A truly exceptional backyard is defined by thoughtful design, purposeful spaces, and details that elevate everyday living. While the pool is often the centerpiece, what transforms a backyard from beautiful to luxurious is how every element works together to create a cohesive outdoor experience. At Cody Pools, luxury is not about excess it is about intentional design that enhances how you relax, entertain, and spend time in your backyard. Whether you are dreaming of a private retreat or the ultimate gathering space understanding the structure of a luxury backyard can help you envision what is possible.
Start with a Purposeful Pool Design
Every luxury backyard begins with a pool designed around your personal lifestyle and use. The shape, layout, and features should complement your home’s architecture while supporting how you plan to enjoy the pool. For some homeowners this means a sleek geometric pool with clean lines and a modern feel. For others it is a freeform design that creates a natural resort-inspired atmosphere. The key is creating a pool that feels integrated into the overall environment rather than placed as an afterthought. Thoughtful placement also considers sun exposure, views from inside the home, and how guests will move through the space.
The Spa for Relaxation
An integrated spa is one of the defining elements of a high-end backyard. Beyond comfort, spas add visual interest and creates a focal point that extends how the space can be enjoyed. Raised spas with spillover edges add the soothing sound of moving water while flush spas maintain a sleek modern look. Either approach enhances the sense of luxury and creates a natural gathering spot.
Sun Shelves and Tanning Ledges
Sun shelves bring a resort feel home by creating shallow lounging areas in the pool. These spaces allow you to relax in the water without fully swimming and add both visual depth and functional versatility. Sun shelves are especially popular with families and homeowners who enjoy entertaining. They can be paired with ledge loungers or umbrellas to create comfortable, stylish spaces.
Water Features That Create Atmosphere
Water features such as waterfalls, deck jets, and bubblers add movement sound and visual texture. They transform a backyard into a peaceful retreat while providing striking architectural interest. Gentle flowing water can create a calming environment while dramatic designs add a bold statement that enhances the overall backyard experience.
Fire Features for Warmth and Contrast
Fire elements such as fire bowls, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces add warmth ambiance and another natural gathering place for evening entertaining. They also extend the usability of your backyard creating a cozy atmosphere long after the sun goes down.
Outdoor Living Spaces That Expand Your Home
Luxury backyards are natural extensions of the home itself. Covered patios outdoor kitchens dining areas and lounge spaces make it possible to cook relax and entertain outdoors. These spaces create functionality beyond the pool and encourage year-round enjoyment from casual family dinners to hosting friends.
Lighting That Transforms the Experience
Thoughtful lighting highlights architectural details, enhances safety, and creates ambiance after dark. Pool lighting, pathway lights, and accent lighting around landscaping or structures can completely transform how the space feels at night turning your backyard into a private resort.
Landscaping That Brings Everything Together
Landscaping softens hardscapes and creates a cohesive environment. Carefully selected plants, trees, and greenery add privacy texture and natural beauty. Whether you prefer a clean modern look or lush tropical vibes landscaping helps define the overall style and enhances the sense of escape.
Smart Automation for Effortless Control
Modern luxury backyards can be controlled with smart automation systems allowing you to adjust lighting, water features, temperature, and pool functions from a phone or tablet. This level of convenience makes it easy to set the perfect environment for a quiet evening or a gathering with friends.
Bringing It All Together
A backyard feels luxurious when all the elements work together to create a cohesive and intentional space. From the pool and spa to lighting, landscaping, and outdoor living areas each element plays a role in shaping the overall experience. With careful planning and design every detail enhances how you live your life outdoors turning your backyard into a destination for relaxation connection and enjoyment for years to come.
Ready to Design Your Dream Backyard
Creating a luxury backyard is about more than choosing features it is about designing a space that reflects your lifestyle. Your outdoor space can feel like a private resort just steps from your door. Start the conversation with Cody Pools today and explore what is possible for your dream backyard.
When most people think about building a pool spring and summer usually come to mind. However many homeowners are surprised to learn that the offseason especially winter is actually a great time to begin designing and building a custom pool. From smoother timelines to better planning winter pool projects offer advantages that are easy to overlook.
Shorter Wait Times and Faster Schedules
Spring and summer are the busiest months for pool construction. Starting your project in winter often means lighter schedules quicker design approvals faster permitting and more flexibility throughout the build process. With fewer projects competing for attention your pool can move forward more efficiently.
More Time for Thoughtful Design
Designing a pool goes beyond choosing a shape or finish. It is about creating a backyard that fits your lifestyle and how you want to use your space. Winter allows more time to collaborate with designers review options and fine tune details without feeling rushed. This thoughtful planning often leads to a better finished result.
