The Pool Encyclopedia

Auto Cover

An auto cover, or automatic pool cover, is a retractable system designed to glide seamlessly across the water’s surface at the touch of a button. More than a convenience, it provides a trio of essential benefits: enhanced safety, reduced evaporation, and improved temperature retention. By shielding the pool when not in use, an auto cover helps ensure the water remains cleaner, warmer, and more efficient to maintain throughout the year.

Automation System

An automation system is a centralized control hub that allows pool owners to manage every essential function of their pool with ease. From lighting and heating to filtration, water features, and spa integration, automation consolidates complex systems into a single, intuitive interface. Whether accessed through a wall-mounted panel, a smartphone app, or voice control, automation systems transform the act of pool ownership into something effortless, giving homeowners more time to enjoy their waterscapes rather than maintain them.

Baja Shelf

A Baja shelf, sometimes called a tanning ledge or sun shelf, is a shallow platform typically integrated at the entrance of a pool. Designed for lounging, wading, and play, it serves as an elegant transition between dry deck and deeper water. Often spanning a few feet in depth, a Baja shelf provides enough space for sunbathing chairs, umbrellas, or simply resting at the water’s edge. Combining relaxation with visual impact, this feature transforms a pool into a resort-style retreat while enhancing both functionality and style.

Bar Stools

Bar stools are submerged seating features built directly into the pool, typically positioned alongside a swim-up bar or counter. Designed to provide a comfortable and stable place for swimmers to relax without leaving the water, they bring a playful yet refined dimension to poolside living. Beyond function, bar stools capture the essence of resort luxury, turning a backyard pool into an immersive social environment where friends and family can gather, share a drink, and linger in comfort.

Bubblers

Bubblers are small jets, typically installed in shallow areas of a pool such as tanning ledges, Baja shelves, or entry steps, that release streams of water to create a lively bubbling effect. Equal parts functional and aesthetic, they introduce movement, sound, and playfulness to a waterscape. While they delight children and families with their interactive nature, bubblers also bring a refined layer of visual interest that enhances the overall atmosphere of the pool.

Cabanas

Cabanas are elegant poolside structures that provide shade, comfort, and a sense of exclusivity to outdoor living spaces. Traditionally associated with high-end resorts and beach clubs, cabanas have become a sought-after feature in luxury residential pool design. Outfitted with comfortable seating, ceiling fans, curtains, or even entertainment systems, they extend the function of the backyard well beyond swimming, creating private retreats where relaxation and leisure unfold in style.

Catch Basin

A catch basin is a concealed reservoir designed to collect and recirculate water that flows over the edge of a pool feature, most commonly infinity edges, perimeter overflows, or decorative scuppers. Though hidden from view, the catch basin plays a crucial role in both function and design, ensuring that water is captured, filtered, and seamlessly returned to the pool system. By managing this constant circulation, the catch basin allows water features to perform with elegance and efficiency, preserving the sleek, uninterrupted visuals that define modern luxury pools.

Child-Barrier Fence

A child-barrier fence is a dedicated safety feature installed around a swimming pool to restrict access for young children and pets. Typically constructed of durable mesh, aluminum, glass, or other secure materials, these fences act as a physical barrier that reduces the risk of accidental entry into the water. Beyond being a functional safeguard, child barrier fences are often required by building codes and local regulations, making them an essential component of responsible pool ownership. When designed with intention, they not only provide protection but also integrate gracefully into the aesthetic of a luxury outdoor environment.

Chlorinator

A chlorinator is a device incorporated into a pool’s equipment system that automatically dispenses chlorine into the water. Designed to simplify the essential task of sanitization, it ensures consistent dosing and helps maintain balanced, clean, and safe swimming conditions. By automating this process, chlorinators reduce the need for manual chemical application, making pool care more convenient, efficient, and reliable for homeowners.

Concrete-Flocrete Decking

Concrete-Flocrete decking is a specialized surface treatment applied to pool decks with the purpose of reducing heat absorption, increasing comfort, and improving usability. Designed to remain cooler underfoot in hot climates, it allows homeowners and guests to walk barefoot around the pool without discomfort, even on the warmest days. Beyond temperature regulation, Flocrete provides a durable, slip-resistant surface that enhances safety while complementing the aesthetic of the surrounding waterscape.

