—Decorative and functional options trending on new gunite pools & spas 

Most of the design trends you see today in contemporary swimming pools have developed over the last several years, steadily gaining momentum among pool contractors and their customers.

Topics: Backyard Additions, Design / Features, swimming pool plans, inground spa, Gunite pool construction, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, swimming pool waterfalls, tanning ledges

—Overview of package pools and their key components

 So what exactly is a vinyl liner pool? Let’s look at the chief components that comprise this inground vessel that’s also known as a kit pool and package pool.

Topics: pool construction, swimming pools, steel walls, vinyl liner, package pools

—A basic overview of coping purposes, why it matters, and your material options

When planning a new gunite swimming pool or remodeling an existing one, one choice you’ll make is the type of coping to trim the pool & spa perimeter.

Topics: Design / Features, Gunite pool construction, swimming pool remodeling, pool photos, pool decking, decking

Rock waterfalls and grottos are beautiful, but they're not right for every backyard. If you want something sleeker, more contemporary, or just different, you have a lot of options.

These 10 swimming pool water features range from affordable deck jets to high-end rain curtains, and each one adds movement, sound, and visual interest in a way a static pool simply can't match. Here's what each one looks like and which style might suit yours.

Topics: custom spas, Design / Features, swimming pool photos, swimming pool plans, LED, infinity swimming pool, negative-edge pool, Buyer Tips, custom pool ideas, swimming pool waterfalls, lighting, tanning ledges

How rock waterfall pool slides are built, your design options, and what to know before adding one to your pool.

If you're designing a lagoon-style or resort-style pool, a rock waterfall slide is one of the biggest “wow-factor” upgrades you can add.

But it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Costs, construction methods, design tradeoffs, and safety considerations all vary more than most homeowners expect.

This guide breaks down exactly how rock waterfall slides are built, what options matter most, and what to think through before adding one to your pool.

Topics: Backyard Additions, pool layout, Design / Features, swimming pool photos, swimming pool plans, swimming pool waterfalls, pool deck, lagoon pools

—Dark swimming pools and the common risks that accompany them 

Let’s call a spade a spade: Black-bottom swimming pools come with an array of perils.

Ask someone who chose black pool plaster for their backyard resort about their experience.

Topics: pool plaster, plaster, interior finish, Buyer Tips, custom pool ideas, sanitizer, water maintenance, Purification, Maintenance, tropical pools

 

If your kids are spending more time at the neighbor's house than yours, your pool might be missing something.

The good news: you don't need a waterpark budget to build a backyard your family actually wants to use. Whether you're planning a new pool or thinking about a remodel, these seven features make a real difference for kids and teens.

Topics: Design / Features, pool construction, swimming pool remodeling, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, tanning ledges, Games & Activities, Owner/Lifestyle, children