"The popularity of “staycations” has influenced the way homeowners are looking at pools," Lyon Financial reports. "No longer an afterthought, pools are becoming a way to personalize their outdoor living experience and obtain serenity and relaxation right at home for many years to come, rather than a few days of a vacation getaway here or there. Trends for 2017 reflect an influence on personalized luxury and high-​tech sensibilities."

Smaller Pools

"No big yard (or big budget) for a sprawling pool? No problem. The burgeoning popularity of small pools – also called plunge pools or “spools” – is a reflection of the movement of pools for yards and price points of all sizes. With an emphasis on depth instead length and width, these pools have a footprint that makes them ideal for smaller Southern California yards. A smaller pool also allows the remaining yard to be used for outdoor kitchens and living spaces, also a trend. The design element of a small pool provides a custom fit and feel. These pools offer a seamless incorporation into the landscape and architecture."

Showing consumers that there are many small-​space options could get pool retailers way ahead of this trend. These "spools" will appeal to 47.6% of Swimming Pool Shoppers who live in urban locations, according to new AudienceSCAN research.

Ledges

"In keeping with the trend of bespoke spaces, features like ledges (also called Baja shelves), can give a pool the feel of a five-​star resort. These features are a shallow, flat, shelf-​like area in a pool, usually no more than 12 inches deep. Ledges provide an ideal space to relax and sunbathe with the refreshing effects of water, without having to be submerged. Some designs even incorporate pool furniture into the shelf for the ultimate lounging experience. Shallow ledges are a great way for kids, pets, and those with mobility issues to enjoy the pool."

Fire Features

"Nothing’s hotter right now than juxtaposing water with fire. Fire bowls, fire pits, fireplaces, and other fire features around or in the pool provide practical illumination and warmth, as well as lending a sense of drama and tropical ambience to the poolscape."

Marketers can focus on fire to entice Swimming Pool Shoppers. The new AudienceSCAN study revealed 4% of adults know they want to put in pools this year.

High-​End Custom Materials

"Gone are the days of limited pool finish choices. As with other pool design elements, homeowners are bringing the look of exotic locales to their back yards, and extending high-​end finishes from their homes into the outdoors. Glass tile is trending due to its durability, reflective quality, and its availability in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Its wide price range is equally accommodating. Other popular materials include classic travertine, granite, and pebbled finishes. In addition to being classically stylish, these stone options are durable, low-​maintenance, and often inherently slip-resistant."

Pool dealers can show off all these trends in sparkling TV commercials. The new AudienceSCAN study showed 58% of Swimming Pool Shoppers took action after watching television (over-​the-​air, online, mobile or tablet) spots in the past month.

Automation
"High-​end combines with high-​tech in another trend – pool system automation. Lighting, pumps, temperature, cleaning, music, water features, pool covers, and more can be synced to the user’s smart phone or home automation device, such as Google Home or Amazon’s Echo or Alexa. Imagine being able to heat your pool on the way home from work, no waiting required."

AudienceSCAN data is available as part of a subscription to AdMall for Agencies, or with the SalesFuel API. Media companies can access AudienceSCAN data through the AudienceSCAN Reports in AdMall.