Today’s homeowners aren’t just building swimming pools, they’re creating personal staycation retreats. They are creating experiences. With the surge in outdoor living investments and the popularity of high-end pool renovations, resort-style backyard designs are becoming one of the most desirable home upgrades.

If your goal is to transform an everyday backyard into a relaxing, spa-like sanctuary, this guide covers the must-have design elements, renovation tips, and the data behind why this trend isn’t slowing down.

Why Resort-Style Backyards Are Trending: Key Stats & Market Insights

The Rise of Pool Renovations

There are 10.7 million pools in the U.S., with most being residential.
The U.S. pool industry is valued at $16.5B in 2025, with remodeling now making up 21–23% of all spending.
The global pool refurbishment market is expected to grow from $5.75B (2024) to $9.75B by 2032 (CAGR ~8.2%).

Outdoor Living = High ROI

Homes with pools have been listed for up to 54% more than similar homes without pools.
The U.S. pool maintenance market is projected to reach $10.33B by 2029, driven by demand for upgraded, high-end outdoor spaces.

Homeowner Behavior Is Changing

More families are investing in luxury backyard experiences rather than vacation travel.
Demand for custom, resort-inspired designs continue to climb, with more than half of pool builders reporting increased requests.

Top Features of a Resort-Style Backyard

Luxury Water Features

Water features bring movement, sound, and visual “wow” to any pool area.

Popular Options:

Waterfalls: Rock or natural-stone waterfalls add visual drama and calming sound.
Sheer-decents / Spillways: Thin sheet water flows that look elegant and modern.
Infinity Edges: For homes with a drop-off or elevated terrain, this creates that “pool meets horizon” look.

2. Fire & Water Combinations

Nothing feels more resort-like than the contrast of flames dancing near water.

High-impact fire features:

Fire bowls or fire pits adjacent to or integrated into the pool deck elevate ambiance.
Gas torches or fire walls near water create the resort “wow” factor.
Combining fire and water features is very on trend in luxury pool design.

These elements add nighttime ambiance and turn the pool area into a social destination.

3. Sun Shelves & Built-In Lounging

Tanning ledges (Baja shelves) remain one of the top-requested pool renovation features.

Why They Work:

Sun shelves / Baja shelves: shallow areas for lounging in the water, often with umbrellas or in-water furniture.
Built-in seating benches and lounge chairs submerged in the pool. Great for relaxing with a drink in hand. Want more usable space in the pool? Add cocktail tables or swim-up bars.

4. Resort-Level Lighting & Atmosphere

Lighting sets the mood and transforms the backyard after sunset.

Lighting ideas:

LED & color-changing lights: allow for custom moods (e.g., blue for calm, purple for party, teal for tropical feel).
Landscape lighting: uplights on palms, boulders, and water features to dramatize your space after dark. Pathway lights are also a great option for safety and ambience.

5. High-End Finishes & Materials

Resort-style design depends heavily on surfaces that look and feel luxurious.

Trending upgrades:

Iridescent or glass mosaic tile
Natural stone decks (travertine, limestone)
Exposed aggregate and quartz finishes
Premium coping with modern edge designs
Tile & mosaic: glass mosaics, iridescent tiles, or geometric patterns add luxury.
Natural stone coping and decking: travertine, limestone, or pavers give a resort resort-like texture.
Pool surface: upgraded finishes like pebble, quartz, or aggregate provide a rich, refined look.

6. Wellness & Relaxation Features

With health and relaxation on the rise, pools are becoming multifunctional wellness zones.

Top wellness additions:

Swim jets / resistance swimming systems: turn your pool into a fitness lap area.
Hydrotherapy jets or spa jets: create a spa-like jacuzzi feel within the pool.
Shallow lounging zones: ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, or even yoga by the pool.
Heated spas

7. Smart Pool Technology

Tech-forward upgrades continue to dominate the market.

Most in-demand automation:

App-controlled systems: temperature, lighting, and filtration can be controlled via phone or voice commands.
Automated chemical dosing: keeps water balanced without constant manual checks.
Robotic cleaners: reduce maintenance burden and keep the pool pristine.

Benefit: Smart automation reduces maintenance and keeps resort-style pools sparkling.

8. Lush Landscaping & Outdoor Living Integration

A resort-style pool needs a resort-style environment.

Design elements to include:

Lush, tropical planting: palms, ferns, bamboo, and native greenery.
Create a full entertainment zone: outdoor kitchens, bars, pergolas
Seating areas: cabanas, daybeds, fire pits, or built-in sofas for lounging.
Privacy walls or hedges

This transforms the entire yard into a true backyard oasis.

*Small backyard space? Or issues with soil in your area? Adding turf can help decrease landscaping maintenance while adding the appeal of green grass year-round.

How to Plan a Resort-Style Pool Renovation (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Evaluate Your Space

Consider yard layout, terrain, sun exposure, and existing pool structure.

Take stock: Do you already have a pool? What’s the shape, size, and condition?
Measure your yard: Where is the sun? Where are the shade areas? What’s the terrain like?
Consult a pool professional: Especially since 21–23% of industry spending is on renovations, not new builds.

Step 2: Set a Clear Vision & Budget

Prioritize must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Create a mood board with style references.

List your must-haves (waterfall, lighting, spa) and nice-to-haves (smart controls, jet system).
Set a realistic budget: Resort-style upgrades can be expensive, but they have high perceived value.
Ask your pool professional for design mockups.

Step 3: Choose High-Impact Upgrades

Lighting, waterfalls, and fire features offer fast visual transformation.

Think “smart”: automation for filtration, heating, chemical balancing.
Opt for variable-speed pumps, solar heating, or LED lighting to save energy.

Step 4: Consider Smart & Eco-Friendly Additions

LED lighting, automation, and energy-efficient pumps keep your pool cost-effective and convenient.

Plan where fire & water features go, how the deck will be laid out, and where seating fits.
Coordinate hardscape (stone, tile) with softscape (plants, grass, privacy hedges).
Include lighting plans early — both functional (for safety) and decorative.

Step 5: Design the Surrounding Space

Coordinate hardscapes, plants, furniture, lighting, and décor for a cohesive look.

Choose high-end tiles or natural stone for that luxury feel.
Add a pergola, daybed, or poolside bar to complete the resort vibe.
Landscape strategically: use layered planting, privacy features, and focal points.

Step 6: Plan for Maintenance

Luxury outdoor spaces require upkeep — automation helps simplify care.

A resort-style backyard is more than a design trend, it’s a lifestyle upgrade that builds relaxation, entertainment, and long-term home value into one beautiful outdoor space. Whether you’re adding waterfalls, LED lighting, a tanning ledge, or a full outdoor kitchen, these ideas can transform any pool into a luxury escape your guests (and your family!) will never want to leave.