Backyard Pool Upgrades That Add Beauty, Fun & Value
Your pool shouldn’t just be a place to swim—it should be the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. Whether you’re building a brand-new pool or looking to upgrade your current setup, adding custom features can dramatically increase the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and value of your backyard.
At Marquee Pools & Services, we’ve helped Fairfield County homeowners transform their backyards since 1987. In this guide, we’ll explore the best pool upgrades that combine style, relaxation, and long-term value.
1. LED Lighting: Set the Mood Day or Night
LED lights are one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make.
- Illuminate evening swims
- Change colors with the season or mood
- Enhance safety with better visibility
Pro Tip: Upgrade to programmable lighting systems you can control via smartphone.
2. Fire Bowls & Fire Features
Fire features instantly elevate your pool area with ambiance and warmth:
- Perfect for night-time gatherings
- Adds contrast to water features
- Available in modern or natural stone designs
Marquee Favorites: Fire bowls at each pool corner or a linear fire pit alongside a spa.
3. Waterfalls, Bubblers & Cascades
Water features turn your pool into a sensory experience:
- The sound of running water adds calm and serenity
- Bubblers create playful fun for kids
- Cascades offer a resort-style aesthetic
Fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools both support water features with the right plumbing and placement.
4. Built-In Benches & Tanning Ledges
Make relaxation part of the design with in-water seating:
- Tanning ledges: Shallow ledges for lounging in a few inches of water
- Benches: Built-in seating along the pool wall
- Great for socializing, sunbathing, or watching the kids swim
Many fiberglass pools include these features standard, and we can build them into vinyl-liner designs.
5. Stamped Concrete & Cantilever Decking
Your pool surround matters just as much as the pool itself:
- Stamped concrete: Mimics natural stone or wood textures
- Cantilever coping: Provides a seamless, modern finish
- Slip-resistant and weather durable
These finishes can tie your entire outdoor space together with a clean, high-end look.
6. Pool Automation Systems
Take full control of your pool with modern automation:
- Control lights, pumps, and heaters from your phone
- Schedule maintenance cycles automatically
- Monitor water chemistry remotely
Why it matters: Less time managing your pool, more time enjoying it.
7. Spa & Hot Tub Integration
Add year-round value and relaxation with a built-in spa:
- Custom shapes that match your pool design
- Heated for year-round use
- Massage jets for hydrotherapy benefits
Whether built in or connected as a separate unit, spas are one of the most requested luxury upgrades.
8. Outdoor Living Add-Ons
Think beyond the water:
- Outdoor kitchens and grills
- Pergolas and shade structures
- Poolside furniture and cabanas
These extras make your pool area a true extension of your home.
9. Safety Upgrades
A beautiful pool should also be a safe one:
- Self-closing gates and fences
- Pool alarms
- Slip-resistant surfaces
We’ll help you balance design with peace of mind.
10. Increase Your Home’s Value
Investing in high-quality pool upgrades not only improves your experience—it also boosts curb appeal and resale value. A well-designed backyard with a professionally maintained pool is a strong selling point for future buyers.
According to industry data, homes with upgraded outdoor living areas and pools can see a 5–15% increase in market value.
Why Work with Marquee Pools?
We’re not just pool installers—we’re backyard transformation experts. With over 35 years of experience in custom pool builds, renovations, and service, our team will guide you through every step of the upgrade process.
Whether you’re dreaming of a resort-style retreat or just want to freshen up your current setup, we’ll deliver lasting quality and comfort.
Let’s Upgrade Your Backyard
Your dream pool is closer than you think.
📞 Contact Marquee Pools & Services today to schedule a free upgrade consultation and bring your backyard vision to life.
Phone: 203-372-5554
Email: hello@marqueepools.com