22 Before-and-After Swimming Pool Transformations

Need inspiration for your pool remodel? See how these pools were transformed from unsightly messes to beautiful oases.

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By: Mina Hochberg and Lauren Fansler

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Photo By: Zaremba & Company

Photo By: Larry Hanna/AP Images

Photo By: Jim K. Decker

Photo By: Tony Flora /AP Images

Photo By: Larry Hanna/AP Images

Photo By: Joe Loehle

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Todd Douglas/ Verbatim Agency

Photo By: Bianchi Design

Photo By: Jason & Anna Photography

Photo By: Colin Sussingham

Photo By: Patrick Ketchum

Photo By: Distinguished Pools with Daren Edwards

Photo By: unknown

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Photo By: Zaremba & Company

Photo By: Bianchi Design

Photo By: Fieldwork Design

Photo By: AQUA Pools and Spas

Photo By: Pool Environments

Photo By: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Before: Just Another Pool

When the owners bought this Michigan home, previously owned by author Elmore Leonard, they remodeled the house and expanded the north wing. The new layout begs for an equally dramatic pool makeover.

After: Majestic Masterpiece

Michigan landscape designers Zaremba & Company convert the freeform pool into a rectangular pool that sits perpendicular to the house, rather than parallel with it, creating a majestic symmetry to the yard. The extensive remodel spotlights an elevated spa at the head of the pool.

Learn More: How Much Does It Cost to Install an In-Ground Pool?

Before: Grimy Pool is Lacking

As seen on Brother vs. Brother, the backyard in this Las Vegas home is inhospitable and dismal.

After: Swimming Pool and Outdoor Entertaining Area

This outdoor area, seen on Brother vs. Brother, features a swimming pool and newly landscaped backyard. With a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors, this backyard has it all.

Learn More: Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: Which One Is Right for You?

Before: Dreary and Dated

This before pool, as seen on The Vanilla Ice Project, is drab and dreary. Lacking any personality or appeal it is in need of a major overhaul.

After: Open With an Infinity Edge

After this pool was redesigned on The Vanilla Ice Project, it features an infinity edge and shows off the spectacular water views. Once drab and dated, now this pool is an inviting oasis.

Find More Ideas: 39 Lap Pool Design Ideas

Before: Lacks Personality

This pool area, as seen on Brother vs. Brother, is still decorated in 1960’s vintage Vegas décor before renovations.

After: Cheerful and Colorful

This pool area, seen on Brother vs. Brother, is now a relaxing oasis after the complete renovation.

Learn More: In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools: Pros + Cons of Each

Before: Dirty and Dull

The HGTV Dream Home 2017 featured an unremarkable pool that was in need of a refresh.

After: Ultimate Waterfront Escape

This view looking from the pool chaise lounge chairs toward the back of the home highlights how the property's cohesive color palette and fresh take on Southern style creates the ultimate waterfront escape.

Find More Ideas: 50 Patio Ideas and Design Tips

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Before: Murky Mess

This pool, pre-renovations, looks more like a pond rather than a relaxing summertime oasis.

After: Sunny and Refreshing Backyard Oasis

This swimming pool, seen on America's Most Desperate Landscape, received a major overhaul that turned this backyard space into one the whole family will enjoy. The swimming pool received some much need attention and the pergola beside the pool is the perfect spot to relax during a warm summer night.

Find More Ideas: 32 Pool House Design Ideas

Before: Uninspired Backyard

This pool, seen on Indoors Out, lacks any personality or charm.

After: A Total Backyard Transformation

This backyard, seen on Indoors Out, has a freeform paver patio that leads to the pool area and is interspersed with colorful low-maintenance planting beds. A custom pool cabana was added for the adults to enjoy. A splash of ambiance is created with strategic lighting, seating walls, and a beautiful water feature that looks like it feeds into the pool.

Find More Ideas: 67 Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

Before: Ordinary Backyard Lacks Character

This backyard, seen on The Outdoor Room, features a sunny pool but lacks any personality.

After: Swimming Pool Oasis in Hollywood

Host Jamie Durie of The Outdoor Room, transforms the swimming pool area at the home of Anne Heche and James Tupper from an overly sunny and hot yard into a shaded garden fit for Hollywood entertaining. A wall of hedges provides shade and privacy, while the pool features a lounge-like gazebo on one end and a hot tub on the other.

