Are Modern Pools Harder to Maintained because of Their Minimalist Design?

Minimalist pools are gaining popularity in backyards, on rooftops, and at resorts. They're sleek. They're smooth. They look luxurious without making a big noise. Admit it, they have a cool appearance. They are not only water sources; they also showcase beautiful architecture. They prefer to hint at luxury instead of making a loud announcement. Having old-fashioned kidney-shaped pools with dolphin mosaics makes them seem outdated.

However, below that elegant, calm style, a doubt remains in the mind of every potential buyer:

Is this beautiful simplicity secretly a hassle to maintain?

At AUPOOL, we have designed and built pools ranging from basic rectangles to intricate above-ground pools. We have experienced the positive, negative, and puzzling times that come with owning a pool. So let’s get down to business, leaving out the extra words. 

What Exactly Is a “Minimalist” Pool?

Minimalist pools focus on clean aesthetics and functional design. They ditch anything over-the-top and instead lean into geometry, calm tones, and open surroundings. You won't find a dolphin fountain or rainbow tiles here.

Typical Features:

• Geometric shapes: Usually rectangular or square
• Neutral color palettes: Whites, greys, dark blues
• Flat edges: Often with infinity edges or knife-edge designs
• Integrated seating/steps: Everything flows into the design
• Minimal landscaping: Think gravel, grass, and stone—not jungle vibes

Minimalist doesn’t mean boring. It just means intentional. Every element serves a purpose. And yes—it often looks like it came out of a luxury hotel catalog.

The Illusion of Low Maintenance

While minimalist pools may seem simple to deal with, they require quite a bit of care. While hidden features and sleek designs reduce the appearance of clutter, that doesn’t mean there are no more maintenance jobs to do; it only makes them harder to access. Given the placement of some hidden skimmers, in-floor cleaners, and sleek edges, it takes extra effort to maintain them.

Sometimes, if the water isn’t moving well due to flat surfaces or tight corners, the pool can develop algae or an uneven chemical balance. Even the trendiest tile designs can quickly become covered with dirt, calcium, and streaks, so they need to be cleaned frequently. Infinite water can be gorgeous, but it requires you to be watchful and keep replacing the water that evaporates.

Having a minimalist pool means you need to spend more time preparing the site and maintaining it in the long run. The work is still there, but it appears more stylish.

What Makes Minimalist Pools Easier to Maintain?

Believe it or not, in many ways, minimalist pools make your life easier. Let’s look at the advantages.

1. No Fancy Features = Less Work

Let’s face it: traditional pools can come with a circus of accessories—grottos, slides, fountains, statues, and oddly-shaped steps. Each of those features creates more nooks and crannies for dirt, algae, and debris to settle into.

With minimalist pools, you're dealing with less stuff. Fewer corners to scrub. Fewer pipes to monitor. Fewer gadgets that can break. The absence of clutter is a gift for your weekend cleaning schedule.

2. Cleaner Surroundings = Less Debris

Minimalist landscapes usually feature structured hardscaping—pavers, gravel, manicured grass. No sprawling palm trees or overgrown shrubs throwing leaves and twigs into your pool every five minutes.

This means you’re not fishing out nature’s leftovers daily. Skimming becomes an occasional chore, not a full-time job.

3. Modern Systems = Smart Functionality

Minimalist pools often include integrated, high-efficiency systems that look invisible but work overtime. Hidden filtration units, saltwater systems, and even automated cleaners that roam the bottom of your pool like Roombas.

4. Simpler Shapes Are Easier to Clean

A rectangle has four sides. A kidney-shaped pool might as well have twenty. The fewer contours your pool has, the easier it is to clean manually or with a robot. Vacuuming in straight lines? Dreamy. No need to navigate weird dips or surprise steps.

5. High-End Materials, Low Effort

Modern pools often use smooth-surface materials like acrylic or fine plaster. These surfaces are less porous than old-school concrete, so there’s less space for grime, calcium buildup, or algae to latch onto. Less elbow grease for you.

But Hold On… They’re Not Maintenance-Free

Even the sleekest pool isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. A stylish pool can still require care and attention. Here is where you need to pay extra attention.

