Provides a spray of water into the pool, typically in a “fan” pattern, as opposed to a straight line of water. In hot climates, aerators will help to cool the water a little. Children love to play in and around aerators.

see Pergola

This is essentially a fountain (normally a few inches below the surface of the wa- ter) that provides a soft, “bubbly” stream of water, typically 6 to 24 inches tall. An excellent feature for very young children to play with.

This word is a Spanish translation of “cabin” or “hut.” It originally referred to a small, lightweight living structure that was frequently set up on the beach, typically with one side open to the ocean. Nowadays, when you build a cabana near your pool, it’s typically more of a “relaxing/party area” than a “living structure.” Ideally, your cabana w [..]

The material that surrounds the perimeter of your swimming pool and/or spa. On a “Gunite” or cement pool, the coping is typically about 12 inches wide, and usually made out of brick, paving stones, natural stone, or a precast cement material. On a vinyl-liner pool, the coping may be only one or two inches wide, and made of plastic, vinyl, or alumin [..]

Refers to the hard surface around the swimming pool. Decks can be built from a variety of materials, including:

A great option to consider adding to the area near your swimming pool. Not only will a fire pit take the chill out of the evening air, but it will also create a wonderful place to congregate and chat after a busy day of work or fun. A fire pit may be wood-fired or plumbed with natural gas or propane. (And much like a fire wok, you may have the opti [..]

Typically a standalone structure made of wood, designed to provide a shady sitting area. Similar to pergolas and arbors, a gazebo is uniquely recognizable because of its domed or turreted roof. (See also Pergola)

This is essentially a cave (or something similar to a cave) built into or con- nected to the pool, typically with a sitting area. It is common to build waterfalls or weeping walls on the outside of the grotto, and/or a rain wall at the entrance. Youngsters love it when a slide is built in to (on top of or to the side of) the grotto. If you build it [..]

Typically a long, narrow pool designed primarily for swimming laps. A standalone lap pool tends to have a somewhat formal, elegant look. However, a “lap pool” feature can be incorporated into other pool designs as well. You can also add a built-in spa to a lap pool, so that you always have a choice between “exercising” and “relaxing.”