Spring Luxury: Transforming Outdoor Living with Custom Pools by Diamond Spas
- May 9
- 3 min read
In Miami, spring marks the return of outdoor living. As temperatures become more comfortable, homeowners begin using terraces, gardens, and rooftop decks more frequently. This seasonal shift often leads to upgrades that improve how outdoor areas function. One of the most impactful additions is a custom pool or spa, which is increasingly designed as part of the home’s architecture rather than added later as a backyard feature.
Stainless steel pool with swim up bar, swim spa system, bench seating on side walls, sun shelf, interior stairway, LED lighting and five laminar jet water features. Copyright Jimi Smith Photography
Companies such as Diamond Spas & Pools (www.diamondspas.com) fabricate custom vessels from stainless steel, copper, glass, and acrylic. These materials allow architects and builders to create durable structures that integrate with modern residential design.
Beyond aesthetics and lifestyle, these types of upgrades can also increase a property’s market value. In a competitive real estate market like Miami, well-designed outdoor spaces are often a key selling point. A thoughtfully integrated pool or spa can elevate the appeal of a property, particularly when it complements the architecture and enhances the overall outdoor environment.
Stainless-steel rooftop / elevated spa with interior stairway, bench seating, two water features and catch basin. Copyright Jim Tschetter Photography / Tom Stringer Design Partners
Miami Living recently spoke with Mitchell Martinek, Design Manager at Diamond Spas & Pools, to learn how modern aquatic spaces are planned and integrated into luxury homes. Instead of being isolated recreational features, pools and spas are now positioned to connect with outdoor kitchens, lounge areas, landscaped gardens, or rooftop terraces. This approach allows the aquatic element to serve as both a visual focal point and a functional space for relaxation, exercise, or social gatherings.
“Clients now view pools and spas as personal wellness retreats rather than occasional luxury features,” says Martinek. “They want calm, restorative spaces designed for daily use.”
Material selection plays an important role in both performance and design integration. Stainless steel, copper, glass, and acrylic provide advantages that differ from traditional concrete or fiberglass pools. Stainless steel is widely used because it is durable, relatively lightweight compared to concrete, and adaptable to complex installations such as rooftops or elevated terraces.
Copper offers a distinctive appearance and is often selected when the home includes copper architectural accents. Acrylic panels may be incorporated when homeowners want to preserve views or allow the interior of the spa to remain visible from nearby living spaces.
Tiled stainless steel rooftop / elevated swimming pool with descending stairs, auto cover, LED lighting and front water feature with catch basin. Copyright - Mark Woolcott Photography. My Block Wash Park, Denver CO
“Stainless steel is our most popular choice due to its modern, timeless appeal,” Martinek explains. “For clients who want a more rustic look, we offer copper, which is often selected if the home has copper accents. Acrylic is another option we incorporate into designs, especially when the client wants to preserve a stunning view or showcase the spa’s interior from a social area.”
Another important shift in design is the focus on wellness and everyday use. Many homeowners now include features such as swim currents for exercise, hydrotherapy seating, and temperature controlled spa environments that support relaxation and recovery.
“Pools today are designed to extend daily living space and create a private wellness retreat that supports healthier, more intentional living,” Martinek says.
For homeowners considering spring outdoor upgrades, understanding these design and material considerations can help ensure that a pool or spa functions not only as a luxury feature but also as a long term architectural investment that enhances both lifestyle and property value.
For more information, visit www.diamondspas.com or call (800) 951-7727.