The trends in luxury pool design have seen changes in times; today’s pools are not just for cooling off but also serve as striking focal points that harmonize beautifully with contemporary home aesthetics. 

Offering a retreat, for relaxation and entertainment alike! Let’s explore the luxury pool styles that are reshaping the concept of living. 

1. Infinity Edges: A Seamless Connection with Nature

Infinity pools have become a popular choice in luxury pool design. Are often referred to as vanishing edge or zero edge pools in the industry today. 

They give the impression that the water seamlessly merges with the horizon line creating a stunning effect where the pool appears to be part of the broader landscape Infinity pools are particularly well suited for properties, with expansive views as they offer a mesmerizing visual appeal that exudes both sophistication and serenity.

Pro Tip: Enhance the connection between your infinity pool and its surroundings by incorporating elements like stone or wood to blend seamlessly with nature and create a transition between your pool and the environment.

2. Natural Stone and Mosaic Tiling: Bringing Texture and Art to Your Pool

The era of textureless swimming pools has passed – nowadays luxury revolves around texture variety and detailed design elements. Using materials such as stone tiling like travertine and slate can introduce a charm to your pool area while the addition of glass mosaic tiles can bring a lively and artistic touch to the inside of your pool. 

Consider selecting tiles that sparkle in the sunlight casting a dazzling shimmer that dances along with the water’s movements.

Styling Tip: Incorporate hues of tiles to craft patterns or gradual color transitions that can transform your pool into a stunning work of art! You may also contemplate the idea of adding a mural or emblem to the pool floor for an element of individuality and charm.

3. Built-In LED Lighting: Set the Mood for Every Occasion

In today’s luxury pools you’ll find lighting setups that enhance the atmosphere from day to nightfall beautifully! LED lights come in many colours. 

Are employed to craft captivating lighting shows that turn your pool into a mesmerising nighttime sanctuary. Switching between subtle romantic glows and lively party shades can utterly transform the feel of your pool setting.

Pro Tip: Enhance the pool area  with LED lights that change colour placed along the edges or underneath water elements for an appearance and atmosphere perfect for syncing with music to create a party ambiance.

4. Water Features: Elevating the Pool Experience

Integrating water elements, like cascades or fountains brings a sense of excitement and calmness, to your pool layout. They not only offer a wonderful sight but also produce calming sounds that elevate the relaxation ambiance. Whether its water walls or rustic rock waterfalls these additions elevate your pool area to resemble a retreat.

Design Inspiration: To give your pool a unique touch you could think about adding a laminar jet that releases water in arcs or opt for a serene ambiance, with cascading waterfalls resembling a tropical paradise.

5. Fire and Water Elements: The Ultimate Luxury Contrast

Luxury pool design has seen a rise, in the trend of incorporating fire elements with water features! 

By placing fire bowls or torches near the poolside and adding fire pits in the area around it can create an effect against the glistening water surface and bring a cozy ambiance to your outdoor living space as well! 

This perfect fusion of fire and water not only captures the eye but also allows you to enjoy your pool area even during cooler evenings.

Styling Tip: Place fire elements strategically to enhance the pool area or use them to accentuate spots like seating areas or water features.

6. Resort-Style Baja Shelves and Tanning Ledges

Shallow Baja shelves or tanning ledges offer a touch to your pool by allowing you to lounge partially submerged in water like at a resort style setting.

They are ideal for sunbathing or enjoying a drink while providing a spot for kids to have fun in the water. They can be upgraded with umbrella holders or underwater loungers, for added comfort and luxury.

Design Inspiration: Enhance your poolside experience by adding durable loungers or daybeds on your Baja shelf for a touch of style and comfort.

7. Saltwater Pools: A Healthier, More Luxurious Experience

Saltwater pools have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their many advantages. They are known for being kinder to the skin and eyes and offering a more pleasant swimming experience with silky smooth water. Moreover saltwater systems are easier to maintain and require less pool chemicals making them an environmentally friendly option, for upscale pools.

Expert Tip: If you’re looking to get the benefits of both options, think about setting up a system that lets you switch between using chlorine and saltwater for your pool.

8. Smart Pool Technology: The Future of Pool Maintenance

The use of technology is becoming increasingly popular in high end pool design as it enables homeowners to manage all aspects of their pool enjoyment effortlessly through touch controls.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a pool system that you can manage using your smartphone or tablet to keep an eye on and modify your pool settings remotely even when you’re away from home.

