Most Loved Pool Surroundings - Top Choices For 2026

When it comes to pools, most of the attention tends to go straight to the water. While crisp, clear waters can be quite alluring, the impact of your pool surrounds shouldn’t be underestimated. The features that surround the blue oasis are exactly what make swimming spots look inviting, and the right type of features can make the pool and swim area even more entertaining.

If it is time to refresh your pool, you should also consider some ways to enhance and optimise the surfaces connected to the swimming pool. Let’s take a look at the top choices for a more fun and stylish swim space in 2026.

Rock-Look Pool Surrounds

Rock-look pool surrounds are a great option if you want to create swim zones that look all-natural. With these artificial rock creations, you can also get a little bit creative with your design. Features like a faux waterfall drizzling into your pool, a rocky cave, or some rocky contours can all add lots of interest to your spaces. At POOLPAINTERS®, we are highly experienced in these types of pools and their surrounds. Just have a look at our work at Taronga Zoo, and you will know exactly what we are talking about. These aquarium pools are specially developed to look like all-natural spaces, yet still offer groundkeepers the functionality to easily clean these spaces.

Artificial rock surrounds certainly are a great option if you want to break away from typical surrounds like pavers or decks.

Wooden Pool Decks

Wooden decks and pools go together like popcorn and movies. Both features just work better when they are paired together. These hardscape surfaces around or next to a pool add a lot of functionality to swim spaces. The deck assists in keeping pool waters crisp and clean, and offers a comfy space for seating or sunbathing. For many, wooden decks are the top choice since wood doesn’t absorb or transmit as much heat. It is a material that stays relatively cool to the touch on even the hottest of summer days.

Pool Surround Patios

Pool patios are very likely the most common pool surround material. This type of paved area around the pool is pretty easy to install, the materials are relatively affordable, and the result is always functional and visually pleasing. For pool surround patios, you also have quite a bit of flexibility since these surfaces can be made from natural rock, cement, or other types of pavers. While paved surrounds are not quite as cool to the touch, they are easier to maintain and can stay in great shape for decades to come.

Pool Aprons

Every swim space can benefit from a pool apron. The papron is the stone border that surrounds the pool. It is usually raised a little bit higher compared to the other pool surrounds since it is designed to maintain your pool’s water levels. The pool apron can also make your pool look a little bit more professional or groomed. The little border around the pool adds a bit more contrast between the pool surrounds and adds a little extra structure.

Hardscape Concrete Surrounds

Concrete surrounds are also a good option, especially if you are transforming swim spaces on a tight budget. These materials are affordable to install, and they can also be very stylish, especially if the surface is stamped to create more texture.

Turf

Turf is also popular around pools, mostly because it is cool, soft and affordable to install. Unfortunately, it is the pool surroundings that are the hardest to maintain, and that cost the most in the long run. Natural turfs need to be trimmed, fertilised, and watered. Even then, it can also cause a lot of loose plant matter inside your pool. This issue can, of course, be eliminated if you install artificial turf.

Get the Best Surroundings for Your Pool

If you want a beautiful pool to stand out even more, or need an expert to help transform your pool area, then we welcome you to reach out and contact POOLPAINTERS®. Our pool restoration experts are the best at refreshing old pools and can also assist with any type of surround transformations you might need.

Contact POOLPAINTERS® now to find out more about our services.