LA's Most Popular Swimming Pool Add-Ons of 2023

Does the land on your estate leave much to be desired? Here you are with this massive blank canvas sprawled out on your property. You know you deserve better than just a bland construction blueprint that could be flippantly given to anyone. The square footage of unearthed potential needs a design that reflects architectural savvy, rich artistry, and a commitment to your unique aesthetic.

Perhaps you’re in the market for a new inground pool but don’t know what features will curate the flare and atmosphere you long for. Designing or renovating a pool can be a long and multifaceted process, the last thing you want to end up with is a one-dimensional creation that lacks charisma and originality. 

Whether you’re an existing pool owner or getting a new pool built on your property, the right upgrades can transform your current outdoor space into the paradise you’ve always envisioned. 

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we have over 15 years of experience in designing and building custom pools that reflect the unique look and feel our clients desire. It’s not a one-size-fits-all process for us, and as such, the add-on products we recommend for any given project are tailored to ensure the final product astounds you. 

Between aesthetics, ambiance, and energy efficiency, only you know what upgrades will create the wow factor for your dream outdoor sanctuary. There are many details and intricacies involved in a custom design project, so even starting may feel daunting.

This led us to compile the best products on the market to help narrow down your search. We’re going to deep dive into the most popular swimming pool add-ons of 2023 and what features come with each. At the end of this article, you’ll be equipped to select the add-ons to bring your vision of an open-air oasis to life. 

WATER & FIRE BOWLS

Looking for an elegant statement piece for your new build or renovation? LED WaterBowls combine modern design, dramatic LED lighting, and seamless automation to create a luxurious space in your backyard.

LED WaterBowls are glass bowls available in two base shapes (square or round) and have seven finishes: Tempered Glass, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gray, Natural, and Pewter. 

They are sculpted from durable, UV-resistant copper or cast stone material that is also semi-transparent, which allows you to see each color produced by the LED lighting inside. The lights’ flickering interior mimics the soft glow of a fire to exude a warm, inviting vibe in your backyard.

This is a great way to add ambiance and flare to your next outdoor gathering. 

LED SHEERS

Similar to the LED WaterBowls, LED Sheers are an automation-ready feature that curates a sophisticated ambiance to complement your unique aesthetic.

Cascading water is coupled with variable light effects to create calming sights and sounds for your backyard oasis. The sheers are available in length from 1’ to 8’, which are versatile enough to make each unique design project feel completely custom. Regardless of the length you choose, you don’t have to be concerned about the light fading out or dimming; LED Sheers feature an industry-exclusive top-access light to eliminate light loss.

Aside from cascading water, LED Sheers overflow with vibrant sophistication.

OZONE & UV SYSTEMS

Ozone-based water sanitizers provide an all-in-one energy-efficient pool sanitation system that is guaranteed to keep your pool water sparkling and clear.

Suitable for both new and existing pools, this modern system’s advanced oxidation process combines UV and ozone to form hydroxyl radicals. Together these three sanitizers destroy 99.9%* of chlorine-resistant bacteria and viruses. This process also reduces your pool’s chlorine demand, which in turn creates softer, gentler water.

This environmentally-friendly process is great for anyone concerned about the harsh effects of chlorine on your body, eyes, and color-treated hair. 

LAMINAR STREAMS

A touch of neon, luxury, and fun elevates the visual and auditory appeal of your pool; basically what it would look like if this year’s Met Gala theme was “aquatic but make it fashion.”

Laminar streams boast a simple, integrated flow adjustment that allows for convenient control of the height and distance of the water streams while eliminating the need for dedicated valves for each laminar.

SUNKEN FIRE PITS

A sunken fire pit adds layers to your pool space, both literally and figuratively speaking.

By lowering the level of the fire pit, and even the accompanying seating, the area gives off a secluded feel. This modern fire pit design also promotes more intimate conversations that reflect waning social batteries (also called introvert-enablement), allowing people in the pool a place to set drinks or relax around the mesmerizing flames and comforting heat. 

Additionally, since they’re powered by gas, you don’t need to concern yourself with the added stress of wood or cleaning out ashes. When the night hits and temperatures drop, you just need to light it up and reap the benefits of this low-maintenance added feature.

There’s no better way to create a cozy mood or entertain friends and family on a relaxing night than with a luxurious sunken fire pit at your disposal.

WATERFALLS/WATERWALLS

In this case, chasing waterfalls (or walls) is encouraged. 

Nothing screams a private oasis like cascading waterfalls in your backyard. Whether you go for a natural rock grotto or a more modern design, waterfalls are symbols of timeless elegance and simplicity.

Aside from their beauty, the mere sound of waterfalls is soothing to the mind and body. The soothing white noise created sets up an aura of peace and reduces stress.

As we said, in this case chasing (or installing) waterfalls is a great idea guaranteed to pay off in the long run.

ACRYLIC WINDOWS

Acrylic windows are an eye-catching feature that adds depth and another dimension to your pool. 

The windows allow natural light and are put on one side or a section of the pool for interactive viewing, primed to stand out day or night. Oh, the possibilities…

Want a cleverly-designed outdoor bar area? With an acrylic window built into the sidewall of your pool, the top of that wall can serve as a bar top. Talk about multi-purpose!

Have a pool on your roof and want to impress your guests? You can also put acrylic windows on the floor of your pool (underwater windows), so people in the living space can look up and see others swimming on top. The result? Really cool parties. Cheese board & wine night will never be the same.

These underwater windows also provide a clear view beneath the water’s surface, essentially creating an aquarium experience in your residence. I repeat, your OWN aquarium.

Just let that sink in.

NEXT STEPS TO CHOOSING YOUR POOL’S ADD-ON PRODUCTS

Now that you know what the most popular swimming pool add-ons are for 2023, you will be able to design your backyard with clarity, intentionality, and crystal clear vision. 

We hope that this list of popular swimming pool add-ons helped to crystallize your idea of a perfect aquatic escape. When we know there’s better out there, we can choose better and end up with a product that’s true to us. Adding some of these features may increase the cost of the project, but it'll also increase your level of enjoyment and satisfaction in your backyard oasis.

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we have seen and implemented the newest swimming pool add-ons throughout our 15 years in business. We are committed to advocating for your unique vision and bringing it to life through our design and build expertise. 

If these products excite or inspire you, please contact us and schedule a consultation to get started on your backyard design plan.

Still, want to learn more about the best swimming pool products before speaking with a team member? No problem! Check out these related articles for more information:

POPULAR INGROUND CONCRETE POOL DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

WHAT'S AN OZONE GENERATOR? AND WHY IT'S GREAT FOR YOUR POOL