Coping

Coping refers to the material used to cap the edge of a swimming pool, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. Functionally, coping protects the pool’s shell by directing water away from its structure, reducing the risk of damage over time. Visually, it provides a polished frame that completes the transition between pool and deck. Available in a range of materials — including concrete, natural stone, brick, and tile — coping plays a pivotal role in both the durability and the design of a waterscape.

Deck Jets

Deck jets are elegant water features installed along the perimeter of a pool deck that project smooth, arching streams of water into the pool. Designed for both visual and interactive appeal, they add a sense of motion and playfulness to the waterscape while enhancing its architectural detail. Often paired with LED lighting, deck jets can create striking effects after sunset, transforming a pool into a dynamic focal point of entertainment and relaxation.

Endless Swim Unit

An endless swim unit is a propulsion system installed within a swimming pool that generates a strong, adjustable current, allowing swimmers to swim continuously in place. By transforming a pool into a personal lap lane, it provides the benefits of open-water swimming without requiring a large body of water. Endless swim units are especially valuable for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and homeowners with compact spaces who want to combine recreation with purposeful exercise.

Filter

A filter is one of the most essential components of a pool’s circulation system, tasked with removing debris, dirt, and impurities from the water. By trapping everything from leaves and insects to microscopic particles, the filter ensures water remains clear, clean, and safe for swimmers. Available in multiple sizes, forms, and levels of efficiency, filters are designed to suit pools of all scales, from intimate backyard retreats to expansive resort waterscapes.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is one of the most versatile and timeless fire features in outdoor living, designed to provide both warmth and ambiance. Often placed near pools, patios, or gathering spaces, fire pits create an inviting focal point where people naturally come together. By combining functionality with visual drama, they add depth to the outdoor environment, extending its usability into the evening hours and cooler seasons. From simple circular designs to modern, architectural statements, fire pits bring comfort, connection, and character to any luxury backyard.

Fire-Water Bowl

A fire-water bowl is a decorative feature that combines two of the most captivating natural elements into a single design statement. Typically placed along the perimeter of a pool or integrated into raised walls and platforms, these bowls simultaneously display flickering fire and cascading water. Fueled by natural gas or propane, fire-water bowls create a striking contrast of heat and coolness, motion and stillness, light and reflection. The result is a feature that elevates ambiance and brings dramatic luxury to any pool environment.

Fire-Water Feature

A fire-water feature is one of the most dramatic design elements available in luxury pool construction, seamlessly blending the opposing forces of fire and water into a single, unforgettable composition. Typically achieved by combining linear fire features with sheer descent waterfalls or cascading water walls, these installations create a powerful sensory experience where movement, warmth, and light converge. Positioned along pool edges, raised walls, or outdoor living areas, fire-water features provide both functional ambiance and artistic spectacle, transforming any waterscape into a true centerpiece of design.

Flush Spa

A flush spa is a spa designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding pool or deck, with the water level of the spa even with the surface around it. Unlike raised spas, which sit above the pool’s edge, a flush spa creates a continuous, uninterrupted surface that delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic. By blending form and function, flush spas provide the relaxation and therapeutic benefits of a traditional spa while contributing to the overall visual harmony of the waterscape.

Fountains

Fountains are water features designed to project streams of water into the air, creating a captivating display of movement, sound, and light. Long associated with elegance and grandeur, fountains have evolved from classical garden showpieces into versatile additions for modern pools and outdoor living spaces. Whether incorporated into the pool itself, installed on adjacent decking, or featured as stand-alone elements within the landscape, fountains add rhythm, serenity, and visual intrigue to the environment.

Freeform Pools

Freeform pools are swimming pools designed with curved, flowing shapes that depart from rigid lines and right angles. Inspired by the contours of natural bodies of water, freeform pools create a relaxed, organic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with their surroundings. Unlike geometric pools, which emphasize symmetry and precision, freeform designs prioritize individuality, making them ideal for homeowners who want their backyard retreat to feel both unique and harmonious with the landscape.

