A good custom design always feels personal. It's built around your routines. If you’re someone who likes to lounge all afternoon, a wide Baja step or tanning ledge might make sense. If you swim laps every morning, a long rectangular shape may work best. Here are a few key items homeowners usually select during the planning phase:

• Shape: freeform, geometric, kidney, L-shaped
• Depth: shallow throughout, or with a deep-end for diving
• Pool entry: tanning shelf, stairs, beach entry, or built-in seating
• Water features: waterfalls, bubblers, deck jets
• Deck style: natural stone, pavers, stamped concrete
• Lighting: LED in-pool lighting for ambiance

Each decision brings you closer to a space that reflects your lifestyle. When done right, the result is a pool that’s both useful and beautiful.

Adding Water Features For A Luxury Touch

If you’re aiming for that wow effect, adding one or more waterfalls is the way to go. Water features bring movement, energy, and calm into the space, all at the same time. Whether the goal is a peaceful backdrop or a bold statement piece, waterfalls check both boxes. They also help tie the pool and landscaping together into one finished environment.

Different types of waterfalls offer different looks and sounds. Some are big and bold. Others are soft and quiet. Here are a few popular styles that work well with high-end builds:

• Cascade waterfall: Water falls over rocks or structured ledges, giving a natural look. Great for backyard spaces with tropical or rustic themes.
• Sheet waterfall: A smooth, thin flow of water drops from a sharp edge. These offer clean lines and fit well with modern designs.
• Rain curtain: Water pours down like a curtain of rain. It often attaches to an overhead feature and works beautifully for spa-to-pool transitions or entry points.

A good waterfall feels like it belongs in the space. That means the design has to consider things like placement, height, splash zone, and sound level. For example, placing a rain curtain directly behind a lounge area might not work out well if you want a quiet space to talk and relax.

In one Rancho Cucamonga project, a narrow backyard was turned into a cozy escape by adding a curved wall with two small cascades that tumbled into the pool. Surrounded by soft lighting and succulents, it created a peaceful scene that still felt stylish. That’s the key—it should feel effortless, like the space always flowed that way.

Waterfalls don't just look good. They also help cool the water and reduce noise from nearby streets or neighbors. Whether you prefer gentle trickles or bold sheets, the right choice can totally change the feel of your pool.

Materials and Finishes for a High-End Look

Choosing the right materials can really improve your pool’s appearance and how long it lasts. Natural stone, glass tiles, and high-quality concrete not only look great but also stand strong against Southern California’s climate. The way you finish the pool’s surfaces affects how it looks, how it feels, and how it fits into your outdoor space.

Materials need to handle constant sun, water treatment chemicals, and all the activity from kids and guests. Glass tiles add brightness and shimmer. Natural stones give a more grounded, earthy feel. And concrete can be worked into all kinds of looks—from sleek modern to stone-style textures.

Here are some things to think about when picking materials and finishes:

• Durability: Pick materials that can take heat, water, and chemicals without breaking down.
• Aesthetics: Choose colors and textures that match your home and landscape.
• Maintenance: Some surfaces need regular care, while others are more low-maintenance.

Taking the time to select these elements carefully will help everything come together nicely and make the pool feel completely upgraded without losing comfort and function.

Enhancing the Pool Area with Landscaping

Landscaping can take your pool area to another level. Plants, lighting, and hardscaping help create a complete space that’s ready for both relaxing and entertaining. Think about how the space should feel. Is it clean and modern? Lush and natural? That basic vision will guide the rest of your choices.

In a warm, dry location like Rancho Cucamonga, low-water plants like succulents, lavender, and agave work well and stay green all year. They also save water. Adding light fixtures makes the space more usable at night and also highlights details like waterfalls or rock features.

Here are some helpful landscaping ideas:

• Use native or drought-tolerant plants to save water.
• Place lights to brighten key features such as waterfalls, plants, or seating areas.
• Create shaded lounge zones with pergolas, umbrellas, or trees.
• Use stone or stamped concrete pathways to define the space and improve function.

Landscaping isn’t just about looks—it helps pull everything together into one clear design.

Create Your Ultimate Luxury Pool

Designing a high-end pool with all the extras like waterfalls and custom landscaping is about more than just picking what looks nice. It’s about creating a space that feels right for how you want to live. Every decision from shape to materials to lighting plays a part in how useful, stylish, and relaxing your pool area ends up being.

With help from experienced pros, the entire build gets smoother. You don’t have to worry about whether things will hold up over time or how everything will come together. At Xtreme Pools & Hardscapes, we work with homeowners from early planning to final touches so that each build meets the unique needs of the space and the people using it.

When it’s done well, a luxury pool becomes more than just water in the ground. It's the centerpiece of outdoor living—a place to cool off, host friends, or just sit back and unwind. Whatever style you imagine, building a custom setup around how you relax will make the space feel like your own personal retreat.

Creating an elegant outdoor retreat is more than just a vision; it's about bringing every detail together seamlessly. If you're considering taking your backyard to the next level, explore how you can transform your space with luxury pools with waterfalls from Xtreme Pools & Hardscapes. Let our decades of expertise guide you in crafting a space that’s both functional and mesmerizing, ensuring your pool area becomes a haven of relaxation and style.