Why Water Features Are Essential in Your Pool Remodeling Project in Southlake and Keller, TX
A pool remodel sets the tone for the entire backyard. The right design brings movement, sound, and atmosphere, making the space feel complete. Pool remodeling and water features in Southlake, TX & Keller, TX take an outdoor setup to the next level with waterfalls, deck jets, and bubblers that create a polished, high-end look. These features add energy and elegance, making the pool an inviting centerpiece for relaxing and entertaining. It’s about building a space people want to be in.
Related: Inground Pool and Fire Pit Designs for a Luxurious Backyard in Fort Worth, TX and Benbrook, TX
A Pool That Catches the Eye
A pool with still water is predictable. It looks clean, reflects light, and does what it’s meant to do. But a pool with movement? That’s different. It shifts with the breeze, catches light in motion, and turns the entire backyard into something that feels designed with purpose.
Water features bring that energy. A sheer descent creates a perfect, uninterrupted flow, spilling like liquid glass into the pool. Deck jets send crisp arcs of water across the surface, catching the sunlight as they land. Bubblers on a tanning ledge ripple the water just enough to keep the surface alive. The effect is subtle but unmistakable.
The Right Details Make the Difference
Water changes the way a space feels. A sculpted rock waterfall draws attention to the far end of the pool, creating a natural focal point. A well-placed fountain adds vertical movement, giving the space more depth. Every choice shifts the energy, whether it’s a quiet trickle or a bold, dramatic cascade.
Some features are designed to stand out:
Sheer descents – Water falling in a clean, controlled sheet.
Deck jets – Elegant arcs of water that cut across the surface.
Rock waterfalls – A textured, sculptural feature that anchors the space.
Bubblers – Small bursts of water that add movement and sound.
Fountains – A centerpiece that draws attention and height.
Sound plays its part, too. The steady, controlled rush of a waterfall creates a sense of privacy, drowning out background noise. The bubbling from a ledge softens the space, adding a light, playful effect. The combination of sight and sound shifts the atmosphere, making the pool feel designed for more than just swimming.
A Space That Feels Alive
Movement transforms a pool into something that pulls people in. The way water spills over the edge of a rock formation, the way jets create ripples across the surface—it’s not just a pool. It’s the kind of place where guests instinctively gather, where the energy stays high, where every detail is there for a reason.
The right features don’t just add water to the space. They define it.
The Entertainer’s Advantage
A backyard built for hosting needs a pool that keeps the energy flowing. The right water features turn the space into the go-to spot for every gathering, where conversation happens in the water, not just around it. A swim-up bar keeps drinks within reach. A grotto adds a private, shaded retreat. A tanning ledge with bubblers turns lounging into part of the experience. These details don’t just add to the pool—they make it the center of everything.
Water Features Built for Hosting
The best party setups create movement, give guests a reason to stay in the water, and make the space feel effortless. Some details bring in sound and visual appeal, while others encourage people to stay longer.
Swim-up bars – No need to step out for a drink. The party stays in the water.
Grottos – A shaded escape built into the pool’s edge, perfect for cooling off.
Tanning ledges with bubblers – A shallow, built-in lounge space that feels exclusive.
Fountains – A dynamic focal point that adds a layer of movement.
Water walls – A sleek, modern feature that frames the space with cascading water.
Hosting works best when the setup does the work. A swim-up bar eliminates the back-and-forth between the kitchen and the pool deck. A tanning ledge keeps guests in the water without having to swim. A grotto makes the deep end more than just a place to float. Every feature pulls people in, keeping the energy high.
A Pool That Feels Like an Invitation
The sound of water changes the way a space feels. A gentle trickle from a fountain, the steady flow of a sheer descent, the bubbling of a ledge—these details make the entire backyard feel intentional. At night, lighting takes everything further, illuminating the water and making the space feel even more designed.
The best gatherings don’t need a reason. When a pool is built for hosting, people show up. The space works, the details stand out, and the pool isn’t just there—it’s the center of everything.
Outdoor Lighting That Transforms the Space
A pool’s presence shifts completely when the sun goes down. During the day, water features create movement, sound, and energy. At night, lighting takes over, setting the mood and making every detail stand out. A well-lit pool isn’t just easier to enjoy after dark—it becomes the focal point of the entire backyard.
Bringing the Pool to Life After Dark
Strategic lighting turns the pool into a statement piece, highlighting the flow of water and creating an entirely new atmosphere. Soft LED lights glow beneath the surface, making the water feel deeper and more inviting. Spotlights enhance waterfalls, deck jets, and fountains, turning them into sculptural elements. The right setup doesn’t just illuminate the pool—it gives the entire outdoor space a new level of presence.
Some features create an immediate impact:
Underwater LED lighting – A soft glow beneath the surface, making the water shimmer.
Waterfall lighting – Focused illumination that enhances movement.
Floating lights – A dynamic touch that shifts with the water.
Path and deck lighting – A polished way to guide movement around the pool.
Color-changing options – Adjustable tones for any mood or occasion.
Lighting That Works with Water Features
The best lighting setups work with the water, not just around it. A sheer descent catches the glow as it falls, creating a fluid, illuminated curtain. Bubblers on a tanning ledge sparkle at night, drawing the eye to the water’s edge. Fountains become even more striking when lit from below, their streams highlighted against the dark.
Every element plays a role in shaping the experience:
Deck jets catch the light mid-air, creating movement that stands out.
