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A renovation is the best time to make the pool fit the way you actually use it. Most of the features below can be added while the pool is drained for resurfacing, which saves a lot compared with adding them later.

Some are about comfort (a shallow shelf to lounge on), some about atmosphere (water sound, fire, light at night), and some about everyday convenience. We’ll help you pick the few that give you the most enjoyment for the budget.

Sun shelves & tanning ledges

A sun shelf (also called a Baja shelf or tanning ledge) is a wide, shallow platform, typically 6–12 inches deep, built into the pool. It’s the most-used spot in many Florida pools. Set loungers right in the water, give little ones a safe splash zone, or just sit and cool off with a drink.

Popular in-pool features

• Tanning ledge with in-water loungers or an umbrella sleeve
• Kids’ play zone: a shallow, gradual entry for supervised play
• Swim-up counter or bar seating
• Benches with jets for a spa-like seat in the main pool
• Steps: wide entry steps, wedding-cake steps or in-wall benches

Water features

• Bubblers on the sun shelf: playful, kid-friendly, great sound
• Sheer descents and scuppers: clean sheets of water from a raised wall
• Deck jets / laminars: arcs of water across the pool, lit at night
• Rock waterfalls and grottos for a natural, tropical look
• Spa spillovers that cascade into the main pool

Moving water also helps mask road and neighbor noise and adds a little circulation and cooling.

Fire features

• Fire bowls on raised walls or pillars, often paired with water for a fire-and-water look
• Fire pits and fire tables as a gathering spot on the deck
• Linear fire troughs for a modern, architectural look

Gas-fed fire features are clean and easy to use. We plan gas lines, ignition and placement for safety, clear of loungers, overhangs and screen.

Lighting & automation

Color-changing LED pool and spa lights, lit water features, and landscape and step lighting make the pool usable and safe after dark. That’s when most Florida families actually swim in summer. Add automation, and lights, heater, pumps and features run from your phone.

Pool furniture

Furniture is the finishing layer. Look for frames and fabrics made for sun, chlorine and salt: powder-coated aluminum, marine-grade polymer, all-weather wicker and solution-dyed fabrics. Plan the layout before you buy. Leave clear walkways around the water, keep heavier pieces off the coping, and choose in-water loungers that are rated for your shelf depth. We supply and set pool furniture so the whole space comes together.

How we do it

1. PlanWe talk about how you use the pool and pick the features that matter most.
2. DesignLocations, plumbing, gas and electrical are planned together, ideally alongside resurfacing.
3. BuildShelves, benches and features are built before the new finish goes on.
4. Finish & demoWe start everything up and show you how to run it.

Frequently asked questions