One of the most exciting parts of buying a pool is choosing your customizations. At the same time, it can be difficult to determine which features are actually worth the extra cost for you.
The sales reps at Aloha Pools & Spas have been helping customers make these decisions since 1969. When you’re choosing features, it usually comes down to what matters most to you.
Is it the way your pool looks?
Is it convenience?
Do you prioritize comfort features, such as a tanning ledge?
The answers to those questions will help you figure out what matters most in your swimming pool.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the pool add-ons available to you and the benefits (some unexpected!).
Why Pool Special Features Matter
You’re already making a sizable investment when you decide to purchase a pool. You want to ensure the investment is worth it and that you’re getting everything you need from your pool. Customizations help the pool feel like yours.
Below are some common types of customization and which pools they’re compatible with.
AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Features | Above Ground | Semi-Inground | Inground | Main Benefit |
| Water Features | Waterfalls, fountains, bubblers, sheer descents | Some | Some | Most | Better aesthetics, relaxing sound, slight cooling effect |
| Lighting | LED pool lights, landscape lighting, floating lights | Some | Yes | Yes | Better nighttime use, ambiance, visibility |
| Comfort Features | Tanning ledges, benches, swim-outs, spa additions, entry steps | Limited | Some | Most | More lounging, easier entry, better overall comfort |
| Convenience Features | Automation, robotic cleaners, variable-speed pumps, salt systems, auto covers | Some | Some to most | Most | Easier maintenance, more control, time savings |
| Safety Features | Fencing, alarms, slip-resistant decking, handrails | Yes | Yes | Yes | Safer entry/exit and better protection for kids, pets, and guests |
Water Features
Probably one of the most noticeable features you can add to a pool, water features can elevate the pool’s look and may also offer cooling benefits. Here are a few types of water features you can have:
Waterfalls. Waterfalls are most common with inground pools, but above-ground and semi-inground pools with decks can also offer waterfall options. There are waterfall options for every type of pool, and they quickly elevate the pool’s appearance.
Pool bubbler. These are small fountains built into a very shallow portion of the pool, such as a tanning ledge. They connect to the pump and give a geyser-esque appearance.
Sheer descents. These are available as part of a framework-mounted water feature package. Sheer descents create a heavy stream of water cascading down a wall for aesthetic purposes and also have a mild cooling effect on the water.
Fountains. Available for above-ground, inground, and semi-inground pools, fountains are the most versatile water feature option. For above-ground pools, the simplest option is an inlet fitting – a jet where the water comes into the pool. These are often under $50 and very easy to install in most above-ground pools. Inground pools have significantly more options, so talking with a sales rep about your goals is the best way to figure out what’s right for you.
A fun note about fountains: those with a fine, shower-like spray will cool the pool more effectively at night than a heavy stream. More water surface comes into contact with the cooler air, so more exchange occurs.
Pool Lighting Options
Lighting can turn your pool from a standard everyday body of water into a magical, fun-filled oasis, especially at night.
LED lights are standard offerings on semi-inground and inground pools. Most can change color, which completely transforms the look of your pool. These are usually controlled by a remote.
Landscape lighting is available for semi-inground and inground pools and can plug into the same transformer as your pool lights, meaning everything can be controlled together. People often use these for tree uplighting or pathway lighting.
Lighting options for above-ground pools exist anddon’tt require a ton of work to install. Some hook onto the pool wall for a simple install, and others can be added to a return fitting (the hole where water flows in and out of the pool). Floating pool lights are also available if you want a simpler approach.
Pool Comfort Features
If you like using your pool for more than just swimming, you’ll probably want to look into comfort features.
Typically, comfort features are better suited to inground pools because there’s more space and greater room for customization in the design. The type of inground pool you choose determines how customizable these get, but some common comfort features for inground pools include:
- Sun shelves
- Baja ledges
- Built-in benches
- Swim-outs
- Spa additions
- Tanning ledges
- Extended decking
Note: Gunite pools are the most customizable, vinyl pools have a wide range of options to choose from, and fiberglass pools also offer a range of choices- though they’re generally more limited.
Above-ground pools don’t typically have built-in comfort features or add-ons like the ones above. However, there are still a few things that can make an above-ground pool more comfortable.
Common comfort features for above-ground pools include:
Wedding cake steps. These are steps that lead you down into the pool. People with above-ground pools especially like these because they create a gentler entry.
