Florida’s Luxury Pools Are All About Experience
Florida living is about sunshine, relaxation, and resort-style comfort right at home. At Southern Pool Designs, we’ve seen luxury clients elevate their backyards into personal retreats that rival five-star hotels each with its own custom details and standout features.
Here are the ten most popular pool features we’re designing for Florida’s most beautiful homes.
1. Infinity (Vanishing) Edge Pools
The ultimate statement in luxury design. An infinity edge creates the illusion of water flowing seamlessly into the horizon, perfect for lakefront or elevated properties.
It’s both architectural and serene, offering uninterrupted views and an elevated aesthetic that never goes out of style.
2. Sun Shelves and Tanning Ledges
A Florida favorite. A sun shelf (also called a Baja shelf) is a shallow platform where you can lounge in a chair, dip your toes, or let little ones play safely.
Pair it with bubbler fountains or umbrella sleeves for the perfect blend of relaxation and functionality.
3. Raised Spas and Spillways
A raised spa adds dimension, sound, and movement to your pool design. The gentle flow of water from spa to pool creates a soothing visual and functional luxury for year-round enjoyment.
We often match the tile or stone to create a seamless transition between spa and pool.
4. Fire and Water Features
Fire bowls, fire pits, and scuppers are among the most requested accents in high-end designs. The contrast of fire dancing over water adds instant drama and ambiance especially at sunset.
Many homeowners choose gas-lit bowls with integrated LED lighting for a resort-style glow.
5. Custom Tile and Glass Mosaics
Tile is where craftsmanship meets personality. From shimmering glass mosaics to handcrafted porcelain patterns, waterline and spa tile set the tone for your pool’s aesthetic.
Reflective glass tiles are especially popular in Florida for how they catch the sunlight and make the water sparkle.
6. Premium Decking and Coping Materials
Your decking ties everything together. Travertine, marble, shellstone, and porcelain pavers remain top choices for luxury builds thanks to their natural cooling properties and timeless look.
We design every pool deck to feel like an extension of your home’s architecture and style.
7. LED Lighting and Automation
Today’s luxury pools are as smart as they are beautiful. Programmable LED lighting, smartphone-controlled pumps, and automated water features make operation effortless.
With a few taps, you can adjust lighting colors, spa temperatures, and fountains, even from vacation.
8. Water Walls and Sheer Descents
Water features create movement and tranquility. Sheer descents, rain curtains, and custom water walls add a soft soundtrack of flowing water while giving your pool a sculptural edge.
They’re especially stunning when paired with glass tile or backlit LED strips.
9. Outdoor Kitchens and Entertaining Spaces
In Florida, the backyard is the heart of the home. Many of our clients expand beyond the pool itself adding full outdoor kitchens, grills, bars, and covered seating areas for true resort-style living.
These spaces transform a pool area into a year-round destination for gatherings and family fun.
10. Custom Landscaping and Lighting Design
No luxury pool is complete without the right environment. Strategic landscaping and lighting frame the pool and highlight architectural features after dark.
From palm silhouettes to uplighting on walls and trees, thoughtful design turns every evening swim into an experience.
Designing Your Dream Pool
The best pools blend art, engineering, and emotion. Whether your dream backyard includes an infinity edge overlooking the lake or a cozy fire-lit spa, Southern Pool Designs can bring it to life with precision and style.