Mario Lopez On The Most Popular Pool Features You Can Have In Your Back Yard

Are you planning on adding a backyard swimming pool to your home or updating one in desperate need of some TLC? Mario Lopez, star of the new HGTV series "Supersize My Pool," is here to offer advice. According to My San Antonio, in his new show, Lopez will be helping homeowners and providing a stunning makeover for pools that have fallen into disrepair or were victims of bad contractors

However, few things fall in and out of style quite as often as recreational design trends. For example, consider the kidney-shaped pool designs that were massively popular during the 1950s (via Dwell), only to fall out of vogue for decades, but that has undergone a resurgence in recent years. It can also be tricky to factor in timeless design possibilities, as heated backyard pools have only been possible for a few decades. Thankfully, Lopez offers some great advice on creating a luxe effect with the latest trends and what features you should avoid.

Faux stone is in

If you're looking to add some height to your pool, consider a faux stone structure, suggests Lopez (via My San Antonio). Faux stone may have been considered tacky when used heavily in luxury pools in the 2000s since they were often clearly artificial but made to look distressed and aged, even though they were part of new builds. However, synthetic stone now comes in plenty of modern options and can add texture and visual interest to your pool surround. Additionally, if you've always dreamt of a grotto or waterfall, using faux stone is a great choice. 

According to Barron Designs, many homeowners can create their own faux stone columns, walking paths, or poolside seating areas if they're not afraid of taking on a DIY project. This material tends to be attractive to homeowners since it's affordable, durable, and reasonably easy to install yourself. Thus, it's an excellent choice for anyone trying to add value to their pool without obliterating their budget. Lopez also shared that swim-up bars, fire features, mood lighting, and additional water elements will be sought-after features for modern pools. 

Skip the diving board

While faux stone may be making a comeback, some classic elements are on the way out, according to Lopez (via My San Antonio). For many reasons, diving boards are seen more as liabilities than unique features for fun and play. River Pools shared some thoughts on why this change has occurred: a greater focus on pool safety, higher insurance premiums, and the fact that the feature isn't practical for small to mid-size pools — the most common size for residential backyards. 

Needless to say, accidents happen when people play on diving boards, especially young children. It's easy to lose your footing on a slick platform or miscalculate your jump. As such, home insurance companies will generally mark up your premium if your pool offers a diving board.

For added safety, you can add more length and depth to the pool to prevent collisions with the walls, floors, and other swimmers. But, of course, this may turn out to be an expensive proposition. So if you're debating adding this feature to your pool for summer fun, weigh the pros and cons thoroughly.