Geometric Pools

Geometric pools are swimming pools defined by clean lines, sharp angles, and precise shapes such as rectangles, squares, and circles. Rooted in architectural symmetry, these pools emphasize structure and order, creating designs that are sleek, modern, and timeless. Geometric pools complement contemporary homes and minimalist landscapes, where clarity of form and disciplined proportions are central to the overall aesthetic. By prioritizing balance and sophistication, they bring a sense of refinement to outdoor living spaces.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is a premium material commonly used in swimming pools to create vibrant finishes, intricate patterns, and luminous accents. Made of durable, non-porous glass, these small tiles are prized for their ability to reflect and refract light, giving the pool surface a dynamic, shimmering quality. Available in a wide spectrum of colors, textures, and sizes, glass tile is both versatile and luxurious, transforming ordinary pool interiors into artistic expressions of style and elegance.

Gunite

Gunite is a durable blend of cement, sand, and water applied pneumatically through a high-pressure hose onto a framework of reinforcing steel rebar. Known for its exceptional strength and versatility, gunite has become the preferred material for luxury pool construction, offering unparalleled flexibility in shaping custom designs. Its unique application process allows builders to sculpt pools of virtually any form, from sleek geometric structures to organic freeform retreats, making it the foundation of truly bespoke waterscapes.

Handrails

Handrails are supportive structures, typically crafted from stainless steel or powder-coated materials, installed at pool entry points to enhance safety and accessibility. Designed to provide stability for swimmers entering or exiting the water, they serve an especially important role for children, older adults, and individuals with mobility challenges. While practical in nature, handrails can also be customized to complement the design of the pool, ensuring they contribute both functionality and aesthetic value to the waterscape.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is an energy-efficient pool heating system designed to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the pool water, maintaining comfortable swimming temperatures throughout the year. Unlike traditional heaters that rely on burning fuel, heat pumps harness ambient air, making them both cost-effective and environmentally conscious. By extending the usability of the pool into cooler months and ensuring consistent comfort, heat pumps are an essential feature for homeowners who want to enjoy their waterscapes in every season.

Heater

A pool heater is a system designed to raise the water temperature, ensuring a comfortable swimming experience and extending the usability of the pool well beyond the warmest months. Whether fueled by gas or electricity, heaters provide rapid and reliable warmth, making them an invaluable addition for homeowners who want to enjoy their pools consistently throughout the year. By combining performance with versatility, pool heaters offer solutions for a variety of climates, needs, and budgets.

Illusion Spa

An illusion spa is a modern design feature that incorporates an infinity-style edge, allowing water to flow seamlessly over its perimeter and blend into the surrounding environment. By eliminating visible borders, the illusion spa creates a striking visual effect where the spa appears to merge with the pool, deck, or landscape beyond. This elevated design choice has become a hallmark of luxury waterscapes, offering an aesthetic that feels serene, refined, and perfectly suited to contemporary or minimalist homes.

In-Pool Fire Feature

An in-pool fire feature is a dramatic design element installed within or at the edge of a pool, combining the elemental power of fire with the reflective calm of water. These features transform a pool into a theatrical centerpiece, where flames rise above the water’s surface, creating an atmosphere of both warmth and visual intrigue. Whether positioned on pedestals within the pool, integrated into raised edges, or paired with flowing water elements, in-pool fire features embody luxury and become unforgettable focal points in modern waterscapes.

Infinity Edge

An infinity edge pool is a design in which water flows over one or more sides of the pool, creating the striking illusion of a seamless boundary. The overflowing water is collected in a hidden catch basin and recirculated, allowing the pool to appear as though it merges with the horizon. Often built in elevated locations overlooking oceans, rivers, or landscapes, infinity edge pools pair breathtaking views with architectural sophistication, making them one of the most iconic and sought-after designs in luxury pool construction.

Lap Pool

A lap pool is a long, narrow swimming pool designed specifically for exercise and continuous swimming. Typically rectangular in shape and featuring a consistent depth, lap pools provide the ideal environment for swimming laps without interruption. Favored by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and homeowners with limited space, they combine practicality with sophistication, delivering both health benefits and architectural refinement.

