Designing a custom pool is more than choosing the size and shape. Today’s homeowners want outdoor spaces that feel personalized, luxurious, and built to last. As you begin planning your in-ground pool construction, it helps to understand the most popular trends and features available. At Arista Pool & Spa, we build only custom gunite pools because they offer unmatched durability, full customization, and long term resilience. Gunite is the strongest material for pool construction, giving you the freedom to incorporate modern features that elevate both aesthetics and functionality.

Below are the leading trends and ideas to help you create a pool that feels timeless, beautiful, and perfectly designed for your home.

Waterfalls and Modern Water Features

Bringing Movement and Sound Into Your Backyard

Waterfalls and decorative water features remain among the most requested additions for new pool builds. They create a relaxing atmosphere, provide a natural focal point, and help the pool environment feel more resort inspired. Because gunite pools are highly customizable, you can design waterfalls in countless styles, from natural stone structures to sleek modern spillways. Water jets and laminar streams also add elegance, delivering a clean, arched flow of water that looks impressive during the day and even more dramatic when paired with LED lighting at night.

Sun Shelves for Relaxing and Lounging

Sun shelves, also known as tanning ledges, continue to be a standout trend in pool design. These shallow platforms allow swimmers to relax in a few inches of water while enjoying the comfort of a lounge chair or simply cooling off. They are perfect for families, especially for younger children or anyone who prefers a calmer, more relaxing in-water experience. With gunite construction, sun shelves can be shaped in any form, letting you incorporate furniture, spillover areas, or decorative tile to match the pool’s overall design.

Swim-up Bars and Entertaining Zones

Making Your Backyard Feel Like a Vacation Destination

If your goal is to turn your backyard into an entertainment space, a swim-up bar is an incredible addition. These bars extend directly into the pool, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments without leaving the water. They pair well with in-pool seating and benches, creating a social space that feels like a luxury resort. Gunite gives you the flexibility to design custom bar shapes, counter heights, and seating arrangements that complement the rest of your outdoor living area.

In-pool Seating and Benches

Built-in benches add comfort and functionality to any pool layout. Whether you want a quiet area to relax, a conversation zone near a spa, or seating within a deeper area of the pool, gunite construction supports all of it. These features blend seamlessly into the design and offer convenient spots for guests to enjoy the water without fully swimming.

Infinity Edges and Modern Visual Design

Infinity edges have become one of the most dramatic and visually appealing pool features. These edges create a disappearing waterline effect, making the pool appear to flow into the horizon. They work especially well on properties with scenic views or elevation changes. Because gunite is the most durable and customizable material, it can support the structural demands of a clean, polished infinity edge design.

Built-in Spas and Year-round Enjoyment

Many homeowners are choosing to integrate spas directly into the pool structure. A built-in spa allows you to enjoy warm, relaxing water even during cooler months. It also enhances the overall design by blending seamlessly into the pool’s layout. Built-in spas pair perfectly with heating options, whether you choose traditional heaters, energy efficient systems, or modern variable-speed solutions.

Lighting for Safety and Ambiance

Lighting is no longer an afterthought. LED lighting allows you to customize the color, brightness, and atmosphere of your pool. Underwater lights, pathway lighting, and accent lighting around water features all work together to create a dramatic effect at night. Lighting also increases safety by illuminating entry points, steps, and deeper areas.

Fire Bowls and Fire Pits Near the Pool

Fire and water combinations have become incredibly popular. Fire bowls, fire pits, and decorative flame features create warmth, contrast, and ambiance. These features transform your backyard into a visually stunning environment for evening entertainment. The glow of fire reflecting off your pool surface creates a dramatic look that many homeowners love.

Countless Options When You Choose a Gunite Pool

Gunite pools offer full creative freedom. Unlike pre-made pool shells, gunite allows you to incorporate nearly any feature you can imagine. Whether you want a multi-level design, a built-in spa, wide steps, custom curves, or advanced water features, gunite gives you the flexibility to bring your vision to life. This is why Arista Pool & Spa builds only gunite pools. They are the most durable, the most customizable, and the longest lasting.

Start Designing Your New Custom Pool Today

If you are planning a new luxury pool, now is the perfect time to explore the trends and features that can elevate your backyard. Arista Pool & Spa offers free estimates, and we invite you to contact us to schedule your consultation or visit our state-of-the-art showroom. Our team is ready to help you design a beautiful, custom gunite pool with the features and craftsmanship that will last for decades.