Each year brings new trends for home and garden design, including swimming pools and spas. In 2011, exciting design and technology options helped create beautiful pools that were integrated into lush landscapes for a more holistic experience.

Residential pools embraced amazing features that added beauty and intrigue, and in the past could only be found at resorts. In adding these features it made the backyard pool experience more like a vacation or spa – allowing pool owners to enjoy their pools new ways.

We see these trends extending into 2012. Of course, there will be some new developments along the way, and we can’t wait to see them!

Celebrating the Elements: Water, Fire & Earth

More than ever, pool designs are incorporating water, fire and rock features …from fire pits and torches to stone grottos and waterfalls. Mesmerizing flames add dramatic flair to poolscapes, while water and rock elements can transform a backyard into any theme desired…from romantic hideaway to fantastic playground.

• Fountains, waterfalls, cascades and other water features  
• Fire pits, fireplaces, torches and other fire elements  
• Rock elements, stone waterslides, grottos and more

A Light Show in the Pool

Color-changing lights have been popular for some time, but with advances in LED technology light shows can be more brilliant and exciting than ever. Many systems allow synchronization between pool, spa and landscape lighting. Plus, this technology uses far less energy than any other.

• Pool and spa lighting 
• Landscape lighting 

Innovative Edges, Entries and Shelves

In the past, swimming pools had steps, a shallow end and a deep end. Today’s pools are incorporating many more features to multiply the way pools are used. Beach entries allow swimmers to wade in and eliminate the need for stairs or ladders. Infinity edges are perfect for pools with a view. Also, wading areas and shelves allow bathers to enjoy a new type of “shallow” end in their pool.

• Beach entry (or zero-entry) pools 
• Infinity and other innovative edges  
• Wading areas, swim-up bars, baja shelves/sun decks and tanning shelves

Colorful Tiling and Mosaics Make a Comeback

Brightly colored tile and mosaics were “out” for the last decade or so, but many builders are seeing this retro trend coming back in popularity. Glass tile is the most popular way to achieve this look. It comes in a rainbow of colors with unique swirls and bubbles, and can be used to create beautiful custom mosaics. Alternate materials can be used to create the same effect, while being a bit more affordable.

• Glass tile

Saltwater Pools for the Most Luxurious Water

Once you’ve swam in a saltwater pool, you might never want to get in a regular pool again. The water is only slightly salty, about one-tenth that of the ocean. The sensation is more of a soft-water feeling, plus the water does not sting your eyes like regularly-chlorinated water. The upfront cost is more expensive; however, the maintenance costs are much less.

• Saltwater pools
• Salt chlorine generators

Going “Green” in the Pool

Between rising energy costs, earth-consciousness and new technology trends, pool owners are looking for (and finding!) more energy-efficient ways to circulate their water and heat their pools.

• Variable speed pumps
• Solar heating

What new pool design trends are you seeing?

Photo credits:

Night pool with fire: Rick Chaffey, "I Have Fire"

Rock slide: Martha Standley

Knife Edge Perimeter Overflow: Frank Bowman

River Pool: Jim Chandler