Inside the Trend of Glass Pools: A New Era of Luxury and Innovation

Glass pools are rapidly becoming a standout feature in both Florida and the broader U.S. market, catching the eye with their innovative designs and luxurious appeal. As the global swimming pool market continues to grow, projected to reach $45.6 billion by 2027, demand for unique, visually striking pools is on the rise. With over 10.7 million pools already in the U.S., many homeowners are shifting toward high-end, aesthetic options to elevate their properties. Glass pools, characterized by their transparent walls and stunning visual effects, are emerging as a preferred choice for both residential and commercial spaces, making significant waves in the luxury market.

Elevated/rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel swimming pool • Photo courtesy of Diamond Spas • Berglund Architects, LLC Builder/Shaeffer Hyde • Copyright Stovall Studio

Insights

To gain insight into this growing trend, Miami Living sat down with Mitch Martinek, Lead Designer at Diamond Spas and Pools (www.diamondspas.com), to discuss the innovative design elements, technologies, and considerations that make glass pools stand out.

Miami Living: What makes Diamond Spas & Pools unique in the design and creation of custom glass pools?

Mitch Martinek: At Diamond Spas, we can incorporate custom shapes and sizes of acrylic into our stainless steel or copper shells. We even design floor acrylic windows into custom pool and spa frames. Our proprietary acrylic fastening system allows us to fill the vessel directly after installation, which sets us apart from traditional gunite and acrylic installations that typically require 1-2 months for proper bonding.

Miami Living: Can you explain the benefits of an enclosed glass pool, aside from its aesthetic beauty?

Martinek: Incorporating acrylic into the design can bring natural sunlight into the upper levels of a residence or building. It also provides the added safety benefit of being able to see if anyone is in the pool, which is especially useful for families with children.

Miami Living: What are the key considerations when designing a glass pool to ensure both safety and durability?

Martinek: The thickness of the acrylic and the builder’s desired finish around the window are crucial factors. We provide stainless steel finishes around the window and work closely with architects and builders to create a frame that accommodates the final finishes.

Miami Living: Are there any special materials or techniques used in the construction of your high-end, custom glass pools?

Martinek: We’ve developed a proprietary fastening system for our acrylic designs, which allows us to provide a fully pre-assembled pool vessel that is ready for installation and immediate filling.

Miami Living: How does a glass pool contribute to redefining modern luxury living, especially compared to traditional pool designs?

Martinek: The unique look and “wow” factor of glass pools elevate the space around the vessel. Acrylic windows allow for enjoyment from different areas of the home, and at night, they create a beautiful illuminated water feature that enhances the overall ambiance.

Elevated/rooftop acrylic and stainless-steel swimming pool • Photo courtesy of Diamond Spas • Berglund Architects, LLC Builder/Shaeffer Hyde • Copyright Stovall Studio

Considerations

While glass pools are certainly a stunning addition to any property, it’s important to consider safety, privacy, and durability when designing these high-end features.

Safety

Glass wall pools utilize acrylic glass, which is a stronger, more durable alternative to traditional glass. With an impact strength 10 to 20 times greater than regular glass, acrylic is safer for swimmers while enhancing pool longevity. Additionally, acrylic allows for up to 92% light transmission, ensuring a clear, unobstructed view while maintaining safety.

Strength & Durability

Acrylic is not only impact-resistant but also lighter than glass, making it easier to handle and install. However, while its strength is unmatched, acrylic can be more prone to scratching. To maintain its clarity and longevity, many manufacturers apply scratch-resistant coatings.

Non-Slip Surfaces

To further ensure safety, high-quality glass wall swimming pools incorporate non-slip flooring around the pool. Textured tiles, rubberized coatings, and special sealants help prevent slips and falls, enhancing safety for everyone using the pool.

Privacy

For those seeking added privacy, glass panels can be frosted or tinted to reduce visibility without compromising the pool’s aesthetic appeal. Additional privacy solutions, such as shading structures or privacy panels, can be integrated into the design for a more secluded, yet still luxurious, experience.

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 Spas • Copyright Weldon Brewster Photography

Learn more at Diamond Spas & Pools at www.diamondspas.com.

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Diamond Spas & Pools