Choosing your pool design is one of the most exciting parts of planning a new backyard. But once you’ve selected the shape and size, there’s another important decision to make: your pool colour. Many homeowners choose a swimming pool colour based on a display sample or a photo they’ve seen online. While that’s a great place to start, the reality is that pool colours can appear very different from one backyard to another. Factors such as sunlight, landscaping, water depth and even the style of your home can all influence how your pool water looks once installed. If you’re deciding between fibreglass pool colours, here are four important things to consider before making your final choice.
One of the biggest influences on the appearance of pool water is sunlight. Pools that receive direct sunlight for most of the day often showcase brighter, more vibrant water tones. In contrast, pools surrounded by shade from trees, nearby buildings or pergolas can appear deeper and more subdued. This means the same pool colour may look noticeably different in two separate backyards. When choosing a pool colour, consider how much sun your pool area receives throughout the day and how those light conditions may change throughout the year.
Your pool doesn’t exist in isolation. Everything around it contributes to the overall visual effect. Landscaping, fencing, retaining walls, decking, paving and outdoor structures can all reflect onto the water and influence its appearance.
For example:
When comparing swimming pool colours, it’s worth considering how the colour will work with both your current backyard and any future landscaping plans.
Yes. Water depth plays a significant role in how pool colours appear. In shallower areas such as entry steps, splash decks and spas, more of the pool shell is visible, allowing the base colour to show through more clearly. As water becomes deeper, the appearance of the colour changes. Deeper sections often create richer, more intense water tones and greater colour variation throughout the pool. This is one of the reasons pool water can display multiple shades across different areas of the same pool. Understanding the relationship between water depth and colour can help you visualise how your finished pool may look once filled.
Choosing a pool colour is about more than selecting your favourite shade. By considering sunlight, surrounding scenery, water depth and your home’s architecture, you can choose a pool colour that complements your entire outdoor space and creates the look you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re still unsure which option is right for your project, our team can help guide you through the available colours and provide advice based on your backyard, home and lifestyle. Explore our range of pool colours and start bringing your backyard vision to life.
WARNING: CHILDREN MAY DROWN IN THIS POOL. To keep your family safe and prevent drowning, this pool requires a barrier to surround the entire pool, such as a 1.2m high fence. The barrier must comply with the Building Code and restrict unsupervised access by children under 5 years of age.
For more information visit www.building.govt.nz/
For more information on how to keep safe in the water visit: https://www.watersafetynz.org
