Choosing a pool shape and size is the starting point. The features you add are what determine how you actually use the pool day to day. In New Port Richey, where pools run year-round, and the whole family is in and out regularly, the right features make a real difference between a pool that gets used constantly and one that just fills the backyard. For families exploring affordable fiberglass pool installation in Pasco County, Hawaiian Island Pools is a third-generation pool builder with over 60,000 pools installed in the area. Here are the five features that Pasco County families consistently get the most value from.
Tanning Ledge (Sun Shelf)
A tanning ledge, also called a sun shelf or baja shelf, is a shallow platform built into the pool. The water depth sits at roughly six to nine inches, just enough to sit or lie in while staying cool. Children can play safely in the shallow water while adults keep watch from the same space.
In New Port Richey’s heat, a tanning ledge becomes one of the most-used parts of the pool. Ronald H., a recent customer, put it directly: “The built-in tanning ledge is where I spend most of my time.” (Google, March 2025)
Tanning ledges are built into specific fiberglass models rather than added as a retrofit. When browsing pool designs, it’s worth filtering for models that include one if this is a priority for your family.
Built-In Spa
A fiberglass spa built alongside or integrated with the pool gives you a year-round option beyond swimming. Florida has cooler months, and a heated spa extends your backyard use well past the peak summer season.
The difference between a fiberglass spa and a portable hot tub matters here. A fiberglass spa is a permanent, inground fixture installed as part of the project. It integrates with your pool’s plumbing and equipment rather than sitting above ground on a pad, making it more durable, better looking, and significantly lower-maintenance than a portable hot tub.
Emiel H. described it this way: “We love unwinding in the built-in spa after a long day. It’s been a fantastic addition to our home.” (Google, March 2025) Hawaiian Island Pools offers standalone fiberglass spa models, including the Royal, Mystic, and Meridian.
Swim Jets
Swim jets allow a swimmer to work against a current without needing a full lap pool. For adults who want low-impact exercise without a pool large enough for actual laps, swim jets are a practical, space-efficient addition.
In New Port Richey, where backyard sizes vary widely across Pasco County neighborhoods, swim jets let homeowners get genuine fitness use from a pool sized to their yard rather than having to scale up to something that doesn’t fit the space. Families with kids find the jets work well for recreational play, too.
Jakka M. noted: “The inclusion of a children’s splash area and swim jets has transformed our backyard into a family paradise.” (Google, February 2025) Swim jets are built into specific models, and confirming which ones include them is part of the design consultation.
Children’s Splash Area
A dedicated splash area within the pool creates a safe, contained space for younger children. The water is shallow enough for small kids to play independently, while adults use the deeper section without constant supervision of the whole pool.
For New Port Richey families with children at various ages, this separation makes pool time genuinely functional rather than stressful. Aries C. described the result directly: “Kids can’t get enough of the splash area. Worth every penny.” (Google, February 2025)
Like tanning ledges, splash areas are built into specific pool models. The free in-home consultation helps identify which models work for your yard size and family setup.
Wet Deck
A wet deck is a flat surface at pool level where water flows over the edge in a thin sheet. It functions as a transition zone between the pool and the surrounding deck, and creates a space that kids naturally gravitate toward for play and cooling off.
In Florida’s heat, a wet deck provides relief for anyone who doesn’t want to be fully submerged. It also extends the usable area of the pool surface and adds a visual element to the finished backyard that standard pool edges don’t provide.
Not every model includes a wet deck. When reviewing options during the design phase, it’s worth asking which models incorporate one if it fits your backyard goals.
How to Choose the Right Features for Your Yard
Not every feature fits every yard or every family. A tanning ledge and splash area make more sense for families with young children. Swim jets matter more to adults who want fitness benefits. A built-in spa adds year-round value for couples and families alike, regardless of the season.
The right place to sort through these decisions is a free in-home consultation. A Hawaiian Island Pools team member visits your property, reviews the models that fit your space, and walks through which features are built into each option. The Latham AR Pool Visualizer App also lets you see how specific models look in your actual backyard before committing to anything. Request a free in-home consultation to get started.
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