Summer is all about ice-cold drinks and backyard barbecues with the family. But when the heat of Texas summer kicks in, there’s nothing quite like splashing into your own pool to cool off.
From diving boards and sun decks to steamy spas and gorgeous water features, the average pool in Southlake looks much different from 20 years ago. Today’s pools feature a wide variety of exciting amenities that transform your backyard into your own personal oasis.
“You’re talking travertine stone. You’re talking top-of-the-line cascades and waterfalls. You’re talking spa jets, heaters, motors and silky smooth walls. Things are a little bit outside of the norm for swimming pools right now,” says Steven Fultz, whose company Metroplex Pools has been building area pools for over 10 years.
But it isn’t just the features that are changing — it’s also the appearance. As an established pool builder for nearly 20 years, Platinum Pools president Adrian Griffee says earthy tones are becoming more popular to match the style and splendor of luxury homes and their outdoor environments.
“The earthy porcelain is beautiful but not flashy, blending with its environment and letting the lush greens and blues pop without being overwhelming,” Adrian says. “The minor details speak volumes.”
Charlie Claffey of Claffey Pools sees this shift as well. Building luxury pools in the area for over 35 years, he sees projects shifting towards more movement, naturalistic colors and an organic aesthetic that breathes life into their designs.
“We have discovered that less is often better, and we strive to create light, airy and fresh projects,” Charlie says. “Modern and simple aesthetics are more prevalent in our current design trends compared to the past.”
With over 800,000 residential pools and growing, Texas continues to be one of the nation’s hottest markets for the pool industry, and it isn’t hard to see why. From award-winning luxury pool builders to family-owned and operated businesses, there are several skilled area professionals who know how to personalize your pool and make it feel unique to you.
Have A Seat
The spa isn’t the only place to relax in the pool. Thanks to ledge lounger seats, you can work on your tan while dipping into the pool at the same time. Simply position them at the shallow end of your pool, and you’re ready to lean back and bask in the sun while your feet wade in the water. Umbrellas can be hoisted to provide extra comfort and shade as well.
On The Edge
Gone are the days of simple in-ground oval-shaped pools. With more and more homeowners making use of their outdoor spaces, there’s a preference for customized looks that bring more style to their spaces. Many pool builders find their customers are investing in additional water features to make their pools feel even more exotic. Negative edges, or infinity pools, provide a seamless blend with the environments around them, while waterfalls and fountains create an even more refreshing ambiance. And if bubbles bring you joy, then there’s no limit to how much fun underwater jets will bring to your swim session.
Slip And Slide
The only thing kids love more than diving into a pool is sliding into it — that’s why more pool projects are incorporating slides into their designs. Equipped with their own spray nozzles, waterslides allow children — and the child in you — to find a new level of excitement splashing into the water. With some designs including their own waterfalls and zip lines, adding a waterslide can make your pool feel like a personal waterpark.
Spa Treatment
Swimming is fun, but sometimes you just need to unwind in the warm waters of a spa. Ranging between 90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, spa temperatures can be adjusted to your liking depending on the season. Further complementing the overall design, spas can come either flush and level with the rest of the pool or be raised for higher elevation and a better view. Plus extra turf can be installed to provide a spot to dry off before you go inside.
Night Lights
When the sun goes down, that doesn’t mean pool time has to end. Thanks to smartphone apps that offer convenience with just the push of a button, you can illuminate your pool at nighttime with underwater luminescent bulbs that bring a whole new mood to swim time. If you’re looking to heat things up, these apps can light up custom fire pits and bowls as well to make sure your summer stays hot even at night.