The Latest Trends in Pools & Spas to Create Your Perfect Backyard
Each industry has its trade shows, and the pool industry is no different. For several years now, our “Pool Lady” and Vice President, Amanda, has attended the Mid-America Pool, Spa, and Outdoor Living Show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. We asked Amanda to give us a round up of some of her favorite innovations in pools and spas from this year’s show. If you’re considering installing a pool this year, this is a great place to start!
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Lighting – It’s Not Just for Safety
Landscape lighting has a big job – it is a necessity for safety, but it also makes a significant impact on the overall look and ambiance of your outdoor space. One of the big themes at this year’s show was integrating pool lighting with the rest of the landscape lighting to create a truly cohesive look.
Pools should always have lighting around the perimeter and at entry and exit points so that as the sun sets, you can continue to enjoy your pool safely. Strip lighting is very on-trend right now; it provides a clean, modern look that really showcases your pool as a design element of your backyard. What’s more, you can select LED lights that allow for changing colors and even choose smart lights that can be controlled via a mobile app and synced with music!
As you consider the lighting for the rest of your landscape elements, a nice complement to strip lighting in the pool are path lights that offer a natural flow from the pool to other landscape elements. We always think about how our clients will use their outdoor spaces, and well-placed lighting enhances not only the function, but also the flow.
Thin, Modern Drain Tiles
Drain tiles on your pool patio are a necessity to keep pavers from becoming a slip hazard, but they can be unsightly and detract from the overall aesthetic of your backyard. Fortunately, the industry has responded to the desire to have drain tiles blend in as much as possible. Now, drain tiles are a fraction of their former width, and when thoughtfully installed, they can actually add to the design of your pool patio. One of our last pools installed in 2025 utilized these more attractive tiles, and we’re sure you will agree it’s a significant upgrade from the thicker option!
Skimmer Caps That Seamlessly Blend with Pavers
Skimmer caps are another requirement when you have a pool, but the traditional plastic cover is not ideal when you want a clean, modern pool patio. Enter hidden skimmer caps! The cover is a metal frame into which a paver (or pavers, if needed for the design) is custom fit and inserted so that you can hardly see it’s there! There are small metal handles enabling you to lift the cover to access the skimmer. This is an absolute game changer when it comes to your pool feeling like a fully congruous part of your outdoor living design.
Related: Oh My Gosh, You’re Putting in a Pool! Channel Your Inner Clark Griswold This Winter
Advanced Tools for Pool Liner Measurements
Vinyl liners offer the lowest upfront cost when putting in an in-ground pool, but they do need to be replaced every 7-10 years. Since vinyl can be fully customized to the shape and depth each homeowner wants, it can be tricky to properly measure for the replacement. Thanks to several different companies who have created tools to efficiently and accurately measure for liner replacements, we are able to get those liners measured, ordered, and installed in significantly less time.
Related: What You Need to Know About the 3 Types of In-Ground Pools
When we decided to add custom pools and spas to our Montano’s service offering, it was a leap of faith fueled by our clients’ desire to have us handle every aspect of their outdoor living renovations. We can officially say, a year later, it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! And with the advancements in the industry, we have more options than ever before to create the beautiful spaces our clients deserve.
