Here are the top pool design trends projected for 2026, collected from recent contractor industry shows and trade magazines.
If you’re planning a remodel or new build, these are good features to consider, and will help your pool stay up to date longer.
What’s Hot Right Now? Sleek Geometry & Bold Finishes
- Clean, geometric shapes (rectangles, sharp corners) are replacing overly curvy “free-form” pools.
- Darker finishes are becoming popular: deep blues, charcoals, even black surfaces—giving pools a dramatic, resort-style look and helping with thermal absorption.
These modern shapes and finishes integrate more seamlessly with contemporary architecture and landscaping.
2026 Trends Focus: Wellness, Spa & Functional Features
Pools aren’t just for swimming anymore—they’re becoming wellness centres. Features like dedicated plunge zones, integrated spas, and swim-in-place current systems are coming into play.
Example: pools with spillover spas (spa water spills into the pool) for dual use and seamless design.
Also: compact wellness pools or plunge pools for smaller yards or focused use.
Also Big: Smart, Efficient & Sustainable Systems
Energy-efficient and sustainable installations: variable-speed pumps, solar heating, durable finishes, and low-maintenance materials.
These features reduce upkeep, costs, and environmental footprint.
Smart automation: remote control of lighting, temperature, and water chemistry via apps is gaining traction.
Material & Tile Trends: Texture, Mood & Color
Tile and finish trends for 2026 include: saturated cobalt blues, nature-inspired greens, and warm earthy tones like terracotta and clay.
Texture matters: artisanal finishes, subtle patterns, mosaics with depth.
Rich & Moody Finishes (Dark Bottoms, Deep Hues)
Pools are moving away from the classic bright aqua blue and instead embracing deep inky blues, graphite, anthracite and black-bottom finishes. These create a mirror-like water surface, a high-end resort look and help absorb heat (which can reduce energy costs)
These darker textures also have strong visual drama and pair well with minimalist/outdoor-living layouts.
Earthy, Natural Textures & Warm Tones
A notable shift is toward warm-toned textures: terracotta, clay, sand, taupe and other earth-inspired hues. These finishes give pools a grounded, spa-inspired feel and help visually integrate the pool with landscape and architecture.
Textures in this category often mimic natural stone or have a subtle aggregate finish (exposed stone, pebble blends) rather than ultra-smooth plaster.
In the Tampa area, this can be a strong fit: the warm tones complement outdoor living environments and plantings, though you’ll still want high performance (fade-resistant, easy maintenance).
Artisanal/Handcrafted Textures & Iridescence
Textures are becoming more tactile and detailed: think handcrafted look tiles (e.g., Zellige-style), glass mosaic with subtle variations, iridescent finishes that catch light and shift in tone.
This trend emphasizes pool finishes not just as “functional surfaces” but as design features themselves — the finish becomes part of the aesthetic.
Finish & Texture That Reflect Light Intelligently
Important for Florida: consider sun orientation, glare control, maintenance (algae growth can be more visible on certain textures), and the surface’s slip/resistance properties.
Beyond color, how finishes respond to light is critical. Satin/matte textures soften reflections, whereas glass/pearlescent finishes bring sparkle and depth.
Some key notes:
- Matte or micro-textured surfaces reduce intense glare in bright sun.
- Glass/pearlescent tiles add shimmer and feel luxurious, but cost more and may require higher maintenance.
- For smaller/shallower pools a lighter textured finish might help water look clearer and shallower.
The idea: the pool isn’t just a body of water—it’s a designed visual & tactile experience. Use the finish as part of the broader aesthetic: If you have modern architecture and clean landscaping, the “moody/dark” or “mineral blue/green” finishes may fit beautifully. If your yard has more tropical or Mediterranean vernacular, the “earthy/warm” textures may fit better.
Future-Forward Outdoor Living Integration & Ambient Features
Lighting and color change are repeatedly cited in trend reports as a significant “ambient” upgrade for pools. For example, the “artistic lighting” trend: colour-changing LEDs, underwater fibre optics are on the rise.
Integration with landscaping: materials like stone and wood, living walls, plants around the pool area to soften the space and blend indoor/outdoor.
- Ambient accessories (smaller lighting, mood pieces) amplify the “outdoor living room” concept of modern pools.
- Water features and dynamic elements (e.g., laminar jets, sheet waterfalls, fountain sprays) are showing up in 2026 remodel guides.
- Evening ambience is key: lighting, fire-and-water combos, layering to extend usability into the night.
Pools increasingly become outdoor living rooms: built-in seating, tanning ledges, swim-up bars, fire features, moodlighting.
Need some inspiration?
| Hayward ColorLogic 4.0 LED Pool Light: High-end color LED system with show control and dynamic programming, ideal for a dramatic ambient effect. |
| VEVOR 12‑Volt RGBW Color‑Change LED Pool Light Kit: A more budget-friendly option offering RGBW lighting for mood shifts. |
| Artista3D Dolphin Pool Fountain Spray Feature: A fun water spray ambient piece — adds motion, interest, and sound to the poolscape. |
| Solar‑Light Holder & Pool Clip Accessory: A smaller accessory that clips a solar light around the pool edge for soft ambient lighting with low energy. |
| Main Access Smart Lite Multi‑Color Underwater LED Pool Light (2‑Pack): Underwater light with remote colour-change modes — good for entertaining. |
| Floating Pool Thermometer with RGB Atmosphere Light: An ambient accessory combining useful pool gear (thermometer) with a glowing light. |
| SANSI RGB Submersible LED Underwater Lights (4‑Pack): Economy pack of submersible LED lights for accenting multiple spots. |
| Pentair MicroBrite Warm‑White LED Accent Pool Light: Premium accent lighting, focused more on warm mood-lighting rather than flashy colour changes. |
Smaller Yard Trends in 2026
Not every property has a large yard: smaller pools/plunge pools are trending as high-impact, low-maintenance options.
What Are Plunge Pools?
Plunge pools are one of the hottest trends for Florida homeowners with smaller yards, offering the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. These compact pools are designed to fit beautifully into limited outdoor spaces, transforming patios, courtyards, and side yards into relaxing backyard retreats.
With lower maintenance, energy-efficient heating options, and modern features like LED lighting, waterfalls, and tile finishes, plunge pools deliver a high-end spa experience without the size or cost of a traditional pool. Homeowners love that they’re easy to care for, stylish, and perfect for cooling off or unwinding after a long day. JJB Pools & Spas can work with you to design a custom plunge pool that maximizes your space while adding value and beauty to your home.
Flexible designs: convertible surfaces, multi-use spaces, variable depth options
Tampa Pool Trends In 2026
In the Tampa area (warm climate, outdoor-living friendly), you might especially consider:
- A darker pool finish (deep blue or charcoal) to make your pool feel more like a luxury resort rather than “traditional blue.”
- Wellness features (spa + pool combo or separate plunge zone) to extend usability year-round.
- Smart automation (remote control lighting/heating) to reduce your upkeep and fit modern living.
- Materials and finishes aligned with 2026 trends: textured tile, nature-inspired palette, integrated landscaping.
- Outdoor living features include a tanning ledge, swim-up seating, a fire feature, and ambient lighting for evening use.
- If your property is of a moderate size, consider a compact design that still packs style but fits your yard and budget.
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward-branded equipment and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373