Dreaming about a new pool is easy. Planning the right upgrades takes a little more thought. The best inground pool add ons give you comfort, style, and convenience without creating maintenance headaches. When you think about lighting, tanning ledges, heaters, water features, smart controls, and safety at the start of your project, you save time and money while creating a backyard you will love for years. At Loomis Pools in New Berlin, Wisconsin, our team designs and installs pools, hot tubs, and custom hardscapes that feel effortless to own. Here is a complete guide to the upgrades that deliver the biggest impact from day one.

Why plan your inground pool add ons early

Upgrades are easiest and most affordable when they are built into the original design. Many features require plumbing lines, electrical conduits, or structural supports that are hard to add later. Choosing early helps you avoid rework and keeps your yard from being disturbed twice. It can also streamline permits and inspections, which is especially helpful in communities around New Berlin. Planning ahead with Loomis Pools ensures everything fits your space, budget, and lifestyle, with options that look cohesive and perform as promised.

Must-have inground pool add ons for everyday enjoyment

LED pool and landscape lighting

Great lighting changes everything. LED pool lights improve evening safety, highlight the water, and let you enjoy longer swim sessions. Color-changing options set the mood for parties or peaceful nights. Pair in-pool lighting with low-voltage landscape lights around pathways, steps, and seating areas. Smart controls make it easy to schedule scenes and keep your yard inviting, even after dark. Loomis Pools integrates lighting with your overall plan so wires and transformers are hidden and maintenance stays simple.

Tanning ledges and sun shelves

A tanning ledge is a shallow platform perfect for lounge chairs, toddlers, and anyone who wants to cool off without a full swim. Add bubblers for gentle movement, umbrella sleeves for shade, and a spillway if the ledge connects to a raised section. These ledges also make entry more comfortable for older family members and pets. When designed during construction, the ledge blends smoothly into the pool’s shape and finish.

Heaters and seasonal comfort

In Wisconsin, a heater is one of the smartest inground pool add ons you can choose. It extends your season and keeps everyone comfortable during cool mornings and evenings. Gas heaters warm the water quickly and are ideal for unpredictable weather. Heat pumps are energy efficient and maintain steady temperatures during longer warm stretches. Pair a heater with a quality cover to hold heat and reduce evaporation. Loomis Pools sizes and installs equipment based on pool volume, wind exposure, and your target season so you enjoy reliable performance without overpaying on utilities.

Automatic covers and safety covers

Automatic pool covers are popular because they provide safety, conserve heat, and keep debris out. With a key switch or remote, you can secure the pool in seconds. In winter, a properly anchored safety cover prevents accidental access and shields the water from heavy leaf and snow loads. Planning for these covers during design ensures the track, vault, and anchoring system are seamless and attractive.

Smart automation and remote control

Automation ties the whole system together. Control your pump, heater, lights, water features, and sanitization from a simple app. You can set schedules for energy savings, monitor temperatures remotely, and get alerts before small issues become big ones. Modern control systems also integrate with voice assistants for hands-free adjustments. Loomis Pools sets up automation to match your daily routine so the pool works the way you do.

Water quality upgrades: salt systems, UV, and ozone

A smooth water experience starts with the right sanitation. Saltwater systems create chlorine from salt for steady, comfortable levels that are gentle on skin and suits. UV and ozone systems reduce the need for harsh chemicals by neutralizing contaminants as water passes through the equipment. Many owners prefer a blended approach that combines a salt cell with UV or ozone for the cleanest feel and the least chlorine smell.

Built-in seating, benches, and steps

In-pool benches and wide, comfortable steps make your pool more social and accessible. They are perfect for conversation, watching kids, and enjoying the water without a full swim. With proper placement, benches also frame views and give the pool a custom look. Add spa jets to a bench area for a bonus massage zone, or integrate LED lights to define steps after sunset.

In-pool cleaning systems and robotic cleaners

If low maintenance is your top priority, consider circulation and cleaning upgrades. In-floor cleaning systems use pop-up nozzles to move debris toward drains. They are best designed in from the start. Robotic cleaners are flexible and cost-effective, and they shine when paired with efficient circulation. Loomis Pools can help you choose the right approach based on the size of your pool, your landscaping, and how you plan to use the space.

