"Like an infinity pool with no end in sight, so goes the styles that set the pace for pool design trends in 2018. High-​end, resort-​style pools are at one end of the scale," Lyon Financial reports. "But any backyard pool can achieve that semblance of refinement with a few carefully chosen colors and finishes. Even pool depth makes an architectural and functional statement that can exclusively define any new pool installation."

Concrete pavers

"Concrete pavers are an awesome patio option," according to a Mid City Custom Pools blog post. "They are easy to install, tough, weather-​resistant, cost-​effective, and of course, look great. There are two options when it comes to concrete pavers, interlocked pavers, and architectural pavers. For those interested in a more natural and aesthetic look, architectural pavers are the way to go. The best part is, concrete pavers can be installed with almost any design or trend you wish to implement."

Inside out

"Generally, people go with outdoor pools. But things may be changing. How about a pool that integrates the outdoor theme with the indoor theme? This trend consists of the pool being built closer into the back of the house, with only the separation of, for example, large sliding glass doors. Watch the kids while enjoying a lemonade in the shade of your living room."

Homeowners are getting serious about putting in pools, so advertising some of these beautiful trends could whet their appetites even more. The newest AudienceSCAN survey showed 4% of Americans plan to purchase swimming pools this year.

Smart pools

"With the vast growth of technology, we are now incorporating these new technologies into the operation and design of pools. You won’t mind this luxury, as you will have all the control at your fingertips on your smart phone when it comes to the lighting, temperature, cleaning, and audio aspects of your smart pool."

Elevation

"Pools are getting elevated to the point of being on their own level. Having pools built into the second level of your home, to be more exact."

Create with Color

"For pools, more intense or darker colors are being used, not just for the drama, but for their relaxation value," according to a Lyon Financial blog post. "Pool interiors coated in azures and cobalt blues lend themselves to a lagoon-​like effect: deep, dark, and soothing. Even if used for highlight surfaces or on accent pieces, the benefit of these colors makes the space feel welcoming, yet a little more luxurious for the vivid stage they set."

Ledges

"Despite the contemporary trends of edgeless finishes and infinity edges, swim-​up bars and tanning ledges are as popular as ever. Ledges offer incredible versatility as they can be used for children to play on or as a wonderfully warm surface to sun."

Entice Swimming Pool Shoppers with beautiful, sun-​drenched imagery of these trends. TV and social media are the way to go: 58% of Pool Shoppers took action after seeing commercials, and 56% took action after seeing ads on social networks in the past month, according to the latest AudienceSCAN data.

Tile Mosaics

"As you would design a kitchen to be distinctive with a unique tiled backsplash to offset cabinetry and countertops, so reigns the pool’s interior finish with polished materials like glass tiles – and even more earthy textures like pebbles and stones. Not only do the deck’s pavers and walkways offer opportunity for expression, they can be designed to complement the pool’s surface."

Newer applications make the mosaic installation less labor-​intensive, and therefore more affordable. You can say it with tile – and even take it a step further by customizing a centerpiece medallion at pool bottom for dramatic effect. Today’s pool designs are expressions of style – oftentimes works of art made even more beautiful because there’s a body of water to highlight the finishes and to serve as a reflective surface that shimmers on surrounding structures like fire pits, torches and furniture."

Pool Depths

"Traditionally, pools were designed to slope at the bottom so a shallow end progressed to a deeper end. With people using their pools for more than swimming, a trend to consider is making the depth consistent from end to end. Depending on the depth, that may take a diving board out of the equation, but the advantages of this depth consistency might just surpass the desire for a board. With one set depth, you know that just about anyone’s feet can touch bottom and perhaps you will feel more secure that your children or their friends are not wandering into the deep end."

Because swimming pools are the perfect venue for exercise (as swimming engages your entire body and the buoyancy of the water takes the stress off joints) a single depth pool (also known as a sports pool) makes doing continuous laps easier. What else is great about a sports pool? Playing basketball and volleyball! Both teams can now be a bit more evenly matched as the playing field just got a little bigger."

Hydrotherapy

"The health benefits of swimming and water therapy are well known. What’s great about today’s pools and hydrotherapy jets is that they can now combine for the best of both worlds. Jetted water is usually found in smaller spas typically installed next to the main pool. Today, the trend is to install hydrotherapy jets in the pool itself (even post-​installation!) to convert the entire pool area into a spa. For those with limited mobility, it is even another advantage. They can enjoy exercising in the pool and then swim over and relax with a calming hydrotherapy session."

The health angle could be a great way for pool dealers to reach shoppers! The most recent AudienceSCAN study found 46% of Swimming Pool Shoppers set personal goals to exercise more this year; 36% set goals to lose weight; and 26% want to take up new hobbies.

Saltwater Pools

"While not the newest trend, it is still a popular one. The misnomer is that saltwater pools are chlorine-​free, but it is instead a regenerative process via a saltwater purification system that creates the chlorine to maintain the health and safety of the water. The chlorine generator uses salt to produce a chlorine gas that dissolves into the water. However, because it is automatically produced, there is no need to pour the typical additives in, or worry about their storage."

Light Up the Night

"If you are looking to dress up an existing pool installation, pool LED lighting is an excellent place to begin. You can extend that glimmer from poolside and back to the deck, to integrate the adjacent areas and enjoy parties and dining into the evening. Outdoor lighting lends a natural festivity to any yard and suits every season."

AudienceSCAN data is available for your applications and dashboards through the SalesFuel API. Media companies and agencies can access AudienceSCAN data through the AudienceSCAN Reports in AdMall.