Back in the day, swimming pool trends were basic. You had your pool, usually rectangular, and your water. Maybe a diving board if you were fancy. And well, that was pretty much it.
(Unless you were the Ancient Romans, in which case you enjoyed luxury pools WAY ahead of your time. Learn about the history of swimming pools here).
Now, you can easily add a bit of style and artistic flair to your pool with tiles. And if you want to create a mood for your pool area, lighting and accent pieces go a long way.
But maybe you’re more concerned with improving your swimming experience. Does automated pool maintenance, perfect temperature swims, and lower swimming pool bills sound good to you?
If so, keep reading to discover 12 awesome swimming pool trends worth following
12 Awesome Swimming Pool Trends Worth Following
Dark interior pool finishes for an inviting, and relaxing ambiance
Dark interior pool finishes create a special type of serenity that lighter colors can’t match. Almost as if the pool is a natural body of water and not a man-made swimming hole.
It’s probably because deeper colors like sea green and dark blue tend to remind us of oceans and lagoons. So if you’re going for a more comforting and laid-back vibe, a dark interior pool finish is the way to go.
Light interior pool finishes for reflecting heat and keeping the water cool
On the flip side, if exercise and recreation is your focus, a light interior pool finish could be perfect. Because while darker colors are great for creating moods, lighter colors serve a different purpose:
They help keep your water noticeably cooler.
This is due to the simple relationship between heat absorption and color.
According to science: the darker a color, the more wavelengths of light it absorbs (heat absorption), and the lighter a color, the more it reflects (heat resistance).
DIY pool heaters made out of black garden hose are a cheap way to heat your pool for this very reason.
Using heat/cool pool heaters for perfect temperature swims every day
When most people think of pool heaters, they think of, well, heat. Warmth.
But what might surprise you is that certain types of pool heaters double as water coolers. That’s right, with options like heat/cool pool heat pumps, you have the power to both warm up AND cool down your water to the perfect temperature.
Sunny weather making your pool uncomfortable for swimming?
No problem, cool it down with your heat pump
Suprise cold front has your water feeling chilly?
Warm it right back up with your pool heat pump.
Extra tip: For the best pool temperature control, add a solar cover to reduce heat loss and lock in warmth.
Installing in-pool ledges (sun shelves) for the perfect lounging areas
Have you ever wanted to have a pool day without having to get in the water? Longed for a comfortable spot to relax in that’s closer to the water?
If so, in-pool ledges are the perfect upgrade for your swimming pool. These custom add-ons, also known as sun shelves, offer the perfect balance between comfort and accessibility.
They’re just deep enough past the surface to place a chair, or table for your book. So while you sit there and tan, you’re constantly refreshed by the cooling breeze of the water beneath you.
Then, once you’re ready to swim, all you have to do is stand up and your feet are in the water.
In-pool ledges are also great for parents who want some time to relax by the pool but need to keep an eye on the kids. They offer the perfect wading pool area for keeping the little ones cool and close.
Swim up bars for the ultimate convenience
If your pool is a regular spot for celebration and get-togethers, then adding a swim-up bar is “taking it to the next level.”
Usually, you only see these in the hotels and resorts – but imagine having one in your own pool.
Drinks and snacks at the ready without having to leave the water. Just swim right up, have a seat, and unwind with an ice cold Pina Colada.
Share a few drinks and laughs with friends on a summer afternoon as music echoes through the speakers. Whip out the classic board games for game night with a twist.
With a swim-up bar, you can recreate that feeling of summer bliss whenever you want.
Exterior pool and landscape lighting
While interior pool lighting has been popular for the last few years, exterior lighting is just on the come up.
We’re not talking about the porch light, but intentional “mood” lighting for creating a specific atmosphere.
Of all the swimming pool trends, this one is one of the easiest to add to your pool. Set up is quick, and the cost is usually low.
A few popular exterior pool lighting trends include:
- LED strips around bushes for a calming glow
- Lighting along OR on stone walkways
- LED strips around the perimeter of the pool enclosure
Fire pits, fire bowls, and fireplaces for raw natural lighting
No matter what type of look or atmosphere you’re trying to create, there’s one swimming pool trend that always seems to fit in.
Fire.
Fire is lighting in one of it’s most natural forms. And while there are plenty of pool lights that can add a beautiful orange and yellow glow to your pool area, there’s nothing that recreates the presence of a dancing flame.
