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

—See today’s take on key elements of gunite-pool style and configurations

The Mid-Century Modern swimming pool has come a long way. Inground designs from that era have changed over the decades and given way to more sophisticated contemporary looks.

Topics: pool layout, Design / Features, LED, infinity swimming pool, interior finish, custom pool design, swimming pool waterfalls, lighting, tanning ledges, swimming pool accessories, tropical pools

A tropical pool should feel relaxing, immersive, and connected to the surrounding backyard, not overcrowded with random features that compete for attention.

Topics: Design / Features, Beach entry pool, custom pool ideas, swimming pool waterfalls, natural entry pool, backyard design, tropical pools, lagoon pools

—Imagine the benefits a custom inground design can bring

Many products claim to change your life, very few even come close. Swimming pools and spas are among those that actually often do.

Topics: Backyard Additions, outdoor kitchens, swimming pool plans, healthy lifestyle, aquatic fitness, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, gunite spa, tanning ledges, Backyard Entertaining, Health & Lifestyle