Diamond Spas Redefines Pool Design
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Eextend daily living space, and create a private wellness retreat that supports healthier, more intentional living. Once relegated to backyards and vacation resorts, pools are now being reimagined as architectural centerpieces, places where design, technology, and well-being quietly converge.
Elevated / rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel spa swimming pool. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spa
Berglund Architects, LLC Builder/Shaeffer Hyde. Copyright Stovall Studio
Looking toward 2026, Miami Living spoke with Mitch Martinek, design manager at Diamond Spas & Pools, about the trends shaping the future of custom aquatic environments. Operating for nearly three decades, the company has built a global reputation for custom aquatic design, creating pools, spas, and water features for private residences, hotels, and wellness destinations worldwide. Unlike traditional builders that rely on fiberglass or gunite, Diamond Spas fabricates vessels from stainless steel, copper, glass, and floating structures, materials that allow for greater design flexibility, durability, and long-term performance.
Miami Living: How are lifestyle and wellness influencing pool and spa design in 2026?
Mitch Martinek: Clients now view pools and spas as personal wellness retreats rather than occasional luxury features. They want calm, restorative spaces designed for daily use. Many are requesting year-round functionality and integrating fitness elements such as swim currents for training or underwater treadmills for therapy.
ML: How has sustainability been integrated into Diamond Spas projects?
Martinek: All of our products are fabricated using recycled stainless steel. We also offer systems that integrate with geothermal and solar power, which helps reduce the overall energy impact of our vessels.
Elevated / rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel spa swimming pool. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spa
Berglund Architects, LLC Builder/Shaeffer Hyde. Copyright Stovall Studio
ML: How has technology changed the way you design pools and spas today?
Martinek: Modern pool equipment can integrate seamlessly into a home’s automation system. This gives homeowners 24/7 access to critical data, allowing them to monitor and adjust settings and temperatures. It improves the user experience and helps reduce energy consumption.
ML: What role does regional climate play in your designs?
Martinek: Location is a major factor in determining layout and equipment selection. Climate conditions influence performance and maintenance, so setting proper user expectations from the start is essential.
ML: How do you balance bold design with long-term relevance?
Martinek: We focus on simplicity and elegance. We include features clients truly want and avoid unnecessary additions. We also design with future serviceability in mind. Our shell construction allows easy access to fittings and plumbing, which makes long-term maintenance faster and extends the vessel’s lifespan.
ML: What are some unexpected client requests you’ve seen recently?
Martinek: We were recently contracted to fabricate a rooftop koi pond that cascades into a lower basin, also housing koi fish. It required research into koi environments and pushed our team to apply our expertise in a new way.
Elevated / rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel spa designed with bench seating, LED lighting and two front infinity edge water feature walls with catch basin. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spa. Copyright Weldon Brewster Photography
ML: How do you see pools and spas integrating more into home architecture?
Martinek: Indoor pools, spas, and cold plunges are becoming more common. These vessels are now being integrated into gyms, wellness areas, and primary bedrooms. Indoor placement allows year-round use with lower energy demand and makes it easier for homeowners to maintain consistent wellness routines.
For more information visit www.diamondspas.com or call Diamond Spas toll free: (800) 951-7727