9. Sustainable Pool Design: Eco-Luxury at Its Best

As the trend towards sustainability grows in importance​ and eco friendly pool designs gain heating systems​ along with energy efficient pumps and water saving covers are being embraced to lessen the environmental footprint of your luxurious pool while retaining all its advantages.

Additionally​ the rise of naturally filtered pools using plant based systems is evident​. These chemical free pools offer a skin friendly swimming experience that is both gentle and kind to our planet​.

Green Tip: Have you thought about setting up a rainwater collection system for your pool? It’s a way to save on water usage and costs by reusing rainwater to keep your pool filled up. 

Conclusion

Today’s upscale pool is not just for swimming, it serves as an addition to your home’s aesthetic and mirrors your unique taste and flair for design. 

Whether aiming to craft a sanctuary or a lively gathering spot or even a fashionable resort inspired escape in your backyard space. These upscale pool design trends will spark your creativity to turn your outdoor area into a picturesque sanctuary of peace and elegance.

Photo: We Pick

Whether you are building a new pool or remodelling the old one, pool finish is one of the most important things to see to. The best thing you can do (if possible, of course) is to have a custom made pool which will enable you to have everything exactly the way you want. There are tons of pool design and shape contractors available in San Diego and nation wide, depending on your location. Here are some of the most popular solutions for pool finishes.

Photo: Camille Styles

White Plaster

This is one of the most common solutions. It is not the one of the highest quality as plaster is quite a porous material and isn’t the most resistant to water-induced changes. It’s prone to stains, bacteria growth and cracking. It’s not a very great choice if you are trying to keep your pool clean. It’s estimated to last seven to ten years. However, if maintained properly, it can still be a good option as it is pretty affordable and smooth. It’s a mixture of water, white cement, white marble or lime stone which can be reliable and last longer than the estimated period providing a good maintenance. It really gives the smooth, classic look to your swimming pool.

Colored Plaster

If you really want your pool finish to be a certain color and still be affordable, this is the option for you. It’s basically the same thing as the white plaster, but only more prone to changes, that is, the changes like unevenness and color fading are more visible. The most popular shade is medium grey as it gives water the alluring blue tinge. If you wish to add depth to the pool and increase the water’s reflective quality, opt for the darker nuances of grey or black. It will create a dazzling effect as your pool will serve as a mirror of the surroundings.

Photo: DIY Design and Decor

Quartz Tiles

If you’re a fan of colors but are ready to pay a bit more, quartz is the option for you as it has quite a wide color range. It can also be combined with plaster and produce a more quality, more durable, but also more costly solution. However, it also provides more options, as it comes in different forms and when combined with white plaster; it can offer a wide range of nuances, so it’s definitely worth considering. Adding quartz to plaster can extend the longevity of the pool for 12 to 20 years. It also gives the pool a classic, timeless beauty.

Pebble Tiles

This type of surface is the most durable one, it lasts longer than any other pool finish and is resistant to water chemicals. It is also quite versatile and also gives the most natural, rustic look. This finish is suitable for tropical or lagoon style pool designs. It is, however, a bit more expensive and is also quite textured, which simply may not appeal to some pool owners. Yet these drawbacks could be disregarded in comparison to overall quality and diversity.

Photo: Luxe Source

Tiles

Tiles come in various colors, shapes, and dimensions, so they can fit any of your needs. They’re also often slip and water-resistant and can last for quite a long time. They are a great addition to any of the previous choices as they add some dynamics to the pool look. Of course, if not maintained properly, they are prone to cracks and damage. Tiles are a smart choice if you have an outdoor pool-house fit with a washroom and a glass vessel sink. You can use the same tiles in your pool house to tie your whole look together!

Photo: Mc Cann Design Group

Glass Bead Finishes

They will really add to the elegance and three-dimensional look of your pool. They come in various colors and really make your pool look stunning, especially in the sunlight. They are quite durable, long lasting and stain-resistant. If you prefer modern, sleek look, this is the right choice for you. There are other options, like fiberglass, but the customization options with that material are severely limited. If you are looking for a truly unique and custom pool, find a suitable partner for that project.

Photos By: Jennifer Bevan Interiors

High ceilings, arched windows, wrought iron railings, chandeliers, and tons of attention to detail make this magical San Gabriel home a unique gem that literally takes our breath away! Designer Jennifer Bevan jam packed this home with glitz and glam which keeps us guessing if Mediterranean decor is really meant to me rustic or luxurious. What I love about this home is that it sticks to it’s Mediterranean roots on the outside, while the inside comes to a complete surprise with modern, sleek decor and most importantly – amazing lighting which makes every square foot sparkle in all it’s glory.