First-Time Pool Build in University Park, TX

Q: What makes this pool design ideal for work-from-home life?

The tanning ledge, spa cutout, and bubblers create a mental reset from desk work. Automation keeps the pool swim-ready without manual effort.

Q: Can you integrate a custom spa directly into the pool design?

The spa cutout integrates seamlessly with the main pool — one continuous water feature, shared filtration, managed by automation.

Q: How does travertine decking perform in Dallas heat?

Travertine stays cool in direct sunlight, resists slipping when wet, and pairs naturally with plaster and tile for a cohesive, heat-safe deck.

Q: What automation features help first-time pool owners?

The IQ-904-P controls filtration, lighting, and cleaning automatically. The TR28P cleaner and in-line feeder mean daily maintenance is just simple monitoring.

Q: How does bench seating work in this pool design?

Bench seating every six feet creates conversation areas and relaxation spots throughout the pool, eliminating the need for cluttering furniture.

Quick Summary

Selah Pools built a custom residential pool for the Feinstein family in University Park featuring tanning ledge, bubblers, integrated spa cutout, LED lighting, travertine decking with turf accents, bench seating, IQ-904-P automation, and upgraded plaster finish with 6,693-gallon capacity.

Key Takeaways

First-time pool builders who work from home chose Selah to create an outdoor living space escape from Dallas heat
Custom pool features tanning ledge, bubblers, integrated spa cutout, LED lighting, and bench seating every six feet
Material palette includes gunite construction, upgraded plaster finish, travertine decking, turf accents, and standard 6x6 ceramic tile
IQ-904-P automation controller manages the complete system including 2.7HP Epump, CV460 filter, and TR28P pool cleaner

The Feinsteins share how their first pool transformed working from home in University Park

For two professionals working from home in University Park, the Dallas heat wasn't just uncomfortable — it was limiting their quality of life. The Feinsteins envisioned an outdoor living space where they could transition from workday to relaxation in seconds.

The design centers around a custom pool with integrated spa cutout, creating distinct zones for different moods. The tanning ledge provides shallow immersion, while strategically placed bubblers add movement and sound. LED lighting transforms the space from daytime productivity backdrop to evening sanctuary.

Every feature serves the central goal: making home feel like a resort during brutal Texas summers.

“My husband wanted the pool the most… summers in Dallas are really hot.”
— Stacy Feinstein, University Park

Ground-level view of a geometric swimming pool with brilliant blue water flanked by five evenly spaced columnar trees against a tall cedar privacy fence, with travertine decking and manicured artificial turf at a University Park, TX home — Five columnar trees stand sentry along the cedar fence line, framing the pool in a rhythm of green and gold that gives the compact University Park lot a sense of depth and enclosure.

Travertine coping and decking in warm ivory tones surround the geometric pool and raised spa, with bubbler jets punctuating the tanning ledge surface at a University Park, TX home

Gunite construction provides the structural foundation, while an upgraded plaster finish creates the vivid blue interior that amplifies every photon of Texas sunlight.

Travertine decking stays cool underfoot even in direct summer heat — a material choice that matters when you're walking barefoot from the house to the water's edge multiple times a day. Turf accents soften the hardscape and reduce maintenance to nearly zero.

Standard 6×6 ceramic tile at the waterline delivers a clean, classic aesthetic, while brass deck drains and corrosion-resistant valves ensure the infrastructure holds up to relentless Dallas weather.

Blue plaster pool interior gleams beneath crystal-clear water, contrasting with the warm travertine deck edge and artificial turf border, with turquoise accent chairs echoing the water's color at a University Park, TX home

The spa cutout integrates seamlessly with the main pool — reading as one continuous water feature rather than two separate vessels. Shared filtration through the CV460 filter and 2.7HP Epump serves both areas efficiently.

Bubblers punctuate the tanning ledge surface, adding movement and ambient sound that creates the mental boundary between work mode and relaxation. LED lighting transforms the space after dark — one tap, and the backyard shifts from afternoon playground to evening retreat.

The IQ-904-P automation controller manages the complete system: filtration cycles, LED schedules, and the TR28P pool cleaner — with bench seating every six feet providing gathering points throughout the pool.

