Blending a pool with its surrounding landscape has grown popular in recent years, and nowhere is it more stunning than in the desert. Natural pool design merges a pool seamlessly with Arizona’s scenery so it feels like an extension of the land rather than something placed on top of it. Here is what goes into the art.

Embracing the natural environment

Arizona has a unique environment: an arid climate, breathtaking desert scenery, and vibrant color. When designing a pool here, many homeowners embrace those elements so the pool reads as a natural extension of the landscape rather than a hard-edged basin dropped into the yard.

Native plants and sustainable landscaping

A key element is native, sustainable landscaping. Incorporating indigenous flora such as cacti, agave, and desert wildflowers lets the poolscape become part of the surrounding ecosystem rather than competing with it. Native plants also require less water and maintenance, which makes them eco-friendly choices, and they keep the skimmer clearer than high-litter species.

Rock formations and water features

Arizona’s rugged rock formations and canyons are natural inspiration. Integrating natural stone and boulders into the pool and its surroundings creates a seamless transition to the desert. Water features like cascading waterfalls or bubbling streams can be designed to mimic the flow of natural springs and rivers, adding to both the look and the soothing sound of the space.

Earthy color palettes

The colors of Arizona’s landscape can guide your palette. Earthy shades for the tile, decking, and surrounding areas help the pool blend in: terracotta, sandy beige, and rich browns evoke the desert, while a mosaic of blues reflects the clear Arizona sky. Darker interior finishes deepen the water to a natural, reflective tone.

Sustainable pool technologies

Sustainable technology helps the pool blend in and run efficiently. Solar heating is a natural fit given the state’s abundant sunlight, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint. LED lighting can be programmed to mimic the colors of an Arizona sunset while using little energy, and efficient pumps and filtration keep the water clean at a lower operating cost.

Practical tips for a natural pool

A few tips help: consult a designer experienced with natural pools in the region, plan the pool’s layout and orientation to make the most of the sunlight and views, explore local and sustainable materials for decking and coping, choose native plants and embrace xeriscaping, and include water-saving technology. As the only Master Pools Guild member in Southern Arizona, Pools by Design designs natural pools that work with, rather than against, the desert.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a pool look natural in Arizona?

Native plants like cacti and agave, natural rock formations, earthy color palettes, water features that mimic springs, and a layout that blends with the landscape.

Are natural pools eco-friendly?

They can be. Native plants use less water, and solar heating and efficient equipment lower energy use and operating costs.

What colors suit a natural desert pool?

Terracotta, sandy beige, and rich browns for the desert tones, with mosaic blues to reflect the sky.