Inground Pool and Fire Pit Designs for a Luxurious Backyard in Fort Worth, TX and Benbrook, TX
There’s something undeniably magical about a backyard that combines the cool serenity of an inground pool with the warm, flickering glow of a fire pit. Whether you're floating under the Texas stars or gathering with friends for a night by the fire, these features create a backyard experience that feels straight out of a high-end resort. If you're looking for expert inground pool and fire pit designs in Fort Worth, TX, and Benbrook, TX, you’re in the right place.
Related: 5 Custom Pavilion Designs for Stylish Outdoor Living in Southlake and Grapevine, TX
Can You Have a Fire Pit Next to a Pool?
A well-placed fire pit can transform your outdoor space into an inviting retreat, blending warmth with the cool tranquility of a pool. But placement is key. It should be close enough to create a cozy atmosphere but not so close that guests feel overheated while drying off.
Strategic Placement for Comfort and Safety
In Fort Worth and Benbrook, where hot summers lead into breezy evenings, a fire pit near the pool extends your outdoor season. A landscape designer will carefully assess the layout, wind direction, and spacing to ensure the fire pit enhances—not disrupts—the flow of your space. Fire pits are often placed at the edge of the pool deck or in a nearby seating area, providing warmth without making the poolside experience uncomfortable.
Wind patterns play a role in placement, and designers may incorporate built-in windscreens or partial enclosures to control smoke. Proper positioning also ensures an effortless transition between the pool and the fire pit area, making the space feel both functional and inviting.
Choosing the Right Fire Pit Style
Your fire pit should complement the overall backyard design while offering a functional gathering spot.Built-in fire pits integrate seamlessly into the patio, using materials that match the pool deck. These create a permanent, custom look that enhances the overall aesthetic. Gas-powered fire bowls deliver a sleek, resort-style effect, often placed on pillars at the pool’s edge for an elegant, modern feel. Outdoor fireplaces make a bold statement and serve as a natural gathering space for cooler Texas evenings. They work well in more structured seating areas adjacent to the pool.
Best Materials for Fire Pits in Texas
The Texas climate requires materials that can withstand heat, shifting soil, and occasional cold snaps. Natural stone, such as limestone or travertine, provides durability and a high-end appearance while resisting heat damage. Brick offers a classic, warm aesthetic and holds up well in fluctuating temperatures. Concrete pavers work for a more modern look and are heat-resistant, making them a good fit for structured patios.
Seamless Integration with the Pool and Patio
A professional landscape designer will ensure that the fire pit integrates naturally with the surrounding patio, pool decking, and seating areas. Built-in benches, seating walls, and strategically placed lighting enhance the ambiance and functionality of the space.
In Fort Worth and Benbrook, a well-designed inground pool and fire pit create an outdoor experience that feels like a private resort. With expert planning and high-quality materials, homeowners can enjoy a backyard that is both beautiful and practical, perfect for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining year-round.
What Is the Best Base for a Fire Pit?
Texas soil shifts—there’s no getting around it. That’s why the foundation of your fire pit matters just as much as the design. Without the right base, settling and cracks can occur over time, especially with the temperature fluctuations and clay-heavy soil in Fort Worth and Benbrook. A properly installed foundation ensures long-term stability, efficient drainage, and a polished look that enhances your entire outdoor space.
The Right Base for a Wood-Burning Fire Pit
A wood-burning fire pit needs a solid, well-draining base to keep it level and functional. A compacted layer of gravel or sand prevents shifting while allowing rainwater to drain properly, so water doesn’t collect at the bottom. Some designs incorporate fire-resistant pavers as the base, adding extra durability and preventing embers from reaching surrounding materials.
The Right Base for a Gas Fire Pit
A gas-powered fire pit requires more than just a stable foundation—it needs professionally installed underground gas lines and proper ventilation to ensure safety. The base should be made from heat-resistant materials that won’t crack under direct flames or shifting temperatures. Since gas fire pits don’t produce embers, they allow for a wider range of materials around them, making it easier to integrate into a luxury patio design.
