Designing the inside of your pool should not be taken lightly; a visually engaging pool interior can pave the way for a unique and creative outdoor area. It’s essential to select materials that will stand the test of
time and look beautiful for years to come. It’s also important to consider all of the other design elements in your outdoor space to ensure a harmonious result.
Your pool’s colour, lighting, and materials will each have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your outdoor space. You need to be sure your selections not only suit the design of your pool,but also the surrounding landscape.
MAD ABOUT TILES
A fully tiled interior is the best option for a concrete pool. Peita Otterbach recommends a surface that is slip resistant and gentle on the skin. “The colour and design of the interior can impact the safety of swimmers,” she says. “You need to be able to judge the depth of your pool.”
Tiles are perfect for creating unique pool interiors as the options are limitless. You can select a shimmering tile to make your pool glisten in the sunlight, or choose a dark-coloured tile to give the water an edgy finish. Remember, your tile choice will set the tone for not only your pool, but your entire backyard.
Tiles are perfect for creating unique pool interiors as the options are endless. You can select a shimmering tile to make your pool glisten in the sunlight, or choose a dark tile to give the water a mysterious and edgy finish. Remember, your tile choice will set the tone for not only your pool, but your entire backyard space.
LIGHT OF YOUR LIFE
Lighting can impact the way your pool looks in many different circumstances. Whether you want to light up the entry steps for safety and convenience, or create a beautifully illuminated oasis at night, choosing the correct lighting is key.
“Single or multicoloured lights are the most common options when it comes to pools,” Otterbach says. “Your lighting choice will have a dramatic impact on your pool’s interior.”
Coloured LED lighting is also a great, statement-making option for illuminating your pool’s surrounds, as well as highlighting your garden, pathways and water features.
COLOURFUL CONTRAST
Tiles can change the entire look of your pool and alter the perceived colour of the water. “When choosing colours, textures and finishes for the poolscape, many people lay out their collected samples on the kitchen benchtop to see if the colour combinations work,” Otterbach says. “While this is a common process for interior design, it doesn’t account for outdoor lighting and the power of water.”
It can be highly beneficial to take your tile samples outdoors to envision the effect they will have on your pool water. Otterbach says that
it’s important you love how your pool’s interior looks throughout the seasons. Before making your final decision, consider how the colour of the pool’s water will change in different weather conditions and at different times of the day.
Contrasting hues can be a beautiful choice for your pool. “Choosing contrasting tile colours is a safe option that often delivers an appealing and timeless result,” Otterbach says. “It’s essential that you select the right contrasting combination for a visually pleasing aesthetic.”
A POOL WITH STYLE
Beyond tiles, a pool’s aesthetic appeal can be improved in all kinds of ways. Incorporating an infinity edge is a fantastic way to create a stylish feature, while mirrors or waterfalls can be utilised for a dramatic result.
Adding a glass wall to your above-ground pool is a great alternative to standard stone or tile. It gives you the opportunity to showcase your pool, while also creating a visually interesting space. When combined with an open-plan outdoor entertaining area, a glass wall creates a stunning effect.
SPATIAL AWARENESS
When selecting your interesting pool interior, think carefully about the overall look you want to achieve. “One of the common challenges
homeowners face is designing a pool zone that ties in with the established outdoor space and the home,” Otterbach says. “You don’t want the pool area to look like an afterthought.”
The location of your pool should also influence the design elements you choose to incorporate. If your pool receives ample natural lighting, then your colour choices should accommodate for this. Remember, light colours tend to make spaces appear larger, while darker hues have the opposite effect.
ARTFUL AQUATICS
With so many decorative options on the market, it can be hard to decide which ones are right for your new pool. Make sure you chat to your designer about your current pool area, and the elements you’re thinking of incorporating.
Pool murals can be added to create a beautiful and effective design element that reflects your personality. You also have the option of creating a stunning mosaic feature with tiles on your pool’s surface, on its walls (if it’s built above ground), or along a boundary wall. However, if you’re considering selling your home in the near future, keep in mind that a personalised mural may not be the ideal pool feature.
When it comes to longevity, using quality materials for your pool’s interior is a wise choice. Spending a little more on well-made materials will ensure a long-lasting result that will also reduce the maintenance costs of your pool in the long run.
There are many options available to create a unique and visually interesting pool interior. Whatever you choose to include, the overall design should suit your home and personal style. Incorporating a stylish pool interior will add a touch of your personality to your outdoor space, and make it an enjoyable place in which to relax.
