Pool Features That Look Great but May Not Fit Every Backyard
A homeowner came into our showroom this past week with about thirty pool photos on his phone.
Each one looked amazing.
There were waterfalls, fire bowls, Baja shelves, raised spas, deck jets, colorful lights, and infinity edges.
After reviewing the images, I asked him the simplest question.
I said, “What do you like most about these?”
He paused for a moment.
Then he replied, “I guess all of it.”
That’s a common reaction when people start thinking about custom pool features.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of every upgrade.
But you have to consider whether it can all really fit into a specific backyard.
The best pools are built by knowing which upgrades really matter to the owner.
More Features Don't Always Mean a Better Pool
While it’s tempting to include every luxurious upgrade, you have to ask yourself if it’s right for your home.
Each addition can take away something else like square footage or require extra maintenance.
For instance, a large Baja shelf can eat away at the swimming surface in the pool.
Or a raised spa can take over a deck.
A waterfall may become the centerpiece for a small backyard when it was never the intention.
None of these upgrades are a bad idea, but they should be incorporated wisely.
We’ve actually had many homeowners come into our office with long wish lists but realize their families would rather have an open pool, a larger patio, or more outdoor seating than another upgrade.
That’s why it’s so important to look beyond first impressions.
Pools should look nice, but they should also be right for each weekend.
Raised Spas Are Beautiful, but Are They Right for You?
Raised spas tend to create stunning centerpieces.
They provide extra height, visual interest, and a nice spillover effect into the main swimming area.
For many of our homeowners, they also become the most used feature.
Not only can a warm spa be enjoyed while sitting and socializing, but it also makes the yard more enjoyable during cooler evenings.
However, you should consider how often you would actually use the spa.
Some families use their spas multiple times per week, and others only a couple of times per year.
Spas are truly as useful as the homeowners who own them.
If you think you’d get more use out of it, it’s definitely a wonderful addition.
On the other hand, if not, you might want to spend the money on something else you’ll enjoy more.
Baja Shelves Need the Room to Stretch Out
Baja shelves have become one of the most popular upgrades in our Los Angeles pools.
They offer the perfect shallow area for kids to play in while letting adults relax in the water.
They’re also fantastic for keeping cool while still being able to enjoy the water, and even provide a place to cool off with the family dog on a hot summer day.
The issue with Baja shelves is rarely whether or not to include one.
It’s usually about how big it should be.
If your Baja shelf becomes too large, then you’ll quickly realize that the swimming surface can feel quite small.
A large shelf is also a problem when trying to host a pool party.
Kids want to play, adults want to float, and everyone needs more space.
The truth is that the right size Baja shelf can enhance the pool, but it should leave plenty of room to enjoy the deep end.
Waterfalls Can Be More or Less Loud than Expected
Waterfalls continue to be popular upgrades because of the nice sound and ambiance they provide.
Most of our homeowners imagine a pretty little trickle of water cascading into their pool.
Sometimes, that’s precisely what they get.
Other times, they discover that the sound is much louder than they anticipated.
A big rock waterfall simply produces more volume than some people are comfortable with.
A waterfall’s effect also depends on the proximity to other homes.
It’s always a good idea to test out a waterfall before committing to one.
You can’t truly imagine how it sounds when you’re looking at a sales center pool.
You have to hear it for yourself.
In many ways, waterfalls are perfect.
When they’re the wrong size, though, they can overwhelm a backyard instead of enhancing it.
Fire Features Can Transform Your Backyard in the Evening
Fire and water go together nicely.
At night, fire bowls or even an outdoor fireplace can provide a dramatic change in the appearance of a backyard.
They can really open up an outdoor living area with the help of a few strategically placed fire sources.
Fire features are especially valuable for homeowners who love to entertain.
At night, the pool becomes much more than a swimming hole.
It’s the heart of the action, with people flowing in and out of the water and gathering for conversation.
The same fire features can also make the pool area much cooler during the day when the sun is out.
The location of fire features is always important, too.
