Hanging out by the pool is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a warm day. The water’s there when you want to cool off, and there’s room to relax, play, or just be outside. But what really makes it fun is how the space comes together. When a pool is built with the right extras, it turns into much more than just a place to swim.

Custom pools give us room to create something that works for the way you use your backyard. Whether that means making it more fun for kids, more comfortable for adults, or ready for evening hangouts, it’s all about the details. Below are a few pool features that bring that hangout energy without overcomplicating things.

Shade That Lets You Stay Out Longer

Hot days are great, but no one wants to bake in the sun all afternoon. A little shade makes all the difference. By adding simple features that block the sun just enough, you keep people outside longer and make the space feel more inviting.

• Built-in umbrellas and pergolas provide soft cover where it’s needed most and help define quiet spots to sit
• Tanning shelves with shade options let people stay cool without leaving the water
• Covered areas create breaks in the heat, which helps avoid running back inside for relief

These features work with the layout of the yard and make it easier to share the space. Not everyone wants full sun all day, and including a few shaded areas means the pool fits more people’s comfort levels without changing the whole design.

Places to Sit, Snack, and Chill

Not everyone in the backyard is swimming every minute. Gathering spots around or even inside the pool give people a reason to stay close and stay part of the fun. It doesn’t take much to make space for relaxing feel more useful.

• Underwater benches and edge seating keep people included, even when they’re not in the middle of the pool
• In-pool stools near a shallow ledge can serve as both seating and a place to pause between dips
• Adding a nearby shelf or ledge for drinks or snacks makes the space feel more like an outdoor living room

The goal is to make the backyard feel like somewhere people want to hang out, not just pass through. Seating helps do that by giving everyone a place to be, no matter their pool preferences.

Features That Keep the Kids Entertained

If younger kids are around, designing with their needs in mind makes pool days easier and more fun for everyone. Fun features built into the pool make it more than just a swim zone. They add safe spaces to explore and play without needing extra supervision.

• Splash pads and bubblers are great for smaller children who want to be part of the action at their own pace
• Shallow platforms near the edge give kids their own zone without getting in the way of deeper water use
• Waterfalls and small slides add energy to the pool while staying compact and easy to maintain

Custom pools can include these playful elements without taking over the whole space. It’s all about balance, adding features that are fun but don’t dominate the layout when the grownups are around.

Lighting That Makes Pool Time Last After Sunset

Longer hangouts often stretch into the evenings, especially when the weather is nice. Lighting helps the party keep going after the sun goes down, and it does more than just look good.

• Soft underwater lights make it easier to see where you’re going while keeping things comfy and low-key
• LED lights along the deck or around the edges of the pool add safety without spoiling the mood
• Color-changing lights let you mix it up for holidays, dinners, or quiet nights

Lighting sets the pace for how the pool feels after dark. It can be bright enough to swim with friends or soft enough to relax on your own. It’s one of those features that doesn’t take up space but makes a big difference in how often you use the pool.

Music, Fire, and Other Backyard Boosts

Some simple final touches make the space feel less like a pool area and more like a full backyard getaway. These are the features that don’t need to be big or bold, but they tie the whole setup together for a better experience.

• Built-in speakers or weather-ready sound systems let you play music without dragging out electronics
• Fire bowls, torches, or small pits around the pool bring instant warmth to cooler evenings
• These details pull everything together so the yard stays usable even when you’re not in the water

When these elements are planned with everything else, they help the pool become a space that works day and night. And while they don’t take up much room, they’re the things people remember.

Transform your backyard into a vibrant oasis with the help of Artesian Pools and Spas. As a leading custom swimming pool builder, we specialize in seamlessly integrating shade, lighting, and seating options to maximize your pool’s potential. Let us design a space that caters to your lifestyle, ensuring every moment spent poolside is relaxing and enjoyable. Contact us today to get started on crafting the perfect outdoor retreat for you and your family.