Top 8 Designer Pool Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Nothing says luxury like having a hot tub seamlessly integrated into your pool design. These connected spas offer a relaxing escape without having to leave the pool area.

How a built-in hot tub or spa enhances the pool experience:

• Provides year-round use: Warm water allows relaxation even during cooler months.
• Adds therapeutic benefits: Jets can relieve muscle tension and stress.
• Improves property value: Integrated spas contribute to a high-end look that appeals to potential buyers.

Built-in spas can be crafted to match the shape and finish of your designer pool, making them feel like a natural extension rather than a separate feature.

Lighting does far more than illuminate your pool—it creates mood, depth, and drama in your backyard. Custom pool lighting transforms your outdoor space into a beautiful night-time oasis.



How custom pool lighting impacts the ambience of a pool area:

• Enhances safety: Well-placed lights reduce risks around steps and edges.
• Sets the mood: Coloured LED lights can create anything from romantic settings to vibrant party vibes.
• Highlights design features: Underwater lights showcase tile work, water features, and pool shapes.

For those seeking designer pools that impress after sunset, custom lighting is an essential feature.

The combination of fire and water elements brings an incredible visual impact to any pool area. Fire bowls, torches, or fire pits near water features create a captivating contrast that’s both modern and timeless.

Why consider fire and water features:

• Adds architectural interest: Fire elements draw the eye and frame the pool space beautifully.
• Creates year-round appeal: Fire features extend the usability of your outdoor space into cooler evenings.
• Enhances entertaining spaces: Firelight sets a warm, inviting atmosphere for gatherings.

These striking additions turn a swimming pool into a true centrepiece of your outdoor living area.

Gone are the days when pools were limited to basic rectangular designs. Today’s designer pools are often custom-shaped to fit your backyard’s unique layout and reflect your personal style.



What makes a custom-shaped pool stand out from traditional rectangular designs:

• Maximises space: Tailored designs make the best use of irregular or small areas.
• Adds personality: Unique shapes become a design statement and conversation piece.
• Integrates with landscaping: Curves, angles, and freeform designs blend seamlessly with garden features and patios.

Custom-shaped pools are particularly appealing to homeowners looking for “pool builders near me” who can deliver a truly bespoke result.

A sun shelf, sometimes called a tanning ledge, is a shallow platform within the pool that’s perfect for lounging partially submerged in water. It’s one of the most popular designer pool trends for families and relaxation seekers alike.



Benefits of adding sun shelves:

• Provides a space for kids: Safe shallow areas for young children to play.
• Offers luxury lounging: Perfect for placing chairs or simply lying back in cool water.
• Adds visual appeal: Sun shelves create attractive depth variations in your pool.

These ledges are both practical and visually stunning, making them a must-have feature for modern designer pools.

Glass panels integrated into the side of your pool create a sleek, modern look while offering unique visual perspectives. This feature is often seen in luxury hotels and is now becoming more common in residential designer pools.

Advantages of glass viewing panels:

• Creates a wow factor: A dramatic architectural statement for your backyard.
• Enhances visual connection: Allows sightlines between the pool water and the surrounding entertaining areas.
• Perfect for small spaces: Gives a feeling of openness in tighter areas.

For homeowners interested in designer pools that truly stand out, glass panels are a bold and sophisticated choice.

Built-in seating allows swimmers to take a break without ever leaving the water. These features are often built into corners, around spas, or along pool edges.

Why add in-pool seating:

• Encourages social gatherings: Friends and family can sit and chat comfortably in the pool.
• Provides rest areas: Swimmers can cool off without fully exiting the water.
• Adds design interest: Seating shapes and placements enhance pool aesthetics.

This feature elevates designer pools from simply functional spaces to relaxing, social hubs.

Designer pools are more than places to swim—they’re personalised spaces for relaxation, entertaining, and creating memories. From infinity edges to smart technology, these innovative features bring a touch of resort-style living into your backyard.

If you’re exploring your options and searching for “pool builders near me,” it’s worth considering how these modern touches could elevate your home. Whether you’re after sleek minimalism or a tropical retreat, investing in designer pool features can transform your outdoor area into an oasis tailored entirely to you.

Book a Consultation with Pool Builders Near You for Your Dream Pool

At Pools By Design, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners turn their vision into reality with stunning designer pools that incorporate the latest features and innovations. If you’re ready to discover how your dream pool can become a luxurious extension of your home, contact us today to discuss your ideas and explore our bespoke design options.