When individuals consider the design of a pool, they tend to think of shape or size initially. In reality, the finish is what defines how the pool actually feels once it is built.
It affects the colour of the water, the movement of the light across the surface and the connection of the pool with the surrounding space. In our projects throughout Sydney, the finish is hardly an afterthought. It is a key part of the overall design from the beginning.
Why pool finishes are more important than most people believe.
A pool finish does more than just look good.
It influences the tone of the water, the way the pool is integrated into the landscape, the feel of the pool underfoot, and the performance of the pool over time.
A light-toned finish can make a pool feel open and relaxed. A darker finish may provide depth and a more reflective, nearly mirror-like finish. Both are not right or wrong, but the finish must fit the architecture and the space surrounding it.
The most common modern pool finishes
Rendered and concrete finishes.
Clean, minimal pool designs are often done using concrete and rendered finishes. They are effective when the objective is restraint, and other factors like planting, paving or architecture can be in the lead.
That being said, they must be implemented with caution. Poor detailing can make a simple finish feel flat or unfinished. Simple does not necessarily mean easy with modern pool design.
Exposed aggregate and pebble finishes.
Pebble and exposed aggregate finishes bring more texture and a more natural feel. They are frequently employed when the pool must be comfortably placed in a garden instead of being perceived as an independent object.
They are also practical. A textured finish can be durable and forgiving, which makes it a strong option for family pools and outdoor spaces that get regular use.
Quartz finishes
Quartz finishes are in between smooth and textured. They are more sophisticated than the old pebble finishes, and yet provide strength and consistency.
They are a good choice in modern pools where you want a clean water tone without the pool looking too polished or too visually sharp.
Glass tile and mosaic finishes
Glass tile and mosaic finishes may produce a more sophisticated, high-end effect, particularly when the pool is a focal point.
In the Wet Edge Lap Pool project in Avalon, the pool was fully tiled with turquoise glass mosaics. The finish provides the water with a clear, luminous look and is compatible with the modern beach house design.
In the Infinity Edge Pool Design project in Turramurra, mosaic tiles were used in a wet edge pool, where the surface responds beautifully to dappled light from the surrounding bushland. The outcome is a pool that does not seem to be in front of the natural setting, but rather a part of it.
Natural stone finishes
Natural stone is not necessarily concerned with the interior of the pool, but rather with the interface between the pool and the surrounding landscape.
Coping, edges, terraces and walkways are commonly done using stone. The coping and the walkways surrounding the pool in the Avalon project were paved with grey limestone to help the pool to sit calmly within the larger garden design.
This is where many projects either come together or feel slightly disconnected. The pool to landscape issue is as important as the pool finish itself.
Selecting a finish that fits your space.
Think about the architecture first.
The pool finish should feel like it belongs. A contemporary house with clean lines will tend to accommodate a more subdued finish. A more natural or softer environment may require texture, movement and variation.
Consider water colour.
The finish has a major impact on the colour of the water. Light finishes are more likely to produce a brighter, more open feel. Darker finishes provide depth, reflection and a more dramatic effect.
One may want to consider this early. The shape of the pool can be entirely different with the interior finish.
Balance aesthetics with practicality
Some finishes look beautiful on day one but need more care over time. Others are more forgiving and easier to live with.
The correct decision is based on the use of the pool, the amount of maintenance that is realistic and the type of finish that will still look good in a few years.
Look at the whole landscape
A pool does not exist on its own. It needs to sit comfortably alongside paving, planting, outdoor living areas and the home itself.
In the Avalon project, the use of tropical planting was employed as a backdrop to soften the hard materials and complete the space. It is that association of planting, stone, tile and architecture that makes the design seem resolved.
Some of the most common errors we encounter with pool finishes.
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a finish purely because it is currently popular. A finish that looks fantastic in a photograph may not fit the site, the architecture or the materials around it.
The other error is to consider the pool finish as a distinct decision. The pool, coping, paving, planting and walls must all communicate with one another. When they do not, the space can feel busy or unresolved.
We also see finishes that are either too dark or too light for the setting, which can throw off the balance of the whole outdoor space.
Contemporary pool finishes on smaller spaces and plunge pools.
In smaller spaces, restraint matters even more. A plain finish is usually the most effective, particularly where the pool is located near the house or is part of a courtyard-style garden.