Be Ready to Swim When Warm Weather Arrives
One of the biggest benefits of building in winter is timing. Instead of waiting to start construction in spring your pool can be completed or nearing completion as temperatures rise. That means you are ready to enjoy your backyard right when swimming season begins.
Better Planning for the Entire Backyard
Building during the offseason allows homeowners to plan beyond the pool itself. Decking landscaping outdoor kitchens and shade structures can all be coordinated more easily. This leads to a more cohesive outdoor living space that feels finished rather than phased.
Ideal Conditions for Construction
Winter weather in Texas is often milder than the intense heat of summer. Cooler temperatures can help construction move more comfortably and consistently with fewer delays caused by extreme conditions.
Start Now and Enjoy It Sooner
A custom pool is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. Starting the process in winter allows for better planning smoother construction and an earlier start to enjoying your backyard. Rather than waiting for peak season you can get ahead and be ready when it matters most.
If you are thinking about building a pool winter is a great time to get started. Contact Cody Pools to begin designing your custom pool and take the first step toward enjoying your backyard sooner.
A backyard swimming pool is one of the best investments you can make in your home, but like any investment, it needs care and attention over time. Even the most well-built pools eventually show signs of wear, both in appearance and functionality. If your pool is looking tired or becoming more difficult to maintain, it may be time to consider pool remodeling or even a complete pool replacement.
At Cody Pools, our award-winning design and construction team has helped thousands of homeowners transform their outdated pools into modern, energy-efficient backyard retreats. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to remodel your pool, and what kind of updates can make the biggest impact.
1. Visible Signs of Aging and Damage
If you notice cracks, fading finishes, missing tiles, or rough surfaces, these are clear signs your pool may need resurfacing or remodeling. Not only do these issues detract from your pool’s appearance, but they can also lead to leaks or structural problems if ignored. Remodeling solution: Resurface your pool with a durable modern finish like pebble, or quartz, and replace old tile and coping for a fresh new look that stands the test of time.
2. Outdated Pool Equipment
Old pumps, heaters, and filtration systems can drain energy and drive up utility bills. Modern equipment is designed to be quieter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Remodeling solution: Upgrade to energy-efficient pool pumps, LED lighting, and smart automation systems that let you control your pool from your phone. You’ll enjoy lower energy costs and easier maintenance.
3. The Design Feels Outdated
If your pool’s design no longer matches your outdoor living space or lifestyle, a pool remodel is the perfect opportunity to reimagine your backyard. Remodeling solution: Add a tanning ledge, built-in spa, or water feature for a modern resort-style feel. Update the pool deck with new materials like travertine, pavers, or decorative concrete to elevate your space.
4. Ongoing Structural or Plumbing Issues
Recurring leaks or plumbing repairs may signal underlying problems that go beyond surface wear. Sometimes, the most cost-effective solution is to start fresh. Replacement solution: A pool replacement allows you to rebuild from the ground up with updated plumbing, modern materials, and a brand-new design that fits your current needs.
5. You Want to Add New Technology or Features
Today’s pool remodeling projects often include advanced technology that makes ownership easier and more enjoyable. Remodeling solution: Add automation controls, energy-efficient heating, or LED lighting to bring your pool into the modern age.
6. Preparing to Sell Your Home
A beautiful, updated pool adds major curb appeal and resale value. Buyers are drawn to homes with low-maintenance, visually appealing outdoor spaces. Remodeling solution: Simple updates like resurfacing, lighting, or new tile can make your pool look brand new and leave a lasting impression.
Pool Remodeling vs. Pool Replacement: What’s Right for You?
The right choice depends on the condition of your existing pool and your goals.
Pool remodeling is ideal when your pool’s structure is sound but needs aesthetic and functional updates.
Pool replacement is best for older pools with ongoing issues or when you want a completely new design layout.
A Cody Pools design consultant can assess your pool and recommend the best option for your home and budget.
Transform Your Pool with Cody Pools
If your swimming pool has lost its sparkle, Cody Pools can help you fall in love with your backyard again. Our pool remodeling services include everything from resurfacing and tile replacement to complete pool redesigns and rebuilds.
As America’s #1 Pool Builder, we bring decades of experience, innovative design, and quality craftsmanship to every project.
Ready to start your pool remodel?
Contact Cody Pools today for a free design consultation and see how we can turn your existing pool into the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of.
We are proud to share some exciting news! Cody Pools has been named the 2025 Builder of the Year by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)! This prestigious recognition celebrates excellence, leadership, and innovation within the pool and spa industry, and we are truly thrilled to receive it.
