Luxury Pool Upgrades That Add Value To Your Home
When you’re planning a new pool or looking at ways to improve the one you already have, it’s easy to get pulled into the visuals. The way it looks matters. But if you’re putting serious money into a project like this, you also want it to work well, last a long time, and ideally, boost your home’s value while it's at it.
Some upgrades check all those boxes. Others seem exciting at first but fade quickly or add more work than they’re worth. The ones that make this list do more than look good. They improve how the space functions and how people use it, now and later.
Integrated Spa or Hot Tub
A spa is one of the simplest ways to extend how much you get out of a pool. It gives you a place to relax year-round and adds a distinct zone to your backyard that feels different from the pool itself.
The design is what makes the difference. A spa that’s built into the plan from the start will always look better and feel more natural than one added at the last minute. When it’s done right, it feels like part of the space, not a separate piece. And if resale value matters to you, it’s one of the easier upgrades to justify down the line.
Baja Shelf (Sun Shelf)
A Baja shelf is a shallow area in the pool, just deep enough for lounging in a chair or sitting in the water. It’s simple, but it changes how people use the pool. You can keep an eye on kids without getting all the way in, take a break without leaving the water, or just stay cool on a hot day.
It doesn’t require a huge footprint, and it can often be added to existing pools during a remodel. It’s low-maintenance, easy to enjoy, and adds a resort-style touch that people notice right away.
Fire and Water Features
These do more than make a statement. The right fire or water feature can change the whole mood of the space.
Moving water adds sound and movement. It helps with privacy and gives the backyard a more calming, finished feel. Fire features pull the eye and make the space feel warmer after dark. They're not just for looks, either. They encourage people to stay outside longer and use the space more often.
They take planning. You need to think about placement, gas lines, and how the features connect visually. But if they’re part of the plan from the start, they add a lot.
Premium Lighting
Lighting affects when and how the pool gets used. With a good setup, the pool becomes just as usable at night as it is during the day.
LED systems today are customizable, efficient, and long-lasting. You can change colors, set timers, and control everything from a phone. It’s not just about seeing where you're going. It’s about creating the kind of space people want to spend time in, even after the sun goes down.
If you’re building new or remodeling, this is one of the easiest upgrades to undervalue, but it makes a big difference.
High-End Materials and Finishes
Finishes matter more than most people think. They affect how the pool looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it takes over time.
Materials like pebble or quartz plaster don’t just look better. They hold up longer, resist staining, and keep the surface in better shape for years. The same goes for tile, stone coping, and decking. Natural materials not only age well, but they’re also less likely to fall out of style.
These upgrades do cost more upfront. But they tend to save money later and reduce the odds you’ll be redoing the work anytime soon.
Smart Pool Automation
Automation is one of those upgrades that people don’t realize they’ll appreciate until they’ve used it for a season.
Controlling lights, temperature, pumps, and even cleaning systems from your phone saves time. It also keeps the pool running better when you’re not around to check on things. If you're someone who travels, has a second home, or just doesn’t want to micromanage pool care, this makes day-to-day maintenance easier and more reliable.
It also lines up with what buyers expect in a modern home. A pool that’s easy to manage is more appealing, especially at the higher end of the market.
Custom Hardscaping and Outdoor Integration
A well-designed pool isn’t just about the water. It’s about how the entire space around it functions.
This could mean a spa placed where it’s shaded in the afternoon, lighting that highlights specific areas without creating glare, or even decking that flows naturally into a dining or lounge area. These aren’t flashy features on their own. But they work together to make the pool feel like it belongs in the space, not just something that was dropped into the yard.
If you're already planning a build or remodel, this kind of integration is where a lot of the real long-term value comes from.
Bring Your Vision to Life
At Element Pools & Spas, the focus is on building pools that actually fit your life, not just your property. That means helping you choose upgrades that matter, and designing the whole space with long-term use in mind.
If you’re in the following locations, reach out today to start a conversation about your custom pool design.
You’ll get a team that takes the full picture into account. If you're starting fresh or planning a full remodel, it’s worth talking through your options before you make the call.