Pool your ideas on patterns

When it comes to the choice of your swimming pool, let’s break away from the norm and let’s start thinking out of the box.

Recently, I was asked to be a judge for the NSPI’s (National Pool and Spa Institute in South Africa) prestigious “best pool of the year competition”. In virtually all cases the top pool builders used mosaic, correct placement of pool lights and clever tiling ideas around the pool to make the pool stand out.

Mosaic has always been a popular choice for the waterline trim or to bring focus to a special feature such as a dolphin. Patterns in your pool can, however, be crafted with beads (imagine a Mandala), glossy glass, porcelain, marble or even stone.

Combine your creativity with local craftsmanship and material to produce the pattern of your choice.


Think chevron, waves, checkerboard, herringbone, loops, stars or Art Deco triangles or even paisley patterns – invite the family to a think-tank and pool their ideas together.Just remember that your final choice must be one that you can live with for many years to come. You want to add to the value of your home, not detract from it.

There are some important aspects you need to consider:
• The choice of pool lights and how they create patterns at night. Beware of too many lights and patterns spoiling the look of the pool.
• Water normally moves inside the pool, reflecting sunlight and creating beauty. This is why mosaic (or any other suitable material) strategically placed does magic in enhancing the look of the pool.
• Carefully placed patterns bring emphasis, for instance the edges of steps.
• When planning the pool copings, consider the colour of the grout and the pattern that will be formed or not formed, depending on the colour.
• The shape of the pool should echo the shape of the house so as to complete the pattern. A clover-shaped pool alongside a house with predominantly straight lines will look out of balance.


My suggestion is: book an appointment with the LIC Pool team in our boardroom and let us show you what a bit of imagination can do.

Until next time.

Burgert Terblanche

Tel: 061-232839, Fax: 061-238602
Email: [email protected]