Lesser-Known Features That Add a True ‘Wow’ Factor to a Luxury Pool

At the heart of outdoor living in Arizona is the poolscape. Undeniably, it serves as an oasis—offering respite from the dog days of summer and the relentless sun, while also acting as conductor of the outdoor space, orchestrating its surrounding elements as they shape themselves around the waterscape.

For an outdoor living space to feel like a true extension of the home, every detail must be carefully considered. The transitions between home and outdoors—the ones that truly integrate with the architecture and capture both our attention and our emotions—are often so seamless they go unfelt. While many believe this sense of wonder is achieved through grand, attention-grabbing elements like imposing water walls, bold mosaic tiles, or elaborate grottos, one could argue that the true harmony of form, function, style, and elegance emerges through the subtleties of seamless integration.

It is in floating steppers that traverse the water’s surface, moody and dramatic ambience, and the spatial depth created by elevational complexities. It is in the controlled falling of water, queued by deft rain curtains, or in the near-invisible precision of Lautner edges and laminar overflows—features whose engineering brilliance is often overlooked beyond blueprinting and construction.

Individually, these elements may go unnoticed, but together, they define the subtle yet powerful interplay between form, function, and style—transforming the outdoor space into a seamless extension of the home.

1. Hardscaping in and Through the Watershape

Traditional hardscaping, like stepping stones, can feel static but when designed to appear as if they’re floating across the water, they add a sense of movement and intrigue. Paired with LED lighting beneath or around each totem, an illusionary sense of weightlessness is created, making every step feel both gravitation and immersive, especially as the light reflects off the water’s surface and the pool walls below. Whether leading to a sunken lounge or crossing a shallow section, these steppers turn simple transitions or somewhat underused spaces into focal points.

2. Undercoping LED Lighting

Lighting is one of the most underutilized tools in luxury pool design, yet it has the power to redefine the entire atmosphere. Undercoping LED lighting is a sleek, modern touch that subtly highlights the perimeter of a pool, making it appear as if it’s glowing from within. By installing linear LED strips beneath the coping, designers create a soft halo effect that enhances the pool’s geometry and ensures visibility without harsh spotlights. This feature works particularly well with contemporary designs, where clean lines and minimalist aesthetics demand precise lighting solutions.

3. Cantilevered, Elevated Pool Decks

A cantilevered pool deck defies expectations by extending outward without visible support, creating a dramatic floating effect. This architectural feat not only enhances aesthetics but also serves a functional purpose, providing unobstructed sightlines to the water. When paired with an infinity or Lautner edge, a cantilevered, elevated pool deck can make the pool feel like it’s suspended in mid-air—especially when overlooking a hillside, ocean, or cityscape. The effect is both luxurious and futuristic, making it a signature element in ultra-high-end projects.

4. Rain Curtains

For those seeking an immersive sensory experience, rain curtains add a dynamic, almost hypnotic element to a luxury pool. Water cascades from a sleek, hidden source—often a cantilevered overhang or elevated feature wall—creating a shimmering, continuous sheet that interacts beautifully with light and movement. At night, rain curtains become even more dramatic when paired with LED uplighting, casting intricate patterns across the water’s surface. Beyond aesthetics, they also serve a functional role, providing a soft partition between different areas of the pool.

5. Lautner Edges

Named after architect John Lautner, Lautner edges take the concept of an infinity pool to a more refined level. Instead of a visible spillover, Lautner edges use a concealed perimeter slot that allows water to flow seamlessly to a hidden trough. This creates a mirror-like surface where water meets the deck flush, giving the illusion of a perfectly still and endless body of water. The effect is breathtaking in modern, minimalist designs where crisp lines and uninterrupted reflections are paramount.

Why what we don’t think about might leave us wanting

Luxury pool design is about more than bold statements—it’s about creating an experience where every element contributes to the whole. While imposing water walls and intricate tilework have their place, it’s the integration of subtle yet powerful details—from the glow of undercoping lighting to the seamless fluidity of Lautner edges—that makes the poolscape truly unforgettable. These lesser-known features enhance not just the way the poolscape looks, but how it feels, how it’s used, and how it transforms the surrounding space into one’s personal resort of elegance and oasis escapism.

To learn more about how OHPLC creates thoughtful and uniquely tailored spaces, check out our work on IG @ohplc_designandbuild and YouTube at @ohplc.