Summer may seem like a far way away, but that just means it’s the perfect time to finally settle on your dream outdoor pool design. After all, you could have a whole new pool installed in as little as eight weeks, which means planning right now is how you’ll ensure you don’t just have a pool for this summer, but that it blows even your dream ideas out of the water.
To help ensure you build an outdoor pool that exceeds even your expectations, it’s imperative you scour every corner for inspiration, including this guide, which covers this year’s top design trends:
Glass Pool Fences
First things first, every pool needs to have a pool fence. This is a health and safety requirement, but that doesn’t mean you need to deal with an ugly fence blocking your view when you’re in the pool itself. That’s why so many are having a glass pool fence installed. These strengthened pool fences meet all the safety requirements, while the crystal clear glass allows you unfettered access to the views you want to keep.
Mixed-Medium Finished to Compliment Your Surroundings
One trend you’ll see, particularly in rural areas or lakeside properties, is the use of mixed-medium finishes that are selected specifically for their ability to blend the pool into its wider surroundings while maintaining luxury finishes. You’ll see homeowners this year rely on local stone to add detail and interest, while matching those details with smooth concrete decking to combine the rustic and the modern.
Advanced Artistic Lighting
Increasingly, homeowners are considering how their pool looks at night. Rather than your standard underwater light or side lights, homeowners are now looking into programmable LED lighting with color-changing effects to turn their outdoor space into a work of art. With different colour options, as well as unique fixtures both above ground and underwater, there are infinite ways you can create ambience and style, perfect for those long summer nights.
Zones
Pools in 2026 are increasingly being built with multiple zones. You may want to have a dive spot, a lounge shelf ideal for hanging out in a chair with your feet and arms in the water, and even a jet pool – all in the same pool. With custom builds, homeowners are increasingly getting more enjoyment out of their pools by segmenting them into zones ideal for fun, relaxation, and even exercise.
Of these zones, the integrated sun ledge, where you can hang out in your lounger, are by far the most popular design detail in 2026. After all, they give homeowners like you the ability to cool off comfortably.
Smart, Automated Systems
Another big trend in 2026 and beyond is the increased investment in smart pool managed systems. These systems, which range from energy-saving options like pumps and smart controls, to time-saving investments like an automatic pool cover, work to reduce the operating costs of your pool. These systems also increase the pool’s safety, and reduce the general reliance on chemicals to keep it clean.