As outdoor living spaces continue to evolve into true extensions of the home, homeowners are increasingly seeking luxury, function, and style in every element of their backyard designs. This year, in-pool furniture and fire features are taking center stage as two of the most in-demand trends, transforming pool decks and sun shelves into five-star resort-style environments. To get an expert perspective, we sat down with Frank Vitori of AquaBlu Mosaics, one of the most trusted voices in poolside accessories.
2 Hot Trends for 2025: In-Pool Furniture & Fire Features
Mass Adoption of Sun Shelves Sparks an In-Pool Furniture Revolution
Frank Vitori credits the meteoric rise of in-pool furniture to the widespread popularity of the sun shelf, also known as the Baja shelf. “Over 90% of modern custom inground pools are now being built with a sun shelf,” he shared. “People have come to realize that it’s not just a stylish design element—but a shallow-water hangout zone that brings comfort, safety, and versatility to families and guests.”
He points to industry innovators like Ledge Lounger, which helped define this category with their Signature Chaise. “I gotta give a lot of credit to Ledge Lounger and Chris Anderson for seeing the potential,” Vitori said. “They started with one chair at trade shows and now their products are part of nearly every luxury backyard.”
Following their example, brands like Floating Luxuries and Tenjam have entered the market with fresh takes. “Floating Luxuries came out with their Kai Collection, which is oversized, ergonomic, and super convenient to fill in place with a garden hose,” said Vitori. “Tenjam is another newer brand offering some exciting new designs for in-pool seating.”
Studio Red Rock: Cast Concrete and Built to Last
One of the most distinctive product lines comes from Studio Red Rock, which specializes in cast concrete in-pool furniture. “These are heavy-duty, commercial-grade pieces that don’t need to be filled with water because they already weigh over 160 pounds,” explained Vitori. “That permanence is a big selling point for resorts and hospitality clients. Guests can’t drag the furniture around or damage it—once it’s in place, it stays put.”
Studio Red Rock’s modern silhouettes and durable finishes are turning heads, especially in high-end commercial settings and contemporary residential pools where maintenance and visual impact are both key.
Sustainable Style Makes Waves
Sustainability is also gaining momentum in the outdoor furnishings space. European-style brands like Vondom are leading the way with eco-friendly materials, such as the Ibiza Collection made from recycled ocean plastics. “There’s no reason something sustainable has to be boring or unattractive,” said Vitori. “The Ibiza Collection is a great example of that—it’s stylish, high-quality, and it’s helping clean up the ocean. That’s a win-win.”
More and more, consumers are factoring sustainability into their design decisions, especially younger buyers who want their purchases to reflect their values.
Going Beyond the Chaise
It’s no longer just about the lounger. “We’re seeing more diversity in product offerings—rockers, modular sofas, side tables, even daybeds,” said Vitori. Ledge Lounger’s Affinity Collection is one example, offering ottomans and configurable seating that adapts to the size and shape of the sun shelf.
Some of the most underrated but impactful additions, according to Vitori, are accessories like tables with built-in ice buckets or umbrella holes. “It’s surprising how many people don’t realize that most in-pool furniture lines include coordinating side tables,” he said. “These tables often come with built-in ice bins and pre-drilled holes to accommodate umbrellas. That way, you’ve got a drink nearby, some shade overhead, and everything is cohesive.”
The Importance of Quality and Material
With in-pool furniture becoming a long-term investment, Vitori stresses the importance of selecting pieces made specifically for water use. UV resistance, structural stability, and chemical durability are essential. “There’s a lot of imitators out there now,” he warned. “Some of these cheaper versions you find online aren’t built for constant sun and chlorine exposure. They yellow, they crack, and they don’t hold up.”
Each brand has its own approach to water filling, anchoring, and material engineering. “Some have manual plugs, others you fill in the deep end. Floating Luxuries uses a hose and venting system that’s super easy to use. Every design has its pros and cons, so it’s worth talking to someone who knows the differences.”
Fire Features: A Focal Point of Year-Round Use
As homeowners look to make their outdoor spaces usable year-round, fire features are becoming a must-have. From compact fire pits to grand fire-and-water combinations, the market has expanded dramatically.
Vitori points to two standout manufacturers—Prism Hardscapes and The Outdoor Plus—as leaders in this category. “Prism Hardscapes specializes in GRFC cast concrete, offering that natural stone look. They’re sealed, color-through, and ready to ship,” he said.
In contrast, The Outdoor Plus brings more contemporary flair, with powder-coated stainless steel and hammered copper finishes. “The copper options age beautifully over time and add a real wow factor,” noted Vitori.
Innovative Designs Gaining Traction
One of the more eye-catching designs to hit the market recently is Prism Hardscapes’ Sunflower Fire Bowl. “It breaks the mold—literally. It’s a sculptural centerpiece that looks incredible on modern decks,” said Vitori.
Another highlight from Prism is the Fairmont Table, which combines teak and concrete in a hybrid fire feature perfect for coastal designs.
Ledge Lounger is also making a splash with their new Halo Fire Pit, a resin-based design that includes a hidden compartment for a compact propane tank and a rotating lid. “It’s ideal for the DIY crowd. No need to plumb gas—it’s turnkey,” said Vitori.
Fire & Water: A Visual Power Combo
The mix of fire and water is captivating, but it requires thoughtful integration. “These are usually not DIY installations,” Vitori said. “Fire and water bowls typically go on pedestals around the pool and are installed during the pool build.”
Standard models like the Cazo Bowl and Lombard are popular, but custom fabrications are on the rise. “We’re seeing more requests for 10-foot fire-and-water features, full automation, and custom pans and burner kits,” said Vitori. “Designers are pushing boundaries, and the manufacturers are stepping up to meet the demand.”
What It All Means for 2025
Fire features and in-pool furniture are more than just trendy add-ons—they’re reshaping how people live in and around their pools. “This year’s trends aren’t just about what looks good,” said Vitori. “They’re about designing for function, comfort, and usability—creating spaces that people want to live in, not just look at.”
Expect more innovation ahead as designers push for modularity, sustainability, and integration with smart systems. The modern poolscape isn’t just for summer—it’s becoming the heart of the home, all year long.
Article Photo Credits: Ledge Lounger, Tenjam, Studio Redrock, Floating Luxuries, Prism Hardscapes, The Outdoor Plus
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