Woman relaxing on in-pool lounger within the tanning ledge at a University Park, TX home

Multi-generational family enjoyment at a University Park, TX pool

Child caught mid-cannonball into the deep end in University Park, TX

Bird's-eye view of woman floating in turquoise pool water in University Park, TX

Child snorkeling in crystal-clear pool water in University Park, TX

Geometric pool with landscaping in University Park, TX

Family gathered around the pool on a sunny afternoon in University Park, TX

Overhead geometric view of pool form in University Park, TX

The pool changed how the Feinstein family experiences their home. Before the backyard was built, working from home meant the same four walls all day. Now, the transition from laptop to tanning ledge takes thirty seconds — and the bubblers make the mental reset immediate.

But the space does more than serve the adults. The deep end becomes the kids' domain — cannonballs, snorkeling, inflatable races. The tanning ledge is where the parents watch it all happen, immersed just enough to stay cool. On weekends, the whole family is outside for hours.

When evening comes, the LED lighting transforms the mood. The automation handles the switch — one tap, and the backyard goes from afternoon playground to evening retreat. No manual intervention, no walkabouts. Just light, water, and the sound of bubblers breaking the silence.

From dirt to dream — the Feinstein build in 30 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this pool design ideal for work-from-home life?

The Feinstein project demonstrates how pool design can address modern lifestyle needs. The tanning ledge provides a gentle transition from work mode to relaxation, while the integrated spa cutout offers therapeutic benefits after long desk hours.

Bubblers add soothing sound that creates mental separation between office and leisure time. The IQ-904-P automation system ensures the pool is always ready when the workday ends, managing filtration and cleaning cycles without manual intervention.

This 6,693-gallon University Park installation shows how thoughtful design supports work-life balance for remote professionals who want to step outside and immediately decompress.

Can you integrate a custom spa directly into the pool design?

The spa cutout in the Feinstein pool creates seamless integration between spa and main pool areas. This approach eliminates the visual break of separate vessels while maintaining distinct zones.

The shared filtration system through the CV460 filter and 2.7HP Epump serves both areas efficiently, and the IQ-904-P automation controller manages temperature and cycles for the entire system.

This integration method works particularly well in University Park outdoor living spaces where every square foot matters. The result is one continuous water feature that feels larger and more refined than separate pool and custom spa installations would allow.

How does travertine decking perform in Dallas heat?

The Feinstein pool showcases travertine's heat-resistance properties essential for Texas pools. Unlike concrete or dark stone, travertine's natural porosity and light color prevent surface temperatures that burn bare feet during summer months.

The material's slip-resistant texture provides safety around wet areas. Paired with turf accents, the decking creates visual variety while keeping the entire surface comfortable.

Travertine also complements the upgraded plaster finish and standard 6x6 ceramic tile, creating a cohesive aesthetic. For University Park's neighborhood standards, this natural stone elevates the entire outdoor living space while delivering practical performance through brutal Dallas summers.

What automation features help first-time pool owners?

The IQ-904-P automation system in the Feinstein pool manages complex operations through simple controls. First-time owners can monitor filtration cycles, LED lighting schedules, and cleaning operations.

The TR28P pool cleaner operates automatically with its dedicated booster pump, while the in-line feeder maintains chemical balance. Pop-ups assist with surface debris, reducing manual upkeep.

As the Feinsteins noted, Dallas summers are intense — so automation means the 6,693-gallon pool stays swim-ready without constant intervention. The system reduces daily maintenance to simple monitoring, making pool ownership accessible for busy professionals who've never managed pool chemistry before.

How does bench seating work in this pool design?

The Feinstein pool includes bench seating every six feet, creating multiple gathering points around the pool perimeter. This spacing accommodates different activities — reading corners, conversation areas, and spots for relaxing between swims.

The integrated benches eliminate the need for separate pool furniture cluttering the travertine and turf decking. Bench placement considers traffic flow and sight lines throughout the outdoor living space.

Combined with the tanning ledge, this University Park design offers seating options for various preferences within one cohesive pool environment, ensuring the 6,693-gallon pool functions as a true social gathering space rather than just a swimming vessel.