7 Things That Make Your Pool Look Tacky, According to Design Experts

From dated designs to maintenance mishaps, these common pool oversights can diminish your backyard charm.

Swimming pool steps and adjacent tiled area — Credit:
Sinenkiy / Getty Images

A beautiful pool can add an air of luxury to your backyard and even extend your living space. However, a tacky one can have the opposite effect. Even during a heatwave, no one wants to spend time by a pool that looks gauche or outdated.

Of course, good design is in the eye of the beholder, and if a particular element of your pool makes you happy, who’s to judge? But if you’re curious about what experts think can make this space look tacky, then read on.

John Uhle, founding partner and product expert at Discount Salt Pool
Mike Fox, vice president of product, fiberglass, and autocovers for Latham Pool
Jason Anderson, owner of Trillium Pools and Landscape

Inexpensive Faux Stone or Stamped Concrete

A backyard with a pool lounge chairs and a small shed — km406 / Getty images

It’s not uncommon to choose faux natural materials to save on costs, and in some cases, faux materials can outperform natural materials in terms of durability.

However, there's a catch. “Natural-looking faux materials are expensive, and cheaper faux stone panels and faux stamped-concrete finishes often look even worse than a simple concrete deck,” says John Uhle, founding partner and product expert at Discount Salt Pool.

Plastic Palm Trees and Fake Bamboo Fences

Looking for an island atmosphere? Skip the plastic accessories and go for natural plants.

“Tiki statues, plastic palm trees, and fake bamboo fences often look a bit tacky,” says Uhle. “If you want to create a tropical feel, it's better to plant palms, bird of paradise, or hibiscus instead.”

Combining More Than Two Finishes

A swimming pool with a metal ladder at the corner — Pakin Songmor.
Pakin Songmor / Getty Images

When designing your pool, refrain from adding too many different materials. Mixing and matching more than two finishes very rarely looks modern or chic.

“Finishes in the same color palette, or even one material throughout, usually look better than a mix of brick, stamped concrete, tile, and stone veneer,” says Uhle.

Overgrown Plants

Overgrown plants aren't a good look for a pool.

“They can block important features like the pool deck, fountains, or entryways and quickly make the space feel cluttered,” says Mike Fox, vice president of product, fiberglass, and autocovers for Latham Pool. “Thoughtful planning helps maintain clear sight lines, while also making the space easier to maintain.”

Dirty Concrete

A swimming pool with a slide surrounded by a concrete deck and some vegetation at the foreground — Jena Ardell / Getty Images

Old, dirty concrete around your pool is as tacky as it gets. “Many pool surfaces are over 20 years old and have old slab concrete that is in desperate need of cleaning,” says Jason Anderson, owner of Trillium Pools and Landscape. “A great power wash with heated water will do wonders for dirty concrete."

Old Pool Liners

After many years, it’s not uncommon for your pool liner to look faded or even stretched—but it can look unsightly.

This often happens when pool chemicals haven’t been properly maintained, causing bleaching, discoloration, and stretching. “A new liner will add a much-needed facelift and add color again,” says Anderson.

Plain White Plaster Interior

A swimming pool bordered by a tiled edge — Fernando Trabanco Fotografía / Getty Images

On the flip side, a plain white pool interior can also look outdated.

“Not only are white plaster surfaces boring, but they also exaggerate surface imperfections and create a weird glow from LED lights,” says Anderson. “I recommend upgrading to a premium coating like ecoFINISH or PebbleTec, which can create an awesome natural water color and dramatically improve how the lighting looks at night.”