This year’s top inground pool trends for St. Augustine backyards center on natural stone finishes, sun shelves and tanning ledges, energy-efficient equipment, and outdoor living spaces designed to extend the pool experience well beyond swimming itself. Homeowners across the region are moving away from cookie-cutter rectangular pools toward designs that reflect their specific lifestyle, backyard layout, and the coastal character that makes St. Augustine such a distinctive place to live.
For anyone planning a new pool or considering a remodel, understanding these trends can help shape a design that feels current today and still holds its appeal for years to come.
Natural Stone and Textured Finishes
Natural stone finishes are replacing the previously popular smooth, uniform pool decks, as a growing trend points toward interior and deck finishes in natural stone, such as travertine, coral, and textured pebble, to evoke the local St. Augustine landscape. These finishes also tend to provide greater slip resistance and cooling properties during Florida’s long, hot summers, which is an important practical consideration.
Sun Shelves / Tanning Ledges
Sun shelves, sometimes referred to as tanning ledges, are one of the fastest-growing trends in pools, where an extended landing at the pool’s edge provides a shallow area for residents to lounge in a few inches of water while enjoying a beverage or floating on their backs. They also create space for a floating lounger or for children to play in a small, gated section isolated from the deeper part of the pool.
This is a particularly desirable option in St. Augustine, as the local climate allows for year-round lounging in a warm pool.
Energy Efficient Equipment + App-Controlled Systems
Energy-efficient pumps and variable-speed drives, often paired with app-controlled systems for lighting, filtration, and overall pool automation, are rapidly becoming standard offerings rather than premium upgrades as energy costs continue to rise. These systems allow for dramatically reduced electrical costs compared to single-speed equipment while also providing greater overall flexibility and convenience by putting control in the homeowner’s hands. At the same time, the reduced strain on equipment lowers long-term replacement costs, resulting in a shorter payback period for the initial investment.
Outdoor Living / Sun Shelves / Integrated Pools
Pools are rapidly being reimagined as central elements of an expanded outdoor living space, with many residents looking to turn their yards into fully integrated, connected spaces featuring covered lanais, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and other desirable elements directly connected to the pool. In particular, sun shelves are ideal for creating a desirable lounging space directly connected to the pool, which is a huge asset in St. Augustine due to its warm climate.
Water Features
Deck jets, sheer-decent waterfalls, and bubbler features, which provide both visual appeal and desirable sound-masking qualities, are another growing trend, as these elements can be tailored to fit a wide range of budgets and design needs. Whether as a single focal point or a series of smaller features running the length of the pool, waterfalls provide value in both their appearance and their ability to improve circulation, while also creating a cooling microclimate around the pool on hot days.
Saltwater Pools
These saltwater chlorine-generation pools are gaining popularity and gradually replacing the old chloride pools in St. Augustine. Homeowners considering upgrading an existing chlorine pool to saltwater or installing a new in-ground swimming pool in St. Augustine may find a saltwater pool worth serious consideration. The difference is noticeable, less bothersome to the skin and eyes, and simpler to maintain.
Hidden Costs of Owning a Pool in St. Augustine
When designing the pool of their dreams, most would-be residents focus overwhelmingly on the visual aspects and the many appealing options available in the latest trends.
However, it is also important to understand the hidden costs of pool ownership in St. Augustine and how different choices affect long-term expenses.
Haven Pools LLC says regular cleaning, water tests, electricity, and potential major repairs down the line are just a few of the expenses homeowners incur beyond the purchase of an in-ground pool.
Selecting the Team to Bring Your Design to Reality
Achieving a look like these trends – harmoniously rendered in 3-D – demands the solid skills of experienced pool builders. When you work with pool builders St. Augustine, Florida, trusted, discerning homeowners throughout the area know the visionary choices in your design will not just look good on the computer screen but will be executed flawlessly, with engineering designed to withstand the Florida climate and soil for decades to come.
Final Words
In conclusion, the above main trends show how locals can bring a tired in-ground pool up to scratch by introducing the latest essential features. From sun shelves and saltwater systems to integrated outdoor kitchens and other appealing additions, each choice must be carefully considered with long-term value and functionality in mind, as many of these investments will have a lasting impact for years to come.
With this understanding of the latest backyard pool trends, prospective residents should be prepared to make the best choice for their personal needs, ensuring a desirable pool space tailored to their unique vision and lifestyle.
Ready to build your dream backyard? Connect with the most trusted swimming pool contractors in St. Augustine today to request a free quote on your new custom in-ground pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What is the most popular swimming pool finish on trend?
As of 2024, natural stone and pebble swimming pool finishes remain the top choices among residential pool consumers for their slip resistance, ability to maintain a resort-like water color, and cooler feel underfoot.
2: Do the up-front added prices justify saltwater swimming pools?
Based on a survey of property owners, many believe that switching from traditional chlorinated systems to a saltwater system would offer their families better water quality, require less manual swimming pool maintenance, and require fewer chemicals.
3: How much does a bespoke in-ground pool cost in St. Augustine, FL, usually?.
Swimming pools differ in size and price, yet property owners should prepare to pay for both in-ground swimming pool design and yearly maintenance, which adds to their home’s price.
4: What external living areas collaborate best with a swimming pool?
The most popular additional features would certainly include covered lanai extensions, outdoor cooking and dining areas in the shade.
5: How much time would it take to build a bespoke in-ground pool?
The majority of custom pool jobs take 8 to 16 weeks. Yet it is not guaranteed.