1. Clean Aesthetics = Visible Flaws

Just like a white t-shirt, a minimalist pool is beautiful only when it’s clean and the water is always crystal clear. Dirt, scum, stains and even a little discolored water—all of it will be easy to see in a pool that is meant to be clear.

Although cleaning is simpler, you might clean it more regularly since any mess can appear larger.

2. Chemical Balance is More Sensitive

Many minimalist pools are designed to fit in a limited space. It is good for a small yard and for stylish lounging, but because there is less water, the chemicals lose balance very quickly.

A sudden heatwave or heavy rain can easily cause your pH or chlorine levels to change. If you stop testing and treating your pool, algae and bacteria could easily take over your pool.

3. Hidden Equipment = Hidden Problems

Minimalist pools love hiding things—skimmers behind panels, filters underground, lights embedded in flush mounts. It's beautiful... until something breaks.

Because so much of the hardware is tucked away, it's sometimes harder to spot a malfunction before it becomes an issue. And accessing it for repairs? That can be more invasive than on a traditional setup.

4. Acrylic Looks Smooth—Until It Scratches

Acrylic and similar materials are amazing for their sleek looks and non-porous feel. But they scratch more easily than traditional concrete. Drag a pool brush across the surface the wrong way, and boom—you’ve got a permanent mark. You need to use specific cleaning tools (non-abrasive only, please).

Maintenance Tips for a Low-Stress Minimalist Pool

Want your sleek pool to stay sparkling without pulling your hair out? Here’s what you can do:

1. Stick to a Routine

Don’t wait for it to look dirty. Skim the surface daily, vacuum once a week, and check filters regularly. Just 10 minutes a day can save you a lot of trouble.

2. Keep Chemicals in Check

Test your water twice a week, especially in summer. Look at:

• Chlorine or sanitizer levels
• pH balance (ideal: 7.2–7.6)
• Alkalinity
• Calcium hardness

This isn’t rocket science, but skipping it can lead to cloudy water or algae blooms overnight.

3. Know Your Equipment

If your minimalist pool has a hidden skimmer or automatic cleaner, learn how it works. Read the manual or ask your installer to walk you through it. Being familiar with your system helps you troubleshoot before things go south.

4. Clean With the Right Tools

Use non-abrasive brushes, soft cloths, and pool-specific cleaners. No steel brushes. No kitchen sponges. And no “that’ll probably work” experiments.

5. Cover It Up

A simple pool cover saves you hours of work. It blocks out dirt, keeps water levels stable, and prevents chemical loss. There are even automatic covers that roll in with the press of a button—very minimalist-approved.

What Owners Love (and Struggle With)

We’ve chatted with plenty of pool owners, and here’s what tends to come up.

What They Love:

• “It just looks cleaner.”
• “My pool matches the rest of my home’s vibe.”
• “No random junk falling into it.”
• “It’s so easy to keep it looking good.”

What They Don’t Love:

• “I didn’t expect to clean it this often.”
• “Scratches show up fast.”
• “The hidden equipment is cool… until it stops working.”
• “Chemical balance changes quickly.”

So the consensus? It’s manageable—but you have to stay on top of it.

How We Do It Differently at AUPOOL

At AUPOOL, we don’t just build minimalist pools—we live and breathe them. Our designs are made for real life. We focus on making things look incredible and function smoothly.

Here’s what makes our approach stand out:

• Durable materials: Our acrylic finishes are smooth, long-lasting, and easier to clean than rougher surfaces.
• Smart systems: We integrate powerful filtration and skimming technology right into the design—no bulky machinery ruining the look.
• Custom-fit designs: Every pool is planned around your space, climate, and lifestyle. It’s not just about looking nice—it has to work for you.
• Help when you need it: Whether you're troubleshooting your filter or upgrading your system, we’re just a call away.

Final Words

Now, let’s bring this to a close:

The maintenance for minimalist pools is no more challenging than for others; it simply takes a different approach.

These pools value consistent people. They respond quickly to any signs of laziness. However, they don’t require extra attention. In reality, they are quicker and easier when you become familiar with how they work.

If you appreciate this design style, are willing to do basic upkeep, and desire a pool that matches your modern house, a minimalist pool is for you.

And if it’s time for you to take the first step? With AUPOOL, you can create, construct, and maintain your minimalist pool—all while avoiding drama, unnecessary extras, and enjoying sleek designs.