Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by teamobn
Contents
How to Paint a Mural in your Pool
In recent years we saw a trend of decorated swimming pools. Drawing inspirations from ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses with mosaic motives on the floors, the new technique of using many small coloured tiles for the 3-D effect has made some truly stunning creations.
However, if you already have a pool that looks plain and dull, there is an easy way to make it attractive – by painting a mural in it. This DIY project can give you many hours of fun and joy.
Mural Ideas
Your suburban backyard pool will hardly ever reach the splendour of these pool marvels, but you can make it more interesting by painting a statement mural. There are many ideas you can draw your inspiration from, like a demanding coral reef theme, with tropical fish and an abundance of dancing colours.
Another effect that needs some skill to complete is a deep blue hole. By starting with light blue near the upper walls, the blue gradient recedes into dark blue in the deeper areas and the bottom. It creates the illusion of depth.
Some of the simpler and easier-to-do shapes include ever-popular sea turtles and dolphins, classic mermaids, shellfish or even brands or your favourite company logos, including football club emblems.
Image Sources: [1]
What Paint to Use?
When choosing a swimming pool paint it is important to use the type that is already used on your pool walls – epoxy, acrylic, or rubber-based. It helps to know that a pool that has been painted with epoxy cannot take rubber-based paint or the other way around. Acrylic can however, be used on any surface with no problems.
Preparation for Painting
Once you have drained the pool and opened the hydrostatic plugs, inspect the walls for any cracks or leaks. There are pool repair products like CementPatch or E-Z Patch 1. When that is done, the pool has to be prepared for painting. You will need a bucket, an acid brush and a long hose.
First, use TriSodium Phosphate to remove any oils, grease or dirt from the walls and bottom. Use a mixture of TSP and warm water, pouring it and scrubbing along the surfaces, especially near drain areas and steps. Before moving to the next step, rinse all the surfaces with water from the hose.
The next step is acid washing, which creates tiny, porous holes on the surfaces that help the paint settle in smoothly. Use a mixture of 1 part muriatic acid and 1 part water. Pour it into small areas and use the acid brush to move the mixture around.
Once done, rinse everything with plenty of water. Be sure to use protective clothing, eye protection and a respirator that blocks muriatic acid fumes.
Image Source: [1]
The Painting Phase
Begin by priming the surfaces, for smoother painting and better adhesion. Depending on the type of paint, you need to use either Epoxy Primer or Gunite Primer. Painter’s tape will help you keep anything you don’t want to be painted protected. Either a spray painter or low nap paint roller will work.
You will also need a smaller hand brush for tight corners. If you have decided what mural you want to paint, make a paper sketch and colour it how it should be in the pool. Paint the background of the mural area with a coat of white paint, allowing it to dry for 1-2 hours before you start painting the mural.
NOTE: If the mural is complicated, and involves several days of work, it helps to sand the base layer surface slightly before you paint each area.
Your pool mural will definitely improve the looks of your backyard, either with water in it or empty. These ideas can be developed into projects for the whole family, or if you are single, for a whole bunch of friends.
Benefits of a Pool Wall Mural Beyond Aesthetics
A pool wall mural does more than just make your backyard look good. It’s easy to focus on the artistic side, but murals can bring practical advantages that go far beyond aesthetics. Whether your pool is large or compact, old or new, a thoughtfully painted wall can transform the space both visually and functionally. Here’s how a pool mural can make a meaningful difference.
Camouflages Surface Imperfections
Even the most well-maintained pools develop stains, discoloration, or minor cracks over time. A mural can act as a creative solution to cover up these flaws. Instead of spending time and money on frequent cosmetic repairs, a well-designed painting can conceal imperfections while adding charm to the environment. If your pool wall has uneven surfaces, faded patches, or older concrete, the right mural can turn those problem areas into features, not flaws.
Creates a Visual Focal Point
In outdoor spaces, balance and direction are important design elements. A pool mural gives your backyard a defined focal point that draws the eye and brings structure to the area. It makes the pool feel like a central feature rather than just another component of your yard. This is especially useful in larger outdoor settings where space can seem empty or disconnected. A bold or serene mural can tie everything together visually.
Enhances Mood and Atmosphere
Colors and shapes influence how we feel. Murals filled with bright fish, soft ocean waves, or calm reef scenes can evoke relaxation. On the other hand, abstract shapes and bold lines can energize a space and make it feel more dynamic. Depending on the design, a mural can promote a tranquil spa-like mood or inspire fun and activity. This emotional element enhances the entire pool experience for both swimmers and guests.
