STICKING TO THE DETAILS REALLY DOES PAY OFF
- Totally get what you mean about those “little” details turning into the big wow factor. I’ve seen so many projects where people want to trim costs by skipping things like a mosaic border, but honestly? That’s often the one thing everyone ends up commenting on.
- Reminds me of a backyard pool job I worked on last year. The homeowners went back and forth for weeks over whether to go with a unique glass tile or just standard ceramic. It was more expensive, and there were definitely a few “is this really worth it?” moments. They stuck to their guns, though, and I swear, every single guest who’s been over since has asked where they got the tile from. No one ever notices the basic stuff in the same way.
- Grout color is another one that seems minor but can totally make or break the look—so your obsession makes perfect sense. I’ve watched clients agonize over fifty shades of white (who knew there could be so many?), but when you see it all come together, you realize it’s not nitpicking at all.
- On timing: honestly, those decisions sometimes add a bit to the timeline because suppliers might need to special order or there’s a delay in getting exactly what you want. But I’ve never had anyone regret waiting an extra week or two for a detail that makes them smile every time they walk outside.
- If you’re going to invest in something as big as a pool makeover, why not make sure it feels right? Sometimes “a bit extra” is exactly what ties everything together.
Funny how we sweat those choices in the moment, then end up loving them most once it’s all done...
Totally agree about the grout color—why is picking white so much harder than it sounds? I swear, I’ve spent more time staring at grout samples than actual tile sometimes. But you’re right, those “tiny” decisions end up being the ones people notice most. I always tell clients: if you’re going to be floating around in your pool all summer, shouldn’t you love every detail? Waiting a bit longer for the perfect tile or border is worth it. Who remembers if it took an extra two weeks once you’re sipping lemonade by the water?
Funny how grout color can hold up a whole project, right? I always wonder—do you think it’s the lighting in showrooms that makes whites look so different at home? Or is it just that there are way too many “whites” to choose from?
HOW LONG DID YOUR POOL MAKEOVER REALLY TAKE?
Lighting in showrooms is definitely suspicious, but I’m starting to think it’s just the ridiculous number of “white” options that messes with my brain. I spent an hour staring at “Frost,” “Snow,” and “Eggshell” grout samples and they all looked identical until I brought them home—then suddenly one looked almost beige, and another kind of blue-ish? Is it the paint companies trolling us, or is it my eyes?
I’ve read somewhere that natural light vs. showroom LEDs can totally shift undertones, but then again, how do you even test grout color in your actual pool before committing? I tried holding up sample sticks against our tiles outside at different times of day... felt like a science experiment gone wrong. And then there’s the pressure—once you pick, you’re stuck with it for years. My partner thinks I’m overthinking it (maybe true), but after seeing how grout can change the whole vibe, I’m convinced it matters.
Curious if anyone else ended up regretting their grout choice after install? Or maybe everyone just stops noticing once the pool’s filled and you’re actually swimming instead of obsessing over tiny color swatches. Either way, picking “the right white” turned out to be way more stressful than choosing tile in the first place.
I tried holding up sample sticks against our tiles outside at different times of day... felt like a science experiment gone wrong.
That’s exactly how I felt picking grout for our pool reno last year. I thought I was being overly analytical, but honestly, the color shifts are real. I even made a spreadsheet to track which “white” looked best at noon vs. sunset (my partner rolled their eyes so hard). It’s wild how “Frost” can look crisp in the morning and then almost yellowish by evening.
I totally get the pressure—once it’s in, it’s not like you can just swap it out. I worried I’d regret my choice, but after the pool was filled and we started using it, I stopped noticing the grout as much. The water and sunlight kind of distract from the details. Still, I don’t think you’re overthinking it. The little things do add up, especially when you’ve put so much time and money into the project.
If it helps, I haven’t met anyone who was 100% happy with every detail, but most people seem to forget about grout drama once they’re actually swimming.
