Designing a New Inground Pool? 7 Features That Elevate Your Lifestyle in Gretna and Valley, NE

Planning a new inground pool in Gretna or Valley, NE, means more than choosing a shape and filling it with water. It’s about curating an outdoor lifestyle that blends beauty, relaxation, and function, with no detail overlooked. At Hardscape Contractors, we don’t just install pools. We design luxurious experiences that reflect your personality and elevate the way you enjoy your home. Whether you want a tranquil escape, an entertainer’s paradise, or a dynamic space for your family, a thoughtfully designed inground pool becomes the centerpiece of your backyard.

Related: Summer Will Be Here Before You Know It! Be Ready with a New Inground Pool in the Cornish Heights and Elkhorn, NE Areas

7 Features That Elevate Your Pool Lifestyle

1. Custom Waterfalls That Connect the Landscape and Pool

There’s nothing subtle about the impact a cascading natural stone waterfall makes. Beyond its visual appeal, it introduces a calming soundscape that turns your backyard into a sensory retreat. When designed correctly, a waterfall should look like it belongs—flowing effortlessly into the pool and integrating with the surrounding landscape.

We brought this idea to life in our Natural Poolscape project. The waterfall, framed by colorful blooms and flowing into the inground pool, didn’t just enhance the setting—it became the heart of it. Bright perennials and whimsical textures surrounded the water feature, softening the boldness of the stone with a playful energy.

When you add a custom water feature to your design, you’re not just building a pool. You’re setting the tone for the entire outdoor experience.

2. Natural Stone Patios That Define Elegance

Gretna and Valley experience freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on cheap surfaces. That’s why we rely on durable, high-end materials like travertine and limestone for our patio installations. These natural stones stay cool under the Nebraska sun, provide traction when wet, and hold up beautifully through changing Midwest seasons.

In your space, the patio acts as the connective tissue—it bridges the pool to your outdoor kitchen, lounging zones, and garden beds. Our team doesn’t treat it as an afterthought. We treat it like a stage for all your future memories. Whether you’re sunbathing, hosting happy hour, or watching the kids swim, your natural stone patio should feel as luxurious as it looks.

3. Outdoor Lighting That Turns Your Pool into a Nighttime Retreat

With strategic outdoor lighting, your backyard becomes just as enchanting after sunset as it is during the day. We layer lighting to create depth, drama, and usability. Underwater LEDs shimmer in the pool. Uplights cast a soft glow on the stone retaining walls. Path lights gently lead the way from the patio to the pergola.

It’s not just about safety or visibility—it’s about ambiance. Thoughtful lighting invites you to stay a little longer. Sip a cocktail by the fire bowl. Watch reflections dance on the water. Relax under the stars. With the right setup, the mood shifts instantly from lively to intimate, depending on what the moment calls for.

4. Fire Features That Spark Year-Round Use

When your pool area includes a built-in fire pit or fire bowl, your backyard doesn’t go dormant when summer ends. A roaring flame adds warmth, light, and contrast to your outdoor space. It draws people in. It gives you a reason to gather, even when there’s a chill in the air.

In our designs, we love to pair fire with water. Imagine stepping out of your pool on a crisp fall evening and wrapping up next to the fire, a glass of wine in hand. The natural textures of pavers and stone around the fire enhance the visual drama—and the functionality. These aren’t random firepits from the hardware store. These are permanent, built-in features tailored to your space, and they make your pool area feel complete.

5. Pergolas That Provide Comfort and Architectural Interest

Nebraska summers are warm, sunny, and perfect for poolside living—but a little shade goes a long way. Enter the pergola. It provides shelter from direct sun, defines specific zones, and offers visual interest with its open-air structure. A pergola over your lounge area? Instantly resort-like. Over your outdoor kitchen? Now it’s a chef’s haven.

We build every pergola to blend with the rest of your landscape—from the materials used to the finishes selected. Whether you're looking for a modern linear aesthetic or a more rustic, natural look, your pergola becomes a statement piece that frames the pool while making the space more usable throughout the day.

