Bringing Your Mid-Century Modern Pool Back to Life
Mid-century modern (MCM) homes are iconic for their clean lines, organic shapes, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
A true hallmark of this era? The classic kidney-shaped pool. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these gems, keeping it in top condition is key to maintaining your home’s aesthetic and value.
At RB Pools, we recently revived a stunning kidney-shaped pool—part of an equally charming mid-century home. This project was all about preserving the pool’s classic design while updating it with modern materials and finishes.
The result? A perfect blend of retro cool and contemporary elegance.
Add Luxury to Your MCM Pool
We also updated an MCM pool with luxury details found in today’s modern pool designs, such as tanning shelves.
At this Jack Meiselman home—one of the many mid-century modern residences he and his brother Bernie developed in Palm Springs during the 1950s and 1960s (read the story here)—we renovated the pool to include a tanning shelf.
This feature enhances both functionality and comfort, providing the perfect spot to lounge in shallow water while enjoying the sun. These subtle upgrades elevate relaxation while preserving the timeless mid-century charm.
The Anatomy of a Mid-Century Pool
Before diving into the remodel, let's break down what makes a classic MCM pool and how it enhances seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Kidney Shape: The freeform, organic curves create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Integrated Lounge Areas: Think vintage strap lounge chairs and shaded poolside seating.
Seamless Landscaping: Minimalist, desert-friendly plants complement the architecture.
Subtle Color Palettes: Earthy tones and natural finishes enhance the mid-century aesthetic.
Modern Upgrades for a Timeless Look
For these remodels, our goal was to honor and compliment the original mid-century design while incorporating updates for durability, functionality, and style. Here’s what we did:
1. Resurfacing for a Fresh Finish
Over time, pool surfaces wear down. We refinished this kidney-shaped beauty with a smooth, modern aggregate, enhancing both durability and appearance. The new surface reflects the sunlight beautifully, making the water look even more inviting.
2. Adding a Pop of Color
Mid-century design embraces bold, playful colors, and the pool is the perfect place to make a statement. In one remodel, we used Aqua Mist pebble in a vibrant green hue, creating a striking jewel-toned teal water color. The pool pops in this colorful home.
3. Updated Tile & Coping
Carefully selected new waterline tiles are nod to the MCM era—simple, geometric, and elegant. Coping can be painted so the deck and the pool flow seamlessly together.
4. Energy-Efficient Equipment
To improve functionality, we upgraded the pool with a modern, energy-efficient filtration and heating system. This ensures crystal-clear water while reducing energy costs—a win-win for any homeowner.
5. Bringing Back Classic Poolside Style
What’s an MCM pool without the right furniture? To complete the transformation, we suggested adding vintage-inspired lounge chairs with woven straps, a retro umbrella, and LED color lighting to create a cozy evening ambiance.
Is It Time to Refresh Your Mid-Century Pool?
If you have an aging MCM pool, now is the perfect time to bring it back to life! Whether you need resurfacing, a deck upgrade, or a full renovation, RB Pools is here to help.
Plan Your Pool Renovation Today
RB Pools specializes in professional pool cleaning and renovation services tailored for Coachella Valley residents. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or ongoing maintenance, our expert team has you covered.
👉 Call or text us (760) 397-5141 to schedule your free renovation estimate.