Find More Ideas: Indoor Swimming Pool Design Ideas

From: Jamie Durie

Before: Dated Pool With Faux Rock Wall

The faux rock wall adorning the swimming pool of this contemporary Phoenix home is a major eyesore. The cheesy rock formations are not helped by the chaotic landscaping and generic decking.

After: Serene Contemporary Pool

Phoenix pool builder Kirk Bianchi removes the “artificial penguin exhibit” and replaces it with an ironwood tree salvaged from the desert (one of three he places around the yard). He declutters the landscaping, introduces new decking and adds overflow to all sides of the pool, enhancing the lovely mirror effect.

Find More Ideas: 40 Stunning Ways to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

Before: Backyard That Has Seen Better Days

This backyard lacks any charm and feels dingy and dated.

From: The Ranch Mine

After: Contemporary Modern Pool and Courtyard

The soft glow of interior lights brighten this sleek pool, which fits neatly in the courtyard of this contemporary home. A wall-size sliding door opens the master bedroom to the pool and courtyard, eliminating the divide between indoors and out.

Find More Ideas: 24 Above-Ground Pool Deck Design Ideas

From: The Ranch Mine

Before: Boring Backyard Pool Area

The homeowners were seeking a facelift for this backyard pool and patio area, which features worn concrete and tired paver stones. The tall, overgrown bushes need to be removed in order to uncover a stunning surrounding view.

After: Contemporary Pool With Covered Outdoor Dining Area

Part of the renovation of this backyard area included using soft gray mosaic tiles to line the existing pool. A covered dining and kitchen area provides the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.

Learn More: Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: Which One Is Right for You?

Before: Dull Backyard Lacks Creativity

The pool could be beautiful in this backyard, but the space needed serious love.

From: H3K Design

After: Sunny Yellow Modern Backyard With Pool

Green grass makes a dramatic trim for this backyard's concrete pavers. Sunny yellow shade umbrellas and water accents create a desert oasis.

Find More Ideas: 50 Patio Ideas and Design Tips

From: H3K Design

Before: Plain Pool Surrounded by Concrete

Before the swimming pool renovation, it was surrounded by concrete and not much else. The lack of landscaping makes this space seem uninviting.

After: Swimming Pool With Waterfall

What was once uninviting, now this outdoor swimming pool is stylish and welcoming. With a raised platform perfect for dining and watching swimmers, this backyard has it all.

Learn More: In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools: Pros + Cons of Each

Before: Lacking Lap Pool

The dated pool and spa is ready for a much-needed makeover.

From: Distinguished Pools, Inc.

After: Mediterranean Swimming Pool

The California home leads out to a welcoming Mediterranean-inspired swimming pool. Surrounded by a stone tile patio, the pool has a trio of water features and a relaxing hot tub.

Find More Ideas: 67 Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

From: Distinguished Pools, Inc.

Before: Bland Backyard

This backyard lacks, well, everything. Any update would be an improvement in this sparse outdoor space.

After: Total Reno Complete With a Pool and Outdoor Kitchen

As seen on Flip or Flop, this Riverside home has been completely renovated by Tarek and Christina El Mousa. Renovations to this home included a stunning backyard with extensive hardscape, three different seating areas, a BBQ and bar area, a pool, a fire pit, and landscaping.

Find More Ideas: 15 Patio Covering Ideas

Before: Forlorn and Uninviting

Due to a lack of shallow ends, the pool at this Michigan estate is far from kid-friendly. It also clashes with the architecture of the home and is not conducive to outdoor entertaining.

After: Two Pools is Better Than One

Rather than destroy the existing pool, Michigan-based Zaremba & Company adds a second pool that overlaps the original pool. The second pool has shallow ends and a vanishing edge over which water spills into the original pool below. The multi-tiered design provides a safe play area for children and introduces plenty of spaces for lounging and entertaining.

Learn More: Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: Which One Is Right for You?

Before: Rocky Horror

The faux rock wall adorning the swimming pool of this contemporary Phoenix home is a major eyesore. The cheesy rock formations are not helped by the chaotic landscaping and generic decking.

