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2026 Pool and Spa Trends

2026 Pool and Spa Trends 

Remember when owning a pool meant having a large blue rectangle in your backyard? Those days are as outdated as flip phones and dial-up internet. Looking ahead to 2026, pools and spas are evolving into sophisticated outdoor living spaces that will amaze those who grew up in the 90s.

Sacramento's sunny summers and the San Francisco Bay Area's year-round mild climate make Northern California the perfect testing ground for the latest pool innovations. Today, homeowners are no longer satisfied with ordinary swimming pools; they want the perfect backyard that combines wellness, entertainment, and eco-friendly amenities.

Design Trends: Simple Lines Meet Natural Beauty

The Rise of Modern Minimalism

The irregularly shaped pools popular in the 1980s and 90s are gone. The biggest design shift we're seeing is towards clean lines, geometric shapes, and a modern aesthetic. According to Latham Pools, rectangular and abstract free-form pools are becoming mainstream, complementing modern architecture.

Darker, More Melancholy, More Dramatic

If you think pools have to be light blue, you need to rethink it. One of the most compelling trends of 2026 is the shift towards darker pool surface colors. Deep blue, dark gray, and even black pool surfaces are replacing the traditional light neutrals that have dominated for decades.

Why this shift? Darker pool surfaces create a more elegant, resort-like atmosphere, produce excellent photos, and reflect the sky in a mesmerizing way. Plus, dark pools have a practical benefit: they absorb more heat, naturally warming the water and reducing the energy costs of heating—a win-win for both your wallet and the environment. This trend isn't limited to pool bottoms. Homeowners are moving away from tiled borders in favor of continuous patterns running from the pool bottom to the walls and rim, with contrasting designs on steps and shelves creating a personalized, modern look.

The Perfect Encounter of Pool and Spa

Why choose between a pool and a spa when you can have both? One of the hottest upgrades for 2026 is the overflow spa pool, which cleverly blends the functions of a pool and a spa into an elegant design.

These integrated systems feature a spa pool adjacent to the main pool, with water overflowing from the spa pool's edge into the pool below. This visual and auditory effect instantly creates a resort atmosphere, while also serving a practical purpose—the overflow helps circulate heated water back into the pool and provides a stunning focal point for the entire backyard.

According to Latham's trend analysis, demand for pool and spa combinations is growing rapidly because they offer dual functionality in one unit, featuring soothing jets, a sun deck, and tiered water levels for sitting and reclining. For our clients in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, this means year-round use—swimming in the summer and soaking in the winter. Compact Yet Powerful: The Rise of Mini Pools

Not everyone owns or wants a large pool that takes up their entire backyard. As we head into 2026, the mini pool trend is gaining popularity. These compact pools integrate powerful functionality within limited space, making them ideal for urban homes in the San Francisco Bay Area or families in Sacramento with limited backyard space.

Industry reports show that diving pools are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the growing interest in cold water therapy. These pools can maintain a lower water temperature for an invigorating cold shower or be heated for a relaxing soak. Despite their small size, modern diving pools often come equipped with poolside seating, non-slip steps, and even a backflow system, allowing you to swim in place.

What's the appeal of diving pools? They reduce water consumption, have lower maintenance costs, and are significantly cheaper than traditional pools—while providing a desirable backyard retreat experience.

Sun Terraces: The Perfect Blend of Practicality and Luxury

If you've recently visited a resort, you've probably relaxed on a sun terrace (also known as a Bach terrace or sun deck). These shallow, built-in platforms, located just inches underwater, are making a major foray into residential pools.

These platforms serve multiple purposes: perfect for sunbathing in cool water; ideal for placing lounge chairs or parasols; convenient for childcare; and they seamlessly transition the deck into the deeper water. Many designers have incorporated water features, lighting, and umbrella covers into these platforms, making them true luxury amenities.

This trend indicates that pools are becoming increasingly multifunctional—no longer just places to swim, but also spaces for relaxation, socializing, and creating a desirable resort atmosphere, turning your home pool into an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.

Natural Integration: Bringing Outdoor Landscapes into the Pool

While geometry dominates modern aesthetics, the trend of naturally integrating pools with the landscape is equally strong. Design experts point out that stone, wood, water, and plants are combining in a softer, more organic way, creating a sensory atmosphere reminiscent of a natural retreat.

Green walls offer both privacy and help the pool blend into its surroundings. Natural stone cladding, wooden decking, and pergolas soften the harsh lines of the modern pool design. Firescape features.

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