Putting in a Swimming Pool? 5 Cool Trends You'll Want to Dive Into

Close your eyes and imagine with us for a moment: You're kicking back on an avocado-shaped float with a frozen daiquiri in hand—all in your own backyard swimming pool. Yes, you've reached peak #lifegoals.

But what does your dream pool look like? Take a spin through #pools on Instagram, and you'll find a lot more than the ubiquitous kidney-shaped water features that dominated most of the 20th century.

These days, homeowners are demanding pools that go the distance—Olympic or not—with dreamy designs, says Duane Draughon, outdoor living designer at VizX Design Studios, in Illinois.

“The pinnacle of backyard outdoor living entertainment is to have a swimming pool, but the fastest way to lose value in a home is to install a swimming pool anywhere in the backyard without an overall design vision, because a swimming pool can make or break the value of a home,” he says.

Don't have a vision? Don't worry! We talked with the pros to find out the latest trends in pool designs—and trust us, they're worth doing backflips for.

1. Pools With Tanning Ledges

Photo by Custom Fiberglass Pools 

The shallow end isn’t just for kids anymore. More and more grown-ups are wading into the trend of tanning ledges (also called a tanning shelf or sun shelf)—a shallow section of the pool for sunbathing (or playing with the kids).

“It allows them to get a tan while also staying a bit cool,” says Joe Raboine, director at Belgard Hardscapes, in Atlanta.

Once you have your tanning shelf installed, you can put in special “in water” lounge chairs that are meant to get—and stay—wet.

2. Natural 'Pond' Pools

Photo by Gary McDonald and Son Inc.

It's no secret that chlorine is less than friendly to your skin and hair. Plus, the strong chemical odor can be unpleasant after a while. Enter: the natural pool. This alternative, as the name suggests, resembles an organic pond rather than a pool.

Natural pools use aquatic vegetation as a “natural filter.” But they're also usually lined with polyethylene and contain a UV sterilizer to make sure they stay sanitary.

“These really capture the idea of biophilic design,” Raboine says.

3. Saltwater Pools

Photo by Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc. 

Saltwater pools are popular at resorts or on cruises. However, these days, more and more homeowners are bringing the vacation vibe to their backyards.

"Saltwater pools have been around for a while now, but they are starting to become the standard," Draughon says.

That's because they offer benefits that a chlorine pool can't—like being gentler on your skin and eyes, and having a softer water feel. They also require far less maintenance.

But note that just because it's saltwater doesn't mean it's completely chlorine-free. A salt system uses a process called electrolysis to create chlorine and disinfect the water.

The upfront cost for installing a saltwater pool might be a bit higher, too. (On average, you'll pay $25,000 to install a new saltwater pool, compared with $23,000 for a traditional pool.) But you might also save money in the long run by not buying as many chemicals.

4. The Rimless Rectangle

Photo by Martin Kobus Home 

For a modern yet timeless look, go with a long, rectangular shape with clean lines, Raboine recommends.

"Pools are gravitating toward a clean look and more streamlined shapes as opposed to the free-form pools that were popular five years ago," he says.

To complete this look, go with a rimless or vanishing-edge pool, which looks like it blends right into your space.

5. Custom-Fit Pools

Photo by J. Montgomery Designs 

Think your backyard can't handle a pool because it has a slope or isn't completely flat? Draughon says he's designing more pools that are completely custom to fit these days—and they can work no matter what type of yard space you're starting with.

"The top pool trend of 2019 are swimming pools that are designed to fit into the outdoor space like a glove," he says. "More and more clients are contacting us about creating their new outdoor living space with a swimming pool that matches the architectural style and environment."

For instance, Draughon's creating pools that serve as retaining walls on sloped lots, or have bars in them, or include a water feature in the middle.

If you're interested in a custom fit, be prepared to work with an experienced landscape architect and/or designer who can make your splashy vision come true.

Searching for a home with a pool? Let's get together and find the perfect home for you! Contact The Mary Gilbert Group at 541.371.5500 or sold@marygilbert.com. 

By: Realtor.com, Jane Chertoff