Top Custom Pool Trends to Watch in 2025: What Homeowners in Georgia and Tennessee Are Loving

As we dive into 2025, one thing is clear—custom pools are more popular than ever among homeowners in Georgia and Tennessee. Whether you're looking to elevate your backyard or build a personal oasis from scratch, the latest trends in custom pool design offer something for every lifestyle.

At S.H. Creel Pools, we specialize in building unique, high-quality pools tailored to the vision and needs of each homeowner. Here's a look at the top custom pool trends for 2025 that are transforming outdoor spaces across the South.

1. Smart Pools with Automated Controls

Homeowners want more than just a beautiful pool—they want convenience. In 2025, smart pool technology continues to take center stage. With automation systems, you can now control lighting, temperature, water features, and cleaning schedules right from your smartphone.

In warm, humid climates like Georgia and Tennessee, managing your pool remotely isn’t just cool—it’s practical. Automated pH balancing, energy-efficient pump scheduling, and built-in alerts for maintenance help homeowners save time and money.

💡 Pro Tip: When planning your custom pool, ask us about integrating app-based controls and smart sensors to simplify your pool ownership experience.

2. Naturalistic Designs with a Modern Twist

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter rectangular pools. In 2025, more homeowners are requesting custom pools with natural shapes, integrated landscaping, and soft, flowing lines. Think rock waterfalls, sun shelves, and swim-up grottos that mimic the feel of a luxury resort.

But it’s not all rustic—modern materials like dark stone tile, sleek waterline finishes, and minimalist decking are being blended in for a stylish, high-end look. Whether your home is nestled in the Tennessee hills or a suburban Georgia cul-de-sac, a natural-meets-modern design makes your custom pool feel like a true escape.

3. Tanning Ledges and Baja Shelves

Perfect for lounging, playing with the kids, or staying cool on hot Southern afternoons, tanning ledges are a must-have in today’s custom pool designs.

These shallow, built-in platforms are typically 6–12 inches deep—ideal for placing a lounge chair or simply dipping your toes in the water. In 2025, more homeowners are customizing these areas with umbrella sleeves, bubbler jets, and LED lighting for both style and comfort.

4. Dark Pool Interiors for a Luxe Look

This year, more clients are opting for darker pool finishes—think deep blues, charcoal greys, and even black interiors. These finishes not only create a dramatic, high-end look but also help the water retain heat more efficiently.

In sunny areas of Georgia and Tennessee, that’s a big win for energy-conscious homeowners.

5. Integrated Outdoor Living Spaces

A custom pool is often just one part of the dream backyard. In 2025, homeowners are thinking holistically—combining pools with patios, pergolas, fire features, outdoor kitchens, and even sound systems.

Our team at S.H. Creel Pools works with clients to design cohesive spaces that bring comfort, function, and style together. Whether you’re hosting game day parties in Chattanooga or backyard cookouts in Macon, a well-integrated outdoor living space makes entertaining effortless.

6. Eco-Friendly Features

Sustainability continues to shape custom pool design. Energy-efficient variable-speed pumps, solar heaters, LED lighting, and saltwater systems are in high demand among eco-minded homeowners.

We’re also seeing a rise in natural pools and “living water” designs that use plants and biological filtration instead of chlorine. While not for everyone, these innovative systems reflect a growing interest in low-impact backyard environments.

7. Custom Pool Lighting for Day-to-Night Enjoyment

Today’s homeowners want their pools to be as stunning at night as they are during the day. In 2025, custom lighting options have expanded to include programmable LED color schemes, illuminated water features, and smart zone lighting that sets the mood for any occasion.

If you want to turn heads during your next evening gathering—or simply enjoy a peaceful night swim—lighting is a detail worth investing in.

Why Choose a Custom Pool in 2025?

A custom pool allows you to build around your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and the unique features of your property. Whether you’re in the planning phase or ready to break ground, working with an experienced builder ensures that your dream pool doesn’t just look great—it functions beautifully for years to come.

At S.H. Creel Pools, we don’t do “one-size-fits-all.” We partner with homeowners in Georgia and Tennessee to create thoughtfully designed pools that elevate the entire backyard experience.

Ready to Build Your Dream Pool? Let’s talk about your vision and bring it to life in 2025. Request a custom quote today →