Floating barstools that sink to the floor for seating. This is an add-on most people don’t do, mostly because above-ground pools have limited space.
In our opinion, the best comfort feature for an above-ground pool is your favorite floaty. The water circulation in an above-ground pool lets you circle for hours, much like a human whirligig.
Pool Convenience Features
These are the features that make your life easier. They may not change your actual time in the pool, but they make the time you spend taking care of the pool much smoother and more convenient.
Automation systems. Pool pumps have kept afloat with the technological changes of this century. With certain systems, you can now control your pump and lights right from your smartphone.
Automatic covers. An in-ground-only feature, an automatic pool cover helps protect your water when you’re not swimming and can reduce some of the hassle of seasonal service. These are true luxury items, though, often costing around $20,000 installed. Automatic covers also help keep your family safe when you are not watching the pool.
Robotic cleaners. Most people are used to seeing the clunky corded robotic cleaners that were once standard, but cordless cleaners are quickly growing in popularity. These can be used in inground and above-ground pools, and they generally break down into a few tiers:
- Basic: Cleans the floor only. This works well for flat-bottom pools, like above-ground pools.
- Mid-tier: If your pool has both a shallow and deep end, you’ll probably want a robotic cleaner that can clean the walls too.
- Premium: These do all of the above and also have a surface-skimming function.
Variable-speed pumps. These are available for both above-ground and inground pools. They’re programmable to run at a specific flow rate matched to your pool’s filtration needs. By reducing how hard and how often the pump runs, they can help lower energy costs and make it easier to dial in the right speed for your pool.
Salt systems. Salt systems produce chlorine by adding salt to the pool at the beginning of the seasonThere’s’s an upfront investment, but they can reduce your monthly chemical costs and simplify your weekly pool routine.
Pool Safety Features
One of the biggest concerns many customers express when buying a pool is safety. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your family safe without completely blowing the budget.
Pool alarms. In some areas, pool alarms are required – including in the state of Tennessee. They can be a helpful safety tool, and some are designed to trigger an audible alarm when an object weighing more than 15 pounds falls into the pool.
That said, Aloha Pools and Spas does not advocate relying on them alone, because they can fail pretty easily. If the battery dies, there’s an electrical issue; you don’t want that to be the only thing keeping your family safe.
Fencing. Some states also require fencing around a swimming pool. Check your local regulations, but Aloha recommends a fence for every inground pool to help protect your family and your pool. Though it may seem obvious, locking the fence is a crucial and often-missed part of pool safety.
Slip-resistant decking. Most decking installed by a swimming pool company will be fairly slip-resistant, with one caveat: stamped concrete looks best when sealed, but sealer can become very slippery when wet. The good news is there are additives that help reduce slipperiness, and they’re commonly recommended for these decks.
Handrails. In above-ground and inground pools, handrails can make getting in and out of the water safer and easier. This simple add-on can help prevent falls and make the pool more accessible.
For more information on what Aloha suggests regarding pool safety, listen to this podcast episode here.
What Pool Features That Are Worth It
What’s worth the splurge depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
That said, most customers agree that automatic pool cleaners make their lives much easier. They come with an upfront cost and some maintenance, but they save time and reduce the manual labor required to keep the pool clean.
Salt systems are also highly regarded among our customers. Small note here, though: we typically recommend salt systems only for inground pool customers.
Water features are another upgrade that can be worth it if you want your pool to feel more custom. They give your pool a look that feels uniquely yours, and they can help cool the water slightly as well. If you have a little extra money to spend, this can be a fun place to do it.
The same goes for ambient lighting. It makes swimming at night a better experience, and frankly, it just looks really cool.
One feature people often regret not adding? More deck or concrete space. Some custom pools don’t account for the patio furniture or walking space they want around the pool, and later realize they could have benefited from more concrete. This can make a big difference in how comfortable the pool area feels when you’re not actually in the water.
Ultimately, the features that make your pool feel more like yours are worth it.
Choose the pool features that fit how you’ll use your pool.
There are plenty of special features that can make your pool feel more personal, more functional, and more enjoyable to use. The best ones for you depend on how you plan to use the pool, your budget, and which upgrades will actually improve your experience rather than just look nice on paper.
Have questions about pool options and features you’re interested in? Click here to connect with us, and we’ll help you get the answers you need.
If you’re already a pool customer looking to jazz up your space, visit any of our five locations or give us a call to discuss your options. We’ll guide you to exactly where you need to go.
