What Fantastic Pool Features Can a Custom Inground Pool Builder Near Me Add?
When homeowners start planning a custom inground pool, they usually begin with the shape, size, and finish. Then comes the fun part: choosing the features that make the project feel personal. A great inground pool builder near me, like Burton Pools & Spas, can do far more than basic inground pool installation. The right team can help you create a custom pool with standout design details, easier maintenance, accessible fun, and more ways to enjoy your backyard pool area.
Quick Answer: What Can a Custom Inground Pool Builder Near Me Add to Make My Pool Better?
A custom inground pool builder near me can transform your pool into the centerpiece of your backyard. Consider these fun additions:
- Combo pools and spas with an integrated spa or spillover spa design
- A pool tanning ledge, pool baja shelf, or sunning deck
- Updated pool coping
- Pool bubbler features and deck jets
- A splash pad playground for young swimmers
- A grotto, pool rock waterfall, sheer descent, wall pool waterfall, or scupper
- Pool slides for inground pools
- Fire features like swimming pool fire bowls or a fire pit area
- Inground pool lights, such as white LED pool lights or multi-colored swimming pool lights
- A salt water pool system for saltwater chlorination
- Pool automation systems for pool automation convenience
- In-floor pool cleaning
- An automatic pool cover or pool safety cover
- Inground pool heaters like a heat pump or gas pool heater
- And more!
Do any of these sound like pool features you would love to add to your custom pool? Let’s explore further for more pool design inspiration.
Pool Water Features: Pool Waterfall, Scupper, Sheer Descent, and Deck Jets
One of the best ways to upgrade built in pools is with strong pool water features. A pool waterfall adds movement and sound, while a scupper or sheer descent waterfall creates a cleaner, more architectural look. Want a fountain for the pool? Deck jets for swimming pools bring energy and visual interest, and a pool fountain can give the water a more playful style.
These features work beautifully in gunite swimming pool projects, fiberglass inground pool designs, and even vinyl liner pools, depending on the layout and structure. If you want pools with waterfalls or exciting water features, a custom design gives you much more room to create something memorable.

LED Pool Lights and Inground Pool Lights for a Better Backyard Experience
Great pool lights change the look of a pool after sunset. LED pool lights help highlight steps, ledges, water movement, and spa areas while making the whole space feel more inviting. A well-placed pool light can turn a simple swim into an evening experience, especially when combined with a water feature or spa spillover.
Many homeowners ask about pool lights underwater, swimming pool lights, and inground pool lights because lighting adds both beauty and function. It is one of the easiest ways to make inground pools feel more complete.
Pool Automation Systems, Pool Heater Options, and Automatic Pool Cover Convenience
Today’s swimming pool automation tools make owning a pool much easier. A good pool automation system can help control temperature, lighting, filtration, and water features from one place. If your goal is convenience, this is one of the smartest upgrades to discuss with your local Burton Pools & Spas inground pool builders near me.
A pool heater or heat pump can also make a huge difference in how often you use your pool. From a Hayward® pool heater to a Pentair pool heater, there are leading options for homeowners who want a longer season and greater comfort. Pair that with what we call an automatic pool cover, retractable pool cover, or electric pool covers, and you get better heat retention, added safety, less chemical demand, and a cleaner pool.

Pool Tanning Ledge, Baja Shelf Pool Design, Bubblers, and Splash Pad Fun
A pool tanning ledge is one of the most requested features in modern custom inground pool design. Also called a baja shelf pool, pool ledge, or tanning ledge pool, this shallow area is ideal for lounging, placing chairs, or keeping little ones close by. Tanning ledges in pools also look beautiful when paired with a pool bubbler.
For families, a splash pad or small splash playground area can make the project even more fun. Homeowners looking for splash pads near me often love the idea of combining active play space with the elegance of a well-designed pool.
Salt Water Pool System, Integrated Spa, Grotto, Fire Bowls, and Pool Slides
A saltwater pool setup is another popular addition. Many homeowners like the softer feel of the water and the convenience of a salt water pool system. When you compare the benefits of a salt water pool with traditional systems, it is easy to see why so many new inground pools for sale now feature salt water pool sanitation options.
For a more dramatic finish, ask about an integrated spa, grotto waterfall pool, pool fire bowls, or a pool slide. A grotto pool waterfall creates a bold focal point, fire bowls add warmth and contrast, and a slide for pool use brings in more family fun.
These are the kinds of incredible upgrades that make pools with a slide and custom spa features stand out.
Start Planning Your Custom Pool Today with Burton Pools & Spas
The best inground pool builder, Burton Pools & Spas, will help you look beyond basic inground pool cost and think about long-term enjoyment. From gunite swimming pool construction to fiberglass built in pools, from vinyl pool designs to premium water features, the right swimming pool features and accessories can make all the difference.
If you are ready to explore inground pools near me, compare ideas for custom pool features, and talk through pool financing, now is the time to take the next step. Schedule your design consultation today at your nearest Burton location in Fort Smith, Springdale, Greenland/Fayetteville, Hot Springs, or Joplin, and let our experienced team help you create a pool with the style, comfort, and standout features you really want.
Burton Pools & Spas has been helping homeowners create inviting outdoor spaces since 1978. Recognized as an award-winning Top 50 Pool Builder, Burton proudly serves Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, and surrounding communities with custom pool construction, pool remodeling, and a wide range of backyard improvement solutions.
From new pool projects to pool renovation, spa selection, and dependable pool care, Burton Pools & Spas is known for delivering experienced guidance and high-quality results. Homeowners appreciate the commitment to smart design, solid craftsmanship, and service that keeps the customer’s goals front and center from start to finish.
If you are looking for ideas, inspiration, or helpful tips, visit the Burton Pools & Spas Knowledge Center for information on pool design, remodeling, and maintenance. You can also connect on Facebook or schedule a free consultation to begin planning your next outdoor project.