Top 10 swimming pool color trends for 2025

Updated

A well-designed swimming pool will always catch the attention of any guest visiting your property. With the many pool trends and design ideas, it’s important to consider the other features that go alongside it, specifically the color. Even with a beautiful pool in your backyard, using mismatching or unappealing colors can ruin the entire aesthetics.

Here, you can find 10 color trends that many pool owners are widely using. Let’s explore some of the most popular swimming pool color trends set to make waves in 2025.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Swimming Pool Color Trends For 2025

10 Color Palette Swimming Pool Color Trends of 2025

How to Pair Pool Colors With Your Backyard Theme

How to Choose the Right Color for Your Swimming Pool

What Color Makes a Pool Look Bigger?

Is It Better to Have a Dark Pool or a Light Pool?

Choose the Right Color for Your Swimming Pool By Partnering With Clark-s-Pools-Now

1 Oceanic teal

Oceanic teal will continue to captivate property owners due to its calming and rejuvenating properties. This color mimics the natural hues of tropical waters, bringing an exotic and serene ambiance to your backyard. Teal tiles or liners can enhance the depth perception in a pool, making the water appear more inviting and vibrant. Its versatility allows it to harmonize well with minimalist and lush garden landscapes.

2 Sandy beige

With a shift towards earthy, natural aesthetics, sandy beige is poised to become a staple in pool design. This neutral tone provides a warm, welcoming feel and blends flawlessly with natural surroundings. Using sandy beige for pool surroundings or patterned tiles can evoke the sense of a beachside oasis, inviting relaxation and leisure.

3 Midnight blue

Midnight blue offers a sophisticated, elegant appearance that makes a striking statement. Its deep, almost inky shade creates the illusion of an infinity pool, where the water and sky blend cohesively on the horizon. This color works beautifully with modern pool designs and can be complemented with metallic or glass elements to enhance its reflective qualities.

4 Sunset coral

As warmer tones grow in popularity, sunset coral brings a vibrant and lively feel to pool environments. The sunset coral color, reminiscent of the setting sun, offers invigorating energy, encouraging social gatherings and playful interactions. Coral tiles or accents can brighten the pool area, adding warmth and a tropical flair that stands out against greenery and shady spots.

5 Forest green

Forest green taps into the rising trend of biophilic design, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces to nature. This rich hue can integrate the pool into its surroundings, especially in wooded or lush environments. Green tiles or liners add depth to the pool and can complement stone and wooden elements, enhancing a natural and cohesive design.

6 Icy gray

Icy gray provides a cool, contemporary edge to pool settings. Its subtle, understated hue creates a smooth, modern aesthetic that goes well with minimalist architecture. Selecting gray for pool tiles or surroundings results in a chic and clean look, reflecting light beautifully and enhancing water clarity.

7 Golden champagne

For those who prefer luxury and elegance, golden champagne is an opulent choice. This warm, metallic-inspired hue brings a touch of glamour reminiscent of a sunlit resort. Used in pool mosaics or edging, it can highlight the translucent shimmer of water, creating a celebratory atmosphere perfect for entertainment.

8 Soft lavender

Soft lavender is expected to gain popularity due to its soothing and tranquil qualities. This pastel shade introduces a subtle hint of color without overpowering the natural beauty of the pool’s landscape. Lavender tiles or accent pieces can reflect changing light, casting a soft, enchanting glow that improves the pool’s calm, spa-like environment.

9 Copper rust

Embracing the industrial chic trend, copper rust offers a bold and earthy alternative to traditional colors. This rich, reddish-brown hue brings warmth and a sense of grounded elegance. When used in flooring or decorative elements around the pool, copper rust provides an artistic contrast to greenery and a nod to modern design aesthetics.

10 Crystal white

Crystal white remains a timeless option, prized for its clean and pristine look. This color enhances the pool water’s brightness and clarity, making it appear crystal-clear and inviting. When coupled with colorful lighting, white tiles can transform the pool into a dynamic, visually arresting feature that reflects the water’s shimmering movements.

How to pair pool colors with your backyard theme

The colors you select for your pool can set the tone for your outdoor space, tying together several design components into a unified whole. Here are several methods to effectively pair pool colors with your backyard theme, helping you achieve an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious environment:

Harmonize with natural landscapes

When your backyard is filled with natural elements like trees, plants, and rocks, it’s wise to select pool colors that complement these features. Shades of green, teal, or earthy browns can blend the pool into its surroundings, enhancing the sense of unity and tranquility. This approach is particularly effective in gardens or wooded areas, where the pool feels like an extension of the natural landscape.

Contrast for impact

Consider contrasting colors against your backyard’s dominant themes to make your pool stand out. If your space features strong, bold colors or dark materials, using lighter pool colors like white or light blue can create a striking visual impact. Conversely, a dark midnight blue or even black pool liner dramatically contrasts pale decking or minimalist landscaping, adding depth and intrigue to the space.