Ledge Lounger Chairs

Ledge lounger chairs are specially designed seating options crafted for use on shallow tanning ledges within a pool. Built to withstand constant water exposure and intense sunlight, these chairs allow homeowners to recline in comfort while remaining partially immersed in the pool. Combining durability with stylish design, ledge loungers transform tanning shelves into resort-style retreats, offering a luxurious way to relax, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the water’s edge.

Lighted LED Bubbler

A lighted LED bubbler is a decorative water feature installed in shallow areas of a pool, such as tanning ledges or entry steps. Designed to produce playful bubbling effects, these features are enhanced with colorful LED lighting that brings them to life, especially during evening hours. Combining movement, sound, and light, LED bubblers add both fun and sophistication to the pool environment, making them popular choices for families and luxury homeowners alike.

Linear Fire Feature

A linear fire feature is a sleek, modern design element characterized by its long, narrow flame presentation. Often installed near pools, patios, or outdoor living areas, these features provide both warmth and ambiance while adding a sophisticated, contemporary edge to the environment. With their clean lines and minimalist profile, linear fire features embody modern luxury, creating focal points that are as functional as they are visually striking.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile refers to small decorative tiles arranged to create intricate patterns, vivid color schemes, or even custom images within a pool. Traditionally crafted from glass, ceramic, or porcelain, mosaic tiles are prized for their versatility and artistic potential. Commonly applied to interiors, steps, benches, or waterlines, they bring elegance, personality, and refinement to pool designs, turning functional surfaces into works of art.

Negative Edge

A negative edge pool is a design where one or more sides of the pool allow water to flow over the edge into a hidden catch basin, creating the visual illusion that the water has no boundary. Sometimes referred to as a vanishing edge or disappearing edge, this style produces a dramatic effect where the pool seems to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Negative edge pools are particularly striking in elevated locations, where water appears to spill directly into the horizon, a body of water, or the natural landscape beyond.

Perimeter Overflow

A perimeter overflow pool is a sophisticated design where water flows uniformly over all four edges into a concealed trough or catch system. This creates a perfectly level, mirror-like surface that reflects the sky, architecture, and surrounding landscape with striking clarity. Often considered one of the most visually dramatic styles in pool construction, perimeter overflow pools merge modern engineering with timeless artistry, offering both elegance and precision in equal measure.

Picture Window Screen

A picture window screen is a specialized pool enclosure designed with large, unobstructed panels that provide clear, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Unlike traditional screen enclosures divided by multiple support beams, picture window screens maximize visibility, creating the impression of an open-air environment while still delivering the protection and comfort of a screened space. By blending practicality with architectural elegance, picture window screens enhance the enjoyment of the pool area, allowing homeowners to experience the beauty of the outdoors without compromise.

Planter Boxes

Planter boxes are raised containers incorporated directly into the design of a pool area, crafted to introduce greenery, flowers, or even small trees into the outdoor living environment. Positioned along the pool’s edge, within decks, or integrated into raised walls, planter boxes blur the line between hardscape and landscape, creating a harmonious balance of structure and nature. By offering opportunities for customized landscaping, they enhance both the beauty and individuality of a waterscape, turning the pool area into a vibrant, living retreat.

Planters

Planters are decorative containers or structures used to cultivate plants, flowers, or greenery around a pool area. Unlike built-in planter boxes, which are integrated directly into the hardscape, planters offer flexibility and mobility, allowing homeowners to curate and refresh their landscapes with ease. By introducing vibrant foliage and blooms into the pool environment, planters enhance natural beauty while fostering harmony between the waterscape and surrounding landscape.

Plunge Pool

A plunge pool is a compact, deep pool designed primarily for soaking, cooling off, and relaxation rather than for swimming laps. Smaller in scale than traditional pools, plunge pools offer a refreshing retreat while requiring less space, energy, and maintenance. Ideal for smaller yards, urban properties, or as secondary features alongside larger pools, plunge pools combine efficiency with luxury, offering homeowners a serene escape that is both practical and indulgent.