Best Materials for Surrounding the Fire Pit
In Fort Worth and Benbrook, the intense heat of summer makes material selection crucial. Flagstone, travertine, and limestone are ideal choices because they stay cool underfoot while blending seamlessly with high-end poolscapes. These materials not only provide a polished, elegant appearance but also withstand shifting soil conditions and seasonal temperature changes. A landscape designer will ensure the right combination of base materials and surrounding elements to create a fire pit that is both visually stunning and built to last.
How Much Patio Do You Need Around a Pool?
A pool without the right patio space is like a luxury car without a comfortable interior—it just doesn’t work. The patio is what transforms a pool into a complete outdoor living space, providing room to relax, entertain, and move comfortably. The key is balancing aesthetics with functionality so that every inch of your backyard is designed for effortless enjoyment.
Minimum Clearance for Walkways and Movement
At the very least, you need five feet of patio space around the pool to allow for safe and easy movement. This ensures that guests can walk around comfortably without feeling cramped or too close to the water’s edge. A professional landscape designer will also account for safety regulations and proper spacing to prevent crowding in high-traffic areas.
Space for Lounging and Outdoor Dining
If you plan to include chaise lounges, umbrellas, or a dining area, the patio should extend eight to ten feet beyond the pool’s edge. This extra space allows for relaxation without feeling overcrowded. A well-planned design ensures that sunbathing areas have the right exposure to sunlight while also incorporating shaded zones, such as a pergola or covered seating area, for relief from the Texas heat.
Creating Separation for a Fire Pit Area
When incorporating a fire pit into the patio design, at least ten feet of separation from the pool helps create distinct zones while maintaining a seamless flow. This spacing allows for a comfortable transition between the fire feature and the pool while ensuring the heat doesn’t become overwhelming for swimmers. Designers will often use seating walls, built-in benches, or subtle elevation changes to define the fire pit area without disrupting the backyard’s open feel.
Selecting the Best Patio Materials for Texas Heat
The Fort Worth and Benbrook climate demands patio materials that stay cool underfoot while holding up to temperature fluctuations. Travertine, natural stone, and high-end concrete pavers are excellent choices, as they reflect heat and maintain a comfortable surface. A professional patio installation ensures proper grading and drainage, preventing water from pooling near the pool’s edge and reducing the risk of slippery surfaces.
What Is a Nice Size Inground Pool?
Luxury isn’t just about size—it’s about proportion and usability. A pool that’s too small for entertaining will feel cramped, while an oversized pool in a smaller yard can overwhelm the space. The goal is to create a balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring your pool enhances the way you use your backyard.
Ideal Pool Sizes for Different Lifestyles
A 12’ x 24’ or 14’ x 28’ pool is perfect for intimate gatherings and relaxation. If you envision peaceful mornings with a coffee by the water or a quiet evening swim under the stars, this size offers just enough space for lounging.
A 16’ x 32’ pool is ideal for families and homeowners who love to entertain. This size provides plenty of room for swimming, playing, and sunbathing without taking up the entire backyard. It’s a great option for hosting summer parties while still allowing space for patio seating and other landscape features.
A 20’ x 40’ pool delivers a resort-style experience. If your backyard has the space, this size allows for luxury additions like tanning ledges, swim-up bars, and integrated water features. It also accommodates multiple guests without feeling crowded, making it an excellent choice for those who want a backyard designed for entertaining on a grand scale.
Design Considerations for Fort Worth and Benbrook
The Fort Worth and Benbrook climate plays a role in pool placement and usability. A professional designer will position the pool to maximize sunlight throughout the day while incorporating shade structures like pergolas or covered patios for relief from the Texas heat. Wind direction is also a factor—strategic placement ensures that breezes don’t create chilly water conditions or cause excessive evaporation.
What Shape of Inground Pool Is Best?
Your pool’s shape sets the entire mood and functionality of your backyard. The best choice depends on your style, the available space, and how you plan to use the pool. A well-designed pool shape enhances the natural flow of the backyard, integrating seamlessly with patios, fire pits, and surrounding landscape features.