Align with architectural elements

Your pool can reflect your property’s architectural style to achieve a cohesive design. For modern buildings with sleek, clean lines and neutral tones, minimalist colors like icy gray or deep blue help accentuate the architecture’s contemporary feel. For buildings with more traditional or rustic elements, warmer pool colors like sandy beige or sunset coral can enhance the comforting and inviting ambiance.

Enhance with decorative accents

Use decorative and accent colors that are present in your furniture, patio, or outdoor décor. Matching pool tiles or mosaics with these colors can create a unified theme that ties the entire backyard setting together. This approach allows you to be more playful and creative with color without overwhelming the primary themes, as these elements work collectively to elevate the space’s aesthetic subtly.

Incorporate lighting elements

Consider how pool colors will interact with certain lighting conditions. Pool colors that are brighter in daylight may take on a more muted tone at night, so it’s crucial to plan for natural and artificial lighting. Adding colored LED lights that match or complement the pool’s colors can heighten the intended ambiance, making the pool an inviting feature day and night.

Reflect cultural or personal aesthetics

If your backyard theme is inspired by specific cultural aesthetics, like Mediterranean or tropical styles, pool colors can reflect these distinct atmospheres. Vibrant hues like teal or coral could work for tropical themes, while Mediterranean designs may lean towards deep blues and terracotta tones. This method allows the pool to contribute to an immersive thematic environment that reflects personal tastes and influences.

Seasonal adaptability

Choose colors that can beautifully transition across seasons, adapting as the surrounding landscape changes. Neutral tones like soft greys or muted greens are flexible as they can maintain harmony, whether surrounded by summer blooms or autumn foliage. This enables your pool to complement your backyard regardless of the time of year.

Mimic natural water tones

For those seeking an authentic aquatic feel, choosing colors replicating natural bodies of water, such as aquamarine or oceanic blues, can provide a soothing effect. This choice creates a refreshing and calming environment for backyards built as tranquil retreats. These colors often reflect light dynamically, simulating the movement and sparkle of water seen in natural settings.

Eco-friendly options

Utilize eco-friendly pool materials and colors that have minimal environmental impact. Recycled glass tiles in shades that mimic earth tones or natural blues can create an eco-conscious and stylish look. These materials not only reduce resource consumption but also offer durability and timeless aesthetics that won’t quickly go out of style.

Timeless choices

Classic colors like crystal white or navy blue are timeless options that never lose their aesthetic appeal. These colors provide a versatile foundation for any backyard theme, allowing for future adaptations in design without needing major overhauls. Their enduring style can serve various purposes, from modern sleekness to traditional elegance, which will remain in vogue for years.

How to choose the right color for your swimming pool

Choosing the right color for your swimming pool is a crucial decision that can significantly influence your outdoor space’s overall aesthetic and ambiance. Here are the steps to guide you through this process:

1 Evaluate the surrounding environment

Assess the environment surrounding your pool area. Consider the natural landscape, your home’s architectural style, and existing outdoor decor like water features. The pool color should complement these elements to create a cohesive look. For instance, a pool in a green garden may benefit from a natural teal or green hue that blends with its surroundings, while a modern home may be best served by sleek, minimalist colors like slate gray or pure white.

2 Consider the climate and weather

Your local climate can also alter your color selection. In warmer regions, lighter colors such as light blue or white are usually preferred as they reflect more sunlight and keep the pool and surrounding area cooler. Conversely, darker colors like dark blue or black in cooler climates can absorb more heat, making the pool water warmer and extending the swimming season.

3 Think about water appearance

Your chosen color will affect how the water appears. For an inviting, tropical look, opt for aquas or turquoise hues. Deep blue, darker navy, or ocean blues are suitable if you want a classic look. These colors can also affect water clarity and depth perception, with lighter colors making the water appear shallower and darker shades giving a sense of pool depth.

4 Reflect on personal preferences and lifestyle

Your pool is a personal haven that should reflect your tastes and lifestyle. Consider the activities you enjoy and the mood you want to set. Softer, calming tones may be suitable if you want to turn your pool into a relaxing retreat. Bolder colors may be preferable for a more vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Think about whether you want your pool to be a backyard focal point or a seamless extension of the natural environment.

5 Research trends and timelessness

While it’s useful to consider current color trends, it’s also important to think long-term. Choose a color you will enjoy for many years, as pool renovations can be extensive. Classic colors like whites, blues, and sands are timeless options that offer versatility and an enduring appeal. These can adapt to different styles and preferences over time, keeping your pool stylish regardless of future trends.

6 Analyze lighting and reflection

Examine how natural sunlight and artificial lighting affect the pool area’s appearance. Pool colors can change dramatically based on the time of day and lighting conditions. View samples in natural and artificial light so you are satisfied with how the color looks in each setting. Complementary LED pool lights can enhance the chosen color, achieving a stunning visual effect that maintains its impact from day to night.

