It must be a shock to learn they truly are much larger than planned.
I have to say I'M surprised they were NOT supposed to be this size. I also agree with Marco; they fit to scale.
On my build thread, I wrote all over the place how our Gunite shell looked like a Klingon battle ship. Since you're comparing your gunite shell to a Death Star, I totally get that. Our reactions to our shells seem to be similar.
So here's my point... Now that the tile and stone work has begun, it is quickly losing the Klingon look. The places that have tile and stone no longer look grotesquely imposing. The only area that still overwhelms me is the spa, and it doesn't have the stonework yet.
I am surprised how different it's looking. I was trying hard to become fond of my ugly, little Klingon ship. And once I have a negative vision of something, it's hard to erase that from my mind. You know, like SNL's refrigerator man bent over ("by cracky"). Never have lost that visual!
But the pool is different! That Klingon visual IS melting away. So select tile and stonework you love, and I think you'll be surprised.
I'm sorry I gave that flip suggestion of the band and back-up dancers. I was just trying to lighten up the mood a little. My earnest thinking is that there are some great suggestions made on this thread. I like the fire and water idea. I also like the idea of some type of palm trees. Even if you aren't plant people, those take care of themselves. What suits you guys more? What will you look out on and smile? The excitement of fire and water? Or the other natural spectrum of plants? For me, I like a softer look of plumeria. Those are the heavenly scented smallish trees in Hawaii that bloom with the flowers used in the lei garlands. They also take care of themselves and shed little debris by pools. Around the resort pools in Hawaii they cluster palms, plumerias, and all sorts of hardy tropical plants right next to their pools. I'll check online and see what does well in your area. And... with all the creative brain power on TFP, there are probably more ideas that will strike your fancy.
Tearing them out would not be an option in my mind. To my way of thinking, no one caught the mistake because the planters did not look out of proportion. And, my philosophy is that mistakes usually happen for the best. The "universe" wanted you guys to have these planters just this size! Like you said, everything else was checked and double checked!
I know just because Suz and others tell you to like it, doesn't mean you will. I know my thinking didn't instantly change. But hearing what everyone here had to say about my gunite shell did help me to trust they knew what they were talking about, and that even a Klingon can be beautiful. I'm learning THAT in addition to learning about pumps and pool cleaners!!
I'll try to post a before-tile photo and after-tile photo. Maybe you'll see what I'm talking about. One more thing..... I do NOT see a Death Star when I look at your pool. To me it's so elegant with the loveliest of lines. Take care! Suz.