A well-designed pool can be a place to cool off, but it should also be the centerpiece of your backyard and reflect the overall style of your home. One of the most important decisions you’ll make in creating a cohesive look is picking the right pool tile. Details that matter include textures, colors, materials, and sizes. You need to consider all of these when matching your swimming pool to the aesthetic of your house.
1. Match the Style of Your Home
Start by identifying the primary design style of your home, be it modern, coastal, rustic, or Mediterranean. Your pool tile needs to be an extension of the dominant theme. Swimming pool tiles should be an integral part of the broader design, rather than a competing or separate element.
2. Consider Your Outdoor Environment
Remember that your swimming pool isn’t just something next to your home; it’s an integral part of the broader landscape of your property. As you consider tile possibilities, think about your patio, fencing, garden, and deck. The goal is visual harmony, rather than contrast. For instance, a backyard full of natural stone and greenery should feature tiles that echo those colors and textures. A patio with cool-toned pavers and smooth concrete works well with tiles featuring complementary finishes and shades. Don’t neglect lighting, either; some tile colors can appear very different with underwater lighting, shade, or direct sunlight.
3. Think About Color and Water Reflection
Tile color can have a dramatic impact on how the pool water appears. Beige, light gray, and white are among the lighter tiles that help pool water look tropical, even crystal clear. Darker tiles, such as forest green, black, or navy, make the look deeper and more reflective for a dramatic, modern vibe. Remember that the color of your swimming pool water won’t be just the liquid itself because it reflects your tile choice. Test your samples in natural light conditions; even better, wet them for a sense of how they would look after installation.
4. Don’t Overlook Texture and Safety
Even though you’re emphasizing aesthetics with your choice of tile, you shouldn’t neglect function. Putting textured tiles around the steps and edges of the pool can prevent slips. Sanded and matte finishes usually work a bit better for foot traffic, whereas glossy finishes work well as accents or under the waterline.
5. Add Personality With Accent Tiles
Accent tiles empower you to add character without overwhelming the overall design. Patterned borders, mosaic strips, or decorative tiles installed in select areas can add a custom touch that ties the whole look together. If you make the tile pattern overwhelming, it’ll take away from the tile, so it’s best to go with the “less is more” approach when creating a pattern.
More Than Just Beauty
Picking the best pool tile involves more than how beautiful it is because you need to create a seamless flow integrating your pool and the aesthetic of your home. Put in the time to explore various styles, colors, and materials, and be ready to take home samples or order them online. When it’s done right, your pool will look stunning, but it should also feel like it was destined to be there from the start.
