Pool Transformation - Old style to modern style!

Alex Grissom • January 21, 2026

From Dated to Modern:

A Complete Pool Remodel Transformation

A brick patio with two dark chairs overlooks a swimming pool and hot tub in a backyard with trees and a wooden fence.

Many pools built years ago still have solid structures, but their design and equipment can begin to show their age. That was exactly the case with this project. The pool originally featured red brick decking and coping, a style that was popular at the time but no longer aligned with today’s modern outdoor living designs. Along with the outdated appearance, the pool was also running on older equipment that had become less efficient and more difficult to maintain.

The homeowner wanted to breathe new life into their backyard while keeping the existing layout of the pool. Their goal was a full refresh that would modernize the look, improve performance, and add features that would make the pool more enjoyable for relaxing and entertaining.

Updating the Look

The first step in the transformation was removing the old red brick decking and coping. While it had served its purpose for many years, it gave the pool a darker and more dated appearance. In its place, we installed a light, natural stone finish. This change alone dramatically brightened the space and gave the pool a clean, modern feel that fits much better with contemporary outdoor design.

The lighter tones also reflect more sunlight, making the entire pool area feel more open and inviting.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Brick patio with pool, hot tub, and outdoor sofa. Cloudy day.

Swimming pool with turquoise water and a spa surrounded by light-colored stone, in a backyard setting.

Before After

Adding a Tanning Ledge

One of the most exciting additions to this remodel was a new in-water tanning ledge. This shallow area is designed for relaxing in the water while still enjoying the sun. Tanning ledges have become one of the most popular features in modern pools because they create a comfortable place to lounge, place chairs, or simply cool off without fully swimming.

By incorporating the tanning ledge into the existing pool layout, we were able to add a luxurious and functional feature without requiring a full pool rebuild.

No Tanning Ledge

A white pool vacuum hose rests in a pool filled with leaves, next to brick coping and a dirty, leaf-covered deck.

Tanning Ledge Installed

A bright blue backyard swimming pool featuring a built-in circular spa and a shallow sun shelf with stone decking.

Elevating the Design with Travertine Stone

A major part of the transformation involved upgrading the materials surrounding the pool. To achieve a clean, cohesive, and timeless look, we installed travertine stone on the pool coping, retaining wall, and patio area.

Travertine is one of the most popular materials used in modern pool construction because of its natural beauty and durability. Unlike the darker brick that previously surrounded the pool, the travertine provides a lighter, more elegant appearance that complements the water and reflects sunlight, helping the space feel brighter and more open.

Beyond its visual appeal, travertine is also extremely practical for pool environments. The stone stays cooler underfoot in the Texas sun, making it comfortable to walk on even during the hottest summer days. It also provides a naturally textured surface that offers better slip resistance around wet areas.

By carrying the travertine across the coping, retaining wall, and patio, the entire outdoor space now feels unified and intentional. Instead of separate elements competing visually, the pool area flows together as a single modern outdoor living space.

The result is a polished, resort-style finish that not only enhances the look of the pool but also adds long-term durability and value to the backyard.

Patio and Steps

Stone pool deck with decorative tiled step risers leading into a bright blue swimming pool, featuring large teal planters.

Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall and Water Feature

A dark, textured fountain pot sits in a tiled pool feature against a stone retaining wall.

Patio and Coping

A curved pool edge lined with light-colored, textured stone pavers, partially shaded by palm tree fronds.

Upgrading the Pool Equipment

Beyond the visual improvements, this remodel also included important upgrades behind the scenes. The pool received new skimmers, updated plumbing, and modern lighting. These improvements significantly enhanced water circulation, increased efficiency, and improved overall reliability.

The updated lighting also adds a beautiful effect at night, allowing the pool to remain a focal point of the backyard even after the sun goes down.

Better Water Flow for Bubbler

A fountain shoots water into a swimming pool with a stone wall and trees in the background.

Hot Tub Runs Better

A bubbling circular spa with blue water surrounded by beige stone coping, connected to a larger swimming pool.

The Final Result

What started as a pool with an outdated design is now a bright, modern centerpiece for the homeowner’s outdoor space. With new decking, updated equipment, modern lighting, and the addition of a tanning ledge, the pool now offers both improved performance and a much more enjoyable experience.

Projects like this highlight how a well-planned remodel can completely transform an existing pool. Instead of starting from scratch, strategic upgrades can modernize the look, improve efficiency, and add new features that elevate the entire backyard.