The way we enjoy our outdoor spaces is evolving, and for St. Louis homeowners, summer 2025 is all about creating more than just a pool, it’s about building an immersive backyard experience. The modern pool is no longer simply a place to swim. It’s an extension of the home, designed to relax, entertain, and enhance everyday living.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most exciting and functional trends shaping the pool and outdoor living scene this season. Whether you’re starting a new build or looking to upgrade your current setup, these design ideas will help you create a backyard that’s equal parts luxury and lifestyle.

Today’s homeowners expect their outdoor spaces to serve multiple purposes—entertaining, dining, lounging, and of course, swimming. As work-from-home and staycation lifestyles grow in popularity, people are investing more in their backyards to create an oasis they can enjoy all year long.

Staying on top of pool trends isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about improving function, comfort, safety, and even increasing home value. Whether you’re a young family or an empty-nester, today’s features offer long-term benefits for a wide range of lifestyles.

A beautifully finished deck sets the tone for your entire backyard. In 2025, decking is being used as both a visual statement and a way to improve safety and longevity.

• Stamped Concrete Overlays: These replicate high-end finishes like slate, brick, or tile but are far more cost-effective and slip-resistant. Patterns can be customized to match your home’s architecture or add contrast to your landscape.
• Decorative Concrete Coatings: If your existing concrete is structurally sound but looks dull or aged, resurfacing with a decorative coating is a smart upgrade. You can choose from a variety of textures and colors to create a bold, modern look or a warm, rustic vibe.
• Textured and Slip-Resistant Finishes: Safety is a top concern, especially for households with children or older adults. Textured finishes help prevent slipping without sacrificing appearance. Plus, many of these finishes remain cool underfoot—even during peak heat.
• Crack Repair and Surface Restoration: If your deck has seen better days, repairing cracks and resealing surfaces can breathe new life into the space. H&H Pools specializes in pool deck renovations that transform cracked, discolored pool decks into clean, modern surfaces that look brand-new.

These upgrades not only make your pool area safer and more attractive, they also increase property value and reduce the risk of injury. Learn more about poolside safety from the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Today’s backyard is expected to function like a second living room. That means it needs more than just water; it needs zones for cooking, dining, relaxing, and gathering.

• Outdoor Kitchens: Fully equipped with grills, refrigerators, and bar seating, outdoor kitchens are ideal for poolside entertaining. No more running inside for snacks or drinks, everything you need is right there.
• Lounge Areas with Cabanas and Pergolas: Shade structures not only protect you from the summer sun but also add a layer of luxury. Whether it’s a curtained cabana for reading or a pergola with a fan and lighting, these features expand how and when you use your space.
• Fire Pits and Fireplaces: These continue to be a favorite in St. Louis homes, offering ambiance and warmth for evenings outdoors. Modern fire tables with clean lines and glass accents are especially popular this year.
• Built-In Seating: Low-profile, built-in benches or sectional seating create a seamless transition between the pool and lounge areas. These can be outfitted with custom cushions and weather-resistant fabrics for added comfort.
• Integrated Outdoor Sound Systems: With discreet, landscape-integrated speakers, you can enjoy your favorite playlists without disrupting the look of your space. Today’s smart systems connect with your phone or home assistant for easy control.

At H&H Pools, we help you design these zones with both beauty and usability in mind, so your outdoor living space feels natural and inviting; not just tacked on.

When the sun goes down, great lighting keeps the party going. The right lighting design enhances your pool’s appearance, improves safety, and allows you to enjoy the space at all hours.

• LED Pool Lighting: These fixtures are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and customizable. Change colors to match the mood, warm white for relaxation, bold hues for parties.
• Pathway and Landscape Lighting: Soft lights along walkways, steps, and garden beds add dimension and make movement safer after dark.
• Accent Lighting for Water Features and Architecture: Spotlight key elements like fountains, trees, or seating areas with uplighting or directional lights.
• Smart Controls: New systems allow you to control brightness, color, and even timing through an app or smart home integration.

Thoughtful lighting design transforms your pool from a daytime retreat to an all-evening destination.

Water features add movement, sound, and visual interest. They can be subtle, like a sheer descent, or dramatic, like a sculptural fountain.

• Sheer Descents and Rain Curtains: These sleek installations create a calming visual waterfall effect. They’re great for modern pools and require minimal maintenance.
• Deck Jets and Bubblers: These create arcs of water that add energy and sound to your pool. Bubblers are often installed in shallow areas or tanning ledges for a playful touch.
• Spillover Spas: Combine spa luxury with pool functionality. When integrated seamlessly, a spa becomes an elegant feature that enhances both comfort and design.
• Floating Water Features: For a more flexible option, consider floating fountains or LED-lit elements that can be removed or repositioned as needed.

Water features do more than impress—they contribute to the soothing environment many homeowners crave from their outdoor space.

Pools should be fun, and in 2025, functionality meets play. Families in particular are looking for ways to make their pool engaging for kids and adults alike.

• Tanning Ledges with In-Pool Loungers: Shallow ledges offer a relaxing spot for adults and a safe space for younger kids to splash.
• Volleyball and Basketball Nets: Easy-to-install accessories turn your pool into a recreational zone for teens and guests.
• Floating Furniture and Umbrellas: Create the ultimate lounge experience with in-water chaises, side tables, and shade structures.
• Misting Systems: Beat the St. Louis summer heat with fine misting fans around seating areas or pergolas.

Get inspiration from our earlier post on pool design trends that continue to shape family-friendly outdoor living.

More homeowners are prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. Fortunately, many of 2025’s trends align with eco-friendly practices.

• Variable Speed Pumps: These significantly reduce energy usage and save money over time.
• Saltwater Systems: Provide gentler water that’s easier to maintain and more eco-conscious.
• Solar Heating: Use solar panels to warm your pool without increasing energy bills.

Automated Maintenance: Robotic pool cleaners, smart chlorinators, and automated valves allow you to manage your pool remotely, saving time and reducing waste.

H&H Pools works with energy-efficient equipment providers and can help you retrofit your existing setup with more sustainable technology.

All these upgrades deserve proper upkeep. A luxury backyard can lose its shine if maintenance slips through the cracks. That’s why many St. Louis homeowners choose to pair renovations with professional maintenance plans.

• Regular water testing and chemical balancing
• Equipment checks and seasonal servicing
• Filter cleaning and debris removal
• Leak inspections and preventative diagnostics

Our team at H&H Pools offers both one-time service and recurring plans designed to keep everything operating at peak performance; so your upgrades last and your summers stay stress-free.

If you’ve been thinking about transforming your backyard into a true retreat, now is the time. The trends shaping summer 2025 aren’t just about following what’s popular; they’re about creating spaces that align with how you live.

Whether it’s a new deck, a shaded lounge area, or a smarter way to light your pool, every upgrade adds comfort, function, and beauty. And with expert guidance from H&H Pools, you can bring these ideas to life with confidence.

Ready to take your outdoor space to the next level?
Explore our Luxury Pool Design Services to schedule a design consultation or learn more about the latest enhancements for your St. Louis backyard.