The Pool Features Texas Homeowners Love Most
A pool is more than a hole in the ground with water. The features you add determine how you actually use it — whether it becomes the centerpiece of your backyard or just a rectangle you swim laps in. At Prestige Pool & Patio, we design and build custom pools with features tailored to how each family lives, entertains, and relaxes.
Here are the pool features our North Texas clients request most in 2026 — and why each one is worth considering.
Tanning Ledges (Baja Shelves)
Tanning ledges are the single most requested feature in new pool builds. These are shallow, flat areas (typically 6 to 8 inches of water) built into the first step of the pool where you can set lounge chairs, let small children splash safely, or just sit and soak without being fully submerged.
Why they are popular:
- Perfect for relaxing with a drink without getting your hair wet
- Safe shallow area for toddlers and small children
- Great spot for pets who want to cool off
- Can be combined with bubblers for a spa-like feel
Most of our designs include a tanning ledge because it dramatically increases how often the pool gets used. People who might not want to fully swim still use the tanning ledge daily.
Bubblers and Deck Jets
Water features add visual interest and soothing sound to any pool. Bubblers are small fountains built into tanning ledges or shallow areas that create a gentle bubbling effect. Deck jets are streams of water that arc from the pool deck into the water.
Why they are popular:
- Create a resort-like atmosphere
- Add ambient sound that masks traffic and neighborhood noise
- Relatively affordable to add during construction
- Can be controlled independently via automation
Bubblers on a tanning ledge is one of the most popular combinations we build. The gentle sound and movement transform the ledge into a relaxation zone.
LED Color-Changing Lighting
Modern pool lighting has come a long way from the single white incandescent light of 20 years ago. Today's LED pool lights can display millions of colors, sync to music, and be controlled from your phone.
Why LED lighting matters:
- Extends pool use into the evening hours
- Creates ambiance for entertaining and parties
- Uses a fraction of the energy of traditional pool lights
- Lasts significantly longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs
We recommend LED lighting in every pool we build. The difference it makes at night is dramatic — your pool goes from a dark hole in the backyard to the glowing centerpiece of your outdoor space.
Pool Automation Systems
Automation puts your entire pool system on your phone. Temperature, lighting, water features, cleaning schedules — all controllable from anywhere. The leading systems we install include Pentair IntelliCenter and Jandy iAqualink.
What automation controls:
- Pump speeds and schedules
- Heater and spa temperature
- LED lighting colors and programs
- Water features on and off
- Salt chlorine generator output
- Robotic cleaner schedules
Automation is not just a convenience — it saves money. Variable-speed pumps running on optimized schedules use significantly less energy than older pumps running on basic timers.
Spillover Spas
A spillover spa is a raised hot tub that overflows into the main pool, creating a waterfall effect. It gives you the best of both worlds — a dedicated spa for year-round use and a beautiful water feature that enhances the pool design.
Why homeowners add spas:
- Year-round use even when the pool is too cold for swimming
- Therapeutic hydrotherapy jets for sore muscles
- Visual focal point that elevates the entire backyard
- Adds resale value to the property
In Texas, spas get heavy use from October through April when pool water is too cool for most swimmers. Many of our clients tell us the spa is the feature they use most.
Fire and Water Features
The combination of fire and water creates a striking visual contrast. Fire bowls mounted on raised walls, fire pits integrated into the pool deck, and scupper walls with flames above cascading water are all popular options.
Popular fire and water combinations:
- Fire bowls on raised bond beam walls
- Fire pit seating areas adjacent to the pool
- Scupper walls with fire above and water below
- Gas-fueled features for easy on and off control
These features are especially impactful at night when the firelight reflects off the water surface.
Swim-Up Bars and In-Pool Seating
For homeowners who love to entertain, swim-up bars and in-pool seating bring the party into the water. Built-in bar stools submerged in the pool allow guests to sit at counter height while staying cool.
Design considerations:
- Bar counter at the right height for comfortable seating
- Underwater bar stools at the correct depth
- Nearby equipment pad for blender and refrigeration access
- Proper drainage and material selection for the bar surface
Natural Stone and Premium Finishes
The materials you choose for your pool interior, coping, and deck make a massive difference in the overall look and feel. Pebble finishes like PebbleTec and PebbleSheen are more durable than standard plaster and come in a range of colors. Travertine and natural stone coping give the pool a high-end, timeless look.
Popular finish combinations:
- French gray pebble finish with cream travertine coping
- Midnight blue pebble finish with charcoal limestone coping
- White plaster with classic bullnose coping for a clean modern look
Ready to Design Your Dream Pool?
Every feature should serve a purpose — how you swim, how you entertain, how you relax. At Prestige Pool & Patio, we help you choose the features that match your lifestyle and budget. Visit our Frisco showroom to see many of these features on display, or call (469) 644-7665 to schedule a free design consultation.