Inground pool add ons that elevate design

Water features that bring movement and sound

Sheer descents, deck jets, scuppers, and bubblers add motion, sparkle, and a soft soundtrack to your backyard. Water features also help mask street noise and make your patio feel like a private retreat. To keep water features efficient, incorporate variable-speed pumps and adjustable valves. Early planning ensures plumbing lines and equipment pads have room to grow.

Fire features for year-round ambiance

Fire bowls, fire pits, and linear fire tables pair beautifully with water features, extending outdoor enjoyment well into fall. These elements create a stunning focal point for gatherings. Loomis Pools designs fire features as part of a comprehensive hardscape plan, covering gas lines, wind patterns, and seating arrangements for safe and comfortable use.

Tile, coping, and interior finishes

Upgraded tile and coping bring polish to your pool’s edges. Choose materials that stay cooler underfoot and offer good grip. Inside the pool, finishes like quartz, pebble, or glass bead add depth and texture to the water. Selecting these finishes early ensures your inground pool add ons look cohesive, with colors and textures that match your patio and landscaping.

Custom decking, patios, and retaining walls

The area around your pool matters as much as the pool itself. Durable patios, attractive pathways, and smartly placed retaining walls create zones for dining, lounging, and play. Loomis Pools specializes in custom hardscapes that complement your pool shape and style. We focus on smooth traffic flow, slip-resistant materials, proper drainage, and long-term durability in Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Landscape lighting and planting

Layered landscape lighting highlights architectural features, trees, and garden beds while improving safety. Native or hardy plantings keep maintenance low and thrive in local conditions. Evergreen structure with seasonal blooms gives your yard year-round interest. Planning plant beds alongside your pool and patio helps keep roots and debris away from the water.

Family fun and entertainment upgrades

Slides and jump platforms

Thoughtfully designed slides and jump areas help kids and teens burn energy and love the pool longer. Safety comes first. Proper water depth, splash zones, and slip-resistant surfaces are essential. Local codes and manufacturer guidelines must be followed. When these features are coordinated with the pool’s shape and depth at the start, you get safe fun that looks purpose-built.

Basketball, volleyball, and game anchors

Removable sports equipment adds quick entertainment without cluttering your deck. Anchors and sleeves for basketball hoops and volleyball posts are easy to include during construction. When not in use, caps keep the deck clean. It is a low-cost upgrade that pays off every weekend.

Outdoor audio and weather-ready screens

Music and movie nights make the backyard feel like a resort. Weather-rated speakers and discreet subwoofers fill the space with sound. A thoughtfully placed, weather-ready TV can be a game-day highlight. Run conduit during construction so wires are hidden and devices are easy to maintain.

Energy-efficient and eco-friendly choices

Variable-speed pumps

Modern variable-speed pumps are one of the best inground pool add ons for energy savings. They run at lower speeds most of the time, cutting utility costs and operating quietly. Automation systems optimize run schedules around your patterns and local utility rates.

Solar heating and thermal solutions

Solar heating panels can extend your season with free energy from the sun. They work especially well when paired with a cover to reduce nighttime heat loss. Even if you are not ready to install solar right away, plan conduit and pad space so you can add it later without disruption.

High-efficiency filtration

Cartridge filters capture fine particles with low resistance, which helps pumps run more efficiently. Oversizing your filter can reduce cleaning frequency and keep water sparkling with less effort. A well-balanced filtration setup supports clear water and a calm, enjoyable swim experience.

Safety and compliance from day one

Safety is not an add-on. It is a promise. The right features make your pool safer and easier to manage without sacrificing style. Work with a pro to confirm all codes and best practices are covered from the start.

• Perimeter fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates to meet local codes
• Door and gate alarms for layers of protection
• Anti-entrapment drain covers and dual suction points for compliant circulation
• Non-slip deck surfaces and clear step markers
• Ample lighting on paths, stairs, and the pool interior
• Automatic or safety covers sized for your pool and climate

Cold-climate planning for Wisconsin backyards

Our climate calls for special attention to construction methods and equipment choices. Proper frost protection, drainage, and material selection help your investment last for decades. Efficient heaters, reliable covers, and smart plumbing layouts make seasonal openings and closings straightforward. Loomis Pools builds with local conditions in mind, from snow loads on winter covers to wind patterns that affect heat loss. We guide you on winterizing procedures and offer service plans to keep your system protected when temperatures drop.