They should never overwhelm the space.
It’s a good idea to avoid obstructing views from your home and to leave enough room for seating in the area.
Well placed fire features can often become one of the most talked about aspects of the home.
Built In Seating Is Frequently More Practical than it Seems
Seating built into a pool isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when designing a backyard.
However, it ends up being a major benefit for many of our clients.
Not everyone wants to spend every moment in the water.
Some guests like to have their feet in the water while still being able to relax on a bench.
Parents like to keep a close eye on their kids, and grandparents may want to enjoy the pool without getting in.
The right built in seating allows everyone to do all of these things.
The truth is that most people who have a built in bench wish they had one more.
The key is to avoid going overboard.
Too many ledges, corners, or built in seats can eat away at square footage and even require extra cleaning.
In many cases, fewer but larger areas are best.
Swim Up Bars Require More Space than it Seems
A swim up bar sounds delightful, but it’s important to understand the requirements.
It isn’t just a few stools in the water.
There also needs to be extra room behind the bar, room for the bar itself, and room for guests to sit and mingle.
In many ways, a swim up bar is much more of a luxury for large estates than it is for the average Los Angeles homeowner.
It simply takes up too much space in a small backyard.
Sometimes the best value for a family is to create a nice outdoor dining space that everyone can enjoy.
While swim up bars may sound nice at first, it’s important to think over how they’ll actually be used.
Infinity Edges Depend on What's Beyond the Horizon
Infinity edges can appear to create spectacular views when looking out over the ocean or across a canyon.
However, that’s only the case when there truly are dramatic views to enjoy.
If the goal is looking out over another home or a backyard fence, another type of pool is likely a better option.
As a designer, it’s my job to create exactly what the client wants, not just what I think is nice.
Automation and Lighting Are Often More Valuable than Expected
Some upgrades are incredibly impressive.
Other upgrades quietly provide incredible benefits to the homeowner.
Automation fits into the latter category.
It allows homeowners to control everything from pool lights to the spa from their phones.
It may not sound as exciting as some other features, but many of our clients quickly realize that automation truly is best.
Another major advantage is the amount of lighting that can be incorporated.
During the day, we enjoy the look of the pool.
At night, though, lights begin to transform the entire space.
Reflections, path lighting, and subtle accent lights can all contribute to a backyard that feels amazing long after sunset.
These are the types of little details that become favorites for years to come.
The Best Pool Features Fit Into Your Life
There’s no set list of the most desirable pool upgrades.
Some of the most sought after features are rarely right for a specific backyard.
For instance, not every family wants a spa.
Some want one, and others find it to be an unneeded expense.
The same goes for Baja shelves.
Some want them while others would be much happier with an open pool.
Waterfalls provide a great sound, but not every homeowner wants to hear one.
That’s why it’s so important to base the best pool on the needs of the individual.
Would you use the feature a few times per week, or only a couple of times per year?
Do you want to host large parties or just enjoy the water with your family?
Would you rather have deck space, more plants, or a bigger spa?
That’s how the experts at Triton Pools and Spas can help create truly beautiful Los Angeles custom pools.
Each design focuses on giving the homeowner exactly what they want.
That means a backyard that feels perfect with every splash.
Explore our Custom Pool Design in Los Angeles, Pool Remodeling in Los Angeles, Pool Plastering and Finishes in Los Angeles, Pool Tile and Coping in Los Angeles, and Pool Decking in Los Angeles services to see how every detail fits together.
Frequently Asked Questions
For many homeowners, the value is in the automation, lighting, and a well designed spa.
Yes, they are fantastic for young children and for anyone wishing to float in their pool.
Just make sure the size leaves enough room for everyone to enjoy.
Spa use should be considered before spending the money.
If a family will use it often, then it can be worth the investment.
However, if not, it may be better to spend the money on something else.
They can, especially deck jets, so it's important to consider upkeep.
Every choice should be based on lifestyle, space, and personal preference.
The best options are usually those that can be enjoyed the most.