10 Pool Features Utah Homeowners Never Regret Adding
The Upgrades That Add More Enjoyment, Better Functionality, and Long-Term Value
Installing a new swimming pool is one of the biggest investments you can make in your backyard. While choosing the pool shape and finish gets most of the attention, it's often the extra features that turn a beautiful pool into a space your family uses every day.
At Summit Pools, we've helped homeowners throughout Utah design custom pools that fit their lifestyle—not just today, but for years to come. While trends come and go, there are certain pool features our customers consistently tell us they are glad they added.
If you're planning a new pool, here are ten upgrades Utah homeowners rarely regret.
1. Automatic Pool Covers
An automatic pool cover is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Utah's climate brings hot summers, cool nights, wind, and plenty of evaporation. An automatic cover helps by:
Reducing water evaporation
Keeping debris out
Lowering heating costs
Improving safety for children and pets
Reducing chemical usage
Many homeowners say this is the feature that makes pool ownership dramatically easier because it only takes seconds to cover or uncover the pool.
2. Baja Shelves (Sun Shelves)
A Baja shelf is the shallow ledge located just below the water's surface.
They're perfect for:
Young children
Relaxing in lounge chairs
Cooling off without swimming
Pets
Reading or sunbathing
It's one of the most-used areas of many pools because everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—can enjoy it comfortably.
3. Integrated Spa
Instead of building a separate hot tub later, many Utah homeowners choose to integrate a spa directly into the pool design.
Benefits include:
Year-round relaxation
Therapeutic hydrotherapy
Increased property appeal
Matching finishes and design
Shared equipment systems
Since Utah winters can be cold, an attached spa often extends enjoyment long after pool season ends.
4. LED Pool Lighting
Modern LED lighting completely changes how your backyard looks after sunset.
Benefits include:
Evening swimming
Enhanced safety
Energy efficiency
Custom color options
Beautiful nighttime ambiance
Whether you're entertaining friends or relaxing after work, lighting transforms the pool into the centerpiece of your backyard.
5. Water Features
Moving water instantly creates a luxury feel.
Popular options include:
Sheer descent waterfalls
Bubblers
Deck jets
Rock waterfalls
Rain curtains
Besides looking beautiful, water features help mask neighborhood noise and create a peaceful outdoor environment.
6. Pool Automation Systems
Today's smart pools can be controlled from your smartphone.
Automation allows you to:
Adjust water temperature
Turn lights on or off
Control waterfalls
Schedule cleaning cycles
Monitor equipment
Control spa settings remotely
Imagine heating your spa on the drive home from work so it's ready when you arrive.
7. Saltwater Pool Systems
Many homeowners prefer saltwater systems over traditional chlorine pools.
Advantages include:
Softer-feeling water
Less chlorine odor
Reduced eye irritation
Lower ongoing maintenance
More consistent sanitation
Contrary to popular belief, saltwater pools are not chlorine-free—they simply generate chlorine automatically, making maintenance easier.
8. Built-In Fire Features
Fire and water create one of the most striking combinations in outdoor design.
Popular choices include:
Fire bowls
Fire pits
Outdoor fireplaces
Linear fire features
Not only do they create a luxury appearance, but they also extend backyard use into Utah's cooler evenings during spring and fall.
9. Built-In Seating and Swim-Up Benches
One of the simplest upgrades often becomes one of the favorites.
Built-in benches provide:
Conversation areas
Relaxation spots
Extra seating during parties
Easy access for older adults
Comfortable places to cool off
Instead of standing around the pool, guests naturally gather in these built-in spaces.
10. Complete Outdoor Living Spaces
The best pools don't stand alone.
Many Utah homeowners combine their new pool with:
Outdoor kitchens
Covered patios
Pergolas
Landscape lighting
Dining areas
Built-in grills
Outdoor televisions
Creating a complete outdoor living space means your backyard becomes an extension of your home rather than simply a place to swim.
Which Features Add the Most Value?
While every family is different, these upgrades consistently provide the highest satisfaction:
✅ Automatic pool cover
✅ Integrated spa
✅ LED lighting
✅ Pool automation
✅ Baja shelf
These features improve convenience, increase enjoyment, and often add perceived value should you decide to sell your home in the future.
Planning Your Pool Around Your Lifestyle
The best pool isn't necessarily the biggest or the most expensive—it's the one designed around how your family will actually use it.
Ask yourself:
Will we entertain often?
Do we have young children?
Will we use the spa in winter?
How much maintenance do we want?
Do we enjoy relaxing more than swimming laps?
Answering these questions early helps prioritize the features that will matter most to you.
Why Utah Homeowners Choose Summit Pools
At Summit Pools, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all designs. Every backyard, family, and lifestyle 2`is different, which is why we work closely with homeowners to create custom pools that are as functional as they are beautiful.
From luxury spas and smart automation to stunning water features and complete outdoor living spaces, our team helps you select upgrades you'll enjoy for years to come—not just the latest trends.
Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful retreat or the ultimate backyard for entertaining, we're here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to Build the Backyard You've Always Wanted?
If you're considering a custom pool in Utah, the experienced team at Summit Pools can help you design a backyard that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your long-term goals.
Contact Summit Pools today to schedule your consultation and discover which pool features will make your dream backyard one you'll never regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Automatic pool covers, integrated spas, LED lighting, and smart automation are among the most appreciated upgrades because they improve convenience, reduce maintenance, and enhance the overall pool experience.
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For many Utah homeowners, yes. They help reduce evaporation, retain heat, improve safety, lower chemical use, and keep debris out of the pool, making ownership much easier.
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Saltwater pools still use chlorine, but they generate it automatically through a salt chlorinator. Many homeowners prefer the softer-feeling water and the reduced need for manual chemical adjustments.
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Baja shelves, automatic safety covers, built-in benches, LED lighting, and integrated spas are all popular choices that improve safety, comfort, and usability for families.
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Some upgrades, like automation and certain lighting systems, can often be added later. However, features such as Baja shelves, integrated spas, and automatic cover systems are generally more cost-effective when included during the initial pool construction.
