Luxury Pool & Spa Trends for 2024
Adding a pool to your outdoor space can be a big decision. Maintaining a stunning backyard pool takes time, resources, and effort, but the energy is more than worth it. Picture spending your evenings and weekends poolside with a homemade beverage in hand, hosting memorable backyard barbecues and pool parties, and enjoying the sunset reflecting off the water. The memories made poolside are invaluable.
There are many factors to consider when planning your pool. You’ll want the space to be on-trend but timeless, function for your family’s needs, and fall within your budget. The experts at Watermark Pools & Outdoor Living, Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee’s premier pool builder with over 20 years of experience, recommend finalizing your spacial requirements, budget, and mood board before making any major decisions. From there, you can start to dream big.
The experts at Watermark work with between 20 and 40 clients a year to design their perfect pool oasis, and they’ve noticed several trends on the rise in 2024. Read on for the year's top luxury pool & spa trends, as identified by the professionals at Watermark.
Top Luxury Pool & Spa Trends for 2024
From naturalistic water features to futuristic lighting, the luxury pool & spa trends for 2024 run the gamut. There’s something for everyone!
Playful Lighting
Home pools are supposed to be fun, and many of the luxury design trends for 2024 reflect that ethos. Lighting, in particular, is in the midst of a drastic shift as new technology is introduced and lighting is used more intentionally to enhance the pool and spa design.This year, expect unexpected lighting colors, like purples and greens, as well as unique lighting placements, like underwater bulbs that create an elegant glow just beneath the surface. Path lighting is also on the rise, which helps with safety and provides a level of cohesiveness to yard design. Overall, ambient LED lighting will create beautiful pool-wide illumination without the harsh glare of standard pool bulbs.
Smart technology is also being incorporated into more luxury pool designs, and the Watermark team only expects it to rise in 2024. Think of timer lights that turn on when you step onto the pool deck, automated heating systems, and smart chemical adaptations. Pool ownership has never been easier.
2. Lagoon Pools
The curved, irregular shape of lagoon-style pools allows them to blend seamlessly into natural surroundings. Lagoon pools also work in irregular-shaped yards, allowing homeowners to maximize their space.
In many lagoon pools, water is flush with the deck or lawn, which creates a beautiful optical illusion of a larger space. It also functions similarly to infinity pools, creating gorgeous views of the yard and the various pool features installed around it.
3. Natural Features
The Watermark team has seen a rise in naturalistic pool elements in conjunction with lagoon pools. Natural stones are being used to connect spas, hot tubs, and waterfalls. These features blend seamlessly with each other and surrounding areas, making the pool space feel both lived-in and timeless.
Natural design may also be cost-effective, as designers can work with what’s already in the yard rather than building from scratch. Trees, plants, and yard imperfections can be turned into visually stunning centerpieces with the addition of a luxury pool & spa.
4. Poolside Fires
Poolside fires are a coveted design feature that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. There are endless ways to incorporate fire into your luxury pool design, from framing features to spa-side firepits. One of our favorite fire features we’ve recently come across is a “swim-up fire pit,” installed on a long, thin ledge.
Think of fire installations like any other lighting feature, and try swapping fire in a few locations where you planned to place deck lighting or lamps.
5. Sustainability
In this day and age, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessary part of the design process. Pool ownership can tax resources, so finding ways to recycle water and energy can save money and time.
As mentioned previously, smart technology is being layered into more and more pool installations, and we expect the vast majority of new pools to include some smart elements in 2024. From chemical management to debris removal, technology can keep pools clean for longer, manage temperatures for increased yearly use of the pool space, and save money by replacing pool crews.
Solar covers are also on the rise. These are essentially made of heavy-duty bubble wrap. The material absorbs sunlight and transfers the heat to the water, allowing the pool system to use less energy to heat the water. Of course, covers also minimize debris entering the pool.
6. Tanning Ledges
Last but not least, tanning ledges serve a range of functions for families, offering shallower, warmer water for children while allowing adults to catch rays while enjoying the comfort of the water. They also help expand pool size with minimal additional water. Add water loungers to your tanning ledge for the ultimate ray-catching experience.
Incorporating Luxury Pool & Spa Trends into Your Space
Designing an on-trend luxury pool & spa has never been easier. Whether you’re seeking a pool that looks like a natural oasis in the woods or a sleek focal point studded with fiery structures, follow the trends identified by the Watermark team and enjoy your timeless pool for years to come.