9 Features to Add to the Design of Your Pool

Dreaming of creating a custom pool for your home, so you can enjoy a completely bespoke backyard oasis during the pleasant months of the year?

We have you covered - we’re pool builders in Houston that have been doing this for almost 30 years and know what it takes to come up with a truly one-of-a-kind setting.

With that said, here are 9 great features that you can add to the design of your pool (and outdoor space) that will add not only enjoyment but real value to the design.

Pool Heaters

First up, it’s a pool heater. Heating your pool is first and foremost the best way to make sure it’s comfortable when you get in it, and secondly, the best way to be able to use it throughout most of the year. There’s nothing like getting into a cozy, warm pool when the temperature outside is just a little bit cool, like in the 70s.

Quality heaters don’t just make it easier for you to enjoy your pool throughout more of the year, some of them are also remotely controllable.

Underwater Pool Lighting

Lighting is a must in your outdoor oasis, but underwater pool lighting makes the best effect, overall.

The reason for this is that we’ve come to expect overhead lighting. There are ways to set the mood with overhead lighting and by all means you need it, but installing underwater lighting is a much more effective way to create ambiance.

The diffuse lighting from under the pool will make the pool a focal point and cast a serene glow on its immediate surroundings that is not only perfect for mood lighting, it’s easier on the eyes.

A Rock Waterfall for Your Pool

A rock waterfall for your pool is also a unique upgrade, and to be honest, even though you will reap aesthetic dividends, these are hardly the real selling points.

No, in fact, there are material reasons to invest in a rock waterfall for your pool. One of the biggest and most important is that the waterfall will increase water circulation, which will improve your filtration system’s efficiency.

On top of that, a pool waterfall keeps the water moving, which helps ensure even pool chemical distribution.

It will practically pay for itself.

Bonus Points for a Grotto

Since you’re going to go ahead and install a rock waterfall for your pool, you might as well work with our pool builders in Houston to incorporate a grotto into the design as well.

Simply put, a grotto is an area behind the waterfall; that is, to get to the grotto, you must enter through the waterfall or under the water.

This seals off the grotto and makes it sort of like a private space, which will add novelty and uniqueness to your pool. It’ll also create a cozy, private little nook.

A grotto can be a section of the pool or it could include a dry space, too - that’s up to you.

Wet Edge Technologies

Wet Edge Technologies is a company that specializes in pool finishes, giving your pool’s bottom (and water) a very specific look and color. Most of their substrates incorporate small, smooth, round pebbles that are either blue or black, but some are also earth-toned.

Not only is the substrate itself pleasant on your feet, but it will give your pool a completely customized look and feel, which, when paired with a custom pool design, is literally impossible to perfectly replicate.

In other words, Wet Edge Technologies is the final touch you need to complete an entirely one-of-a-kind pool.

A Spillover Spa

A spillover spa is another way to incorporate a waterfall into your pool, but to get more bang for your buck. Basically, with a spillover spa, the spa sits a little higher than the pool and spills over into it, hence the name.

This design makes it easy to incorporate a spa into the design of the pool and lets you enjoy the benefits of both a pool and a hot tub in one package.

A Swim-Up Bar

Want to create a really unique impression with your custom-designed pool? Incorporate a swim-up bar, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Look, anyone can work a bar into the design of their outdoor kitchen, right? But who wants to get out of the pool and freeze when you can just swim up to the bar and get refreshments that way? It’s much better!

A Firepit

Alright, so full disclosure - a firepit isn’t necessarily a part of a pool design, but it is still something you can and should work into the design of your outdoor entertaining spaces.

First, a firepit creates ambiance and will serve as a natural focal point. It’s just where you congregate, that’s sort of like an unwritten rule.

The other reason is that a firepit gives you a place to hang out when you aren’t using the pool. So for instance, if it’s just a bit cold to go swimming, you can still spend some time outdoors around the firepit, and enjoy some warmth while doing so.

Plus, a firepit gives you the ability to extend company later into the evening after everyone’s had their fill of swimming.

An Outdoor Kitchen

One more thing to mention before we cut you loose to come up with your dream design for your pool and outdoor living space - don’t overlook the outdoor kitchen.

Alright, so again, this isn’t really a part of the pool, but it is still something you should work into the design of your outdoor living spaces.

The outdoor kitchen is the space where it all comes together and puts the finishing touches on the perfect design, as, if there is an outdoor kitchen you won’t need to be traipsing in and out. 

It’ll increase the value of your home, too, so there’s that.

Get In Touch with Our Pool Builders in Houston!

Ready to take that vision in your mind and make it a reality? Get in touch with our pool builders in Houston and capitalize on our experience! We use the latest visualization software and techniques to help you see your plan before making it a reality, so you know what you’re getting, and we work with the best brands and partners in the business. Stop dreaming about that backyard oasis and make it a reality.