There are times when you just have to go all in. Deciding whether or not to revamp your home is definitely one of those moments. Don’t let the hesitation of starting a new project stop you from starting at all. With a multitude of new innovations and resources flooding the swimming pool industry, taking the plunge into a pool re-design or water feature construction has never been easier. All you need is a little push and a lot of inspiration to kick-start the process.

With the help of our network of experts, we’ve navigated through it all to find our favorite swimming pool trends currently dominating the pool industry.

Underwater Speakers

Take your playlist underwater. With a sound that could rival the highest end of personal headphones, the crystal clear quality of underwater audio is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. The key — water is a superconductor when it comes to transmitting sound waves. In fact, sound can travel up to four times faster in water than through air. For most homeowners, one speaker, especially at $1,000 a pop, may be enough, but for larger more complicated pools more investment may be needed. Experts recommend that speakers are at least 20 feet apart and patterned adjacently to avoid interference.

Pros: For professionals, installation is similar to installing an underwater light system.
Cons: The expense; During colder months special care may be required to avoid equipment damage.

Automation

Although swimming pool automation has been a mainstay for a few years, with each passing season we get that much closer to living “the Jetson dream,” full automation. Now pool owners can control just about every pool or water feature related system from virtually anywhere in the world. At work? No problem. On vacation? Sure. With automation, owners can remotely turn on/off systems, monitor chemical levels, manage lighting and heating, and receive efficiency reports. After the initial setup, your phone is a one-stop-shop.

Pros: Lockout functions eliminate the ability of strangers (or rental tenants) to adjust equipment unknowingly.
Cons: Integrating multiple automated devices can be tedious, and nearly impossible for products across different brands.

UV and Ozone Sanitation

These two popular sanitation techniques combine for an effective 1-2 punch. Alternatives to the traditional chlorine, salt chlorine, bromine, and ionizer sanitation methods, each work great separately, but are a superpower together. Ozone sanitation is highly regarded for its effectiveness at killing bacteria and its ability to reduce chlorine consumption by more than 50%. For those unfamiliar with the process, ozone is a gas created from the collision of free oxygen atoms with oxygen molecules through high voltage ionization or similar methods. When it comes to our swimming pools, the gas is dissolved in the water from a chamber to destroy chloramines, organics, and microorganisms found in the water. UV sanitation on the other hand is the introduction of ultraviolet light as means of disinfection. UV doesn’t kill microorganisms like ozone gas, but rather inactivates the microorganisms with its light energy.

Investing in a UV/Ozone sanitation system has striking benefits. The water is removed of most chlorine-resistant microorganisms, dramatically less chlorine (if any) is required for a healthy pool, the risk factors for skin and eye irritants are reduced, and corrosion is found significantly less in a pool that implements a UV/Ozone combination system.

Pros: It’s a superpower at destroying bacteria; Reduces chemical costs.
Cons: UV/Ozone systems must be regulated and monitored frequently to avoid incidents.

Resort Style Entryways

Pool owners increasingly look for ways to bring resort style features they’ve enjoyed on vacation to their home. Following this trend, two popular entryway concepts have emerged: beach entries and tanning ledges. Beach entries, or zero depth entries, are sloped entrances into the main pool area. It’s an effect similar to the natural increase of ocean water you’ve become accustomed to at your favorite beach hangout. This entryway is perfect for children or adults with mobility issues accessing the pool. Tanning ledges take pool entries in the opposite direction. Instead of a gradual descent into the water, tanning ledges are areas of shallow water with an immediate drop-off. This style is excellent for relaxing in between swim sessions, lounging, and customizing your pool with pool furniture. Between beach entries and tanning ledges you’ll have your very own five star resort right in your backyard.

Pros: Great option for swimmers of all capabilities.
Cons: Piña Coladas not included

LED Lights

Here to stay LED lighting transforms any outdoor environment. With endless color options, LED lighting has remained on trend with the popularity of lighting effects. Think backyard light show.
Professionals can set up timed light events configured to synchronize specific patterns and color combinations in your pool and beyond. Pool guests will be dazzled by the effort and you will be mesmerized by the mood it instantly sets.

Pros: Lighting is a great way to highlight your favorite design elements.
Cons: Synchronization can be tricky.

Interesting Finishes

It’s time to say goodbye to boring finishes. Mixing and matching
different materials instantly enhances any pool. Although concrete is cost effective consciously using glass, stones, granite, pebble, and less traditional features adds an inviting personalized touch. Glass tiles come in a range of beautiful colors and can be manipulated into unique patterns that go beyond the traditional water lines. More and more pool owners are taking glass below the surface on the pool floor, and adding a great reflective quality to a pool’s appearance. Stone tiles and elements, like Primera Stone, are impressively durable while also providing a level artisanal finishing that could rival any celebrity pool. Pebble surfaces have become one of the most popular materials. It’s easier on swimmer’s’ feet, resilient to wear and tear, and just as colorful as glass.

Pros: Completely customizable
Cons: Finding quality and durable materials often require more investment in higher end products.