Building a new pool is one of the most exciting investments a homeowner can make, and in Nashville, that excitement rarely stops at the water’s edge. Once homeowners begin working with experienced pool builders in Nashville, TN, they quickly discover that the pool itself is just the beginning. The surrounding backyard becomes a canvas for creating an outdoor living space that reflects their lifestyle, their family’s needs, and their long-term vision for the home.
Here are seven of the most popular features Nashville homeowners are adding alongside their new pools.
1. Water Features
Waterfalls, grottos, and deck jets consistently rank among the most requested additions to new pool projects. Beyond their visual appeal, water features add an ambient sound element that transforms a backyard into a true retreat. Whether it is a natural-looking rock waterfall or a sleek laminar jet, these features are most effective when planned during the initial design phase rather than added as an afterthought.
2. Outdoor Kitchens
Nashville homeowners love to entertain, and an outdoor kitchen makes poolside gatherings significantly more enjoyable. Built-in grills, refrigerators, prep counters, and bar seating allow hosts to stay connected with guests rather than retreating indoors. The key is thoughtful placement so that the kitchen complements the pool layout without crowding the space.
3. Fire Features
Fire pits and fire bowls have become a natural companion to pool environments. They extend the usability of the backyard into cooler evenings and provide a gathering point separate from the pool itself. Many homeowners opt for gas-powered fire features for convenience, while others prefer the traditional feel of a wood-burning pit. Either way, integrating fire features into the overall design plan ensures they feel intentional rather than incidental.
4. Pool Lighting
Underwater LED lighting and landscape lighting around the pool deck dramatically change how a backyard looks and functions after dark. Modern LED systems offer color-changing capabilities and can be controlled remotely, allowing homeowners to set the mood for any occasion. Proper lighting also improves safety around the pool perimeter, which is a practical benefit that goes hand in hand with the aesthetic appeal.
5. Tanning Ledges and Sun Shelves
A tanning ledge, sometimes called a Baja shelf or sun shelf, is a shallow platform built into the pool where homeowners can set lounge chairs partially submerged in water. This feature has grown significantly in popularity because it offers a relaxing option for those who want to stay cool without fully swimming. It is also a safe and enjoyable space for young children to splash in very shallow water under supervision.
6. Pergolas and Shade Structures
Nashville summers are warm, and shade is a genuine necessity for comfortable outdoor living. Pergolas, shade sails, and covered patio structures are frequently added alongside new pools to provide relief from direct sun exposure. A well-placed pergola can also define separate zones in the backyard, creating a natural transition between the pool area and outdoor dining or lounge spaces.
7. Automation and Smart Pool Technology
Modern pool systems can be integrated with smart home technology to allow homeowners to control lighting, temperature, water features, and filtration schedules from a smartphone or tablet. Automation adds convenience and can contribute to more efficient energy use over time. For homeowners investing in a comprehensive backyard design, automation is often the finishing touch that ties everything together seamlessly.
Planning Your Nashville Pool Project
The features listed above are most successful when they are considered as part of a unified design from the very beginning. Retrofitting features after construction is completed is possible, but it is almost always more costly and disruptive than incorporating them into the original plan. Working with pool builders in Nashville, TN who use 3D and virtual reality design tools allows homeowners to visualize the full backyard before a single shovel breaks ground, which leads to better decisions and fewer surprises along the way.
Inground Pool Design has been helping homeowners bring their backyard visions to life since 2003, with a collaborative process built around clear communication, thoughtful planning, and long-term support after project completion.
Ready to start designing your dream backyard? Contact the Inground Pool Design team today to begin the conversation about your new pool and the features that will make it truly yours.
Inground Pool Design proudly serves homeowners in Atlanta, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Nashville.