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Mikie Mahtook
To see why homeowners choose Relief Pools for their custom pools.

Designing a Pool to Beat the Summer Heat

How to set up a pool for the summer

Scorching temperatures making it hard to enjoy summer? It might be time to bring the vacation to you, with your own custom-designed backyard oasis. This isn’t just about digging a hole and filling it with water, but about turning your outdoor space into a five-star retreat and making your summer unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of sleek lap lanes, a resort-style escape, or a playful splash zone for the kids, the right design turns your dream into reality. Not sure where to start? Relax. Expert custom pool designers in Springfield are ready to help bring your vision to life.

How to set up a pool for the summer?

Forget the idea of just a blue rectangle in the yard. Imagine water that sparkles in the sun, cool tiles under your feet, and shade that moves with the breeze. Picture leafy palms swaying overhead, the gentle sound of a water feature nearby, and a sun shelf where you can dip your toes while reading that book you never have time for.

Who are the best custom pool designers in Springfield

Here’s how to do it:

1. Integrate natural or artificial shade

Direct sunlight all day long will turn your pool into a bath by late afternoon. Add:

  • Pergolas or sail shades to create a lounging area that lets the breeze through.
  • Large umbrellas over tanning ledges or shallow areas.
  • Strategic landscaping, like palms, banana trees, or sun-filtering canopies.

Bonus: Shade over parts of the pool also protects swimmers from UV rays and keeps water temps more refreshing.

2. Add cooling features that make a splash

There’s more than one way to chill. For serious relief, consider:

  • Deck jets or bubblers: These shoot water into the air, cooling it before it lands. The result? Circulation and chill vibes.
  • Sheer descent waterfalls: Modern, elegant, and endlessly refreshing.
  • Pool chillers: Yep, they exist. These reverse a heater’s job and are lifesavers in extreme heat zones.

3. Get tanning ledges and baja shelves

Want to tan without getting toasty? These shallow, in-pool ledges are made for summer lounging. Set up:

  • A pair of in-pool loungers with waterproof cushions.
  • An umbrella insert for shade.
  • Cup holders (obviously).

4. Don’t forget what’s underfoot

Nobody wants to do the hot-foot shuffle across the pool deck every afternoon. Choose:

  • Travertine pavers: Naturally cool and slip-resistant.
  • Light-colored concrete: Reflects heat better than dark tones.
  • Artificial turf or wood-look composite decking: Adds texture and doesn’t burn feet.

If you’ve ever tiptoed across a burning-hot patio, you know this isn’t a small detail—it’s survival.

5. Now make it a vibe

Design is one thing, but setting the mood takes it to another level. This is where you make your pool more than just a water feature. It becomes a place to gather, unwind, celebrate, or just chill out with your thoughts. Lighting is key—underwater LEDs that glow in the evening, string lights that hang overhead, or maybe some warm-toned lanterns tucked into your landscaping. Music matters too, whether it’s soft acoustic tracks drifting from hidden speakers or a playlist you control from your phone. Add in the smell of sunscreen, the faint sound of bubbling water, and a cold drink in your hand, and suddenly, your backyard feels like a vacation that never has to end.

the best custom pool designers in Springfield

Who are the best custom pool designers in Springfield?

We’re proud to be one of the go-to contractors in Springfield and the surrounding area, and we make it a priority to support our clients from start to finish. Whether you’re diving into a pool project in the middle of summer or planning it for another time of year, you’ll have a reliable team by your side. Relief Pool Builders of Baton Rouge keeps things running smoothly with hands-on project management, close attention to quality, and thoughtful design choices. Get in touch with us today!