Top Design Features to Add to Your Custom Sacramento Pool in 2025

If you’re a Sacramento homeowner planning to install a pool in 2025, you’re in for a year of exciting design trends. Pools have evolved beyond simple backyard amenities—they’re now customized retreats that reflect your lifestyle, family needs, and personal style. From modern features to eco-friendly upgrades, a custom pool design Sacramento families love can transform your backyard into a luxurious, functional, and fun outdoor space.

At Family Time Pools, we specialize in building pools that perfectly fit your vision, your yard, and your family’s lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top features homeowners are adding to their custom pools this year and why these upgrades make a huge difference.

1. Baja Shelves and Tanning Ledges

One of the most popular features in modern pool design is the Baja shelf, also known as a tanning ledge. This shallow area near the pool’s edge allows you to:

• Relax while partially submerged in water

• Place loungers for sunbathing

• Create a safe splash area for kids

• Enjoy social time with friends without fully swimming

Sacramento’s sunny weather makes Baja shelves a perfect addition for families who want a resort-style pool experience at home.

2. Integrated Spas and Spillover Features

Spas are no longer an afterthought—they’re an essential component of luxury backyard living. Integrated spas can be designed to:

• Cascade water into the main pool for a stunning visual and soothing sound

• Maintain warmer water for year-round enjoyment

• Provide therapeutic benefits like hydrotherapy for sore muscles

A custom pool design Sacramento homeowners prefer often includes a spa seamlessly integrated into the pool’s layout, creating both beauty and functionality.

3. Modern Water Features

Water features are one of the most striking additions to any pool. Some of the top trends include:

• Sheer descents: contemporary sheets of water flowing from a wall

• Rock waterfalls: naturalistic features for a tropical feel

• Bubblers and jets: fun additions for kids or lounge areas

• Water bowls or rain curtains: dramatic effects for a sophisticated look

Water features not only enhance aesthetics—they also create relaxing soundscapes and elevate the overall ambiance of your backyard.

4. LED Lighting and Smart Controls

Lighting is key for setting the mood, extending usability, and showcasing your pool at night. Homeowners are increasingly installing:

• Color-changing LED lights for customizable ambiance

• Smart controls via phone or tablet

• Energy-efficient options that reduce electricity costs

• Underwater and perimeter lighting to highlight features

With the right custom pool design Sacramento families love, lighting turns your backyard into a nighttime oasis that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the stars.

5. Fire Features for Atmosphere

Fire and water create a stunning combination that’s very popular in 2025. Consider adding:

• Fire bowls along pool edges

• Fire pits integrated with lounge areas

• Linear fire features along walls or decks

These features add warmth, visual drama, and a resort-style luxury feel to your backyard, perfect for evening gatherings or cozy nights by the pool.

6. Energy-Efficient Equipment

Sustainability is a growing priority for homeowners. A custom pool isn’t just about looks—it’s also about efficiency. Consider features like:

• Variable-speed pumps

• High-efficiency heaters

• Saltwater systems

• Solar heating options

• LED lights for longer lifespan and energy savings

These eco-friendly upgrades reduce utility bills while keeping your pool fully functional and low-maintenance year-round.

7. Custom Tile, Stone, and Interior Finishes

The materials you choose for your pool make a huge difference in both aesthetics and durability. Top trends for 2025 include:

• Glass mosaic tiles for waterlines or accents

• Natural stone coping for a refined look

• Quartz or pebble interior finishes for color and texture

• Large-format tiles with geometric patterns for modern designs

These choices allow homeowners to personalize their custom pool design Sacramento style, whether they prefer modern elegance, classic resort vibes, or a tropical oasis feel.

8. Unique Pool Shapes and Multi-Zone Layouts

Gone are the days of standard rectangular pools. Modern custom pool designs in Sacramento are embracing:

• Freeform pools that mimic natural lagoons

• Geometric designs with clean, contemporary lines

• L-shaped or multi-zone layouts with separate lounge, swim, and shallow areas

• Integrated tanning ledges and spa areas for added functionality

A pool shape designed specifically for your backyard maximizes space, complements landscaping, and enhances overall usability.

9. Outdoor Living Integration

A pool is no longer a standalone feature—it’s part of a complete outdoor lifestyle. Popular integrated features include:

• Outdoor kitchens and bars

• Covered patios or pergolas

• Fire pits with seating

• Dining areas near the pool

• Landscaping and shade structures

With these additions, your pool becomes the centerpiece of your backyard oasis, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family.

10. Automation and Smart Pool Technology

Finally, smart pool technology is becoming a must-have for 2025. Automation allows you to:

• Control pumps, heaters, lights, and fountains from your smartphone

• Set cleaning schedules and chemical levels automatically

• Reduce energy consumption with optimized settings

• Monitor water temperature and circulation remotely

Smart technology makes maintenance simple and ensures your pool stays clean, safe, and ready to enjoy at any time.

Why Sacramento Homeowners Love Custom Pool Designs

A custom pool design Sacramento families prefer is more than just a pool—it’s an investment in:

• Family enjoyment: fun, relaxing, and safe for all ages

• Home value: stylish backyard upgrades increase property appeal

• Personalization: your pool reflects your taste and lifestyle

• Functionality: designed to maximize space, comfort, and efficiency

• Longevity: professionally built with modern materials and equipment

Custom pools let homeowners create a backyard that is truly theirs, tailored to both their family’s needs and their lifestyle aspirations.

Start Your Custom Pool Journey with Family Time Pools

At Family Time Pools, we specialize in designing and building pools that are as unique as the families who enjoy them. From initial concepts to finishing touches, we guide homeowners through every step, ensuring that your custom pool design Sacramento residents love exceeds expectations.

Whether you’re dreaming of a modern geometric pool, a family-friendly lagoon, or a luxury retreat with waterfalls, spas, and fire features, we make your vision a reality.

Contact Family Time Pools today for a free consultation and start planning the custom pool your family will enjoy for years to come.