When most people picture their dream pool, they think about size and shape first. But the finishes you choose are what truly define how your pool looks, feels, and fits into your backyard. From the liner or fiberglass shell underfoot to the tile at the waterline, the coping along the edge, and the stone on the patio surrounding it all, every detail plays a role in the final result.
Pool design is a fun opportunity to express your personal style, choose materials that work for your lifestyle, and create a backyard space you will love to use. This guide walks you through the key design factors to consider so you’ll know what your best options are for your pool design.
Design Factor #1: Vinyl Liner vs. Fiberglass Pool
One of the first decisions you will make is whether to go with a vinyl liner pool or a fiberglass pool. Both are excellent options, but they differ in how much flexibility you have with design.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools offer lots of customization options. Because the pool shell is built on site, you are not restricted to predetermined shapes or sizes. Steps, benches, shallow end dimensions, and other features can all be tailored to your specific yard and vision. Liners also come in a wide range of colours and patterns, so there is plenty of room to make the interior look exactly how you want it.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are manufactured off-site as a single molded shell, which means the shape, size, and built-in features like steps and ladder spots are determined by the mold you select. That said, there is still a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and interior colour options available, and fiberglass pools are well-regarded for their smooth, low-maintenance surface.
Both options leave more room for creativity. Have you ever seen a deep black pool with a moody, reflective surface? That is entirely achievable with the right liner or fiberglass colour choice. The decision comes down to your priorities around customization, budget, and maintenance, and either path can deliver a truly stunning result.
Design Factor #2: What Tile Should You Use?
Pool tile is most commonly applied along the waterline, where it protects the pool shell from fluctuating water levels and chemical exposure. It can also be used to enhance steps, spas, and decorative features, adding visual interest and definition throughout the pool.
The four most popular tile materials each bring something different to your pool design:
Ceramic
Ceramic is a classic, budget-friendly choice with a wide range of colours and patterns. It is durable and easy to clean, making it a practical option for most pools.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than ceramic, which makes them highly resistant to staining, fading, and moisture absorption. They tend to hold their colour well over time and offer a clean, refined look.
Glass
Glass tiles are a premium option that catch light in a way no other material quite matches. The reflective quality adds a shimmer to the water and creates a striking visual effect. They are available in a wide range of colours and are particularly popular for spas and accent features.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles bring an organic, textured quality to a pool design. Options like travertine, slate, and limestone each have a distinct character. Keep in mind that natural stone typically requires more maintenance, including sealing, and can be more porous than manufactured tiles.
Whichever tile you choose, consider how it will look both wet and dry, how it will affect cleaning and maintenance, and how it complements the other finishes you are selecting.
Design Factor #3: Choosing Pool Coping
Coping is the material that caps the edge of the pool, running along the perimeter at the top of the pool wall. It sits above the waterline and level with the surrounding ground surface, creating a transition between the pool and whatever surface surrounds it, whether that is grass, stone, or a patio.
Coping is both decorative and functional. It is the edge you rest your hands on when lifting yourself out of the water, which is why many coping styles feature a rounded or bullnose edge for comfort and safety. It also helps direct water away from the pool structure.
Common coping materials include:
Natural Stone
Natural stone coping, such as limestone, bluestone, or travertine, brings warmth and texture to a pool design. It pairs beautifully with other stone finishes on the patio and tends to age gracefully. It can be more expensive and may require periodic sealing.
Concrete
Concrete coping is a durable, cost-effective option that can be cast in custom shapes and sizes, making it a good choice for pools with non-standard dimensions or design requirements. It can be finished in various textures and colours to suit your aesthetic.
Porcelain Stone
Porcelain coping is a newer option that has grown in popularity for good reason. It is low maintenance, highly durable, resistant to fading and staining, and available in a wide range of finishes. It offers a clean, contemporary appearance that complements modern pool designs.
Design Factor #4: The Pool Entry
How you get into the pool affects both the finished design’s appearance and its day-to-day functionality. The entry point shapes the pool’s overall silhouette and influences usability for everyone who will be swimming.
Think about who will be using the pool regularly. Young children benefit from wide, gradual entry steps. Seniors or anyone with mobility considerations may need a handrail or a more accessible entry point. Active swimmers might prefer a design that maximizes usable water space.
Common entry design options include wide entry steps, corner steps, integrated benches, ladders with handrails, and a large, shallow end that creates a seamless step-down from the patio. If you are choosing a fiberglass pool, your entry options will be defined by the mold, though most quality fiberglass shells come with well-designed standard entries. Vinyl liner pools offer more flexibility in how this area is built and positioned.
Design Factor #5: Overall Pool Design Cohesion
With so many individual components to consider, it is worth stepping back and asking whether everything works together. Do the liner or fiberglass colour, the waterline tile, the coping, and the surrounding patio feel cohesive? Do the textures complement each other without competing?
Cohesive design does not mean everything needs to match perfectly. Contrast can be intentional and striking. A dark pool interior with light natural stone coping creates a dramatic effect. A soft, sandy liner with glass tile accents feels coastal and relaxed. The goal is to have a design that looks balanced and intentional.
It is also worth thinking about durability and comfort underfoot. Some finishes look beautiful but can be rough on bare feet or become slippery when wet. The right materials should feel as good as they look, and hold up well against chemical exposure, sun, and seasonal weather.
Design Factor #6: The Surrounding Landscape
A pool that blends with the rest of your backyard becomes a standout outdoor space rather than just a standalone feature. The landscaping and hardscaping around it should extend the design of the pool itself, so the entire yard feels intentional and unified.
For the surrounding surface, popular options include natural stone patios, custom concrete pathways, porcelain outdoor tile, and interlocking pavers. When evaluating these materials, consider a few practical factors beyond aesthetics:
Heat retention: Dark materials absorb more heat from the sun, which can make them uncomfortable to walk on barefoot on a hot day.
Slip resistance: Any surface near a pool will get wet regularly. Choose materials with a texture that provides traction.
Durability: Pool water, whether chlorinated or saltwater, will come into contact with the surrounding surfaces. Make sure your material choices are suited to that exposure.
Landscaping also plays a significant role in how the finished space feels. Privacy hedges create a sense of enclosure and seclusion. Ornamental grasses and shade trees add softness and natural texture. Water features like fountains or spillways bring sound and movement. Thoughtful outdoor lighting extends how you use the space into the evening, highlighting the pool and creating atmosphere.
Get Started with Descon Pools
There is a lot to consider when planning a pool, from the liner and tile all the way to the last paver on the patio. But working through these decisions does not have to be overwhelming. With the right team guiding you through each component, it becomes an exciting process of making your vision come to life.
At Descon Pools and Landscapes, we help you understand every element that goes into building your dream backyard. Our team knows how to pair materials that look great together and hold up over time, how to balance your design goals with practical considerations, and how to make your pool a natural, cohesive part of your overall landscape.
Contact us to talk through your ideas and find out how we can help make your backyard transformation an enjoyable experience that creates a space uniquely your own, right down to the finishes.