Improves Safety Through Contrast
Certain mural designs can also help improve pool safety. Bright lines, shapes, or color contrasts can make steps, depth changes, or pool edges easier to see, especially for children or elderly swimmers. With the right planning, your design doesn’t just look good—it helps people navigate the pool more confidently. This is a subtle but important benefit of functional mural design.
Increases Property Appeal
Curb appeal doesn’t stop at the front yard. Backyard spaces are often a major consideration for buyers, especially in warmer regions. A striking pool mural can help your property stand out in the real estate market. Buyers may see it as a one-of-a-kind feature that adds character and personality. When done right, it becomes an outdoor conversation piece that adds emotional value to the space.
Reflects Personal Style or Branding
A mural allows you to show off your style in a big way. Homeowners can celebrate their love for marine life, favorite destinations, or even their favorite sports teams. Businesses with pool areas—like boutique hotels or vacation rentals—can use a mural to support brand identity and create a memorable guest experience.
A swimming pool wall mural isn’t just an art project. It’s a strategic design tool that blends beauty, function, and personal expression. With the right approach, your pool mural becomes more than decoration—it becomes part of how the space works and feels.
Best Themes for Different Pool Settings
Choosing a mural theme for your pool depends on more than just what looks good. The setting, who uses the pool, and the surrounding landscape all influence which design will work best. A swimming pool wall mural should feel like a natural part of the space. The right theme will make your pool more inviting, more personal, and more memorable.
Tropical Escapes for Backyard Retreats
If your pool is part of a private backyard, a tropical mural brings a sense of vacation into your everyday life. Think palm trees, white sand, and turquoise waters. Add colorful reef fish, sea turtles, or coral branches to give the illusion of being underwater. These themes work beautifully with surrounding plants, especially if you already have a few palms or flowering bushes. They pair well with wood decking or natural stone finishes too.
Whimsical Scenes for Family Pools
Pools used by young children benefit from playful, storybook-like mural themes. Cartoon sea creatures, mermaids, underwater castles, or pirate ships make swimming feel like an adventure. These elements help build a fun and welcoming space that encourages imagination. For families, a mural can become part of childhood memories that last a lifetime. Bright colors and soft outlines keep the design joyful rather than overwhelming.
Elegant Minimalism for Modern Pools
Modern homes often feature sleek, angular pools with neutral tones. In this setting, go for abstract or minimalist designs. A pool mural with soft gradients, geometric shapes, or stylized waves can add visual interest without clashing with the clean lines of the architecture. Stick to a tight color palette like blue, white, and gray to maintain a sophisticated look.
Nature-Inspired Murals for Rustic or Country Pools
Pools in rural or garden-heavy settings feel more connected to nature. Murals that feature mountains, forest scenes, birds, or flowing rivers can blend the pool into the landscape. These themes give the impression that the water is part of something much larger. They also work well with stone walls, wooden furniture, and native plants that grow naturally in the area.
Ocean Depths for Deep-End Drama
For pools with a dramatic drop or significant depth, murals that simulate underwater scenes create a striking effect. Start with light blues near the surface and fade to darker tones as the wall descends. Add silhouettes of large marine animals, shipwrecks, or divers for scale. This creates a sense of immersion and makes the water feel even deeper than it is.
Cultural Motifs for Luxury or Themed Properties
Some pool settings call for a stronger statement. Mediterranean villas might benefit from mosaic-style murals with classical patterns. Moroccan-inspired tiles, Japanese koi ponds, or Aztec sun symbols can bring global flavor to a space. When done with care, these designs give the mural a timeless feel and link the pool to a broader design theme in the home or garden.
Logo and Custom Art for Commercial Pools
Hotel pools, spas, or vacation rentals may want to use a pool mural to reflect branding. Logos, signature patterns, or custom artwork that matches your interior theme can make the space more cohesive. It also gives visitors a unique visual element they’ll remember long after their stay.
A swimming pool wall mural should always feel like it belongs in the space. Whether your goal is elegance, playfulness, or escape, picking a theme that matches your pool’s setting makes the whole area feel more complete and thoughtfully designed.
Conclusion
Incorporating a pool mural adds more than just color to your backyard. It reflects your personality while enhancing the mood and design of the space. With the right theme and proper preparation, your personal pool becomes a visual highlight of your home.
We have more ways to improve the look of your pool. Check out our guide on swimming pool paints!