Wellness Water: Why Magnesium Pools, Plunges and Shower Design Matter More Than Ever

From magnesium-rich plunge pools to steam-filled bathrooms that double as day spas, the way we design our homes is shifting. More than ever, we’re favouring calm, recovery, and a little bit of everyday indulgence. With help from the team at Blue Haven Pools (and having tested more than a few of these features myself), here’s how water is becoming the new wellness frontier—and why now is the time to design with flow in mind.

In a world where self-care has finally moved beyond bath bombs and face masks, water is quietly becoming the unsung hero of modern wellness design. Whether it’s magnesium-rich pools, mood-shifting showers, or plunge pools made for endorphin-chasing cold dips, our homes are transforming into personal sanctuaries—and water is leading the charge.

“To me, wellness pools are about creating a space that rejuvenates your body and mind,” says Remonda Martinez, CEO of Blue Haven Pools. “Whether that’s through mineral water, heat therapy, or just the ability to unplug from the world while floating under the stars.”

1. Why Water is the Ultimate Wellness Tool

The benefits of water on the body and mind are well documented. It lowers cortisol, supports circulation, soothes joints, and promotes mental clarity. But beyond the physical, water invites pause. A deep breath. A moment of stillness.

“There’s a growing conversation around wellness pools,” says Remonda. “We’re seeing more women driving the decision-making—mums, professionals, wellness warriors. In particular, they’re prioritising health over hype.”

Designing with water in mind means thinking beyond simple aesthetics. Instead, it’s about how you want to feel: calm, energised, refreshed.

2. The Rise of Magnesium Pools (and Why They Feel Like a Spa Treatment)

One of the most powerful—and popular—upgrades in wellness pool design is magnesium water. Unlike traditional chlorine, magnesium is gentle on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In addition, it offers a slew of therapeutic benefits, from stress relief to muscle recovery.

“You step out of a magnesium pool feeling like you’ve had a spa treatment—not a chemical rinse,” says Remonda. “Magnesium pools are softer on the skin, packed with healing properties, and better for kids or people with sensitivities.”

She likens the experience to floating in a mineral spring—but in your own backyard. No car required.

When it came to building our pool, it was a no-brainer to go for magnesium. I’m a nightly magnesium bather, so the idea of having that en masse was just irresistible.

In terms of upkeep, it’s not too different from adding chlorine to the pool. You simply pour in large bags of magnesium on a regular basis. Yes, it’s pricier than chlorine or salt, but the beauty and health benefits are worth it.

3. Cold Plunges and Ice Baths: Not Just for Athletes Anymore

What was once the domain of elite athletes has now gone mainstream. Cold plunges and compact ice baths are cropping up in luxury home designs everywhere—and for good reason. After all, a short, sharp immersion in cold water has been linked to reduced inflammation, better sleep, improved mood, and increased stress resilience.

“There’s been a significant increase in plunge pool requests,” says Remonda. “And importantly, they’re not just functional—they can be absolutely beautiful. We design them with curves, integrated steps, or even spa-style glass panels for a high-end look.”

Whether you use it as a pre-gym ritual or an evening wind-down, a plunge pool is fast becoming a must-have in wellness-oriented homes.

4. Shower Therapy: The Daily Ritual We Overlook

Never underestimate the humble shower. With the right features—steam, soft lighting, aromatherapy, and temperature control—it can become one of the most grounding daily rituals. Think: spa energy, on demand.

To elevate your experience, install a rainfall showerhead, add a built-in bench for pause, and consider a niche for oils or eucalyptus sprays. Whether it’s a warm shower before bed or a cool rinse to start your day, the effect can be surprisingly transformative.

“Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated,” Remonda adds. “Sometimes, it’s simply five minutes alone with hot water, good pressure, and no interruptions.”

5. Designing for Recovery and Ritual

From ledge seating to underwater bench zones perfect for stretching or meditating, recovery is now being built into the very structure of wellness pools.

“Wet deck ledges are such a game-changer,” says Remonda. “You can tan, lounge, sip your smoothie—or just float and keep your hair dry on those days we all know too well.”

Moreover, features like underwater jets, shallow sections for aquatic movement, and even acoustically mindful water walls help create the kind of environment that restores rather than overstimulates.

And it’s not just about function—it’s equally about how the space makes you feel.

“The sound of water trickling, the shimmer of light on the surface, even the textures underfoot—all of it contributes to a sensory experience,” she says. “You want a pool that heals, not just cools.”

6. Your Home, Your Retreat

If there’s one thing to take away from this new wave of wellness design, it’s that you don’t need a luxury hotel to feel restored. A magnesium pool, a well-placed outdoor shower, or a plunge pool tucked into a quiet courtyard can completely shift the energy of your home.

And as someone who’s personally sat in our own Blue Haven-built plunge pool while watching the kids hurl pool noodles into the sky—it’s not always serene, but still, it is sacred.

Water is more than a design feature. Instead, it’s a feeling. And in a world that rarely stops moving, spaces that let you float, breathe, and simply be are worth their weight in magnesium.

Ultimately, whether you’re dreaming of magnesium-rich waters, minimalist shower sanctuaries, or an ice bath built into your garden—water wellness is more than a trend. It’s a design philosophy. And with partners like Blue Haven Pools Australia, it’s easier than ever to make that dream a reality.

Words by Sigourney Cantelo. In partnership with Blue Haven Pools.