Rectangular Pools for a Classic Look
Rectangular pools are a timeless choice, known for their clean lines and structured design. They work well in modern and contemporary landscapes, offering a sleek, sophisticated look. This shape is also ideal for lap swimming and structured poolside seating areas. In a backyard with a geometric patio layout, a rectangular pool reinforces the design aesthetic while maximizing swimming space.
Freeform Pools for a Natural Feel
Freeform pools are designed to mimic natural bodies of water, creating a more relaxed, organic feel. With flowing curves and irregular edges, they blend effortlessly into lush landscaping, rock waterfalls, and tropical-inspired backyards. This shape is a great choice for homeowners who want their pool to feel like a hidden retreat rather than a structured design element.
L-Shaped Pools for Versatile Use
An L-shaped pool is perfect for separating different areas of the pool, such as a shallow lounge section and a deeper swimming zone. This layout is ideal for families who want to keep a play area separate from a more traditional swimming section. The design naturally creates distinct spaces within the pool, making it a smart option for multi-functional backyards.
Roman and Grecian Pools for Timeless Elegance
Roman and Grecian pools bring a refined, luxurious aesthetic to a backyard. Featuring curved corners and structured symmetry, these pools are inspired by classical architecture. They work well in homes with formal gardens, stone patios, and high-end outdoor features.
Elevating Your Pool Area With Luxury Features
A stunning inground pool and fire pit are just the beginning. The best backyards feel like an extension of your home, designed for relaxation, entertainment, and effortless enjoyment. Thoughtful additions like upgraded lighting, custom structures, and high-end materials create a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated.
Pool Remodeling for a Modern Upgrade
If your existing pool feels outdated or lacks the design elements you want, a professional pool remodeling service can transform the space. Adding features like LED lighting, sleek water features, and new decking materials instantly refreshes the aesthetic. Modern upgrades, such as sun shelves, built-in seating, and automated pool controls, enhance usability while maintaining a high-end appearance.
An Outdoor Fireplace for a Grand Focal Point
For homeowners who want something larger than a traditional fire pit, an outdoor fireplace creates a dramatic focal point. Positioned near a lounge or dining area, it adds warmth and ambiance to your backyard while defining a separate space for gathering and conversation. Whether made from natural stone, brick, or stucco, a fireplace adds a touch of elegance that complements the overall poolside design.
Water Features for a Resort-Like Experience
Waterfalls, sheer descents, and bubbling spas elevate the luxury of any pool. A cascading waterfall built into a stone wall creates a natural, tranquil atmosphere, while sleek sheer descent water features provide a modern, architectural look. Integrated spa areas allow for year-round enjoyment, offering a place to unwind after a long day. These features not only enhance aesthetics but also improve the overall sensory experience of the backyard.
Artificial Turf for a Low-Maintenance, Evergreen Look
Keeping grass pristine around a pool can be a challenge, especially in the Texas heat. Artificial turf provides a lush, green aesthetic without the upkeep of natural grass. It stays cool underfoot, eliminates the hassle of grass clippings in the pool, and creates a clean, polished look for lounging areas. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners who want a soft surface without the constant need for mowing and maintenance.
Pergola Installation for Shade and Architectural Charm
A custom-built pergola adds structure and sophistication to any poolside lounge or dining area. Whether placed over a seating space, an outdoor kitchen, or a tanning ledge, a pergola provides much-needed shade in Fort Worth and Benbrook’s hot summers. With options like retractable canopies, climbing vines, or integrated lighting, a pergola creates a stylish, functional retreat that enhances the overall backyard design.
About the Author
Michael Hillman started Hillman Outdoor Living as a high schooler over two decades ago. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to mow lawns for extra cash, which he did throughout college.
After college graduation, Hillman transitioned his business into a commercial property management company and pivoted again when he began offering primarily landscape design and build services. Today, Hillman operates with a team of dedicated and talented professionals providing exceptional service.
