If you think building a pool is just about giving the kids a place to burn off energy, think again. Backyard pools have always had a place in Okanagan summers, but more and more, homeowners are building them not for sport or status, but for the way they make people feel.
There’s a reason people gravitate toward water. Whether it’s a quiet lake, a hot spring, or the ocean, being near water changes how we think and feel. And it turns out, that effect isn’t just in your head.
The Science of Feeling Better Near Water
Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, writes that “being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do.” He calls it the blue mind effect. Studies have backed this up—people report lower stress levels, better sleep, and improved focus after time spent in or near water.
The sound of water alone lowers cortisol levels. Simply seeing water can ease your nervous system. And when you combine that with gentle movement, like floating or swimming laps, your brain gets a powerful dose of calm without needing to meditate or unplug from technology completely.
This isn’t just theory—it’s part of why high-end wellness resorts and spas focus so heavily on water features. Water slows us down in all the right ways.
Summers are Short. Pools Make Them Feel Longer.
In the Okanagan, the peak of summer often feels like a blink. The window of warm weather can be short – and a pool stretches it out. Heated water lets you swim in May and still enjoy it in September. With the right pool design, lighting, and landscaping, your pool becomes a space you use even when you’re not swimming. Reading by the pool, sharing drinks on the patio, watching the kids play – it all adds up to more meaningful time outside.
The Rise of Wellness-Focused Pool Design
Today’s pools are quieter, calmer, and more personal than the backyard deep-ends of the 80s and 90s. Many clients now ask for features that support relaxation, not just activity: tanning ledges, built-in benches, spa spillovers, and soft LED lighting. They want something they can enjoy alone, not just entertain around.
Saltwater pool systems are also on the rise. Not because they’re trendy, but because they feel softer on the skin, require less chlorine, and create a more natural swimming experience.
We’ve even seen growing interest in plunge pools—compact, heated designs that are easier to maintain and better for mindful relaxation. It’s less about doing laps and more about resetting after a long day.
It’s About Lifestyle, Not Luxury
While some people still view pools as a symbol of luxury, many are choosing to invest in them for entirely different reasons. They want to stay home more. They want their outdoor space to feel like a retreat. And they want their kids (or grandkids) to grow up associating home with fun, freedom, and relaxation—not just screens.
We’ve worked with families across the Okanagan who started their pool planning because they wanted “something fun for the kids,” but by the end of the process, realized they’d built something that benefited everyone. The pool became their favourite place to unwind, think clearly, or connect with people they care about.
Take the Plunge
A backyard pool can absolutely be about fun and recreation. But don’t underestimate its value as a wellness space. Water soothes the body and quiets the mind. And when designed with intention, your pool becomes more than just a way to cool off—it becomes the reason you slow down, step outside, and stay present. Contact the team at Ultimate Pool & Spa to start planning your backyard oasis today.