Pool Deck

A pool deck is the area surrounding a swimming pool, designed to provide safe walking surfaces, comfortable lounging space, and functional transitions between the waterscape and the rest of the backyard. Typically constructed from materials such as concrete, pavers, or natural stone, pool decks are more than just circulation areas — they are extensions of outdoor living, shaping how the pool is used, experienced, and enjoyed. When crafted thoughtfully, a pool deck enhances both the beauty and usability of the environment, transforming the pool into a complete lifestyle destination.

Pool Grotto

A pool grotto is a hidden, cave-like feature integrated into the pool, designed to create a secluded retreat within the waterscape. Often tucked behind cascading waterfalls or nestled into natural rock formations, grottos offer a private sanctuary where swimmers can relax in shaded comfort. Frequently enhanced with built-in seating, lighting, or even spas, pool grottos combine playfulness with luxury, transforming the pool into a destination that feels both adventurous and serene.

Pool Ladder

A pool ladder is a removable or built-in fixture designed to provide safe and convenient entry and exit from a swimming pool. Typically constructed from stainless steel or powder-coated materials, pool ladders are engineered for durability, functionality, and comfort. Positioned at the sides or deep ends of the pool, they serve as essential safety elements while also contributing to the overall usability of the waterscape. Whether for residential or commercial pools, ladders remain a timeless solution for accessibility, ensuring swimmers of all ages can enjoy the water with confidence.

Pool Return

A pool return is an inlet strategically placed around the interior of a swimming pool to return filtered, treated water back into the basin after it has passed through the circulation system. Essential to maintaining healthy, balanced water, pool returns ensure that circulation reaches all areas of the pool, preventing stagnation and supporting even distribution of sanitizing chemicals. Though often overlooked because of their discreet appearance, pool returns are a critical component of a pool’s infrastructure, ensuring clarity, cleanliness, and comfort in every swim.

Pool Steps

Pool steps are built-in elements designed to provide safe, convenient entry and exit from a swimming pool. Incorporated directly into the structure of the pool, they are often crafted with non-slip surfaces to ensure security for swimmers of all ages. Beyond their functional purpose, pool steps also serve as architectural features that enhance the design, comfort, and usability of the waterscape. Whether wide and shallow for lounging or sleek and minimal for a modern aesthetic, pool steps play a vital role in both form and function.

Poolside Furniture

Poolside furniture encompasses a wide range of outdoor furnishings specifically designed for use around swimming pools, including loungers, chairs, tables, and umbrellas. Crafted to withstand exposure to sun, water, and changing weather conditions, poolside furniture provides comfort, functionality, and style to outdoor living areas. More than practical seating, these furnishings transform the pool environment into a complete retreat, where relaxation, dining, and entertaining unfold seamlessly.

Pump Basket

A pump basket is a critical component located within a pool pump, designed to capture debris before it can enter and damage the pump or clog the system. Positioned just ahead of the pump’s impeller, the basket acts as a first line of defense, collecting leaves, twigs, insects, and other material that makes its way through the pool’s skimmer and main drain. By preventing major clogs, the pump basket ensures efficient pump operation and contributes directly to the long-term health and performance of the entire waterscape.

Putting Green

A putting green is a landscaped area designed to replicate the smooth, manicured surface of a golf course green, created for practicing putting and short-game skills. Increasingly popular as backyard amenities, putting greens can be integrated directly into a pool deck or adjacent outdoor space, blending recreation with design. Whether constructed with natural grass or high-performance synthetic turf, these features offer homeowners both a functional practice area and a striking complement to the overall landscape.

Rain Curtain

A rain curtain is a dramatic water feature that produces a wide, thin sheet of water flowing vertically into the pool, emulating the soothing ambiance of a gentle rainfall. Typically installed along raised walls, overhangs, or pergolas, rain curtains combine sight, sound, and motion to create an immersive sensory experience. With their graceful vertical flow, they bring both tranquility and visual drama to the waterscape, elevating the pool into a resort-inspired retreat.

Raised Spa

A raised spa is an elevated spa structure positioned above the main level of the swimming pool, often featuring a spillover edge where water cascades gently into the pool below. By lifting the spa above the waterscape, this design adds architectural depth, visual drama, and functional luxury to the environment. Raised spas are not only therapeutic retreats, but also focal points that integrate beauty, relaxation, and sound into the overall backyard experience.

