Expertise: Pool Construction

With the pool season winding down, we wanted to find out about some of the biggest changes taking place in the industry as well as what will be hot in 2027. To help learn more, we spoke with Bryan Hull of Del Val Pools & Spas. For three generations, the Hull family has been building custom gunite pools throughout the Tri-State area and are known for high-quality, durable pools that transform a backyard into a private oasis.

What trends are you seeing heading into 2027?
Contemporary pool design that emphasizes geometric shapes, dark finishes, wellness features, smart automation and compact, space-efficient layouts for modern, resort-style backyards.

Rectangular and L-shaped pools dominate current designs at Del Val Pools & Spas, offering clean, modern lines that integrate well with contemporary architecture and maximize yard space. Freeform shapes are also resurging for natural, garden-inspired aesthetics, often paired with landscaping, boulders and organic planting beds. Rounded interior corners, offset spas and integrated tanning ledges soften geometric designs, creating a resort-like feel without sacrificing architectural clarity.

Dark interior finishes are also trending, including deep blues, charcoal and graphite. These colors create a dramatic, high-end look and help absorb solar heat, extending swimming comfort in cooler months. Warm, earthy tones like terracotta, clay and sand are also popular, providing a spa-inspired, natural feel that blends with outdoor living spaces. What's more, textured surfaces, artisanal tiles and glass mosaics add visual depth and tactile interest, making the pool finish a key design feature.

Pools designed by Del Val Pools & Spas are increasingly designed as wellness centers, incorporating integrated spas, swim jets, plunge zones and relaxation areas. Tanning ledges, built-in seating and wraparound benches can enhance comfort and versatility, creating a resort-style experience in any backyard. This is where we really excel in pool design and function.

Pool design requires an atmosphere which is visually striking, blending relaxation, fitness and entertainment. Fire bowls, decorative water features and resort-inspired lounges add luxury and ambiance. The overall trend favors integration with the landscape, creating a seamless connection between the pool, outdoor living areas and the home.

What do you see as the biggest change in pools in the past decade?
Pools are now for everyone. They are an investment in family and lifestyle memories, and a swimming pool increases value and marketability of a residence.

The biggest change we see at Del Val Pools & Spas is automation of pool controls—and we love it. Energy-efficient heating systems and digital automation permit remote control of lighting, temperature and water chemistry via apps, improving convenience and efficiency. Variable-speed pumps, solar heating and durable, low-maintenance materials further enhance sustainability and reduce operating costs.

It's also worth mentioning that the costs of constructing different types of pools have narrowed over the past few years. Custom gunite pools have become just as competitive as many of the standard pre-formed pools, and custom gunite pools integrate better into the landscape while allowing for more features.

So what's your secret?
The secret to Del Val Pools & Spas is simple. We build a quality product that stands the test of time for a competitive price. All of the design and building process is completed by Del Val Pools and Spas—from the initial excavation to the spraying of gunite to the final coat of plaster. By controlling all aspects of the job, we control costs and scheduling bringing in projects on time and on budget—and we've been doing it for three generations. Del Val Pools & Spas has become the brand synonymous with quality, durable, long-lasting construction.

Del Val Pools & Spas
Serving South Jersey
(856) 629-2999
DelValPoolsAndSpas.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 26, Issue 4 (September/October 2026)
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