Once you know the type that fits your style, there are a few things to think through before installing:

- Location: Make sure it doesn’t block walkways or get too close to places where kids play.

- Size: Something too large can overpower smaller pool spaces, while something too small may get lost in a bigger yard.

- Fuel source: Propane, natural gas, and wood are the most common. Gas tends to be more convenient for built-in units.

For example, if you’ve already planned a deep seating area near the pool, a built-in fire pit might be the best match. On the other hand, if your design leans modern, tall fire bowls that sit on hardscape columns around the water might add the right finish.

Choosing the right fire feature can really change how your pool is used during evenings or chillier months. It connects everyone together, sets the tone, and makes the space more flexible all year long.

Designing a Cohesive Pool Hardscape

Bringing fire features into a pool area isn’t just about making space for flames. It’s about blending everything together so it feels like one connected environment, not random pieces thrown together. That’s where smart pool hardscape design makes the difference.

Start by considering how the fire elements will look next to other features. Pool decks, walls, steps, lighting, and even built-in benches can all help build one smooth layout. You want materials and textures to match or work well side-by-side.

Here are a few things to focus on when designing a clean, connected outdoor layout:

- Use the same or coordinating materials for fire structures and pool coping like stone or tile

- Match accent colors on fire bowls or tables to the ones used on the pool, tile, or outdoor furniture

- Create defined areas for lounging or dining, using fire features to anchor or frame the spaces

- Design walkways and visual lines so each element has its place and flow feels natural

If done right, your fire addition won’t feel like an afterthought. It’ll look like it’s always been there, like every piece of the pool hardscape was mapped out to play off the other.

The goal isn’t just decoration. It's connection. When fire features flow naturally into the pool design, they support the space, expand its uses, and help everything come together. Whether you lean toward natural stone styles or go with more modern concrete and metal, getting the layout and finishes to work as one makes a big difference.

Safety Considerations for Fire Features

Whenever fire is part of the design, safety needs to be considered from the ground up. The key is planning early and building with the right clearances in mind. Fire features look great, but placement and construction must follow careful guidelines to avoid hazards, especially when they share space with water and foot traffic.

One of the main things to stay on top of is spacing. Fire pits, bowls, and tables should never sit too close to the edge of the pool or any flammable structures like umbrellas, shade sails, or wooden decks. Even heat-resistant furniture and cushions can wear down or melt if the flames are placed too close. Make sure seating areas around fire pits allow enough space to move freely without bumping into corners or hot surfaces.

Ventilation also matters, especially for built-in fire features that run on gas. These need proper air flow to prevent gas buildup and poor burning. This is especially true for fire tables that have closed cabinetry or framing underneath. Professionals plan for hidden vents and gas line access that still keep the look clean.

Maintenance is the last piece of safety that often gets overlooked. Once installed, fire elements need to be checked now and then, especially if they go unused for a while. Dirt, debris, and even insects can collect inside burners, affecting function and safety. Gas lines, igniters, and fire glass all need a once-over before lighting anything up. Covers can help protect fire bowls and tables between uses, especially during rainy weeks or if wind tends to blow leaves into the area.

Following these safety basics can extend the life of your fire upgrades and keep your surroundings comfortable for everyone enjoying the space.

Why Professional Installation Pays Off

Fire features aren’t something you want to guess your way through. Unlike placing patio furniture or building casual garden beds, incorporating fire into your pool hardscape requires careful design, permits, gas lines, and sometimes structural framing. It's a job best handled by experts who know how to make everything connect properly above and below the ground.

One big advantage of professional help is the level of detail in planning. Pros take the time to match elevation levels so your fire bowls align perfectly with waterlines or raised pool walls. They’ll also look at flow and connection. An angled placement of a fire table might turn a small lounge into something that feels bigger, while centered fire pits help frame key areas of social space.

Gas lines need to be run safely underground, often under concrete or stone. That work needs permits and local code compliance, especially in places like Rancho Cucamonga that have very specific building ordinances. A licensed contractor handles all of that so you don’t have to think about it.

High-end finishes also look better when installed correctly. Fire glass, fire-rated tile, metal inserts. All of that holds up longer when done with the right tools. It’s the kind of polish that sets a great outdoor space apart from something quick or temporary.

When you factor in long-term value, professional work gives more back. The design ends up safer, lasts longer, and looks more cohesive with your pool and patio. It also helps avoid disruptions down the road, like gas leaks or surface cracking from poor placement.

A Backyard That Glows in Every Season

Adding fire features to your backyard pool isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about giving life to the spaces you're already dreaming up during a new build. Whether you're imagining peaceful evenings by the pool or a glow that highlights the water during parties, fire creates a different kind of comfort outdoors.

The mix of flickering light and calm water changes the feeling of your home in quiet ways. You may find yourself using the backyard more, especially during fall in places like Rancho Cucamonga where evenings stay mild and skies stay clear. That extended use makes the investment worth it much faster than you might expect.

Beyond the feeling, a well-balanced hardscape design that blends fire and water helps the entire space feel finished. You’re not just building a pool. You’re designing an experience. Whether large or small, fire brings warmth, focus, and flexibility to how the space around the pool gets used across the seasons.

So when planning the shape, depth, and finishes of your pool, take some time to picture how fire could support the mood and layout. Even a simple addition can shift how the whole yard functions and how often you’ll want to be out there. Carefully planned fire features near your pool aren’t just about staying warm. They help turn your backyard into a destination all on its own.

Transform your backyard into a stunning retreat by seamlessly blending fire features with your new pool design. Explore expert guidance and ensure your pool hardscape is both beautiful and functional. Turn your ideas into reality with Xtreme Pools & Hardscapes and bring your outdoor vision to life.