Looking To Upgrade Your Pool? Consider These 9 Hot Trends

If your pool setup hasn’t changed since the first season of Selling Sunset, it might be time for a glow-up. These days, backyards are getting the full resort treatment. Think ambient lighting, built-in lounges, and pool floats that are practically furniture. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just want your next pool party to hit harder, you’ve got options.

From functional upgrades to aesthetic power moves, here are some of the hottest pool trends to level up your space. 

1. Built-In Pool Ledges (Yes, Like at Resorts)

Think of this as the “VIP section” of your pool. A built-in ledge — sometimes called a Baja shelf or tanning ledge — creates a shallow area perfect for lounging, sipping, or letting little ones splash around. It’s a subtle architectural detail that instantly gives your pool that upscale, hotel-pool feel. Add a couple of low-slung chairs or an umbrella, and it becomes the best seat in the house.

2. Swim-Up Bars That Don’t Scream Spring Break

You don’t need flashing lights and blaring speakers to justify a swim-up bar. A low-profile counter with underwater seating can make your pool feel like a five-star escape. Install one near your outdoor kitchen or grill area, or go all in with a wet bar and mini fridge setup. It’s perfect for easy access to drinks, snacks, or even a casual dinner spot that keeps everyone in the water.

3. Fire Features and LED Lighting

Heat and water? Power duo. Fire bowls, perimeter torches, or even a sleek built-in fireplace near the edge of your pool completely change the mood, especially after sunset. Pair that with underwater color effects or perimeter lights that play off the flame glow, and you’ve got a setup that turns every night swim into a moment.

4. Natural Stone and Textured Finishes

Switching to natural materials is a game-changer if your pool still has that smooth, bright-blue plaster look. Stone, tile, and textured surfaces instantly elevate the space, making it feel more organic and less cookie-cutter. 

Think slate borders, pebble interiors, or matte finishes that feel soft underfoot and look high-end without being flashy. Bonus: these materials age beautifully and hide wear better than traditional coatings.

5. Stylish Shade Setups That Actually Work

Unless you’re aiming for a full-body sunburn, you’re going to need some shade. And we’re not talking about dragging a beach umbrella out of storage. Think cantilever umbrellas that rotate as the sun moves, sleek pergolas with retractable canopies, or even outdoor curtains for a little cabana-style drama. 

Want to keep it simple? Clip-on umbrellas for lounge chairs or shade sails can work wonders without eating up patio space. You don’t need a huge setup, just enough to stay chill, reapply SPF, and avoid melting during peak sun hours.

6. Sound Systems That Don’t Mess With the Vibe

Good music changes everything, but a bad setup is an instant buzzkill. Instead of blasting one speaker from across the yard, look for outdoor or built-in options that spread sound evenly without blowing anyone’s ears out. 

You want volume that reaches the deep end without taking over the whole neighborhood. Some systems even connect to your phone, so swapping playlists or turning it down for conversation doesn’t mean running back inside. 

7. Minimalist Water Features (That Aren’t Just Fountains)

If your brain goes straight to spouting dolphins, take a breath. Today’s water features lean subtle, like sheet waterfalls that pour from a wall, hidden spillways between levels, or narrow jets that create movement without noise. 

These elements add sound, texture, and a sense of flow, all while staying low-maintenance and modern. It’s the kind of detail you barely notice until you realize how much cooler your pool feels with it.

8. Smart Pool Tech That Keeps It Chill

Forget the flashy tech you’ll never use. Today’s smart features are all about ease: schedule cleanings from your phone, set the heat before guests arrive, or dim the lights with a single tap. These upgrades make pool ownership way less annoying. The less you have to think about maintenance, the more time you have to enjoy the water.

9. Outdoor Showers That Feel Luxe

Last but not least, if you're upgrading your pool, don’t sleep on the shower situation. Today’s outdoor showers are more than a rinse-and-run. They’re truly a part of the experience. 

Add wood paneling, tile, a rainfall head, and some plants, and suddenly, it’s giving “backyard spa” instead of “beach rinse-off station.” Bonus: no wet footprints through the house, and your guests get one more reason to say, “Okay, this place is insanely awesome.”

Make a Splash (That Lasts)

Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just adding a few upgrades, these trends bring serious staycation energy. Start small or go all in. Either way, your pool’s about to feel way more like a destination than a backyard.