Popular Pool Design Trends in Nashville

Nashville homeowners aren’t just building pools anymore—they’re creating full outdoor living environments. Across Middle Tennessee, the focus has shifted toward resort-style design, wellness features, and highly functional backyards that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re in Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, the trends all point in the same direction: cleaner aesthetics, smarter features, and spaces built around how people actually live. Here are the top pool design trends shaping backyards across the Nashville market.

Top Pool Design Trends in Nashville, TN

1) Add-On a Raised Spillover Spa

A raised spillover spa continues to be one of the most popular features in modern pool design. It adds both function and visual appeal, creating a natural focal point while delivering the relaxing sound of water cascading into the pool. Beyond aesthetics, it extends usability into cooler months, making your backyard a year-round destination instead of just a summer feature.

Today’s designs integrate the spa seamlessly into the overall pool layout, making it feel like a natural extension rather than a separate add-on.

2) Glass Mosaic Tile (Waterline & Spa)

Glass mosaic tile has become a go-to upgrade for homeowners looking to elevate the look of their pool. It’s most commonly used along the waterline or inside the spa, where it catches light and adds depth and texture.

This design choice brings a refined, high-end finish that stands out both during the day and at night when paired with modern lighting.

3) Oversized Tanning Ledge

The tanning ledge has evolved from a small shelf into one of the most functional areas of the pool. Homeowners are opting for oversized ledges that can accommodate lounge chairs, umbrellas, and space for kids to safely enjoy shallow water.

It’s a feature that blends relaxation and practicality, giving you a place to unwind without fully submerging and creating a resort-like experience at home.

4) In-Pool Stools (Swim-Up Bar)

Swim-up bars with in-pool stools are becoming increasingly popular in Nashville backyards, especially for homeowners who love to entertain. These setups create a natural gathering spot where guests can sit, relax, and socialize without leaving the water.

It transforms the pool into more than just a place to swim—it becomes the centerpiece of outdoor entertainment.

5) Infinity Pool Design

Infinity pools—also known as vanishing edge pools—are gaining traction in Nashville, especially on properties with elevation or scenic views. These designs create the illusion that the water extends seamlessly into the horizon, delivering a dramatic, high-end visual effect.

Beyond aesthetics, infinity edges introduce a constant flow of water, adding movement and a calming sound element to the space. When positioned correctly, they can frame a view and become the defining feature of the entire backyard.

6) Custom Shapes

Nashville is a city known for personality, and that’s starting to show up in pool design. While geometric pools are still popular, more homeowners are exploring custom shapes that reflect their style and interests.

Guitar-shaped pools have become a standout trend in Music City, but the creativity doesn’t stop there. Builders are designing pools in the shape of hearts, stars, and completely one-of-a-kind layouts tailored to the property and the homeowner’s vision.

These designs turn the pool into a conversation piece—something that’s not just functional, but memorable. When done right, a custom-shaped pool can still feel sophisticated and cohesive while bringing a unique identity to the entire backyard.

7) Water Features (Scuppers, Rain Curtains, Sheer Descents, Laminar Jets)

Water features are trending toward clean, architectural styles that complement modern pool designs. Instead of bulky rock waterfalls, homeowners are choosing sleek options like sheer descents, scuppers, rain curtains, and laminar jets.

These features add movement and sound while maintaining a refined, contemporary look that fits perfectly with the geometric pool styles popular in Nashville.

8) Perimeter Overflow

Perimeter overflow pools—often referred to as knife-edge or slot overflow pools—are one of the most high-end design features gaining popularity. Water flows evenly over all edges of the pool into a hidden trough, creating a perfectly level water surface that blends seamlessly with the surrounding deck.

The effect is clean, modern, and architectural. It delivers a mirror-like finish that elevates the entire backyard and creates a truly custom, luxury look that stands apart from traditional pool designs.

Final Thoughts

Pool design in Nashville is becoming more intentional. It’s less about checking boxes and more about building something that actually fits the way you live and use your space.

Some homeowners lean into clean, modern layouts with infinity edges and architectural water features. Others want a backyard built for entertaining, with swim-up bars, oversized ledges, and integrated seating. And more than ever, people are carving out space for wellness with spas and cold plunge elements that get used year-round.

The common thread is this—there’s no one-size-fits-all pool anymore. The best pool projects are the ones that feel like they belong to the property and the homeowner, not something pulled out of a catalog.

That’s where working with a builder who understands both design and functionality matters. When it’s done right, you’re not just adding a pool—you’re building a space you’ll actually use.