The Most Divisive Pool Trend — Love It or Hate It?
Grass Edge Pool: The Pool Style Everyone Has an Opinion About
Every few years, a design trend comes along that splits the crowd. Some people adore it. Others can’t imagine living with it. Right now, in the world of custom pools, that trend is the grass-edge pool—a design where the lawn runs directly to the water’s edge with no patio in between.
Minimalist, moody, and undeniably striking, grass-edge pools are making their way into luxury backyards in Michigan. But they also come with challenges that not everyone is willing to embrace.
So—where do you stand?
Why Some People Love Grass-Edge Pools
Sleek Minimalism: With no hardscape, the pool becomes the focal point, framed only by green lawn.
Cool Underfoot: Grass is softer and cooler than stone or concrete in the summer heat.
More Green Space: Especially valuable in compact yards, this design keeps the lawn intact instead of covering it with patio.
Garden Integration: The pool feels organic, almost like a water feature set into the landscape.
Why Others Hate the Idea
Wet Feet + Grass: Some can’t stand the feeling of stepping directly from water to lawn.
Maintenance Hassle: Mowing and edging become trickier, and stray clippings may end up in the pool.
Drainage Needs: Without proper grading, rainwater can flow toward the pool instead of away from it.
Not for Every Lifestyle: Families who use their pool deck for entertaining, dining, or lounging may miss the functionality of a traditional patio.
Sustainability Advantages
One of the lesser-discussed but significant benefits of grass-edge pools is their environmental impact.
Permeable Surfaces: By reducing hardscape, more rainwater filters naturally into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.
Lower Heat Retention: Lawns stay cooler than stone patios, reducing the heat island effect and keeping the backyard more comfortable overall.
Balanced Footprint: For homeowners conscious about sustainability, lawn-to-pool designs provide a way to integrate luxury with a lighter environmental touch.
While sustainability may not be the main driver for everyone, it’s a compelling bonus for those weighing the tradeoffs of this unique design.
Case Study: Cloverly in Grosse Pointe
Our Cloverly project shows how beautiful this trend can be. The pool itself is a 10’ x 20’ custom gunite build, finished with black tile and pebble for a chic, contemporary aesthetic. It features a large sunshelf and hidden spa for maximum versatility, while limestone coping and an exposed brick beam ground the design.
But what truly sets it apart is the lawn: instead of a paved patio, grass flows directly to the coping. The result is minimalist, dramatic, and refreshingly unexpected in Michigan.
Why It’s So Divisive
Grass-edge pools have deep East Coast roots, often seen in Hamptons or Rhode Island estates. In those settings, they feel timeless and refined. In the Midwest, where patios are almost assumed, the look feels bold and unusual.
That contrast is exactly why people react so strongly: it challenges expectations of what a backyard pool should look like.
Why Custom Design Matters
Here’s the truth: no one pool style is right for everyone. And that’s exactly why working with a custom design and build company matters.
At Ventures, every pool is tailored to the property, the architecture, and—most importantly—the family who will use it. Love the look of grass-edge pools? We’ll design one that works for your lifestyle and climate. Hate the idea? We’ll explore alternatives that deliver the same beauty with the practicality you want.
Ready to Decide Where You Stand?
Grass-edge pools are the most divisive pool trend for a reason. Some see them as a bold move toward modern minimalism. Others see them as a maintenance headache.
Where do you stand?
What is a grass-edge pool?
A grass-edge pool, also called a rimless or patio-less pool, is a pool where lawn extends directly to the coping instead of being surrounded by hardscape.
Why are grass-edge pools divisive?
Some love their sleek, minimalist aesthetic, preserved green space, and sustainability advantages. Others dislike the maintenance and the feeling of stepping from grass directly into water.
Are grass-edge pools practical in Michigan?
Yes—if designed properly with drainage, durable turf, and thoughtful grading. A custom builder ensures the design works for your property and climate.