Pairing your pool with a hot tub

Few inground pool add ons deliver year-round enjoyment like a hot tub. Whether you prefer a connected spa within the pool design or a freestanding unit on the patio, a hot tub adds relaxation and recovery to your routine. Loomis Pools installs premium Garden Leisure hot tubs known for advanced jets, thoughtful seating, and easy-to-use controls. We plan electrical service, privacy screens, and step access so your spa experience feels seamless. A hot tub keeps your backyard active even when the pool is closed for the season.

Budgeting and timeline tips

Smart planning starts with honest priorities. Decide which features you will use daily, which ones you want for ambiance, and which ones can wait. From there, build a phased plan that keeps essential plumbing, electrical, and structural elements in place for future expansion. This prevents costly tear-outs later and gives you the flexibility to grow over time.

• Bundle infrastructure-heavy features during initial construction
• Choose energy-efficient equipment to lower long-term costs
• Invest in safety and durability before specialty extras
• Coordinate hardscapes and landscaping so your space looks finished
• Leave conduit and pad space for future tech like solar or added water features

A simple planning roadmap

1. Define your must-haves: safety, heat, lighting, and sanitation
2. Pick your comfort upgrades: tanning ledge, benches, and automation
3. Select signature features: water elements, fire features, or a slide
4. Design the hardscape: patios, retaining walls, and pathways
5. Plan infrastructure for future add-ons: sleeves, conduits, and pad space
6. Schedule with the seasons: construction timing, curing, and landscaping

How Loomis Pools brings it all together

Loomis Pools is a pool installation and custom hardscape company dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces into personalized relaxation areas. Based in New Berlin, Wisconsin, our team serves the surrounding regions with a design-build approach that handles every step from concept to completion. We integrate pools, Garden Leisure hot tubs, patios, and retaining walls into one cohesive plan. Our process focuses on precise layout, reliable equipment, code compliance, and clean finishes. When we design inground pool add ons, we think about comfort, safety, and long-term maintenance, so you can spend more time enjoying your backyard and less time taking care of it.

FAQs about inground pool add ons

When should I decide on add-ons?

The earlier the better. Features like tanning ledges, water features, benches, and automation controls work best when included in the initial design. Early decisions keep plumbing and electrical lines in the right places and prevent costly changes later.

Can I add features later?

Yes, some features can be added later, such as robotic cleaners, removable sports equipment, or landscape lighting. Others, like in-floor cleaning systems, automatic covers, and integrated water features, are much easier and more cost-effective when planned from the start. Loomis Pools can help you map a phased plan that makes future upgrades simple.

What maintenance do add-ons require?

Most modern upgrades are designed for easy care. LED lights and variable-speed pumps are long-lasting and efficient. Salt cells need occasional cleaning, and filters need periodic maintenance. Water features should be balanced with the circulation system to stay quiet and clean. Our team trains you on care and offers service options for seasonal needs in Wisconsin.

How do I get started?

Start by listing your goals and how you want to use your outdoor space. Think about who will swim, how often you will entertain, and whether you want year-round relaxation with a hot tub. Share your ideas with Loomis Pools, and we will create a custom plan that prioritizes essential inground pool add ons, aligns with your budget, and fits your property. We handle design, permits, installation, and hardscaping so your backyard comes together smoothly.

The final word: plan now to love it later

The right inground pool add ons turn a nice backyard into a personal retreat. When you plan lighting, heating, safety, smart controls, and signature features upfront, you avoid compromises and enjoy a finished space that feels complete the day you dive in. Whether you want a family-friendly pool with game anchors and a slide, a tranquil escape with water and fire features, or a four-season oasis with a Garden Leisure hot tub, Loomis Pools brings your vision to life with care and precision. Ready to design a backyard that works for your real life and your ideal weekends? Start planning today and build the pool you will wish you had from the very beginning.