design trends shift over time, and what homeowners are asking for now looks a little different than it did even five years ago. Here is a look at some of the design elements showing up most often in our recent builds, and why they have become so popular.
Tanning Ledges
A tanning ledge, sometimes called a Baja shelf, is a shallow, flat area built into the pool, usually just a few inches deep, where homeowners can place a lounge chair partially submerged in water. These have become one of the most requested features in new builds, especially for families with young kids who need a shallow area to play, and for adults who want a spot to relax in the sun without being in deep water.
Spray Decks and Modern Patio Finishes
The deck around a pool gets just as much design attention as the pool itself these days. Spray deck finishes in lighter, modern color tones have become popular for their clean look and heat-reflective properties. Combined with travertine or paver accents around the pool edge, the result is a deck that looks polished without the higher cost of an all-stone surface.
Spa and Spillway Combinations
An attached spa with a spillway into the pool continues to be one of the most popular additions, and the design of these has evolved too. Raised walls with multiple spillway openings, sometimes combined with a sheer descent waterfall, create a more layered look than a single spillway opening did in the past.
Darker Plaster Finishes
Darker plaster colors, deep blues, grays, and near-black finishes, have grown in popularity for the dramatic look they create, especially with LED lighting at night. These finishes can also help with heat retention in cooler months, though they do show debris and require slightly more regular brushing to keep looking their best.
Outdoor Living Integration
More than ever, pool projects are being designed alongside covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire features as one connected space rather than separate additions. This means thinking about sightlines from the house, the placement of seating areas relative to the pool, and how lighting ties everything together at night.
Designing for Your Yard, Not Just a Trend
While these are some of the most popular elements we are building right now, the right combination always depends on the specific yard, budget, and how the family plans to use the space. Trends give us a starting point for ideas, but every design we build gets shaped around the homeowner's actual goals.
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
If you are starting to think about a new pool and want to talk through design ideas for your yard, our owner is happy to walk through it on a free 15-minute call. No obligation, no sales pressure. Just a straight conversation with the person who will build your pool.
Call us at (346) 481-3835 or book your free call at chrbuilder.com.
