2026 Swimming Pool Design Ideas: Top Pool Design Trends for Next Year
Are you considering a new pool for the upcoming season? The year 2026 is set to bring exciting opportunities for homeowners eager to revamp their backyards with innovative swimming pool designs. At Allstar Pool Company, we specialize in installing high-quality Barrier Reef and Latham Pools that blend cutting-edge design with durability. Based on the latest releases from these manufacturers and the evolving preferences of homeowners, here are the top pool design trends for 2026 and the reasons behind their anticipated popularity.
Key Takeaways
- Sleek, modern pool shapes dominate 2026 designs
- Pool-spa combos offer relaxation and fun in one space
- Compact plunge pools fit smaller backyards
- Lighting and water features enhance outdoor living
- Wellness options and smart tech simplify pool care
1. New Pool Models and Modern Shapes
Why it’s trending: Homeowners want pools that feel like part of the home’s architecture, not just a backyard afterthought. This is why Latham’s new models like the Apollo 14 and Ariel 16 include multiple entry points, tanning ledges, and built-in seating.
Barrier Reef is also expanding its modern free-form designs and bold finishes. These sleek shapes pair perfectly with contemporary landscaping, giving homeowners a resort-inspired look right at home.
The Barrier Reef Coral Sea is not a new model but one of the most requested fiberglass pool designs for homeowners who want a clean rectangle with generous swim space. We install this model in multiple sizes and help you choose the right layout, depth, and finish based on your yard and usage goals.
Learn more about fiberglass pool designs.
2. Pool and Spa Combinations
Why it’s trending: Pools aren’t just for swimming anymore. Homeowners want relaxation, hydrotherapy, and entertainment all in one place.
Barrier Reef and Latham are designing integrated spa options that flow naturally into the main pool.
At Allstar Pools, we’ve noticed a rising interest in pool-spa combinations, as homeowners desire a spa-like retreat that also accommodates family fun and entertaining guests. Find out how Allstar installs pool and spa combinations.
3. Compact Pools for Smaller Backyards
Why it’s trending: Not every home has a big yard to accommodate the luxury of a large pool, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo elegance and enjoyment. Latham’s plunge pool collection and Barrier Reef’s compact models bring big design impact to small backyards.
These smaller pools are easier to maintain, heat, and clean, making them ideal for busy families who want beauty without the hassle. Allstar Pools installs many of these plunge and cocktail pools across Conway, SC, helping homeowners create backyard escapes even in tight spaces.
Browse fiberglass pool shapes.
4. Integrated Lighting, Water Features, and Outdoor Living Spaces
Why it’s trending: Pools are becoming the centerpiece of full outdoor living environments. Homeowners want backyards that transition seamlessly from day to night, which is why LED lighting, deck jets, spillover spas, and fire-and-water features are gaining popularity.
The growing trend of in-pool furniture that gained momentum in 2025 is expected to stay strong well into 2026. More homeowners are viewing their pools as the centerpiece of a complete backyard retreat, integrating features like outdoor bars, firepits, and lounge areas into a single, cohesive design.
Allstar Pools works with Barrier Reef and Latham to design complete outdoor experiences that combine style, function, and ambiance. Explore our pool installation services.
5. Enhanced Safety and Accessibility
Why it’s trending: Families with kids, older homeowners, and multi-generational households increasingly want pool designs that are not just beautiful but genuinely safe and easy to use. Barrier Reef responds with features like step-ledges around the entire pool, smooth non-abrasive surfaces, non-skid entry steps and floors, and no sharp edges, reducing slips, scrapes, and accidents.
Latham’s models include slip-resistant steps, multiple points of entry and exit, swim-up seating, and wading areas, all design elements that make it easier for younger children to enter, exit, rest, or play safely – and still be within reach and under supervision!
Expect these kinds of kid-friendly safety and comfort features to become standard in 2026 pool models.
6. Bolder Colors and Longer-Lasting Finishes
Why it’s trending: Homeowners want high-end looks without the fading or staining that comes with traditional pool surfaces.
Barrier Reef’s Shimmer Finish and Latham’s Crystite ® Gel Coat provide deep blues, grays, and jewel tones that resist fading. These also create a striking, sparkling, modern look. These finishes may also reduce maintenance, so pools stay beautiful for years.
This 2026 pool trend is especially suitable for fiberglass pools. Fiberglass shells come from the manufacturer with a factory-applied gel coat finish rather than being finished on-site like concrete pools. That means high-performance coatings bond directly to the smooth fiberglass surface under controlled conditions, creating a long-lasting, UV-resistant layer.
Because Allstar Pools’ fiberglass pools already have nonporous surfaces, they naturally resist algae growth and staining.
Pairing them with advanced finishes in bolder colors and jewel tones gives homeowners the look of a high-end, custom pool while keeping maintenance and chemical needs lower.
7. Wellness-Focused Features
Why it’s trending: As health and relaxation become priorities, pools are doubling as personal wellness retreats.
Features like hydrotherapy jets, spa benches, and integrated seating are showing up in new designs from both manufacturers. Allstar Pools installs these options for homeowners who want fitness, relaxation, and entertainment in one space.
For homeowners seeking the ultimate backyard retreat, pool and spa combo designs are becoming a top choice. These setups allow you to enjoy the benefits of a refreshing swim and a relaxing spa soak in one integrated space. With seamless design options from Allstar Pools, you can create a private oasis. We will blend fitness, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment into a single backyard feature.
8. Technology and Smarter Maintenance
Why it’s trending: Homeowners want less work, more enjoyment.
While Allstar Pools already installs saltwater systems for easier maintenance, 2026 is likely to bring smart technology like automated lighting, self-monitoring filtration, and chemical balancing systems. The result is lower maintenance costs and more time enjoying the water.
Bring Your 2026 Pool Design Ideas to Life
Ready to bring these 2026 swimming pool design ideas into your backyard? We are ready to help with:
- Custom pool design services
- Professional installation
- Saltwater systems for easier care
- Free consultations to plan your project
Contact us today to explore the top pool design trends for 2026. Let us create a backyard retreat you will love for years to come.