The New Pool Rules: 7 Trends in Luxury Pool Design for Australian Homes

Aussies have always had a thing for pools. But lately, the backyard watering hole has evolved into something far more elevated - a scene-stealing centrepiece that speaks to design, lifestyle, and a deep desire for connection. Once a place for perfunctory barbecues and a modest patch of grass, it's now the heart of the home - a sanctuary for escape, play, and wellness. And at the centre of this evolution? The swimming pool. But not just any pool. These aren’t just places to cool off - they’re extensions of the home’s architecture, reflections of personal style, and increasingly, the setting for some of life’s best memories (and let’s be honest, the occasional epic tantrum or Aperol spill).

Working with Blue Haven on our own dream pool gave me a front-row seat to the new era of aquatic luxury – think sculptural curves, textural tiles, magnesium water, and sunken lounges that wouldn’t look out of place at a five-star resort.

“We’re seeing a big shift towards curves, minimalism, and spaces that feel like luxury resorts at home,” says Remonda Martinez, CEO of Blue Haven Pools. “Think built-in lounges, seamless edges, smart lighting, and that indoor-outdoor flow. People are over the standard rectangle and want a pool that feels like a vibe. It’s all about integration.”

Whether you’re planning a knockdown rebuild or revamping your existing space, here are the seven design-led trends redefining Australian luxury pool design in 2026 – many of which featured in our very own pool collaboration with Blue Haven.

1. Wet Decks and Built-In Sunken Lounges

Nothing says ‘holiday at home’ quite like a sunken lounge or a shallow wet deck built into your pool. These resort-style features offer a space to socialise, sip something cold, and feel completely immersed – without ever needing to ruin your hair.

“Tanning ledges are massive right now,” says Remonda. “Especially for young families who want splash zones for the kids and chillax zones for the adults.”

These shallow, submerged platforms double as safe play zones and sleek relaxation areas.

2. Curved and Organic Pool Shapes

Forget rigid right angles. The most design-forward pools for 2026 favour soft, organic forms that mirror nature and architecture alike.

“People want pools that reflect their lifestyle and personal aesthetic,” Remonda explains. “There’s significant planning going on.”

Curves complement both classic and contemporary homes, and when paired with the right tiling and landscaping, they become sculptural showpieces.

Our own Blue Haven build embraced this ethos with a gracefully curved concrete shell that invites movement and flow.

3. Why Tiled Pool Interiors Are Worth the Investment

Step aside, fibreglass blue. Today’s high-end pools are all about tactile, tonal tiling.

“Fully tiled pools are having a major moment,” says Remonda. “Textured glass, natural stone, Moroccan mosaics – there’s a hunger for texture and tone. People want pools that glow and blend with their outdoor palette.”

Beyond aesthetics, tiled interiors offer superior durability and a luxe finish that ages beautifully.

4. Mineral and Magnesium Pool Systems

Wellness is now integral to pool design. Homeowners are prioritising health-conscious water systems that support skin and eye sensitivity.

“Magnesium pools are softer on the skin, gentler on the eyes, and packed with healing properties,” says Remonda. “You step out feeling like you’ve had a spa treatment – not a chemical rinse.”

For our pool, we opted for a magnesium mineral system that delivers both silky water and beauty benefits – hello, glowing skin.

5. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Pools aren’t just backyard add-ons anymore. They’re central to a home’s architecture.

“It’s common these days to plan a pool at the same time as a new home,” says Remonda. “It becomes the focal point of where we celebrate, unwind, and reconnect.”

Position your pool for optimal flow – think just outside the kitchen or living room – to enhance both lifestyle and real estate value.

Our kitchen window looks out onto the pool – this was intentional so I could keep an eye on the kids when prepping lunch – and it’s been a game changer. We also have the outdoor kitchen and deck featuring a great view to the pool so when we’re BBQing, the Dads can keep watch, too.

6. Lighting as a Luxe Statement

Good lighting turns a pool into a mood. Underwater LEDs, perimeter strip lighting, and illuminated landscaping create an ambience that lingers long after sunset.

“The sound of water trickling, ambient lighting, the right mix of textures – it’s not just about visuals,” says Remonda. “It’s about creating a feeling.”

Our pool features an LED lighting system controlled with a remote that you can switch from blues and greens to disco party lights when you’re dialing things up a notch, making every dusk dip feel cinematic.

7. Smart Tech Integration

Today’s luxury pools come with brains. Automated heating, energy-efficient pumps, app-controlled lighting and filtration are fast becoming the norm.

“Our filtration and energy systems are cutting edge,” says Remonda. “We work closely with suppliers to stay ahead of the curve.”

Smart tech makes maintenance seamless and ensures your pool is always ready when you are. Want to turn the pool heater on from your phone when you’re away from home, so it’s toasty when you get home? The power, these days, is literally in your hands.

What’s Next in Luxury Pool Design?

From wet deck lounges to outdoor showers and floating concrete steps, the poolscape is only getting more sophisticated. And Blue Haven is leading the charge.

“We’re not just building pools – we’re setting trends,” says Remonda. “Design is our craft, our passion, and certainly our difference.

In a world of designers you could expect to pay $10k or more for design services. We offer this to our customers at no additional cost to the pool price. The value we add is immeasurable.”

In terms of how they approach this? It all starts with the design of the home.

“Is it coastal? Classic? Mid-century modern? Then we layer in pool shapes, tile palettes, and features that echo those architectural notes. It’s not about a pool slapped in the backyard – it’s about a space and of course the people that belongs there.”

“We play with tonality – warm concrete with soft blues, or crisp white coping against deep turquoise. And landscaping? It frames the pool like eyeliner to the eyes. Lush palms, architectural plants, soft lighting – chef’s kiss!” says Remonda.

As for creativity – a Pinterest board and your imagination is your only limit.

“We had a home owner who was a fashion editor and wanted a pool that could double as a photo shoot location,” says Remonda. “It had a round spa sunken into a curved pool with blush-toned tiles and floating concrete steps that wrapped around like a hug. The textured rendered walls and landscaping extended the mood for meters beyond the pool’s edge . Oh and not to mention the outdoor shower!”

With over 350 design and innovation awards to Blue Haven’s name, it’s safe to say the future of Australian pool design is in visionary hands.

Words by Sigourney Cantelo, in partnership with Blue Haven Pools.