Spending time in your pool can be one of the most fun things to do at home this summer in Tampa. If you are thinking about a new pool design or pool construction, there are many options to consider. You are likely to already have some ideas about what you want your perfect pool to look like, and there are many factors that can help your pool design look fantastic.
Here are some tips when planning any upgrades and designs for your pool.
Making Space for Sun and Shade
While spending time in the sunshine is one of the many things people love about living in Florida, it is also helpful to create a shaded area when planning your pool design. This means that you and your family can spend all day in the pool without worrying about spending too much time in the burning sun. Having the option to move into shaded areas can make your pool more interesting and practical. When planning your pool construction, it will be important to consider which parts of your garden get the sunshine and which parts get more shade throughout the day.
1. Aluminum Screen Enclosures (Pool Cages) — Most Durable Overall
Best for: Long-term durability + full protection
Why they win in Tampa:
- Built to handle strong winds and storms
- Aluminum resists rust and corrosion
- Screens reduce UV while allowing airflow
- Keeps out debris, bugs, and some sun
Typical lifespan:
- Frame: 15–25+ years
- Screens: 5–10 years (replaceable)
💡 This is the Tampa standard for a reason.
2. Insulated Aluminum Patio Covers (Solid Roof)
Best for: Maximum shade + heat reduction
Why they work:
- Blocks nearly 100% of direct sun
- Handles wind better than fabric options
- Doesn’t fade like cloth canopies
Downside:
- Less airflow
- Higher upfront cost
👉 Ideal if the goal is cooler water + shaded lounging area
3. Heavy-Duty Shade Sails (Properly Installed)
Best for: Modern look + partial shade
BUT here’s the truth most people miss:
✔ Durable only if:
- Anchored to steel or concrete footings
- Uses UV-rated HDPE fabric
- Installed with proper tension
❌ Not durable if:
- Cheap fabric
- Poor anchoring
- Left up during storms
Lifespan:
- Fabric: 5–10 years (high-quality)
- Hardware: longer if stainless steel
👉 These are great—but installation quality matters more than the sail itself
4. Pergolas (Depends on Material)
Best for: Style + partial shade
Material matters A LOT:
- ✔ Aluminum pergolas → durable, low maintenance
- ⚠️ Wood → warps, fades, and rots faster in Florida
- ⚠️ Vinyl → can weaken over time in heat
👉 If going pergola in Tampa: choose aluminum or louvered systems
Least Durable (Be Careful)
Skip these for long-term installs:
- Fabric canopies / pop-ups
- Retractable awnings (non-wind-rated)
- Cheap DIY shade kits
👉 These fail fast in:
- Storm winds
- UV exposure
- Humidity + mildew
What Actually Makes Pool Shade “Durable” in Tampa?
It’s not just the structure—it’s the materials:
✔ Look for:
- Powder-coated aluminum (anti-corrosion)
- Stainless steel hardware (no rust)
- UV-rated fabrics (HDPE)
- Wind-rated engineering
⚠️ Avoid:
- Thin steel (rusts fast)
- Low-grade fabric
- Anything not rated for wind loads
Tampa Reality Check (Important)
You don’t just need “shade”—you need storm strategy:
- Can it handle sustained winds?
- Can it be removed or secured before hurricanes?
- Will it rust in salt air?
👉 The wrong choice = replacing it in 1–3 years.
Straight Recommendation
If someone asked us bluntly:
- Best overall: Screen enclosure (pool cage)
- Best for full shade: Insulated aluminum cover
- Best budget-modern: High-quality shade sail (professionally installed)
Add a Pop of Color
Adding a pop of color to your pool can help to enhance its appearance and create your perfect pool design. Too many colors will make the pool look too cluttered and busy, but choosing one or two colors to add to the tiles or other features can help you to achieve your desired look. Many homeowners choose to add color to the coping, which is situated around the edge of the pool and serves a practical purpose as well as being a decorative feature. Take some time when planning your pool construction to choose colors that you think will complement the rest of your home and garden.
Are there colors that fade in the sun faster than others?
Short answer: yes—some pool colors fade noticeably faster in the Florida sun than others. And in Tampa’s UV + heat, the difference really matters.
Reds, Oranges & Bright Yellows (Fastest Fading)
These are the most vulnerable.
- Red pigments break down quickly under UV
- Bright colors lose intensity and look “washed out”
- Yellow can shift to pale or chalky tones
👉 In the Florida sun, these can start dulling in just a few seasons.
Light Blues & Teals (Moderate Fading)
Very popular—but not immune.
- Can fade unevenly (patchy look)
- More likely to show staining and mottling
- May lighten over time
👉 These still perform decently, but require good maintenance.
White & Very Light Finishes (Don’t “Fade” — But Show Wear)
White doesn’t fade the same way—but:
- Shows stains, etching, and calcium buildup easily
- Can look older faster even if color hasn’t changed
👉 It’s a “high maintenance look” in Florida.
Dark Blues, Grays & Black (Most Fade-Resistant)
These hold up the best.
- More UV-stable pigments
- Fade less noticeably over time
- Maintain a richer look longer
👉 This is why many newer Florida remodels lean toward deeper, natural tones.
The Real Decision (Most People Miss This)
Don’t just pick a color based on how it looks day one.
Ask:
👉 “How will this look in 5–10 years in Florida sun?”
That’s where most regret comes from.
