5Summer 2019 is heating up! And with the new season right around the corner, so are the new pool trends you’ll start to see guiding the design of pool construction and renovation. These trends go beyond the obvious or expected and take things to the next level by using new technology and design to incorporate elements that are both stylish and functional. Let’s take a look at what we predict to be the top five swimming pool trends to take this summer by storm.

1. Integrated Structures
One of the most increasingly popular requests we receive from clients has been incorporating shade or shelter structures within the surrounding pool area. This includes pergolas, gazebos, pool cabanas, shade sails, and the like. Not only do these integrated structures increase the aesthetics of the space, they also serve an important function of keeping guests dry from a passing rain storm or providing the relief of shade on a hot summer day.

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2. Natural Lighting Elements

While there will always be a need for traditional and LED lights around a pool area, more and more pool owners are incorporating natural lighting elements, like fire, into their pool designs. Fire elements are a great way to add light, ambiance and heat all at the same time. Fire pits and fireplaces can be built into the hardscaping surrounding the pool, or elements like fire bowls can be placed right near the edge of the pool to create an inviting and luxe atmosphere.

3. Contrasting Finishes

Dare to be different! This is a theme we are seeing more and more of these days. Pool owners are choosing to incorporate contrasting finishes within their pool and hardscaping to create defined spaces and to accentuate features. If you’re designing or renovating a pool this summer and get to choose new finishes, keep in mind that not everything needs to match perfectly. While everything should fall within a defined color palette, you have the freedom to choose various sizes, colors and finishes of tiles and pavers for your pool area. You can also use contrasting banding to add an artistic element to your space while defining its shape.

4. Stone Elements

Another trend we’re seeing is stone finishes. This includes hardscaping as well as the pool itself. For pools with exposed edges, natural or veneer stone can be used to cover the exposed part of the pool. The result is a beautiful, high-end finish that delivers that “wow” factor to your pool area. The color, size, and pattern of stone you use can have a profound impact on the overall design of your pool.

5. Investing in Long-Term Value

One more important trend to note is investing in elements that add long-term value to a pool. The more you can prioritize designing a pool that is well equipped to maintain its functionality and beauty, the happier you will be with the end result. It’s so important to not cut corners on things like your filtration system, heat system, or finishes. Once you go through all the effort of building a pool, you’re going to want to have it last as long as possible with as little maintenance as possible. Investing in quality now, will give you year and years of through relaxation and enjoyment.

One more thing to note…

Though this is not a “trend” because it is and should be standard, pool safety features have also come a long way thanks to new technology entering the market. Door and gate alarms can be set to audibly alert the pool owner if they are home, while also alerting them on their mobile device in case they are not. This way you are always aware of someone entering or existing your pool area.

Additionally, in-water surveillance systems are designed to continuously monitor what’s going on in your pool. If it detects a “struggle” in the water, it immediately alerts the pool owner or can be set to contact 9-1-1. These are just a few of the many products now on the market that pool owners are incorporating into their pool designs to provide peace of mind while keeping swimmers safe.

When it comes to building a custom gunite swimming pool, you have a ton of features, finishes and design options available to you that can allow you to truly create the pool of your dreams, with very few limitations. This list only begins to scratch the surface of the up and coming pool trends that are making waves in 2019. Are you ready to being designing your backyard paradise? Let’s talk!

Which one of these pool trends is your favorite? Or is there another trend you’d like to see added to this list? Share what you think by leaving a comment below!