In the case of plunge pools, the finish must add to the feeling of space, rather than compete with it. This could be a less intense colour, a less intense texture or a more sophisticated edge detail. The aim is to make the pool feel integrated, not squeezed in.
How we approach pool finishes in our projects
At Space Landscape Designs, pool finishes are not a final choice made in isolation, but rather a part of the overall design.
We consider the architecture, the site, the material palette, the planting and the use of the outdoor space. On smaller urban locations we can make the finish simpler to ensure that the space feels serene. On bigger or more open locations, we can employ materials that react to light, reflection and motion.
There is no single best modern pool finish. The finish is the only one that befits the project.
Bringing it all together
Modern pool finishes are not just about choosing between tile, pebble, quartz or concrete.
They are about creating a pool that feels like it belongs. One that is in collaboration with the home, the garden and the manner in which the space is utilised.
When that is done well, the finish does not need to shout. It simply feels right.
FAQs
What are modern pool finishes?
Modern pool finishes are the materials and details that complete the look and feel of a pool. This includes the inside surface of the pool, coping, paving, tiles, stone, waterline details and how the pool is integrated with the rest of the landscape. A modern finish is not just about choosing something fashionable. It is about selecting materials that suit the architecture, feel good to use, and hold up properly in an outdoor environment.
What is the best finish for a modern pool?
No one finish is the best for all pools. The right choice will depend on the style of the home, the colour of the water desired, the amount of sun the area receives, and the use of the pool. There are projects that require a clean and simple look. Others need texture, warmth and more natural materials to soften the space. The most successful outcome is achieved when you view the pool, garden and outdoor living area as a whole.
How do pool finishes affect the colour of the water?
The water colour is greatly affected by the internal pool finish. Lighter finishes often create a softer, brighter water tone, while darker finishes can make the water look deeper and more reflective. The colour is also affected by depth, sunlight, surrounding materials and planting. That is why we don’t consider pool finishes on their own. A sample may be very different when it is in the landscape.
Are darker pool finishes a good idea?
Darker pool finishes can be stunning, particularly in modern gardens where the pool is intended to be serene, reflective and subdued. But they’re not always the best option. Darker colors will retain more heat, highlight certain marks differently, and alter the overall ambiance of the room. When used properly, they can be quite powerful. Used without considering the rest of the design, they can feel heavy.
What pool coping works best with a modern pool?
Pool coping should be comfortable to walk on, waterproof and clean the edge of the pool. Natural stone, porcelain, concrete or custom details are often considered for modern pools depending on the project. The coping should not feel like an afterthought. It should tie the pool into the paving, garden, cabana or outdoor room to make the entire space cohesive.
Are tiles, pebble or rendered finishes better for a pool?
There is a time and place for each finish. Tiles can provide a very clean and refined appearance. Pebble finishes can feel more natural and forgiving. When detailed correctly, rendered or fully tiled finishes can produce a more architectural finish. The question isn’t which material is best on paper, but which material is best for the design, budget, maintenance requirements and daily use of the pool.
What pool finishes are easiest to maintain?
Well-specified, properly installed and appropriate finishes are the easiest to live with, in general. Certain surfaces are more resistant to marks than others and some need more attention when cleaning or sealing. Around the pool, the paving and coping matter just as much as the internal surface. Even a beautiful finish can be frustrating over time if it is not properly drained, the materials are slippery, or the wrong sealer is used.
How do you choose pool finishes for a small backyard?
In a smaller backyard, every finish matters because there is less room for visual clutter. The material palette is generally kept tighter and the pool finish, paving, planting and boundary treatments are coordinated. A simple, well-considered finish can make a small pool area feel calmer and more generous. If there are too many competing materials, the space can feel crowded.
Should the pool finish match the house?
It should feel connected to the house, but it does not need to copy it exactly. A well-designed pool finish will complement the architecture, colors, textures and proportions of the house, but will also give the outdoor space its own identity. The aim is for the pool to feel like it belongs there, not like it was added later without thought.
How do you create a timeless modern pool finish?
Simple, well detailed and integrated into the landscape are the most timeless pool finishes. We try not to chase trends too heavily. Natural materials, good proportions, clean edges, considered planting and a restrained colour palette tend to age better than finishes chosen purely because they are popular at the time. A pool should feel good 10 years after it is built, not just on the day it is built.
