Trending Pool Builds in 2026 For the Chicago Area

If you have decided that you want to build a swimming pool on your property in the Chicago area, you have made an excellent choice. There are so many reasons that a swimming pool can change everything about your home and how you enjoy the summer months of the year. It can be quite warm in the summer in the greater Chicago area, and being able to cool off in the pool, lounge in the sun and get a tan, or entertain in comfort can be critical to having a great summer.

The right Chicago pool builder will be able to help you take advantage of the newest trends in pool design. You want to be sure that your pool will be personal, perfect for your needs, but also offer great style and flair. Having an expert pool designer working with you on this kind of project can make all the difference in your long-term enjoyment of your in-ground swimming pool.

Trending Pool Designs in 2026 For Those in the Chicago Area

1.     Added Value Spaces

Many people only think about the swimming pool itself before they start the design process. The reality is that the entire area around your swimming pool can become entertainment real estate and a place where you can relax and recharge. You will want to consider spaces like tanning ledges, in-water lounging spaces, and even areas where kiddos can play in bubblers when you are designing your pool.

Many people are surprised at just how much they use added-value areas like hot tubs, tanning ledges, or even seating areas in or near the swimming pool. Another key added value space that you can upgrade your pool area with is an outdoor kitchen. Thinking of your swimming pool space as a full entertainment area can change everything about the way that you use your swimming pool and the beauty and functionality of the space.

2.     Water or Fire Features

There is something that never goes out of style, and that’s statement add-ons like water or fire features. You can add a fire pit, a fireplace, or a wall of decorative fire to your swimming pool area to create ambiance and to make the space unique and special. You can also add waterfalls, fountains, or other cool water features to your swimming pool space.

These kinds of add-ons can make your swimming pool far more beautiful and far more accessible for entertainment purposes. If you like to give parties, take cool pictures, or just want to up the value of your swimming pool space, this is one of the best additions that you can make.

 You can also add sound or programming to your water features or fire features to create miniature shows that will delight guests and family members alike. These kinds of features can be simple or complex, depending on your vision for your pool area.

3.     Smart Automations

Do you love the idea of swimming at the same time each day? Maybe you keep forgetting to turn on the pool lights until you are already in the pool enjoying a nice dip to cool off in the evening. Perhaps you just don’t want to forget to cover the pool when you are done with your swim each day.

You can add all kinds of smart automation to control lights, cover behavior, and so much more in your pool area. These simple hacks to make life simpler are an ideal way to ensure that your swimming pool space is personalized and perfect for your needs and goals. Smart home automation functionality has become so accessible these days that these benefits and perks are not hard to access at all.

4.     Quality Lighting

It can be tempting to just assume that you will mostly swim during the daylight hours and only add the minimum number of lights to your pool area. This is a mistake, however. It is quite common to swim later in the day, and if you want to have your pool double as an entertainment space, you need quality lighting to meet that goal.

LED lights can be controlled by a remote control these days, and you can even change the colors with the touch of a button. You can make your pool easier to enjoy and far more interesting to look at by just adding some quality lighting in the pool area as a whole.

 This is also an important upgrade for safety so that your swimming pool area isn’t so dark that someone might fall in or have a slip-and-fall accident.

5.     Unique Finishes

Glass mosaic tiles, unique pool liners, and cool finishes never go out of style. You can select from natural, modern, or even colorful finishes when you are designing your swimming pool so that it looks totally different from any other pool out there. There is no reason to stick with boring finishes that don’t speak to you when there are so many really lovely ways to make a big statement when you are building a swimming pool.

Ask your designer about the overall aesthetic that you are thinking about and be sure to look at lots of samples before you make a final choice. The more you shop around, the more likely it is that you will get exactly the kind of finished pool design that you have been looking for.

Having a Beautiful Pool Means Following the Coolest Trends

The Chicago area has the perfect weather each year to maximize your use of a swimming pool. If you are ready to start designing the pool that you have always wanted, keep these trends in mind. There are so many ways to make your swimming pool unique and perfect for your needs and your goals for its use.

Don’t forget common and entertainment spaces as well as comfort features when you are thinking about the kind of swimming pool that you want to have on your property. An experienced pool designer should be able to help you to build the pool that you have always wanted and which follows all the coolest trends.