Walk down a Sherman Oaks street on a summer evening and you can sense how the neighborhood has embraced outdoor living. Patios glow softly, the air hums with conversation, and behind privacy hedges, pools shimmer under the last of the golden-hour light. In recent years, the way we design and enjoy pools has evolved quickly. Homeowners want spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and easy to live with—sanctuaries that complement the architecture and climate of the Valley. The most interesting trends are not gimmicks; they are thoughtful responses to how we actually use our backyards and how our environment behaves from season to season.
Working with experienced swimming pool contractors brings those trends to life in ways that feel personal rather than cookie-cutter. Local pros see what succeeds over time, which materials age gracefully, and which technologies simplify ownership instead of adding chores. The result is design that looks fresh today and remains delightful several summers from now, long after the novelty of a new project fades.
Low-profile elegance: the modern classic
One steady trend is the move toward low-profile pools with clean lines, restrained detailing, and an emphasis on proportion. In Sherman Oaks, where architectural styles mix—from ranch to mid-century to contemporary—this approach blends comfortably across eras. Narrow coping, waterline tiles with subtle texture, and interiors in refined shades of blue or graphite create a serene canvas for reflections. The effect is luxurious without shouting, and it lets landscape and light do the heavy lifting.
Designers are also refining edges: negative or knife edges that allow water to tuck under a slim coping, or quietly raised beams that double as backrests and seating. These touches add function while maintaining visual calm. Paired with gentle water features that provide sound without splashing, the atmosphere feels composed even when a pool is busy with guests.
Tanning shelves and social steps
Another trend that has settled into permanence is the strategic use of shallow areas. Tanning shelves—also called Baja shelves—invite lounging with a book or supervising children without committing to a full swim. Wide, comfortable steps double as conversation zones, creating places to gather inside the water on hot afternoons. Contractors are calibrating depths more carefully now, ensuring shelves are deep enough to cool you but shallow enough to allow furniture to sit comfortably without floating.
Lighting plays a role here, too. Soft, warm-toned LEDs under steps and along shelves offer both safety and atmosphere, extending the usefulness of these spaces into the evening. Because those fixtures are chosen for durability and serviceability, they become subtle assets rather than maintenance burdens.
Smart equipment that actually simplifies life
Automation has matured into something genuinely helpful. The trend is not about controlling everything from your phone just because you can; it is about systems that run in the background so the pool is ready when you are. Variable-speed pumps adjust to what the water needs, not a one-size-fits-all schedule. Sensors and controllers modulate heater output, reducing waste. And service alerts that are clear and timely help you address small issues before they grow.
The most successful implementations are thoughtfully scaled. A compact yard may need smart scheduling and a reliable cleaner, while a larger pool-spa combo might benefit from integrated heating logic and scene-setting lights. Contractors who understand local power rates, sun exposure, and debris patterns tune systems so they hum along without racing your meter.
Sustainability with style
In the Valley’s climate, sustainability is a design driver rather than an afterthought. Pools are being planned with efficient hydraulics, energy-sipping pumps, and finishes that resist scale and staining. Solar heating, where roof conditions allow, helps extend the shoulder seasons without overtaxing gas equipment. Automatic covers and wind-aware siting limit evaporation and debris, preserving water clarity and reducing maintenance.
Materials matter as well. Porcelain pavers, specialized concrete mixes, and responsibly sourced stone keep deck surfaces comfortable underfoot and durable through temperature swings. Planting palettes lean toward drought-tolerant species that soften the scene without demanding daily irrigation. The overall effect is a setting that looks lush, yet respects the realities of water and energy.
Tile artistry and tactile finishes
Tile has become a canvas for craftsmanship again. We are seeing waterlines and feature walls executed with nuanced tones, iridescent accents used sparingly for sparkle at dusk, and handmade textures that catch the sun like ripples themselves. The trick is restraint: a ribbon of glass mosaic or a discreet accent on a raised beam can transform the mood without overwhelming the design.
Underfoot, interior finishes balance texture for traction with smoothness for comfort. Contractors are steering homeowners toward blends that wear evenly and respond predictably to chemistry, making care more straightforward. The resulting water color—turquoise, steel blue, or deep lagoon—becomes part of the home’s personality, changing with the sky throughout the day.
Wellness at home
Another thread weaving through current projects is wellness. Spas integrated with pools let you choose between a cool plunge and a restorative soak without leaving home. Jets are being positioned for ergonomics, not spectacle, and benches are shaped for comfort and conversation. Some homeowners are incorporating cold-plunge features or designing areas for low-impact exercise, acknowledging that daily rituals are easier to keep when the space invites them.
Even the soundscape is getting attention. The hum of equipment is hushed with better placement and isolation, and water features are tuned for calming presence rather than volume. In a neighborhood where we cherish backyard privacy, that subtlety matters.
