Often rigidly geometric in shape, a large, formal swimming pool can dominate a landscape. Of course, stone adapts easily to an orderly landscape design; for instance, cut stone pavers with a honed finish are a logical choice around the pool because they offer good traction even when wet, and cut stone coping to frame the pools edge is a nice upgrade from concrete.

But while stone beautifully and practically enhances the design of a formal pool, it is also a logical choice for pools that blend in rather than stand out from the landscape. Whether your pool is custom built or a manufactured model, you can incorporate stone, using a variety of strategies, to soften its look. For example, use irregular flagstones instead of rectilinear cut pavers for the pool deck, or incorporate stone walls, boulders, or even a natural looking waterfall in to the pool's overall design.