A Guide to Choosing the Right Aesthetic Features for a Custom Pool

There’s more to building a custom pool than just having a place to cool off in the summer. Ideally, you want to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional oasis tailored to your taste and lifestyle. Aesthetic features play a huge role in achieving this. From the shape of the pool to the finishing materials, lighting, landscaping, and architectural elements, every detail contributes to the overall experience and visual impact.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the many aesthetic features you should consider when building your custom pool, so that your final result is not only stunning but perfectly attuned to your personal style.

Pool Shape & Layout: Matching Form with Function

The shape of your pool sets the tone for the entire design. It should complement both your home’s architecture and how you plan to use the space.

• Rectangular Pools: Clean, modern, and great for lap swimming. Ideal for contemporary or minimalist homes.

  
  

• Freeform Pools: Natural, organic curves make them perfect for tropical or rustic aesthetics.

  
  

• Grecian or Roman Pools: Timeless elegance with symmetrical lines and rounded ends; well-suited for classical and Mediterranean themes.

  
  

• Infinity Edge Pools: These offer a dramatic “vanishing edge” illusion, best for properties with scenic views.

  
  

• Spools & Plunge Pools: Compact and chic, these are ideal for smaller backyards with a modern vibe.

  
  

Tip: Incorporate tiered levels or multi-zone layouts to create an experiential backyard with dedicated lounging, soaking, and play areas.

Interior Finish: Color, Texture, and Reflection

The finish of your pool interior affects how the water looks and feels. This is one of the most significant aesthetic decisions you'll make.

• Plaster (White or Colored): A classic and economical option, white plaster gives a light blue water color, while colored plaster can create deeper tones.

  
  

• Quartz: Adds subtle sparkle and color variation; more durable than plaster.

  
  

• Pebble Finish: Offers a natural look with textured surfaces. Popular for lagoon-style or nature-inspired pools.

  
  

• Glass Tile or Mosaic: Adds luxury and eye-catching detail. Ideal for custom inlays or shimmering water effects.

  
  

Color Considerations:

• Light finishes give a refreshing Caribbean-blue hue.

  
  

• Dark finishes evoke a lagoon or deep ocean and absorb more heat.

  
  

• Reflective finishes enhance evening lighting and drama.

  
  

  

  Decking & Coping

  
  

  The surrounding surfaces of the pool play a huge role in aesthetics and safety.

  
  

  • Natural Stone (Travertine, Flagstone): Rich and organic, excellent for a rustic or Mediterranean style.

    
    

  • Pavers: Durable and versatile with a wide range of colors and patterns.

    
    

  • Stamped or Colored Concrete: Budget-friendly with customizable designs and textures.

    
    

  • Wood or Composite Decking: Warm, resort-like vibe that pairs beautifully with modern or coastal homes.

    
    

  Coping — the material used to cap the pool edge — should match or complement the deck to create visual flow.

  
  

  Water Features: Movement, Sound, and Ambiance

  
  

  Adding water features is a powerful way to bring elegance and sensory richness to your pool.

  
  

  • Sheer Descents & Scuppers: Clean lines and smooth water flows; great for a modern aesthetic.

    
    

  • Waterfalls & Rock Grottos: Evoke nature and drama; ideal for tropical, naturalistic pools.

    
    

  • Bubblers & Deck Jets: Playful and artistic; often used in shallow lounging areas.

    
    

  • Rain Curtains or Spillover Spas: Create sound and visual appeal; great for spa-like tranquility.

    
    

  Water features can also serve as focal points or create auditory privacy by masking noise.

  
  

  Lighting: A Pool that Glows

  
  

  Lighting extends your pool’s usability into the evening and sets the mood. When you’re thinking about how you want your custom pool built, consider how lighting will affect the area around your property and how you would like to use lighting to highlight your pool.

  
  

  • LED Lights: Energy-efficient with color-changing options for dynamic ambiance.

    
    

  • Fiber Optic Lighting: Great for starry effects or lighting up pathways and water features.

    
    

  • Underwater Spotlights: Enhance water clarity and showcase finishes.

    
    

  Built-In Features: Functional and Fabulous

  
  

  Modern pools can include built-in features that enhance comfort and style.

  
  

  • Tanning Ledges (Baja Shelves): Shallow ledges perfect for lounging with a chair or a cocktail.

    
    

  • Swim-Up Bars: Combine entertainment and refreshment, often paired with adjacent outdoor kitchens.

    
    

  • Benches & In-Pool Seating: Sculptural and integrated; ideal for social pools.

    
    

  • Fire Bowls or Fire Pits: A dramatic counterpoint to water, adding warmth and visual contrast.

    
    

  These features turn your pool into an all-day destination.

  
  

  Surrounding Landscaping: Setting the Scene

  
  

  The landscape around your pool helps define the aesthetic and create privacy.

  
  

  • Tropical Landscaping: Palms, ferns, and vibrant flowers for a resort vibe.

    
    

  • Mediterranean Touches: Olive trees, lavender, and terracotta pots.

    
    

  • Minimalist Zen Gardens: Bamboo, stone, and water harmony for a tranquil feel.

    
    

  • Modern Greenery: Clean hedges and grasses that frame the pool with symmetry.

    
    

  Don’t forget practical aspects—trees that don’t drop too many leaves, and non-slip materials for walkways.

  
  

  Furniture & Accessories: Stylish Finishing Touches

  
  

  Once your pool is built, it’s the accessories that personalize it.

  
  

  • Coordinated Loungers & Umbrellas: Match your aesthetic, whether it’s boho-chic, coastal, or luxury modern.

    
    

  • Outdoor Rugs & Curtains: Define lounging zones and add softness.

    
    

  • Pool Floats & Inflatables: Go for fun and Instagram-worthy, or elegant and understated.

    
    

  • Planters, Sculptures, or Art Installations: Add layers of design and personality.

    
    

  Style should be consistent across all visual elements to create cohesion.

  
  

  Architectural Integration: Making It Feel Intentional

  
  

  A custom pool should feel like it belongs with your home and property.

  
  

  • Matching Materials: Echo the same stone, brick, or color palette used in your home’s construction.

    
    

  • Covered Patios or Pergolas: Provide shade and elegance.

    
    

  • Outdoor Kitchens, Dining Areas, or Fireplaces: Extend your indoor lifestyle outside.

    
    

  • Raised or Tiered Designs: Connect your pool with multi-level architecture.

    
    

  Consider the line of sight from inside your home—your pool should look stunning from every angle.

  
  

  Why Work With a Professional Custom Pool Builder

  
  

  Designing a pool that checks both the functional and aesthetic boxes requires expertise. A professional pool builder not only ensures your dream design is structurally sound and up to code, but also helps you:

  
  

  • Select finishes and materials that age well in your climate.

    
    

  • Integrate features that work with your yard’s slope or layout.

    
    

  • Balance cost with long-term durability and visual appeal.

    
    

  • Coordinate your pool design with your landscaping, hardscaping, and home architecture.

    
    

  A professional pool builder like us can also show you 3D renderings and samples to help you visualize the final result, making sure you get exactly what you’re imagining. Here at Ocean Blue Pools, helping homeowners realize their pool dreams is our specialty.

  
  

  An Aesthetic Pool is Waiting For You

  
  

  A custom pool is a long-term investment in your lifestyle and property value. Choosing the right aesthetic features ensures your backyard oasis will feel cohesive, welcoming, and completely “you.” Every element should speak to your personal taste while offering functionality and beauty for years to come.

  Contact us today if you are planning to have a pool built that is both aesthetic and functional!