Designing for Sherman Oaks’ seasons
Trends here have a distinctly local flavor because our seasons are specific. Autumn’s Santa Ana winds inspire more robust skimming strategies and equipment pads designed to be serviceable when leaves arrive in waves. Summer’s heat points to shade structures, materials that stay cool underfoot, and smart schedules for pumps and cleaners. Winter rains, occasional though they are, encourage thoughtful drainage and overflow planning so hardscapes remain pristine and water never feels like a threat.
Even small choices carry weight. Orienting a shelf away from prevailing winds reduces floating debris. Selecting a plaster color that rides a little cooler on hot days can make afternoon swims more comfortable. A contractor steeped in local conditions treats these decisions as second nature, weaving them into the plan from day one.
Renovations that feel like reinventions
Plenty of Sherman Oaks pools are stepping into their next chapter. Renovations are not merely about replacing tile and plaster; they are opportunities to rethink how space is used. Adding a shallow entry where none existed, reshaping a deep end to gain usable area, or introducing a wall that doubles as a privacy screen and water feature can make an older pool feel custom-built for today. Because many older shells have strong structure, updates often focus on hydraulics, lighting, and finishes that elevate day-to-day enjoyment.
The happiest renovation stories share a theme: measured ambition. Instead of cramming in every new idea, the most successful projects pick a few moves that change how the pool lives—perhaps a luminous feature wall, a reimagined step layout, and an equipment upgrade that quiets operation and cuts energy use. Less becomes more when each choice has purpose.
Entertaining with ease
Pools are increasingly being designed as part of an ensemble, where outdoor kitchens, fire features, and lounges connect intuitively. Circulation paths consider wet feet moving from water to seating to grill, and materials maintain traction without sacrificing style. Lighting orchestrates transitions from twilight to evening, with zones that can glow softly for a family night or brighten for a larger gathering. The overarching trend is hospitality without hassle.
Storage and service access are getting smarter too. Hidden compartments for cleaners or skimmer nets keep decks tidy, and equipment pads are placed with technicians in mind so maintenance causes minimal disruption. When everything is easy to reach and designed with service in mind, the space stays beautiful longer.
Technology that respects simplicity
While tech continues to evolve, the projects that age best use it to enhance, not distract. Homeowners are gravitating toward reliable, well-supported platforms rather than chasing every novelty. Updates focus on meaningful improvements—better energy management, clearer diagnostics, and lighting that subtly shapes mood. In other words, technology earns its keep by making ownership smoother rather than adding layers of complexity you will tire of managing.
There is also an appreciation for future flexibility. Conduits and equipment pads are planned to allow upgrades without tearing up finished work. That mindset keeps your options open as innovations arrive, ensuring today’s choices do not box you in tomorrow.
Mid-project decisions, made wise
Trends can tempt you to add features as you go, but the best outcomes come from edits as much as additions. If you are considering a salt conversion, a different heater, or a new lighting scheme halfway through, consult seasoned swimming pool contractors who will explain tradeoffs and integration. They will keep the design coherent, the hydraulics balanced, and the schedule intact, helping you avoid the trap of novelty for novelty’s sake.
Trust your initial vision, refine with purpose, and let the bones of a good design carry the day. The most compelling pools do not try to be everything; they specialize in feeling exactly right for the people who live with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pool trends have the most staying power?
Clean-lined design, efficient equipment, and thoughtful lighting are perennial because they support how people actually use their pools. Tanning shelves, integrated spas, and restrained tile accents continue to deliver everyday enjoyment without dating quickly, especially when they are scaled to the yard and home.
How do I keep my design from feeling dated in a few years?
Prioritize proportion, material quality, and function over novelty. Choose a timeless base—a well-shaped pool, durable finishes, and calm lighting—and reserve expressive moments for elements that are easy to update, like feature tiles or furniture. A strong framework lets you refresh without starting over.
Are smart systems difficult to learn?
Modern controllers are designed for clarity. A well-set-up system should give you a handful of favorite routines rather than endless menus. Your contractor should provide a thorough walkthrough and label equipment so you can operate confidently after the first week.
Can older pools be brought up to trend without full reconstruction?
Absolutely. Many older shells are structurally sound. By focusing on new steps or shelves, updated lighting, fresh tile and plaster, and more efficient hydraulics, you can dramatically change the look and feel while preserving the pool’s core structure.
What materials work best in the Valley heat?
Porcelain pavers, select natural stones, and high-quality interior finishes that resist scale are excellent in our climate. The key is pairing materials with your yard’s sun exposure and usage. Your contractor will guide you toward options that stay comfortable underfoot and hold their beauty with reasonable care.
How should trends influence my budget priorities?
Let fundamentals lead. Invest in structure, hydraulics, and reliable equipment first. Then apply trends as layers—lighting, tile accents, or a feature wall—that enhance enjoyment. This sequence yields a pool that feels current today and remains satisfying long-term.
Ready to bring these ideas home?
If you are planning a new pool or refreshing an existing one in Sherman Oaks, choose a team that understands which innovations truly add value and which are better admired from afar. Begin the conversation with trusted swimming pool contractors who build trends on top of timeless design, and step into a backyard that will feel fresh and effortless for years to come.