In Sherman Oaks, design trends rarely arrive as fleeting fads. Our neighborhood tends to adopt ideas that balance beauty with day-to-day comfort, and the latest pool remodels are no exception. The right upgrade can make the yard feel calmer, the water cleaner, and the space more adaptable for gatherings that last long after sunset. If you’re considering a fresh start, an on-point pool remodel can bring your backyard into alignment with how we really live in the Valley—casual, connected, and attuned to the changing light.
Spend a few minutes walking evening streets near Ventura Boulevard or up in the hills and you’ll catch glimpses of shimmering LEDs, open decks, and thoughtful plantings that frame the water instead of crowding it. The consistent theme is restraint. Homeowners are choosing materials and layouts that feel timeless today and trustworthy tomorrow. The goal isn’t to impress for a season; it’s to create a space that feels effortlessly current for years.
Understated Luxury in Surfaces
One of the most visible trends is the move toward durable, tactile finishes. Pebble and quartz aggregates dominate because they resist staining and etching, and they create a jewel-like sparkle without veering into ostentation. Colors are tuned to the Valley’s sun: medium blues for clarity, smoky teals for calm, and mineral-inspired grays that read sophisticated in both bright and overcast light. Border tiles are being used sparingly, while waterline details lean toward glass mosaics that catch late-day sun without overwhelming the eye.
Coping choices are equally restrained. Porcelain pavers with subtle texture keep feet cooler while delivering clean lines that suit modern and transitional homes alike. For those who love a natural look, limestone or travertine in honed finishes softens the deck without becoming slippery. The idea is to create a cohesive ground plane that flows from interior floors to exterior decks with minimal visual interruption.
Comfort-Forward Layouts
Layouts are trending toward social versatility. Baja shelves are considered essential in many remodels, serving as shallow lounges for reading or supervising kids. Built-in benches carved into deeper sections provide hangout spots that don’t interrupt swimmers. Entry steps are being widened and reoriented for better sightlines from kitchens and living rooms, so you can keep an eye on the action without standing watch.
Because space is at a premium on many Sherman Oaks lots, designers are reclaiming square footage by simplifying shapes. Gentle rectilinear forms feel crisp, work well with furniture, and create opportunities for lap-friendly geometry without sacrificing play areas. It’s a shift away from overly curvy forms that consume deck space and complicate maintenance.
Lighting That Sets the Mood
LED lighting has matured from flashy color shows to nuanced scenes. Today’s approach favors soft washes that define edges, highlight step treads, and lend the water a luminous depth. Warm whites dominate for evenings, shifting to gentle blues or aquas for a party-ready effect. With automation, homeowners save preferred scenes and change them with a tap. Thoughtfully placed low-voltage landscape lights extend the experience, washing trees and walls so the yard feels expansive rather than spotlighted in isolated patches.
In remodels, lighting is also about safety. Clearly lit transitions prevent missteps, especially in homes where kids and grandparents share the space. Instead of a single bright bulb, multiple smaller fixtures create even visibility and flattering reflections on the surface.
Smarter, Quieter Equipment
Equipment upgrades sit at the heart of many trends. Variable-speed pumps and cartridge or oversized filters run quieter, and that subtle hush changes the whole backyard. Scheduling filtration during off-peak hours becomes seamless, and water clarity improves thanks to steady, gentle turnover. Heaters are being tuned for targeted comfort rather than blasting to extremes, making early-morning laps and late-night dips more pleasant without the rollercoaster of temperature swings.
Automation ties everything together. From a phone, you can check chemistry, adjust lights, heat the spa, or start a cleaning cycle. It’s not about gadgetry for its own sake; it’s about removing friction so you use the pool more often. Mid-project design sessions often include a review of real-world examples to see how a pool remodel can integrate controls without complicating the aesthetic.
Water Features With Purpose
Subtle water features are trending over dramatic statements. Sheer descents, narrow spillways, and scuppers create gentle sound that masks neighborhood noise without dominating conversation. When the feature is shallow and well-lit, it becomes a visual anchor. The key is moderation: a calm trickle that softens the environment feels luxurious in a way a roaring waterfall rarely does in smaller yards.
These elements also help with circulation and can be positioned to move debris toward skimmers. In windy pockets of the neighborhood, this thoughtful placement can spare you extra maintenance.
Eco-Attuned Choices
Conservation-minded selections are here to stay. Salt-friendly systems or low-chlorine alternatives pair with finishes that handle chemistry fluctuations gracefully. Landscaping near the pool tends toward drought-tolerant plantings that look good year-round without heavy shedding into the water. Shade structures and strategic tree placement cut down on evaporation and help stabilize temperatures in peak summer.
Beyond equipment, remodels often consider water management holistically. Optimized overflow channels, auto-fill systems, and efficient cleaners keep things tidy without constant intervention. The result is a backyard that runs quietly in the background, ready whenever you are.
Color Stories and Visual Calm
Visually, homeowners are choosing palettes that read calm rather than busy. A single dominant tone in the water—anchored by harmonious deck and coping materials—creates a sense of unity. Accents are used sparingly: a band of mosaic at the waterline, a single feature wall, or a sculptural planter. This discipline makes the yard feel larger and more timeless.
In the Valley’s bright light, minimalism doesn’t mean stark. It’s about editing. You can still have richness and warmth by layering textures and choosing materials that look better with a little sun and time.
Family-Friendly Without Compromise
Trends are leaning toward spaces that welcome everyone without sacrificing style. Gentle entries, clear step lighting, and a bench near the shallow end make it easy for kids to play while adults relax close by. For multigenerational households, these choices ensure that grandparents feel safe and included. It’s design with empathy, recognizing that the best pools get used by people at every age.
What’s Next
Looking forward, expect refinements rather than revolutions. Materials will continue to prioritize durability, equipment will get smarter and quieter, and layouts will keep favoring adaptable social zones. The shared thread is ease—a space that looks beautiful with low effort and invites you to spend more time outside.
FAQ
Which color is most popular for remodeled pools right now? Medium, water-clear blues and muted teals dominate because they read fresh in bright light and soothing in the evening. They also pair well with both warm and cool deck tones.
Are Baja shelves still in style? Very much so. They function as lounges, play zones, and transition areas. Their popularity stems from both comfort and practicality, and they integrate well with most pool shapes.
How many lights should a modern pool have? Rather than one bright fixture, multiple smaller LEDs placed strategically create even illumination and highlight edges and steps. The exact number depends on size and shape.
Do smart systems complicate maintenance? They simplify it when set up properly. Automation allows for consistent schedules, quick adjustments, and alerts that help you stay ahead of issues instead of reacting to them.
Can eco-friendly choices still feel luxurious? Absolutely. Durable surfaces, efficient equipment, and drought-aware landscaping deliver a refined experience that also respects resources. Luxury today is as much about ease and comfort as it is about sparkle.
When you’re ready to bring your backyard up to date with thoughtful materials, subtle lighting, and easygoing sophistication, explore options that reflect the best of Sherman Oaks living. Start planning your next pool remodel and shape a space that feels timeless from the first splash to the last glow of evening.