6. Outdoor Kitchens That Keep the Party Poolside

Your pool isn’t just for swimming. It’s for hosting. Laughing. Dining. Sharing stories over drinks. And nothing supports that better than a well-designed outdoor kitchen. We construct custom kitchens with premium appliances, generous countertops, and plenty of storage so you can prep, serve, and clean up—all without stepping foot inside.

Every detail is intentional: built-in grills and side burners, ice wells and mini fridges, even bar seating. You might be in the middle of the backyard, but with the right kitchen design, everything you need is within reach. More time outdoors. Less back and forth. That’s how you make entertaining effortless.

7. Landscaped Plantings That Bring Life and Color

The pool may be the star of your outdoor space, but the surrounding landscape is what gives it heart. We design planting beds that feel natural and curated, using vibrant blooms, textural grasses, and native shrubs that thrive in Nebraska’s Zone 5 climate.

In our Natural Poolscape case study, the planting design played a major role. Whimsical, bright blooms softened the boldness of the stone waterfall and brought the space to life. The color palette changed with the seasons, always offering something beautiful to enjoy. This type of intentional planting not only adds beauty, it adds privacy, softness, and personality to your pool environment.

Related: Top Pool Companies for Your Dream Inground Pool in Omaha or Elkhorn, NE

Project Spotlight: The Natural Poolscape

This stunning inground pool project brings a natural, peaceful ambiance to the backyard through intentional design and material selection. A cascading natural stone waterfall flows gracefully into the pool, creating a seamless transition between the landscape and the water. The soothing movement and sound of the waterfall set the tone for a serene, resort-like atmosphere.

Surrounding the water feature, whimsical, bright blooms add vivid color and charm to the space, softening the rugged texture of the stone and introducing seasonal beauty into the landscape. These vibrant plantings create a layered, lively setting that feels both curated and effortless.

A series of beautiful stone slabs form a functional retaining wall along the pool’s edge. More than just structural support, this feature adds dimension and defines the space, serving as a natural backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation.

With every element designed to enhance both form and function, the Natural Poolscape reflects a cohesive, elevated approach to outdoor living. The result is a spectacular backyard retreat that offers visual interest, tranquility, and year-round enjoyment.

What Are the Options for Inground Pools?

In Gretna and Valley, two types of inground pools dominate the luxury market: concrete and fiberglass. Each offers its own set of advantages depending on the vision you have for your outdoor space. Your lifestyle, how you plan to use the pool, and even the design aesthetic of your home all play into which direction makes the most sense.

Concrete pools are the go-to for those who want complete creative control. These pools are built from scratch, meaning there’s no limitation on shape, size, or depth. Want a pool that mirrors the natural curves of your landscape? Prefer a geometric design with crisp, modern lines? Looking to add a beach entry, tanning ledge, or integrated spa? Concrete allows it all. This is the choice for homeowners who want something iconic—an outdoor statement piece that feels fully customized and intentionally sculpted into the property.

Concrete is also ideal for more complex topographies. If your backyard includes slopes or elevation changes, concrete gives us the flexibility to design a pool that works with your landscape, not against it. We often pair it with retaining walls, natural stone patios, and water features to create a layered experience that’s both beautiful and functional.

Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, offer a streamlined approach without compromising on quality or performance. These pre-formed shells come in a wide range of designs—from classic rectangles to more organic shapes—and are known for their sleek, smooth finish. Because they arrive ready to install, the timeline from excavation to swim-ready is typically faster than concrete. This is a smart option if you want an efficient installation process with long-term durability baked in.

Fiberglass pools are also easy to pair with high-end landscaping and structural features. We’ve built out entire pool environments that include outdoor kitchens, paver patios, pergolas, and layered plantings—all centered around a fiberglass shell that looks anything but standard. With the right design, even a pre-molded pool can feel tailored and upscale.

No matter which direction you go, we’re here to guide you through it. From the earliest design consultation to the final hardscape installation, our goal is to help you choose the type of pool that supports your lifestyle and enhances your outdoor experience. Every decision—from materials to layout to features—is made with your property’s unique character in mind.

