As homeowners seek to maximize their outdoor living spaces, pool and backyard design trends are evolving to blend luxury and functionality. Whether you dream of a sleek modern sanctuary or a cozy entertainment hub, today’s innovations make it easier than ever to transform backyards into a personal paradise.
Moses Campos, a design consultant for Claffey Pools and recent winner of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge, judged by the nation’s most elite pool designers, touched on a few popular pool trends heading into the summer of 2025. For those wanting a backyard upgrade, take notes.
Enhancing The Patio Vibe
Covered space has become a must on many projects, Campos said. More covered areas give family members and friends the chance to enjoy being outdoors by the pool – without necessarily having to get in. While going for a swim is always enticing, more companies are fielding requests for backyard and patio enhancements around the water – so there’s always a reason to be outside.
“Consider that a home usually has a covered patio,” Campos said. “It’s much more common now to bring the seating areas out further away from the home. Creating destinations around the yard and pool give a different perspective and vibe.”
Sharp Design
Less is more in the world of backyard pools. Pool designs are becoming more simple and minimalist in nature, with companies seeing an uptick in projects with simplistic water features, all-natural stone decking and the use of straight lines in the surrounding patio.
“It’s a timeless aesthetic,” Campos said. “Straight lines are usually for the person looking for a minimalistic and calm space. We’re also seeing on some projects simplistic water features near the ledges [of pools], which has become a nice direction for projects that want a calm and relaxing space.”
Shallow Depths
A pool may have a “deep end,” but that’s becoming more an exception than the norm. Nowadays, the pool serves as a place to hang out, share conversation and enjoy a drink – without having to submerge yourself. Some designs, including one Campos oversaw, even requested a cocktail table built into the pool itself.
“This is perfect for drinks and conversation – or even game night in the pool,” Campos said.