Pool Features Worth the Money: 8 Upgrades League City Families Love

Two pools can be the same size and cost about the same to build. One gets used every day. The other sits there. The difference is almost always the features.

Here are the upgrades we see families use and love most, and how to plan them so you get the most out of every dollar.

Want to see these features in your own yard? We'll design them into a photo of your backyard, free.

8 features worth the money

1. A sun shelf (tanning ledge)

A wide, shallow step covered by less than a foot of water. Little kids play on it, adults lounge on it, and in-water chairs sit right on it. If we could add one feature to every pool, this would be it.

2. LED lighting

LED pool lights use less power than old bulbs, last longer and can change colors. A pool lit up at night transforms the whole backyard. It's the feature guests notice first.

3. A variable-speed pump

Since July 2021, U.S. Department of Energy rules require most new pool pumps to meet efficiency standards that variable-speed pumps meet easily. They run slower and quieter, which saves energy compared to old single-speed pumps.

4. Automation

Control your pump, lights, heater and spa from your phone. Turn the spa on from the car on your way home. We spec Pentair equipment, including their automation, on our builds.

5. A spa

It turns a summer pool into a year-round backyard. See our spa guide.

6. Benches and swim-up seats

Built-in seats let people sit in the water and talk. They cost little to add during construction and get used constantly.

7. Bubblers

Small jets in the sun shelf that push water up a few inches. Kids love them, and they add sound and movement.

8. A premium interior finish

The finish is what you see and touch every day. Quartz and pebble finishes add color and texture, and a longer-lasting finish can mean fewer resurfacing jobs down the road.

Want the wow factor? Plan these carefully

• Rock waterfalls and lush planting: stunning, and worth it if you love the resort look. We'll plan them so upkeep stays manageable.

• Depth: most families today play, float and lounge, so a moderate depth gives you more usable water. If you want diving depth, we'll design for it.

• Colors: tile and finish colors are a long-term choice. We'll show you options in your own design so you pick a look you'll love for years.

Build features in from the start

Almost every feature costs much less to build in from the start than to add later. Rolled into the pool loan, many add only a small amount per month. See How Much Is a Pool Per Month?

Ready to see it in your backyard?

Want to see which features fit your yard and budget? Call or text 409-986-7600, or request your free design. We'll come out, photograph your backyard and design your pool right into the picture, so you can see it before anything is built.

– Shane, Aquatic Pools