If you had to pick one upgrade for your pool what would it be?

[GregTheBuilder]

I’m in the middle of designing a pool, and my budget is already stretched, but I know I’ll regret not adding at least one cool feature. If you had to choose just one upgrade that made the biggest difference, what would it be?

 

[TravisL99]

If I had to pick just one, I’d say LED lights. They make a huge difference at night, and they’re not crazy expensive compared to some other upgrades. If you already have lighting covered, I’d go with a tanning ledge. We didn’t add one, and I regret it every time I see someone lounging on theirs. What kind of features are you debating between?

 

[Elara Brooks]

Hey Greg,

Man, I remember being in the exact same boat. You want the pool to be awesome, but the costs creep up fast. If I could only pick one upgrade, hands down it’d be a tanning ledge.

Didn’t think I’d care about it at first, but it’s where we hang out the most now. The kids splash around there, and I can just sit half in the water with a drink and it’s perfect in the summer. Plus, it just makes the pool look more high-end, even though it wasn’t the priciest thing we added.

If I had to cut other stuff to keep one thing, that’d be it.

 

[Brent Carter]

I’m in the middle of designing a pool, and my budget is already stretched, but I know I’ll regret not adding at least one cool feature. If you had to choose just one upgrade that made the biggest difference, what would it be?

I was in the same boat when I built mine, costs kept piling up, and I had to be picky with extras. The one thing I’m glad I didn’t skip? An automatic pool cover.


It wasn’t cheap, but it’s been a game-changer. Besides keeping debris out, it holds in heat, slows down evaporation, and cuts down on chemical use. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but being able to hit a switch and have the pool covered in 30 seconds? Huge time-saver, especially during stormy weeks.


If that’s out of range, I’d say LED lighting is another one worth considering. Not too expensive, and it completely changes the vibe at night. Makes evening swims feel like a different experience.


Everyone’s got a different “must-have,” but for me, it came down to what made the pool easier to use more often. A cool feature is great but a functional one that you end up using every day? That’s what really made it worth it.

 

[David Wilson]

If I could only pick one, I’d go for an automatic pool cover. It keeps leaves out, helps retain heat, and makes maintenance way easier. Totally worth it in the long run, saves time, energy, and chemicals. If that’s over budget, LED lights are my runner-up. They add such a nice touch for night swims and aren’t too pricey.

 

[Nathan Parker]

If I had to choose just one, I’d go with a tanning ledge without a doubt. It’s where everyone ends up hanging out, kids play there, and adults just chill with a drink half in the water. It also makes the pool look way more polished and resort-like. I skipped fancy fountains and automation to fit it in, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you’re torn between looks and function, that’s the one that gives you both.