Smart Recommendations
If longevity matters:
✔ Choose:
- Medium to dark blues
- Gray / slate tones
- Pebble or quartz finishes (color lasts longer)
⚠️ Be cautious with:
- Bright tropical colors (they don’t stay bright)
- Ultra-light finishes (they show everything)
Consider a Pool Water Feature
If you have space in your home for a larger pool, consider including a feature as part of the pool design. While this may be primarily for aesthetic purposes, there are several functions that a water feature could have. For example, a fountain that lights up at night or a jet that provides a high level of water pressure are both features that have practical uses as well as make your pool look more beautiful. Another option to consider is a fire feature within the pool design so that you can enjoy the heat and light when the sun sets. There are many features to choose from, and you should take the options into consideration in the early stages of planning.
Florida Climate & Durability Factors
Tampa conditions are tough on water features:
- Intense UV
- Heavy rain
- Humidity
- Occasional storms 🌬️
👉 This affects:
- Stone fading
- Calcium buildup
- Pump lifespan
- Water chemistry
💡 Best materials:
- Travertine or natural stone
- Quartz/pebble finishes
- UV-resistant plumbing components
Location Matters More Than You Think
Where you place the feature can make or break it.
Best Placement Tips:
- Edge of pool → keeps swim space open
- Downwind side → prevents splash blowing everywhere
- Near seating areas → maximize sound + ambiance
- Away from screen walls → avoid water spotting
Tampa-Specific Placement Factors:
- Sun exposure (affects algae + evaporation)
- Tree coverage (leaves = maintenance)
- Wind direction (important for waterfalls & jets)
- Drainage during heavy rain
👉 In Florida storms, poorly placed features can:
- Splash excessively
- Lose water
- Wear faster
Sound: The Hidden Design Factor
This is something most homeowners don’t think about…
- Sheer descents = soft, modern sound
- Rock waterfalls = louder, natural sound
- Bubblers = playful, light sound
👉 Too loud + close to the house = annoying
👉 Too quiet + far away = pointless
Wildlife Considerations
Water attracts life—period.
👉 In Tampa, that means:
- Birds
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Insects (including mosquitoes)
Water features can increase biodiversity, bringing birds and butterflies into your yard
👍 The Good:
- Creates a more natural, relaxing space
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Great for nature-friendly yards
⚠️ The Watch-Outs:
- Standing water = mosquito breeding
- Larger features (ponds) can attract unwanted wildlife
- Debris from trees = more cleaning
💡 Smart move:
Choose moving water features (sheer descents, bubblers, fountains)
👉 Moving water discourages mosquitoes
Best Types of Water Features for Tampa
Low-Maintenance Winners
- Sheer descents (sheet waterfalls)
- Deck jets / laminar jets
- Bubblers (great for tanning ledges)
These:
- Use controlled water flow
- Are easier to clean
- Hold up better in wind
Create a Relaxing Space Outside of the Pool
As well as the time you spend in the pool, you are likely to spend time outside and around the pool area too. Creating a space to relax outside of the water can complete your pool design and help you to feel like you’ve got everything you need in your garden. You can add loungers, comfortable seating, pillows, blankets, tables, and anything else that you think would add that magical touch to your new pool. This area will also make the space more comfortable year-round, and you and your family and friends can choose whether to spend time in or out of the pool. See: Patio Organization
Getting Your Fabulous New Pool
Adding or upgrading a pool can make any home look more attractive. If you are ready to invest in a fantastic new pool for your home in Tampa, FL, you can find more information and options for pool design and pool construction at JJB Pools and Spa.
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373
FAQ: How to Make Your Pool Look Better in Tampa, Florida
The best ways to improve your pool’s appearance include adding color accents, water features, updated finishes, and comfortable outdoor seating areas. Thoughtful design upgrades can transform a basic pool into a resort-style space.
Yes. Incorporating both sun and shade areas makes your pool more comfortable and usable year-round in Tampa’s intense sun. Shade features also enhance visual appeal and functionality.
Modern pools often use neutral tones like gray, deep blue, or natural stone colors. Adding one or two accent colors—especially in coping or tile—can enhance the design without making the space feel cluttered.
Yes. Water features such as fountains, jets, and waterfalls add movement, sound, and visual interest. They can also improve circulation and create a more relaxing environment.
Popular upgrades in the Tampa area include:
Water features (sheer descents, bubblers, waterfalls)
LED lighting
Updated tile and coping
Outdoor seating and lounge areas
These features enhance both aesthetics and usability.
To create a resort-style pool, focus on:
Comfortable seating and loungers
Layered lighting
Landscaping and greenery
Water features for sound and movement
A well-designed surrounding space is just as important as the pool itself.
Yes. Landscaping helps tie the pool into the rest of your yard, creating a cohesive and relaxing outdoor environment. It also adds privacy and visual softness.
Before making upgrades, consider:
Sun and shade patterns in your yard
How you use your pool (relaxation vs entertaining)
Maintenance requirements
Florida-specific factors like heat, humidity, and storms
Planning ahead ensures your upgrades are both functional and long-lasting.
Yes. Upgrading your pool can improve home value, outdoor living quality, and overall enjoyment, especially in Tampa where pools are used year-round.
The quickest improvements include:
Adding new tile or coping
Updating lighting
Incorporating a simple water feature
Refreshing the surrounding seating area
Even small upgrades can make a noticeable difference.