It is the kind of image that stops a thumb mid-scroll. You’re looking at a sprawling, historic mansion in Los Angeles—the kind with intricate Victorian woodwork and heavy iron gates—and then you see it. The water. It isn't the shimmering turquoise of a Beverly Hills postcard. It’s deep, opaque, and unapologetically crimson. The Kat Von D pool became a viral sensation for a reason: it looked like something ripped straight out of a gothic horror film or a high-fashion editorial.
Honestly, it’s probably one of the most recognizable backyard features in celebrity real estate history.
When the tattoo mogul and makeup artist first shared photos of her blood-red swimming pool at her former Schenck House estate, the internet basically lost its mind. Some people thought it was genius. Others thought it was a maintenance nightmare. Most just wanted to know how she did it without staining her skin or looking like she was swimming in a giant bowl of fruit punch. But beyond the shock value, the pool represented something deeper about Kat’s brand of "maximalist gothic" aesthetic that she spent years perfecting before eventually packing up and moving to Indiana.
What Made the Kat Von D Pool So Different?
Most people assume that if you want a red pool, you just dump a bunch of dye in the water and hope for the best. That’s not how this worked. If you’ve ever tried to dye your hair or a piece of clothing, you know that pigments are messy. If Kat had used simple water additives, she would have stepped out of the pool looking like a Maine lobster.
Instead, the Kat Von D pool achieved its signature "blood" look through a permanent design choice. She had the actual pool bottom and walls finished in a specific shade of red tile or plaster. When you combine a deep red basin with the natural refractive properties of water, you get that intense, saturated crimson hue. It’s a trick of light and material.
It was bold.
The pool was situated behind her 1890s Victorian mansion (the one featured in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen). The contrast was striking. You have this massive, ornate house that looks like a haunted museum, and then this splash of modern, macabre luxury in the back. It wasn't just a place to do laps; it was a statement piece.
The Maintenance Reality of a Red Pool
You might wonder if the water stays red forever. Not exactly. While the tile provides the color, keeping the water crystal clear is actually harder with dark or vibrant finishes. Debris, algae, and calcium buildup show up differently on red than they do on traditional light blue.
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Most pool experts will tell you that dark pool finishes absorb more heat. In the scorching Los Angeles summers, that red basin likely acted like a giant solar heater. That’s great for a midnight swim, but potentially brutal on a 100-degree day in July.
The Schenck House Sale and the End of an Era
When Kat Von D decided to leave California for Vevay, Indiana, the fate of the pool became a hot topic for real estate nerds. She listed the property for around $15 million initially, eventually dropping the price. The house itself is a masterpiece—11 bedrooms, a hidden bar behind a bookcase, and hand-carved walls. But the Kat Von D pool was always the "hero shot" in the Zillow listing.
The big question was: would a new buyer keep it?
Most wealthy buyers want "blank slate" luxury. They want neutral tones and resale value. A blood-red pool is the opposite of neutral. It’s a commitment. However, for a specific type of buyer—someone who appreciates the history of the Schenck House and Kat’s specific brand of artistry—the pool was the crown jewel.
Interestingly, the house eventually sold in 2024 for a significantly lower price than the original ask (closer to $7.75 million). The buyer? A filmmaker named Tyler Cassity, who happens to own the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. If anyone was going to appreciate a gothic, red-water aesthetic, it’s the guy who runs the most famous cemetery in the world. It was a match made in architectural heaven.
Why Red Water Still Trends
Kat didn't invent the colored pool, but she certainly revitalized the trend. We’ve seen other celebrities play with this—sometimes for music videos or short-term stunts. But Kat’s was permanent.
- It defies expectations. We are biologically wired to see blue water as "clean" and "safe." Red triggers a different response.
- It photographs incredibly well. The "Instagrammability" of the Kat Von D pool cannot be overstated.
- It complements the Victorian "Mourning" aesthetic.
Addressing the Rumors: Is It Actually Dangerous?
There were plenty of weird rumors floating around the internet back in the day. "Is it real blood?" (No, obviously.) "Does it stain your hair?" (No, the color is in the tile, not the water itself.) "Is it illegal?" (Not in the slightest, though your HOA might have a heart attack if you tried it in a suburban cul-de-sac.)
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Technically, any pool can be any color. You can find black pools in minimalist modern homes that look like oil slicks. You can find emerald green pools in tropical villas. The red just happens to be the most "aggressive" choice.
The water chemistry remains the same. You still need chlorine. You still need to balance the pH. You still need a good filter. The only difference is that if you have a slight algae bloom, you might not notice it as quickly as you would in a white-plaster pool because the red hides the green tint. That’s actually a bit of a safety hazard if you aren't diligent with testing.
Moving to Indiana: No More Red Pools?
Since moving to her new estate in Indiana, Kat has shared plenty of updates on her home renovations. She’s moved away from some of the L.A. flash in favor of a more "homestead gothic" vibe. While she still loves her dark colors and ornate antiques, the Kat Von D pool remains a relic of her California chapter.
Her new life seems focused on restoring a historic mansion in a small town. It’s a different kind of project. The Indiana house is grand, but it’s more about history and preservation than it is about viral backyard stunts.
How to Get the Look (Without Destroying Your Property Value)
If you’re obsessed with the red water look but don't have $8 million or a gothic mansion, you actually have options. You don't have to commit to red tile.
- Temporary Dyes: There are "pool party" dyes specifically made for this. They are non-toxic, non-staining, and filter out within a few days. They’re basically giant packets of food-grade coloring.
- LED Lighting: This is the smartest way to do it. Modern pool lights can be programmed to any hex code. At night, you can turn your pool blood-red with a tap on your smartphone, then switch it back to normal blue before your landlord or the neighbors see it.
- Vinyl Liners: If you have an above-ground or vinyl-lined pool, you can get custom patterns. It’s cheaper than tile but still a big commitment.
Honestly, the lighting route is what most people should go for. You get the vibe without the permanent "murder scene" aesthetic that might make it hard to sell your house later.
Actionable Steps for Aesthetic Home Renovation
If you are inspired by Kat Von D's fearless approach to home design, here is how you can actually apply those principles without needing a celebrity budget.
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Identify your "Anchor Element"
Kat didn't just have a red pool; she had a Victorian house that supported that choice. If you want a bold feature, make sure the rest of your space "speaks" the same language. A red pool in a mid-century modern house might look tacky; in a gothic estate, it looks like art.
Test Your Colors in Low-Stakes Ways
Before painting a room black or tiling a pool red, use large-scale swatches or smart lighting. See how the color looks at 2:00 PM versus 9:00 PM. Dark and vibrant colors change drastically depending on the light.
Prioritize Material Over Pigment
If you want a specific color in a water feature or bathroom, always look at the material (tile, stone, plaster) rather than trying to "tint" something. Depth of color comes from the surface, not the liquid.
Consult a Specialist for Non-Standard Finishes
If you are actually going to tile a pool in a dark color, you need a contractor who understands heat absorption and calcium scaling. Dark pools require different maintenance schedules than light ones.
The Kat Von D pool wasn't just about being "edgy." It was about a person who refused to let "resale value" dictate her creativity. Whether you love it or hate it, you have to respect the commitment to a vision. Most people play it safe. Kat Von D chose red.
To replicate the mood of the Schenck House, focus on high-contrast landscapes. Use dark evergreens like Cypress or Yew against architectural features. If you're looking for that specific crimson water effect for a special occasion, look for "Party Pool" brand dyes which are specifically formulated to be safe for filtration systems. For permanent installations, research "Glass Bead" pool finishes which offer much more vibrant color saturation than traditional pebble-tec or plaster.