Honoring Our Leader: Mike Church, 2025 Builder of the Year
We are incredibly honored to celebrate Mike Church, President & CEO of Cody Pools, as the 2025 Builder of the Year! This award is the highest honor in the pool and spa industry, and it speaks volumes about Mike’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. What makes it even more special is that it is peer-nominated, reflecting the deep respect and recognition of industry leaders across the nation. In receiving this award, Cody Pools has been recognized by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance for outstanding craftsmanship, dedication to education and advancement, and a reputation for innovation and integrity. Mike’s leadership has truly elevated not only our company, but the entire industry, setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.
Mike’s visionary leadership, commitment to collaboration, and passion for raising the bar have made a lasting impact on the pool and hot tub industry. Since acquiring Cody Pools in 2003, Mike has grown the company from two offices and 19 employees to nearly 450 team members across Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
Under his guidance, Cody Pools has been named the #1 Pool Builder in the Nation by Pool and Spa News for an unprecedented 13 consecutive years.
As a proud PHTA Board Member, Mike actively promotes industry education and encourages certifications like the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) and Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) for his team. His unwavering dedication to integrity, innovation, and peer mentorship continues to elevate our entire industry.
“On behalf of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, it is my honor to congratulate Mike Church and Cody Pools on being named the 2025 Builder of the Year. This award recognizes not just one company, but the spirit of excellence, innovation, and leadership that makes our industry stronger. Cody Pools’ dedication to quality, education, and continuous improvement inspires every builder to dream bigger and reach higher. We celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing your continued success.” – Sabeena S. Hickman, PHTA President & CEO
Celebrating 20 PHTA International Awards of Excellence
As if that weren’t enough, our family of brands also brought home 20 PHTA International Awards of Excellence, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity our teams deliver on every project. These awards represent the highest level of achievement in the pool building industry and demonstrate our relentless commitment to excellence, unity across every market, and putting our customers first.
Here’s how the awards break down across our family of companies:
Earning 1 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze, and 6 Merit awards in total, these honors reflect the innovation, craftsmanship, and customer commitment that define every Cody Pools project.
See Our Award-Winning Designs
Want to see all of the designs that earned these prestigious honors? Check out our award-winning projects featured in the September issue of Aqua Magazine: 🔗View the digital edition here
“This honor belongs to every member of our Cody Pools family,” said Church. “Our success is built on collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering world-class craftsmanship and service to our clients. The passion our teams bring to every project is what drives our continued growth and success.” – Mike Church, CEO
We’re excited to build on this momentum, keep raising the bar, and continue creating beautiful, award-winning pools and outdoor spaces for our clients to enjoy for years to come. With every pool we design and build, our goal remains the same — to create spaces where families can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories together.
In September 2025, BBB serving the Heart of Texas recognized Cody Pools as one of six businesses headquartered within the organization’s 105 Texas counties to win the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics. This award celebrates businesses that exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of its operations, benefiting its customers and community. With 31 years serving the Austin community, Cody Pools is proud to be recognized by BBB and serve as a role model for transparent and truthful business practices.
What Cody Pools Does:
Cody Pools is the nation’s #1 pool builder, specializing in the design and construction of custom residential and commercial swimming pools. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized design, Cody Pools transforms backyards and commercial spaces into stunning aquatic environments. The company provides end-to-end service, from initial design consultation to construction and ongoing customer support, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.
“For us, this recognition is especially meaningful. At Cody Pools, we have always strived to not only build beautiful pools but to build trust—with our customers, our employees, and our community,” said Mike Church, president and CEO of Cody Pools. “Receiving this award affirms that our values of honesty, integrity, and ethical practices are being recognized at the highest level.”
“Receiving a Torch Award is more than taking home a trophy; it’s a reflection of how these businesses put their values into action every day,” said Dr. Carrie Angell, president and CEO of BBB serving the Heart of Texas. “Their commitment to their customers and communities shows that ethical business is about making a lasting difference.”
With over a century of experience establishing best practices and assisting consumers make informed decisions, BBB uses a rigorous, objective evaluation process and a panel of independent business and community leaders to judge Torch Award for Ethics applicants. Businesses selected as winners represent the strength, dedication, and resilience of their community and positively influence future business owners and entrepreneurs.
If you would like to learn more about Cody Pools, how we do business and the services we offer, please visit www.codypools.com.
ABOUT CODY POOLS: Founded in 1994 in Austin, Texas, Cody Pools has grown from a small local builder into the largest pool builder in the United States. Over the past 31 years, Cody Pools has completed more than 36,000 residential and commercial pools while expanding its operations across multiple Texas markets and beyond. Known for its commitment to integrity, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, Cody Pools continues to be recognized as a trusted leader in the swimming pool industry.
ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities.
