When you're designing a custom pool, the number of available features can get overwhelming quickly.

Tanning ledges. Spas. Bubblers. Waterfalls. Fire features. Automation. Lighting.

Which ones are actually worth adding?

The answer depends on your family, property, and how you plan to use the pool. A feature is valuable when it makes the pool more functional or improves the overall design—not simply because it's popular.

Here are eight features worth discussing with your pool designer.

f you want a new pool for next summer, September is a good time to start talking about it.

Many homeowners assume pool planning should begin in spring, when temperatures start climbing. In reality, a custom pool takes time to properly design, plan, permit, and build.

Starting the process in fall gives you time to make thoughtful decisions instead of waiting until the first hot weekend of the year to call a pool builder.

Here’s what Central Texas homeowners should know about planning a pool in the fall.