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A custom shotcrete pool is much more than a place to swim. It is an extension of your home, a centerpiece for entertainment, and a personal retreat. Because every pool we build at Thunderbird Pools & Spas is designed from scratch, you have the freedom to customize every square inch to fit your lifestyle.
Whether you live in Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Surprise, Chandler, or anywhere else in the Valley, the features you choose will define your pool. This page serves as your hub for exploring the most popular pool features, pool upgrades, and design elements available for Phoenix, Arizona backyards.
Pool features, sometimes called enhancements or design elements, are optional components that improve comfort, aesthetics, safety, and functionality. Some are structural, such as raised walls or integrated spas, while others can be added during a remodel, such as lighting, water features, or new finishes.
Choosing the right combination helps you create a pool that looks beautiful, functions well for your family, and stands up to the intense sun and heat of the Phoenix metro area.
Homeowners across the Phoenix area incorporate features to:
- Personalize their pool to their lifestyle
- Improve comfort and relaxation
- Enhance nighttime ambiance and safety
- Create a resort‑style experience
- Increase long‑term value
- Make the pool more family‑friendly
- Add shade and cooling elements for Arizona summers
Below are the core feature categories we design and build for homeowners throughout the Phoenix metro area.
Water features add movement, sound, and visual drama to your pool. They help cool the surrounding air and create a soothing environment that fits Arizona’s long summers.
Popular options include:
- Sheer Descents and Waterfalls Sleek, modern water arcs or natural rock waterfalls that create a relaxing backdrop.
- Deck Jets and Laminars Elegant streams of water that shoot from the deck into the pool, often illuminated with LED lighting for nighttime appeal.
- Scuppers and Sconces Architectural water elements built into raised walls that pour clean, elegant streams into the pool.
These features maximize comfort, relaxation, and socializing. They are ideal for families, entertainers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the pool beyond swimming.
- Baja Shelves (Shallow Lounging Areas) Wide, shallow platforms designed for in‑water seating, umbrellas, and relaxed cooling off.
- Integrated Spas A custom spa built seamlessly into your pool structure for easy transitions between warm therapy and a refreshing swim.
- Swim‑Up Bars and Built‑In Benches Underwater seating paired with a sunken bar area so you can serve drinks and snacks without leaving the pool.
Fire and lighting elements transform your backyard into a luxury nighttime lounge, especially during cooler desert evenings.
- Fire Pots and Fire Bowls Eye‑catching fire effects placed on raised columns or alongside water features.
- LED Color‑Changing Lighting Energy‑efficient lighting that lets you set the mood, from vibrant party colors to calming blues.
- Fire Pits and Linear Fireplaces Built adjacent to the pool edge to keep you warm on cool desert nights.
The materials you choose define your pool’s personality, durability, and architectural style. Thunderbird Pools & Spas partners with trusted vendors to ensure long‑lasting quality and beautiful results.
- PebbleTec® Finishes We offer PebbleTec’s premium lines, including PebbleSheen® and PebbleEssence®, known for exceptional durability, slip resistance, and rich water color. These finishes perform extremely well in Arizona’s climate and provide a high‑end look that lasts.
- Custom Tile and Coping We source tile and coping from Monterrey Tile Company, NPT (National Pool Tile), and Noble Tile Supply. Options range from modern glass mosaics to natural travertine stone coping, allowing you to match your pool to your preferred style.
- Raised Decorative Walls Raised walls add depth, dimension, and visual interest. They can also serve as the backdrop for water features or help define different areas of your outdoor space.
Your pool deck plays a major role in comfort and safety, especially in the Phoenix heat. We help you choose materials that stay cooler under the sun and complement your backyard design.
- Travertine Decking A popular choice for Arizona homeowners because it stays cooler underfoot and offers a timeless, natural look. Available through our partners at Monterrey Tile Company and NPT.
- Pavers Durable, versatile, and available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Pavers are ideal for creating custom walkways and patios.
- Cool‑Deck Coatings A practical option for reducing surface temperatures and improving comfort during the hottest months.
- Integrated Seating Walls Built‑in seating areas that blend seamlessly with your hardscape and provide additional gathering space.
Shade is essential in the Phoenix area, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees.
- Umbrella sleeves, including in‑water sleeves
- Pergolas and shade structures
- In‑water chaise lounges
- Custom seating areas
These features are provided exclusively within new pool construction or full remodel projects. Thunderbird Pools & Spas does not perform standalone installation or maintenance for individual equipment or technology components.
-Automation Systems Control lighting, pumps, and water features from your phone or smart device.
- Variable‑Speed Pumps Improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly operating costs.
- Smart Lighting Controls Customize colors, brightness, and schedules for nighttime ambiance.
- Energy‑Efficient Equipment Reduce energy usage during long Phoenix summers.
- App‑Based Pool Management Monitor and control your pool from anywhere.
Enhance peace of mind without compromising design.
- Handrails Provide stability for swimmers of all ages.
- Safety Ledges Offer resting points around the pool perimeter.
- Child‑Friendly Shallow Zones Create safe play areas for younger swimmers.
- Step Markers Improve visibility and safety during entry and exit.
Not sure where to start? Consider:
- How you will use the pool
- Your backyard layout and sun exposure
- Maintenance preferences
- Your long‑term goals for the space
- Which features add the most value for your lifestyle
Our design team will walk you through each option and help you prioritize what matters most.
Yes. Many features can be added during a remodel, including:
- Water features
- LED lightingInterior finishes
- Decking upgrades
- Raised walls
- Fire features
This is especially common in Phoenix, where many older pools are being updated to modern standards.
The best part of working with a custom shotcrete builder is that you do not have to choose just one feature. Our designers will help you combine elements seamlessly, creating a cohesive layout that fits your budget and maximizes your outdoor space.
Thunderbird Pools designs custom shapes to fit your aesthetic preferences, yard space, and lifestyle. Whether you want a sharp modern aesthetic or a natural lagoon feel, we can bring it to life in the Phoenix area.
Common choices include water features, LED lighting, integrated spas, travertine decking, and PebbleTec® finishes. These features enhance comfort, cooling, and year‑round usability.
Yes. Many features such as water features, lighting, raised walls, and new finishes can be added during a remodel. Structural additions may require more extensive modifications, but most upgrades are possible.
Family‑friendly features include shallow play areas, built‑in benches and handrails.
Integrated spas, sheer descents, fire bowls, LED lighting, and travertine decking are commonly used to create a luxury, resort‑inspired backyard.
LED color‑changing lighting, laminar jets, glow bubblers, fire bowls, and linear fireplaces all enhance evening atmosphere and extend your pool’s usability after dark.
For more than 20 years, Thunderbird Pools & Spas has been designing and building custom pools for homeowners throughout the Phoenix area. Visit our Chandler or Surprise showrooms to explore finishes, materials, and pool feature options in person, or schedule a custom pool design consultation today.
Explore the stunning results delivered by one of the leading pool builders in Arizona, trusted for custom swimming pool construction in Phoenix, AZ, luxury designs, custom spas, and flexible pool financing options across the Valley.
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