Imagine an old pool, with its yellowed liner and noisy pump, completely transformed into a true, modern haven of peace with a refined design. Naturally, with crystal-clear water managed by an app and a lighter energy bill. This is what the future of the pool industry predicts, thanks to this new enthusiasm for renovation.
In France, where millions of pools grace gardens, renovation has become the engine of a flourishing market. Even if new constructions are slowing down, modernizing existing pools is a golden opportunity for pool builders. In 2026, thanks to connected technologies, durable materials, and a touch of creativity, professionals are turning these relics into modern gems. Here are the key trends for making tomorrow’s pools shine, with ideas to captivate your clients.
Re-imagined and Re-designed Pools
While “home staging” has been used in interior design for several years, in the pool sector, owners are dreaming of pools that transform their garden into a wellness space, an oasis. Pleasure has become essential; the time of dull pools is over.
Now, stone or pebble-effect liners are used, along with recycled stoneware copings and LED lighting that dances under the stars. This “pool staging,” which is seeing a 22% growth in 2025, modernizes without tearing everything down, and it is appealing, especially in regions where a refreshed pool can increase a home’s value
Smart and Eco-Modern Pools
With increasingly dry summers, pools must be smart. Professionals are installing covers that limit evaporation, systems that capture rainwater, and heat pumps that consume less. Recycled glass filters or ozonation systems make the water crystal clear without harsh chemicals, a real plus for families. These eco-responsible solutions are attractive because they reduce bills while respecting the planet.
Intelligent pools have been a topic of discussion in all professional sector trade shows in recent years. The goal is to automate as much as possible. Imagine an app that monitors the water, adjusts the temperature, or launches the counter-current swimming jets from your sofa.
These connected technologies are exploding in renovations, especially for compact pools popular in the city. Even pool enclosures are being modernized, with solar panels to power the equipment. Customers, both young professionals who love the practical and modern aspect and retirees who like to control and analyze everything, are equally convinced (As discussed by Jeroen de Pollet group in his interview).
Tailor-Made Solutions Based on Expectations
Old pools, often large and ill-suited, require a functional facelift. Adding a submerged beach for sunbathing, a movable floor to vary the depth, or jets for swimming transforms the experience. Composite materials, which are lighter than concrete, speed up the work, and secure enclosures reassure parents. In 2026, these custom renovations appeal to families and athletes alike.
In 2026, pool renovation in France is no longer a simple Plan B but a true gold mine. With 3.6 million pools in French gardens and thousands to be reinvented by 2027, professionals have a unique chance to transform these old basins into modern gems. This market, which already accounts for a quarter of the sector’s revenue and is set to climb by 15%, is driven by a collective desire, that of having pools that are beautiful, eco-responsible, and above all easy to live with.
To ride this wave, pool builders must champion style, ecology, and technology. A stone-effect liner, an app to manage the water with a click, or an eco-filter that says goodbye to chemicals, this is what today’s clients are dreaming of. It’s time to act by offering free audits to attract clients, by training your teams in connected solutions and certifications like those from the FPP, and by becoming the craftspeople of tomorrow’s habitat.
See you at Piscine Global 2026 in Lyon (November 17-20) to discover the innovations that will make the difference. By focusing on excellence, you will transform climatic challenges into dream pools and lasting success for your company.