After: Serenity Now

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Natural Swimming Pools

Before: Subterranean Mess

The owners of this Oregon house want a pool room that is relaxing and consistent with the home’s midcentury modern aesthetic. Exposed pipes, unappealing columns and clinical-white walls give the indoor pool a vibe that was more utilitarian than inviting.

After: Northwest Oasis

Fieldwork Design & Architecture transform the pool room into a zen retreat by ensconcing the room, floor to ceiling, in Western Red Cedar and slate tile. The sliding glass doors are replaced with a 32-foot wide single sliding door to create a seamless portal to the verdant outdoors. An unfinished utility area is converted into a wine cellar and changing room.

Find More Ideas: Indoor Swimming Pool Design Ideas

Before: Dated and Dull

When the owners purchased this Maryland home, it came with a figure-8 vinyl pool straight out of the 1980s. The nondescript pool is a blight on the beautiful waterfront landscape.

After: Pool With a View

Maryland pool builders Aqua 74 convert the figure-8 pool into a rectangular pool with pebble interior and travertine decking. A vanishing edge is introduced, creating a seamless transition to the backyard and lake beyond. All this for an approximate budget of $100,000.

Find More Ideas: 67 Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

Before: Concrete Nightmare

The aggregate concrete deck is not a flattering look for the dated pool at this Dallas home. The owners want to beautify the pool and make it fit for 21st-century living.

After: Dallas Dream

Texas pool designers Pool Environments gut the pool and replace the aggregate concrete with travertine paver in a Versailles pattern. They build a raised spa, one-foot wall and sheer descent waterfalls. The space is opened up by removing a portion of the driveway and adding an outdoor fireplace and seating area.

Find More Ideas: 50 Patio Ideas and Design Tips

Before: Welcome to the Jungle

This Dallas pool looks so neglected you’d never guess it was designed by an acclaimed Texas landscape architect. The overgrown landscaping makes the plain Jane pool ripe for renovation.

After: Modern Transformation

Pool Environments frames the pool with oversized stone slabs and a band of Mexican beach pebble, giving the pool a sleek, geometric look. The undergrowth is cleared, allowing an overhanging Bois d’Arc to become a focal point at the far end of the pool.

Before: Bad Case of Blues

The pool at this Florida residence is as basic as pools come, with an electric blue hue that feels artificial.

After: Perfect Hue

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture replaces the interior finish, giving the pool a more natural hue of blue. On a $45,000 budget, they replace the patio, line the pool with stones and break up the ho-hum rectangular shape with a stone walkway, creating an attractive square-shaped pool and two smaller decorative pools.

Watch the Video: Turn a Dumpster Into a Pool

22 Before-and-After Swimming Pool Transformations

Related To:

Shop This Look

Before: Just Another Pool

After: Majestic Masterpiece

Before: Grimy Pool is Lacking

After: Swimming Pool and Outdoor Entertaining Area

Before: Dreary and Dated

After: Open With an Infinity Edge

Before: Lacks Personality

After: Cheerful and Colorful

Before: Dirty and Dull

After: Ultimate Waterfront Escape

Before: Murky Mess

After: Sunny and Refreshing Backyard Oasis

Before: Uninspired Backyard

After: A Total Backyard Transformation

Before: Ordinary Backyard Lacks Character

After: Swimming Pool Oasis in Hollywood

Before: Dated Pool With Faux Rock Wall

After: Serene Contemporary Pool

Before: Backyard That Has Seen Better Days

After: Contemporary Modern Pool and Courtyard

Before: Boring Backyard Pool Area

After: Contemporary Pool With Covered Outdoor Dining Area

Before: Dull Backyard Lacks Creativity

After: Sunny Yellow Modern Backyard With Pool

Before: Plain Pool Surrounded by Concrete

After: Swimming Pool With Waterfall

Before: Lacking Lap Pool

After: Mediterranean Swimming Pool

Before: Bland Backyard

After: Total Reno Complete With a Pool and Outdoor Kitchen

Before: Forlorn and Uninviting

After: Two Pools is Better Than One

Before: Rocky Horror

After: Serenity Now

Before: Subterranean Mess

After: Northwest Oasis

Before: Dated and Dull

After: Pool With a View

Before: Concrete Nightmare

After: Dallas Dream

Before: Welcome to the Jungle

After: Modern Transformation

Before: Bad Case of Blues

After: Perfect Hue

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