What Are the Features of a Modern Pool?

Modern inground pools are no longer just functional water basins tucked into the backyard. They’ve become architectural focal points—sculptural, immersive, and packed with intuitive features that merge relaxation, entertainment, and design in one cohesive environment. A modern pool should reflect how you live, how you host, and how you unwind.

One of the most requested features today is the tanning ledge—a wide, shallow shelf that lets you recline partially in the water, cocktail in hand, while staying cool under the sun. Whether you’re relaxing solo or watching the kids splash beside you, tanning ledges strike the perfect balance between comfort and functionality.

Spillover spas are another favorite. These elevated spas gently cascade into the pool below, creating a soft, continuous movement of water while enhancing the ambiance. They serve as an elegant focal point and give you the best of both worlds—inviting warmth on cool evenings and a fluid connection between pool and spa.

Automation systems take convenience to the next level. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can adjust the pool temperature, turn on the lights, activate the spa jets, or schedule filtration cycles. It’s luxury made effortless—and it allows you to focus on enjoying the space, not managing it.

Another element rising in popularity is saltwater conversion. This gentler alternative to traditional chlorine offers a smoother swimming experience that’s easier on skin, eyes, and swimsuits, without compromising on sanitation. It’s a subtle upgrade that makes a big difference, especially if you use your pool frequently.

And when the sun goes down, smart lighting takes over. LED fixtures now offer full-spectrum color control, letting you shift the tone of your space with ease. Want a tranquil blue for evening swims? A warm glow for cocktail hour? A vibrant palette for a weekend party? It’s all possible, all programmable, and all integrated into your pool’s design.

At Hardscape Contractors, we don’t chase trends—we anticipate them. We blend the latest innovations with materials and layouts that will still feel elegant ten years from now. Your pool isn’t just modern today. It’s built to stay timeless, no matter how the trends shift tomorrow.

Are Pool Water Features Worth It?

 Water features bring both beauty and performance to your pool environment, making them one of the most rewarding upgrades you can include in your design.

Visually, they introduce dimension and depth. The movement of water flowing over a natural stone wall or bubbling up through a sun shelf draws the eye and creates a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the pool’s surface. It breaks up the flat plane of the water and gives your space a more layered, high-end appearance.

Audibly, water features completely shift the atmosphere. The soft rush of a waterfall or the rhythmic pop of a bubbler masks background noise, adds a sense of privacy, and instantly brings calm. It’s not just a design element—it’s a soundscape. Whether you’re lounging by yourself or entertaining a crowd, the presence of moving water sets a tone that feels elegant, intentional, and serene.

Functionally, water features aren’t just for show. They can enhance circulation, which helps improve filtration and water quality. By keeping the water moving, you reduce stagnation and keep your pool fresher, especially during those hot, humid Nebraska stretches when evaporation and debris build-up can become more noticeable.

One of the best examples of a water feature done right? Our Natural Poolscape project. We designed a custom natural stone waterfall that flowed directly into the inground pool. The falls weren’t just decorative—they became the emotional centerpiece of the entire landscape. Surrounded by bright, whimsical blooms and backed by a beautifully crafted stone retaining wall, the waterfall turned a beautiful backyard into a breathtaking one. The sound, the motion, the color—it changed everything.

How to Make Your Pool Look Expensive

Luxury doesn’t come from flashy add-ons or gimmicks—it comes from refinement. From the materials you choose to the way each feature transitions into the next, it’s the subtle choices that make a space feel elevated. An expensive-looking pool isn’t necessarily the biggest or boldest—it’s the one that feels curated, cohesive, and undeniably intentional.

Start with natural stone. There’s no substitute for the texture, depth, and timeless appeal of real stone when it comes to patios and retaining walls. In our Natural Poolscape project, large stone slabs weren’t just structural—they defined the space. They formed a backdrop that grounded the pool area and made the surrounding blooms pop, creating an organic yet polished feel that instantly read as upscale.

