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Choosing the right fiberglass pool features to add can change how your pool is used every day, from lounging and entertaining to giving kids a safer shallow area or extending use into cooler months.
Tanning ledges, splash pads, and built-in spas can all add comfort and function, but they also affect space, cost, maintenance, and long-term value. This guide breaks down the most popular fiberglass pool features so you can decide which options actually fit your backyard, lifestyle, and budget.
Tanning ledges
A tanning ledge is a shallow, flat platform built into the pool at water entry, typically around 9 to 12 inches deep. It is designed for lounge chairs, small children, and pets to be in the water without being fully submerged.
Who it makes sense for
- Families with young children who want to be in the water safely
- Adults who want to relax partially submerged without swimming
- Anyone planning to use ledge loungers or water umbrellas
What to consider
Tanning ledges add to the overall pool footprint. If your yard is space-constrained, a ledge may reduce the available swimming area. They also collect debris faster than the main pool due to shallow water and low circulation. Factor in slightly more frequent skimming.
Imagine Pools offers several tanning ledge options including the Pearl and Lagoon ledges, available as standalone features or integrated into pool designs like The Inspiration and The Brilliant.
Splash pads
A splash pad is a shallow water play area built into the front of a pool, typically around 20 inches deep. It functions similarly to a tanning ledge but is larger and oriented toward active play rather than lounging.
Who it makes sense for
- Households with young children as a primary user group
- Buyers who want a safe shallow area without a separate wading pool
- Anyone looking to maximize the backyard’s appeal for entertaining families
What to consider
Splash pads are best suited to homes with children under 10. As kids get older, the splash pad tends to see less use relative to the main pool. If your household skews adult, the square footage is better used as a swimming area or a tanning ledge.
Models like The Freedom Plus from Imagine Pools include an 8-foot splash pad integrated at the front of the pool, keeping the main swimming area fully intact.
Built-in spas
A built-in spa is a heated hydrotherapy area constructed as part of the pool unit, sharing water flow with the main pool or operating on a separate heating circuit.
Who it makes sense for
- Adults who prioritize year-round use and off-season value
- Anyone with muscle recovery, stress relief, or chronic pain as a use case
- Households in climates with cool spring and fall shoulder seasons
What to consider
A built-in spa adds to the pool’s overall cost and requires a separate heating system to operate independently from the main pool. Shared-water systems heat both together, which is less efficient if you only want the spa on a cool evening.
Operating costs are real. Budget for the energy use of keeping a spa heated if you plan to use it frequently. For buyers who want a spa but rarely swim laps, a standalone spa unit may be a more cost-effective option than a full pool-spa combo.
Imagine Pools offers the Oasis model as a standalone spa, and several pool designs incorporate a centrally located built-in spa with a clear channel for uninterrupted swimming on both sides.
Feature comparison at a glance
| Feature | Best for | Space impact | Added maintenance |
| Tanning ledge | All ages, lounging | Moderate | Low |
| Splash pad | Young children | Moderate | Low |
| Built-in spa | Adults, year-round | Significant | Moderate |
Our recommendation
Do not add features based on how they look in a showroom. Add them based on how your household actually spends time outside. The best pool is the one that fits your daily routine, not the one with the longest feature list.
Regional Pool Group installs Imagine Pools shells and can walk you through every available model and configuration. Contact us to discuss which setup fits your yard and your family.
