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—Design decisions

How pool colour changes the water

The same water looks pale turquoise, deep blue or dark grey depending on what lies under it. The finish colour is a decision about the water.

Water takes much of its colour from the interior finish beneath it and the light above. White and pale finishes give light turquoise water. Mid blues give classic pool blue. Greys produce natural, lagoon-like tones. Dark finishes — charcoal or black — create a mirror effect that reflects the sky and surroundings.

Design guides set out the choices that are hard to change once the shell is built.

Colour also changes with depth: shallow areas look lighter than deep ones. Sunlight, shade and sky colour all shift the appearance through the day. Darker finishes absorb more sun and can warm the water slightly, which matters in summer. Seeing samples wet, in sunlight and at depth if possible, is the most reliable guide.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Light finishes, pale water

    Turquoise tones.

  • Dark finishes, mirror water

    Deep reflections.

  • Depth changes colour

    Shallow areas look lighter.

02Detail

Colour effects

  • White and sand

    Bright turquoise water, Mediterranean feel.

  • Blues

    Classic pool colour.

  • Greys and greens

    Natural, lagoon tones that suit gardens.

  • Charcoal and black

    Mirror-like reflections; shows debris less.

  • Mixed mosaics

    Blends create shimmer and variation.

03Before you start

When choosing

  • See samples wet

    Dry colour is misleading.

  • View in sunlight

    And at different times.

  • Consider temperature

    Dark finishes can warm water.

—In practice

How to use this

Decide the water colour you want first, then choose the finish that creates it. View samples in a bucket of water in sunlight, and look again in morning, midday and evening light, because the colour shifts through the day. Remember that darker finishes absorb more heat, which matters in a pool already warm in summer.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Choosing the tile, not the water
The colour on a sample card is not the colour the water will appear. Judge the effect through water, not on the dry tile.
Dark finishes in full sun
Dark interiors absorb heat and warm the water further in summer, which can mean more cooling to keep it comfortable.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Do dark pools get hotter?
Dark finishes absorb more sun and can warm the water slightly.
Does a dark pool hide dirt?
Debris may be less visible, which is not always helpful.
Why does my pool look different from the sample?
Depth, light and sky change the appearance.
Can the colour be changed later?
Only by retiling or resurfacing.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Deciding on colour?

Send photos of the setting. We will suggest finishes that suit it.

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