Custom tile accents inside the pool—along the waterline, on the steps, or even integrated into a spa spillway—add another layer of visual sophistication. These details may be small, but they make a big impression, especially when paired with high-contrast grout or subtle metallic finishes that catch the sunlight.

Integrated lighting and water features are a must. Floating lights or clip-on spotlights won’t cut it if your goal is a resort-level vibe. Instead, built-in fixtures should be placed with purpose: illuminating architectural details, casting a glow on the patio, or accentuating the gentle cascade of a waterfall. The right lighting brings warmth, drama, and depth—and makes your pool area shine well into the evening.

Built-in elements are another hallmark of luxury. Think underwater benches for socializing, tanning ledges for lounging, fountains or bubblers that emerge from sleek stone surfaces. These are the touches that say, “this space was designed, not just built.” They create comfort and functionality, without compromising visual impact.

And finally, plantings matter. A cohesive planting palette ties everything together. When done right, the landscape doesn’t compete with the pool—it enhances it. We use a mix of bold textures, sculptural forms, and climate-appropriate blooms to soften edges and add contrast. In the Natural Poolscape, vibrant plantings around the waterfall brought a touch of whimsy and movement, reinforcing the natural elegance of the overall design.

To make your pool look expensive, every decision—from materials to layout to finishes—needs to work in harmony. And that’s where we come in. Our team takes the time to align every element with your goals, ensuring your pool doesn’t just look luxurious—it feels it.

How Do I Spruce Up My Pool Area?

If your pool area feels outdated, disconnected, or just a little underwhelming, there’s no need for a complete overhaul to breathe new life into the space. Sometimes, a series of strategic updates can completely transform the experience—visually, functionally, and emotionally. At Hardscape Contractors, we approach these enhancements with the same care and craftsmanship we bring to full-scale builds: every detail matters, and everything should feel purposeful.

We typically begin with the foundation—your patio. Swapping out worn concrete or faded pavers for natural stone immediately changes the tone of your space. Stone not only adds richness and character, but it also performs well in Nebraska’s shifting seasons. It resists cracking, stays cool underfoot, and delivers that refined, upscale look that synthetic surfaces can’t replicate. Just like in our Natural Poolscape project, stone elements serve as both structure and sculpture—functional backdrops that elevate the entire setting.

Next, we look at plantings. Overgrown shrubs or sparse landscaping can make even the most impressive pool feel disconnected. We install curated planting beds using a thoughtful mix of perennials, ornamental grasses, and native shrubs—selected not only for visual impact, but for their ability to thrive in the local climate. This softens the edges of hard surfaces and adds dynamic color and movement throughout the season. Bright blooms, especially near focal features like waterfalls or patios, introduce a sense of whimsy and contrast that draws the eye.

To better define how the space is used throughout the day, we often build shade structures like pergolas. Whether it’s a spot for outdoor dining, a quiet corner for reading, or a lounge area with daybeds and string lights, these architectural elements create zones of comfort. They also introduce vertical interest, pulling your eye upward and framing views across the backyard.

Lighting is another game-changer. If your pool area fades into darkness at night, you’re missing out on half its potential. Integrated outdoor lighting adds warmth, safety, and mood—turning your backyard into an evening retreat. Highlight your favorite trees or architectural features, or cast a gentle glow over patios and walkways so the entire space feels cohesive and welcoming well after sunset.

And when you're ready to dial up the drama? Add a fire feature. Whether it’s a sleek gas fire bowl beside the pool or a built-in fire pit with natural stone seating, fire brings contrast, warmth, and ambiance. It extends your pool season, encourages late-night lounging, and acts as a visual anchor for social gatherings.

You can also improve the overall flow and functionality of the space with paver walkways that guide guests from one zone to another—pool to patio, kitchen to pergola. These hard surface features add structure without feeling rigid, and when paired with lighting and planting, they turn simple transitions into design moments.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things. When each element complements the next, even modest upgrades can make your pool area feel entirely new—and entirely yours.

Related: Design Ideas for Creating a Resort-Style Backyard Escape With an Inground Pool in Regency, NE