Rock waterfalls take on depth and texture when properly illuminated.
Soft perimeter lighting reflects off the surface, making the entire pool area feel expansive.
A Nighttime Atmosphere That Stays Unmatched
A well-lit pool isn’t just functional—it becomes an experience. The glow of water at night changes the way the backyard feels, whether it’s for a quiet evening outside or a full-scale event. The right lighting setup turns the pool into the centerpiece of the space, keeping the energy going long after the sun sets.
Related: 5 Custom Pavilion Designs for Stylish Outdoor Living in Southlake and Grapevine, TX
The Details That Complete the Pool Area
A pool remodel isn’t just about the water—it’s about the entire outdoor space. The right features pull everything together, making the area feel intentional, polished, and built for more than just swimming. From custom patios to fire elements, these details shape the experience, creating a space that looks as good as it feels.
Patios and Walkways That Set the Scene
The pool may be the centerpiece, but the surrounding patios define the flow of the space. A well-designed patio creates the perfect place to lounge, dine, and entertain, while walkways connect key areas of the backyard with seamless transitions.
Natural stone patios – A textured, high-end finish that complements the pool’s design.
Paver walkways – A structured, stylish way to move through the space.
Integrated seating areas – Benches and low walls that blend into the area.
Fire Features That Balance the Elements
Water brings movement, but fire adds contrast and warmth. A built-in fire feature near the pool creates an atmosphere that extends beyond the water, keeping the backyard just as inviting after the sun goes down.
Fire bowls – A dramatic, sculptural element that pairs perfectly with modern pools.
Fire pits – A natural gathering point that keeps guests outside long into the evening.
Outdoor fireplaces – A focal point that anchors a lounge area near the water.
Outdoor Kitchens and Bars for Effortless Entertaining
The best pool areas keep everything within reach. An outdoor kitchen or built-in bar eliminates the need to step inside, making hosting seamless. Whether it’s a full cooking setup or a simple bar area for drinks and appetizers, these elements bring function to the space.
Grill islands – A full outdoor kitchen setup ready for any gathering.
Built-in bar seating – The perfect place to enjoy a drink while staying connected to the action.
Under-counter refrigerators – Easy access to cold drinks without leaving the poolside.
A Pool Area Designed for Every Moment
Water features bring movement and energy, but the full experience comes from the space around them. Thoughtful design makes every area feel connected, creating a backyard that’s built for both entertaining and everyday enjoyment.
Landscaping That Complements the Pool
A well-designed pool isn’t just about the water. The surrounding landscaping shapes the experience, making the space feel private, polished, and connected to the environment. Thoughtful greenery and strategic placement of plants transform a pool area into something that feels natural and inviting.
Privacy and Shade
The right landscaping creates separation, keeping the pool area feeling exclusive without the need for fences or barriers. Tall hedges, layered plantings, and carefully placed trees frame the space while blocking unwanted views. Pergolas and trellises add structured shade, balancing light and privacy in a way that feels intentional.
Evergreen hedges – Year-round privacy without the need for walls.
Tall ornamental grasses – A modern, breezy way to create a soft barrier.
Pergolas with climbing vines – A shaded retreat that blends into the space.
Tropical vs. Modern Landscaping
Plant selection changes the entire aesthetic. A tropical pool setup leans into lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and oversized palms, creating a resort-like atmosphere. A modern approach uses structured planters, sculptural greenery, and minimalist elements for a sleek, architectural look.
Tropical style – Banana plants, birds of paradise, and hibiscus for a bold, exotic feel.
Modern style – Succulents, boxwoods, and linear plant beds for a clean, structured design.
Mediterranean influence – Olive trees, lavender, and stone accents for a timeless, elegant touch.
Low-Maintenance Greenery
A pool should be easy to enjoy, and the landscaping around it shouldn’t add unnecessary upkeep. Drought-resistant plants, artificial turf, and well-placed greenery keep the space looking vibrant without constant maintenance.
Artificial turf – A flawless lawn without the hassle.
Drought-resistant plants – Agave, yucca, and sedum thrive with minimal watering.
Self-contained planters – Keep greenery in check while adding sculptural elements.
A Pool That Feels Natural
Landscaping connects the pool to the surrounding space, making it feel like part of the environment rather than a standalone feature. The right greenery enhances privacy and adds layers of texture that make the entire area feel fully designed. Whether it's a lush, tropical escape or a modern, refined layout, the combination of water, greenery turns the backyard into something unforgettable.
A pool remodel is more than just an upgrade—it’s an opportunity to create a space that feels intentional, dynamic, and built for enjoyment. Water features, custom lighting, and thoughtful landscaping bring the entire backyard to life, making the pool more than just a place to swim. The right details turn it into the centerpiece of every gathering, the spot where people naturally gravitate, whether it’s a lively weekend party or a quiet evening outside.
Hillman Outdoor Living specializes in designing pools that feel seamless, polished, and built for the way you live. From the elegance of sheer descents and fountains to the energy of bubblers and swim-up bars, every feature is chosen with purpose. Grottos, lighting, and lush landscaping complete the scene, ensuring that the entire outdoor space works together as a fully designed experience.
Whether you’re looking to add movement, ambiance, or an entirely new element to your pool, our team brings expertise and vision to every project. If you’re ready to take your backyard to the next level, Hillman Outdoor Living is here to make it happen.
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.
