Swimming pool design series: part five – design styles and aesthetics

A swimming pool can be many things visually: a striking architectural feature, a tranquil retreat, a natural extension of the garden or an elegant addition that complements its surroundings without dominating them. Deciding how you want your pool to look is therefore about much more than choosing tiles and finishes.

In Part Five of our Swimming Pool Design Series, we consider how the property's architecture, its surroundings, and your preferences can come together to create a pool with a strong, coherent identity.

Start with the property

A good starting point is the architecture of the house itself. A contemporary property with large expanses of glass and strong geometric lines might suggest a similarly clean approach to the pool, perhaps with a simple rectangular form, precise detailing and restrained materials. A period home, on the other hand, may suggest a different design language, with materials, proportions and landscaping chosen to complement its architectural character.

This doesn't mean that everything has to match. A contemporary pool can work beautifully alongside an older property. The key is whether the contrast feels intentional and whether the elements sit comfortably together.

Contemporary or traditional?

Contemporary pools are often characterised by simplicity. Clean lines, uncluttered surrounds and a limited palette of materials can allow the water itself to become the main visual feature. Deck-level designs, where the water sits almost flush with the surrounding surface, can reinforce this streamlined appearance.

A more traditional design might draw inspiration from the house's architecture or established garden. Natural stone, layered planting and softer detailing can help the pool settle comfortably into its surroundings.

There is also plenty of room between these two approaches. Many successful pools combine contemporary technology and detailing with materials chosen to complement a traditional property.

The objective is not to apply a particular label to the design, but to establish a visual language that works for the home and its owners.

Working with the landscape

For an outdoor pool, the garden is an integral part of its appearance. A pool surrounded by formal landscaping will have a very different character from one set within a relaxed country garden. In a large rural setting, the design might make the most of distant views, while a smaller or more urban garden may benefit from carefully framed planting that creates privacy and a sense of enclosure.

The colour and texture of paving, terraces and boundary materials can influence how the water appears and how successfully the pool sits within the landscape.

Rather than designing the pool first and landscaping around it afterwards, considering them together can produce a more harmonious result.

Creating the right indoor environment

With an indoor pool, the aesthetics extend to the entire pool room. The choice of wall and floor finishes, glazing, lighting and furnishings all contribute to the atmosphere. Some homeowners favour a pared-back contemporary environment, while others want the warmth and comfort associated with a luxury spa or hotel.

Natural light can make an enormous difference. Generous glazing or rooflights can create a bright space and establish a connection with the outdoors. Large glazed doors can take this further, allowing the pool room to open onto a terrace or garden in warmer weather.

The aim should be to create a room in which people want to spend time, not simply a building that contains a swimming pool.

Materials, colour and water

Material choices have a considerable influence on the finished appearance of any pool. The interior finish affects the perceived colour of the water, while coping, paving and surrounding surfaces help define the pool's relationship with the rest of the space. Indoors, these choices also need to work with walls, ceilings and other architectural finishes.

The choice of finishes can set the entire mood of a pool. Pale stone and subtle tones can create a calm, understated feel, while richer colours, decorative mosaics, metallic accents and more expressive materials can produce something altogether more glamorous. There is no single aesthetic that defines a beautifully designed pool; what matters is that the elements work together and reflect both the setting and the personality of its owners.

Good design comes from considering these elements collectively rather than selecting each finish in isolation.

Details that change the character of a pool

Sometimes relatively subtle design decisions make the greatest difference. The treatment of the pool edge, the position and style of steps, the relationship between the pool and spa, whether integrated or positioned separately nearby, and even the way equipment is concealed can affect the overall appearance.

Lighting adds another dimension, changing the character of the pool after dark and highlighting particular architectural or landscape features.

Water features can introduce movement and sound or provide a dramatic focal point, although they work best when they have a clear role within the overall design rather than being included simply for effect. We will look more closely at both water features and lighting later in this series.

Design for longevity, not just fashion

Swimming pool design, like architecture and interiors, is influenced by changing tastes. However, a bespoke pool is a long-term addition to a property, so following the latest trend is not always the best approach. Materials should be selected for their suitability and durability as well as their appearance, while the overall design should have enough coherence to remain relevant as fashions change.

Ultimately, the most successful pools bring together architecture, water, materials and surroundings in a way that feels considered, coherent and as though they were always intended to be together.

In Part Six of our Swimming Pool Design Series, we'll look at water features and other enhancements, and how they can add another dimension to the pool experience.

At London Swimming Pool Company, we specialise in the design, construction, refurbishment and servicing of luxury swimming pools across London and the Home Counties. Whatever your needs, we're here to help – call us on 020 8605 1255.