7 Consider maintenance implications

Different colors may affect how easily dirt and debris are seen. Darker colors can mask imperfections and dirt but may highlight water spots or calcium deposits. Lighter colors show dirt more easily but can make the water appear clearer. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each based on how much maintenance time you are willing to invest.

8 Consult with professionals

Before making your final decision, talk to pool installers or designers. They can provide valuable insights into how certain colors will look in your particular setting and help you visualize the final result using samples or digital renderings. Their expertise can help guarantee that your chosen color aligns with your requirements and aesthetic goals.

What color makes a pool look bigger?

If you have a small backyard pool and want to make it appear bigger, the choice of color can alter the space’s visual perception. Generally, light colors are more effective at creating the illusion of a larger pool.

Here’s an explanation of why and how this works:

  • Light Reflection and Diffusion. White, light blue or pale aqua colors reflect more sunlight than darker hues. This light reflection creates a sense of openness and airiness, similar to how painting a room with light colors can make the room appear larger. In pools, this effect is amplified as the water interacts with the light-reflecting surface, causing it to sparkle and shimmer, which enhances the perception of size.

  • Water Clarity and Visibility. Lighter colors make the water appear clearer and more transparent. When the blue water looks clear, the pool itself seems deeper and more expansive. This can trick the eye into perceiving a larger volume of water than what exists. Clearwater also allows the eye to easily see the pool bottom, providing an uninterrupted view that causes the sensation of spaciousness.

  • Cohesive Integration With Surroundings. Light-colored pools can create a seamless blend with their surroundings, particularly when set against light pool decks or sand-colored pavers. Blurring the boundaries between the pool and its surroundings makes it difficult to discern where the pool ends and the deck begins, increasing the overall perceived area.

  • Psychological Impact. Humans often associate lightness with openness and space, stemming from natural environments where expanses of sky and water are vast and unobstructed. By choosing a lighter pool color, you utilize these psychological cues, subtly convincing the viewer that the space is larger and more expansive.

  • Edge and Shadow Reduction. Darker pools can create strong contrasts between their edges and the surrounding areas, accentuating the pool’s borders and diminishing the sense of size. Light-colored pools blend more softly with their edges, minimizing harsh lines and shadows and increasing the sense of spaciousness and continuity.

  • Sky Reflection. On bright, sunny days, a light pool surface will mirror the sky’s brightness more effectively, creating a harmonious visual continuity. This reflection can seemingly extend the pool’s boundary into the sky above, contributing to the illusion of a larger swimming area.

  • Consistency With Natural Bodies of Water. Naturally occurring bodies of water, such as sandy beaches and shallow lagoons, often exhibit lighter colors due to the sand or sediment at the bottom. Emulating these colors in pool design brings a touch of the vastness and openness of natural settings to your backyard, enhancing the size perception.

Is it better to have a dark pool or a light pool?

Choosing between a dark and light pool depends on various factors, including aesthetic preference, environmental considerations, and practical functionality. Each option offers distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, affecting your final decision.

Dark Pools Light Pools
Aesthetic Appeal Dark pools often have an elegant, modern appeal. Colors such as dark blues, grays, or even black can create a striking and dramatic appearance, making the pool a focal point in your backyard. Dark colors can give the illusion of deeper water, which some people find appealing. This effect can add a touch of mystery and allure reminiscent of natural bodies of water. Light-colored pools create a bright and airy atmosphere. They give the impression of a larger and more open space, enriching the overall ambiance of your backyard. Light colors copy the turquoise hues of tropical bodies of water, providing a relaxing and inviting feel that can transform the pool area into a serene oasis.
Practical Considerations One of the practical advantages of dark pools is their ability to absorb more heat from the sun. This can naturally warm the pool water, extending the swimming season in cooler climates or on cooler days. Dark surfaces can be more forgiving when masking dirt, debris, and minor imperfections in the pool’s construction, potentially reducing the frequency of visual maintenance. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, which keeps the water temperature cooler. This is beneficial in hot climates where maintaining a refreshing pool temperature is desirable. Light-colored pools can make water appear clearer and cleaner. They typically allow for easy identification of debris and algae, making maintenance straightforward and manageable.
Potential Drawbacks In very hot climates, the increased heat absorption could make the water uncomfortably warm or raise energy costs due to additional cooling requirements. While debris may be less noticeable, issues such as calcium deposits or chemical imbalances can appear more prominently on dark surfaces. Light surfaces can show dirt, algae, and stains more quickly, which may increase cleaning instances to maintain their pristine appearance. Maintaining warm water temperatures may be more challenging in cooler climates, potentially increasing heating costs.

Choose the right color for your swimming pool by partnering with Clark’s Pools now

Choosing a pool can be easier when you consider hiring Clark’s Pools’ expertise. With years of experience and multiple awards from the Northeast Pool and Spa Association, we can confidently assist you throughout the entire pool-building process, especially in choosing a pool color that suits your preferences. We will make sure to follow your pool project’s budget to the dot so you can finally have your beautiful swimming pool.

Call us now to set up a free consultation, and we can take the first step towards building your new swimming pool.