NEED TO KNOW
- Jessica and Zachary Corcoran installed a backyard pool with a shimmering, black finish instead of the typical light blue or white
- The couple spent $65,000 on the major renovation
- Jessica shared a video about the project on TikTok and it amassed nearly 130 million views
When Jessica and Zachary Corcoran set out to build a pool in their backyard, they envisioned a familiar look – light blue or white, like most.
But during a visit to a showroom in Arizona, Zachary was drawn to an unexpected option: a deep black finish.
The bold choice gave their pool a dramatic, luxurious feel, but it also came with a whopping price tag and a few unforeseen hurdles.
Despite the challenges, the couple saw the project through, determined to create something truly special.
“My husband was looking for something unique – more modern that would really stand out,” Jessica tells PEOPLE exclusively. “When we visited the pool builder’s showroom, they had a black pool on display, and he was instantly obsessed. It was bold, different, and exactly what he was looking for, so we went with it.”
The black finish completely changes the overall vibe, giving it a sleek, modern edge that feels worlds away from the usual bright, resort-style look.
It adds depth and drama, making the whole space feel more like a high-end retreat than a typical backyard setup.
“It also creates a beautiful mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and surrounding landscape, which is very calming, almost like a natural lagoon,” Jessica adds. “It’s definitely a statement piece in our backyard.”
Nevertheless, she and her husband faced a few challenges with their bold design choice – most of which they didn’t fully anticipate.
“One challenge during the process was making sure the black finish was applied evenly,” Jessica explains. “Black is less forgiving than lighter colors, so any imperfections would be more noticeable.”
Visibility at night was another concern, as the dark finish gives the water a more reflective, shadowy look. To address that, they installed extra lighting to ensure the pool is well-lit after sunset.
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As for upkeep, black pools tend to highlight things like dust, sunscreen residue, and waterline marks more easily, so staying on top of cleaning and pH levels has become part of their routine.
Jessica also reveals that choosing the black finish, considered a “premium option,” made the project more expensive than a standard white or blue pool.
The material type – pebble versus plaster – further influenced the cost. She and Zachary went with a pebble finish, bringing the total price to around $65,000.
Despite the hurdles, the couple has no regrets about their decision. “We absolutely love it,” Jessica says. “The black finish gives the pool such a bold, elegant look, it really elevates the whole backyard.”
Jessica shared a video of the renovation on TikTok, and the video amassed nearly 130 million views. People had conflicting opinions about the project, with some voicing concern over the pool temperature and the potential risks of someone not being able to see the bottom.
While she and Zachary acknowledge it’s not the right fit for everyone, they’d recommend it to anyone open to a non-traditional pool color, “as long as they’re aware of the unique maintenance aspects and have a good installer.”
For those seeking something modern and dramatic, she adds, “it’s 100% worth it.”
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