It’s soothing to watch, and warming to approach. And it brightens up your pool area in a way unlike any other.
Related: 15 Cheap Ways To Upgrade Your Swimming Pool
Adding waterline tiles for an aesthetic touch
Tiles look gorgeous on almost any pool. There’s no denying that.
From mosaics and glass to stones and pebbles – there’s a variety of pool tile designs to choose from.
And while some pool owners install tiles directly into the pool and under the water, it’s waterline tiles that are most popular these days.
Waterline tiles come in sheets and install directly above your pool’s waterline (hence the name). They offer a quick and easy method for adding a colorful accent to your swimming pool, minus the complicated install. Plus, they typically last longer since they’re above your water and not in it.
Saltwater chlorination for softer, and more natural feeling water
Traditional pool chlorine has been around for decades, and for one simple reason. It works, and it works well.
But just because something works, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, right?
In comes saltwater chlorination, the powerhouse behind saltwater pools. It’s one of the cleanest ways to sanitize your pool as it doesn’t involve adding any raw chemicals to your water. All of the chlorine is created naturally within the salt water generator with the help of special part called a salt cell.
The end result is water that’s noticeably smoother, softer, and gentler to the touch.
Related: 9 Benefits Of Salt Water Pools
Single depth pools for exercise and casual swims
Most pools have a shallow end and a deep end. And that works great for most purposes, from everyday recreation to competitive lap swimming.
But consider, for a moment, a pool that’s all one depth from end to end. Let’s say 4 feet deep. What kind of benefits does a single-depth pool like that offer?
Well, there’s:
- Better heating
- Since heat rises, a single depth means faster and more effective heating
- Lower swimming pool bills
- A single depth pool contains less than half as much water as a traditional pool. With less water to pump and heat, your swimming pool bills are naturally lowered
- Ideal for exercise
- One depth across the pool gives you the freedom to stop and stand up no matter where you are. And if you ever want to do some water aerobics, you’re no longer limited to the shallow end.
Switching to energy efficient pool equipment for lower swimming pool bills
Looking for swimming pool trends that’ll make a positive impact on your monthly expenses?
Turn to energy efficient pool equipment. From pumps to pool heaters, there are plenty of options that cut costs and still deliver exceptional performance.
If you’re using a single speed heater, consider switching to a variable speed pump. Variable speed pool pumps offer much more flexibility over their predecessors. Mainly, speed control.
Speed settings, ranging from slow to fast, help you control your water flow and energy use based on the situation.
Need to fix a green pool fast?
Use your pump’s fastest speed to clear it up.
On a similar note, there are also energy efficient pool heaters, which do exactly what you think. They provide cost-effective heating that’s much more affordable than traditional gas and electric pool heaters.
Popular energy efficient pool heaters include:
- Air source pool heat pumps
- Water source pool heat pumps
- Solar pool heaters
Related: The 7 Best Ways To Lower Your Swimming Pool Bills
Setting up pool automation for less work, and more time in the water
Tired of having to vacuum and skim the pool each week? Wish someone else could take care of sanitizing the water for you?
Well, your wishes have been granted. Pool automation does exactly that.
Of all the swimming pool trends we’ve mentioned, this one has the biggest impact on reducing your workload as a pool owner.
Need to run your pump and heater automatically?
Use an automatic timer.
Want to keep your pool sanitized 24/7?
Add a chlorine feeder, or install a saltwater chlorination system.
Trying to keep the inside of your pool clean without having to constantly brush and skim?
An automatic pool cleaner is perfect for the job
Learn more about pool automation here: Pool Automation 101
Which swimming pool trends to follow in 2o18 and beyond
Now that you’ve read the post, you probably noticed that each pool trend we mentioned comes with unique benefits. So when it comes to choosing which swimming pool trends you follow, focus on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Want to make pool maintenance easier?
Check out salt chlorination and pool automation.
Trying to keep your pool bills low and enjoy more time in the water?
Upgrade to energy efficient pool equipment, like variable speed pumps and heat pump pool heaters.
Looking to give your pool some style?
Fireplaces, LED strips, and waterline tiles go a long way.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
- 10 Facts About Fiberglass Pools You Should Know Before Buying
- 9 Ways Eco-Friendly Pool Heaters Help Sustain The Environment
- 7 Secrets For Keeping Your Swimming Pool Crystal Clear