Rock Waterfall

A rock waterfall is a naturalistic water feature constructed with carefully placed rocks that create cascading streams of water into the pool below. Designed to replicate the beauty and serenity of natural waterfalls, these features bring movement, sound, and tranquility to outdoor spaces. Most often paired with freeform or lagoon-style pools, rock waterfalls add depth, character, and a sense of discovery, transforming the backyard into a lush, resort-inspired retreat.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools are swimming pools equipped with a salt chlorination system, which converts dissolved salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This system provides the necessary sanitation to maintain clean, safe water while offering a gentler swimming experience compared to traditional chlorine pools. By reducing the need for harsh chemical handling and delivering softer-feeling water, saltwater pools have become a preferred choice for many homeowners seeking both convenience and comfort in their waterscapes.

Screen Enclosure

A screen enclosure is a structure built around a pool area, typically constructed from aluminum framing and screened mesh or glass panels. Designed to provide protection from debris, insects, and weather while maintaining an open-air feel, screen enclosures allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors with greater comfort and convenience. Particularly popular in Florida and other warm climates, these enclosures combine practicality with design, offering both functional benefits and an elevated, resort-like aesthetic.

Scuppers

Scuppers are architectural water features designed to channel water from a raised structure, such as a wall or basin, into the pool or into a hidden catch basin. Typically crafted from materials like bronze, copper, or stainless steel, scuppers transform functional water flow into an elegant design statement. By combining movement, sound, and texture, they enhance ambiance while reinforcing the sophistication of the pool environment. Whether subtle or dramatic, scuppers elevate outdoor living by blending practical hydraulics with timeless artistry.

Sheer Descent

A sheer descent is a waterfall feature designed to create a smooth, thin sheet of water that flows gracefully into the pool. Unlike naturalistic rock waterfalls, sheer descents are celebrated for their modern aesthetic and architectural precision. The water emerges in a continuous, uniform curtain, producing a striking visual effect that complements contemporary and transitional designs alike. By combining motion, sound, and elegance, sheer descents enhance ambiance while reinforcing the sophistication of the waterscape.

Skimmer

A skimmer is a built-in device located at the waterline of a pool, designed to capture floating debris such as leaves, insects, dirt, and oils before they sink to the bottom. Acting as one of the first stages of a pool’s filtration system, skimmers play a critical role in maintaining water clarity, cleanliness, and overall health. Though often understated in appearance, their function is essential to the smooth operation and beauty of any waterscape.

Spillover Spa

A spillover spa is an elevated spa designed with an edge that allows water to cascade gracefully into the adjoining pool. This design marries the therapeutic benefits of a spa with the functionality of the pool, creating a continuous connection between the two environments. Beyond its practical use, the spillover spa serves as a striking focal point, introducing sound, movement, and elegance into the backyard.

Spillways

Spillways are narrow channels designed to allow water to flow gracefully from one area of a pool environment to another. Most commonly, they are used to connect elevated spas to pools, directing water in a controlled stream or sheet that enhances both function and beauty. By combining hydraulic performance with aesthetic impact, spillways serve as architectural accents that bring motion, sound, and unity to the waterscape.

Sun Shelf

A sun shelf is a broad, shallow platform built into a pool, typically 4 to 8 inches in depth, designed for lounging, sunbathing, or safe play for children and pets. Also known as a tanning ledge, this versatile feature combines relaxation, safety, and luxury, offering a multifunctional space that has become a hallmark of modern waterscapes. Positioned at the pool’s entrance or along one side, sun shelves provide both practical benefits and an elevated resort-style aesthetic.

Suspended Water Feature

A suspended water feature is a dramatic design element in which water flows from an elevated or suspended structure into the pool below. Unlike traditional waterfalls or descents, these features appear to defy gravity, creating a striking architectural effect that immediately commands attention. Often paired with modern, geometric pool designs, suspended water features embody innovation, artistry, and sophistication, transforming the pool environment into an unforgettable visual experience.

