During the pandemic, pool ownership skyrocketed as many folks spending increased amounts of time at home decided to extend those comforts to their outdoor living space. For those who may still be considering adding one to their backyard or are perhaps looking for added elements to enhance their pool, we contacted some area experts to find out what’s hot and trending.

The footprint of this pool was small, the access limited and we were building on a combination of sandy soil and mud with hydrostatic pressures that fluctuate with local tides. Did we mention the pool needed to be anchored to grade beams that attached to pilings driven 30 feet into the ground?

We started from a drawing on a piece of paper and finished with an architectural gem the owners use daily. The 12’ x 22’ pool is a walkout from the house and overlooks the bay. It is fully automated with bubbler lights, a raised spillover spa, travertine coping and an automatic vacuum system.
Bryan Hull, co-owner
Del Val Pools & Spas
Multiple locations
(856) 629-2999
DelValPoolsAndSpas.com 

This year’s pool building season was unusually very busy. It seems that many people are still planning to spend more time at home, less foreign travel, fewer kids going to summer camps, etc.; all of which make it more attractive to own a pool.

Clients are looking at incorporating some upgrades such as sun shelves (a shallow area in the pool that is suitable for a lounge chair or play area for kids), upgraded coping to granite or stone, and stamped concrete for patios and walkways. Salt chlorine generators that turn salted water into chlorine are also becoming very popular due to the high cost and scarcity of chlorine.

We believe that this trend of spending more time at home will continue with folks working from home several days a week as well as the high cost of vacation travel and summer camps for the kids.
Walter Beyer, owner
Stardust Pools
East Brunswick, N.J.
(732) 254-3330
Stardust-Pools.com 

Our designer Ryan Panetta did a 3D design of the vision the customer was looking for and brought it to life. The first picture is of a natural pool setting with a grotto waterfall, a slide that was built into a rock setting with a soft planting area. Attached is a hot tub that was placed into the pool, which helps gives it a warm, spa feeling.

We also did a 3D design and installation for a relaxing backyard area with a fireplace and outdoor grill area. Everyone has different ideas of what they want for their home oasis and it’s a great opportunity to become a part of their vision and to see it brought to life.
Don Panetta, owner 
D. Panetta Contracting, LLC
Randolph, N.J.
(973) 659-9374
DPanettaContracting.com

Integrating a water slide into a rock waterfall grotto is a superb design approach. The kids can engage in sun-splashed fun while the grown-ups enjoy the eye-catching, multi-level stone structure.
R’nelle Lazlo, vice president, national marketing and business development
Blue Haven Pools & Spas 
Blue Haven Pools
Morganville, N.J.
(732) 536-0390
BlueHaven.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 8 (May 2022). 
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here. 
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here. 
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.