Swim Jet System

A swim jet system is a high-powered propulsion system installed in a pool to generate a strong, adjustable current that allows swimmers to swim in place. By creating resistance within a compact environment, swim jets transform standard pools into spaces for fitness training, aquatic exercise, and endurance swimming. Particularly valuable for homeowners with limited space, swim jet systems offer the benefits of a lap pool within a fraction of the footprint, combining functionality, versatility, and innovation.

Swim-Up Bar

A swim-up bar is an in-pool feature that combines submerged seating with a dedicated countertop, allowing swimmers to enjoy beverages and snacks without ever leaving the water. Often paired with bar stools integrated into the pool’s shallow end, these features create a resort-style atmosphere that blends social interaction, entertainment, and relaxation. As both functional amenities and architectural focal points, swim-up bars epitomize the spirit of luxury outdoor living, turning a pool into an immersive lifestyle destination.

Tanning Ledge

A tanning ledge is a shallow area of a pool, typically 4 to 8 inches in depth, designed for lounging, sunbathing, and relaxation. Also known as a Baja shelf or sun shelf, this feature provides the ideal space for placing in-water lounge chairs, dipping feet, or simply reclining in shallow water while soaking in the sun. Beyond leisure, tanning ledges are versatile zones that also serve as safe areas for children and pets to enjoy the pool environment. With their combination of function and elegance, tanning ledges have become defining elements of modern luxury waterscapes.

Travertine Decking

Travertine decking is a premium natural stone material used to create pool decks, celebrated for its durability, slip resistance, and ability to remain cool underfoot even in hot climates. With its warm tones, textured surfaces, and timeless appeal, travertine has become a favored choice for luxury outdoor spaces. Beyond its practical advantages, travertine brings elegance and sophistication to pool environments, blending performance with the aesthetic richness of natural stone.

Turf Decking

Turf decking is a poolside surface crafted from synthetic turf, designed to replicate the lush, green appearance and soft texture of natural grass while offering far greater durability and lower maintenance. Installed as an alternative to traditional grass or hardscaping, turf decking provides both comfort underfoot and year-round vibrancy. With its ability to create a natural, inviting atmosphere, turf decking has become an increasingly popular choice for modern pool environments, blending beauty with practicality.

Umbrella Sleeves

Umbrella sleeves are built-in fixtures installed within pool decks, patios, or tanning ledges to securely hold umbrellas in place. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surface when not in use, these discreet sleeves allow homeowners to introduce shade exactly where it is needed, enhancing comfort and usability without interrupting the pool’s aesthetic. By combining convenience with elegance, umbrella sleeves have become a subtle yet impactful feature in luxury waterscapes.

Water Bowls

Water bowls are decorative vessels designed to release flowing streams of water into a pool or catch basin. Blending form and function, they serve as both ornamental accents and functional water features, adding visual beauty, sound, and movement to the outdoor environment. Available in a range of materials, shapes, and finishes, water bowls are versatile elements that can complement nearly any pool design, from contemporary minimalism to classic elegance.

Water Feature Wall

A water feature wall is a vertical structure integrated into the pool design, often enhanced with cascading water, decorative tile, or architectural finishes. Acting as both a backdrop and a focal point, these walls combine visual drama with practical benefits, transforming the waterscape into a multidimensional environment. By pairing movement, texture, and sound, water feature walls elevate the atmosphere of the backyard, merging functionality with timeless artistry.

Waterline Tile

Waterline tile refers to the decorative band of tile installed along the edge of a pool where the water meets the wall. This detail serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, helping to prevent staining and scale buildup while simultaneously offering opportunities for visual personalization. Available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials, waterline tile acts as a subtle yet defining design element, framing the pool with elegance and individuality.

Zero-Entry Pool

A zero-entry pool, also known as a beach-entry pool, is a design where the pool deck gradually slopes into the water, eliminating the need for traditional steps or ladders. Mimicking the natural transition of a shoreline, zero-entry pools create an inviting, accessible, and visually stunning feature that has become a hallmark of modern luxury design. By blending functionality with elegance, they offer an experience that feels both organic and sophisticated.