First-Time Pool Build in University Park, TX

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

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.

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

“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

How does pool automation work for first-time pool owners?

The Feinstein project's IQ-904-P automation system simplifies pool management through smartphone control of lighting, heating, and circulation. Automated scheduling governs the 2.7HP EPump, LED lighting sequences, and custom spa heating cycles, removing guesswork from daily operations. First-time owners especially appreciate the TR28P automatic pool cleaner and in-line chemical feeder, which handle routine maintenance tasks without manual intervention. Combined with brass deck drains and corrosion-resistant valves, these systems let the Feinsteins focus on enjoying their investment rather than managing complex equipment schedules.

Can you build a spa that feels integrated, not added on?

Custom spa design begins with the pool architecture, not as an afterthought. The Feinstein spa uses a cutout design that shares the pool's upgraded plaster interior and twelve-inch coping materials, creating seamless visual continuity between the two bodies of water. We position spas to complement the pool's sight lines and water circulation patterns. In this University Park project, built-in bench seating extends around both pool and spa perimeters every six feet, reinforcing the integrated design approach that distinguishes custom construction from prefabricated alternatives.

What makes travertine decking worth the investment?

Travertine stays cooler underfoot than concrete during Texas summers, which is crucial for barefoot comfort around pools. The natural stone's texture provides reliable slip resistance when wet while maintaining a refined aesthetic that elevates the entire outdoor living space. The Feinstein project pairs travertine with twelve-inch coping that doubles as comfortable seating edges, creating architectural presence along every pool edge. Turf accents soften the hardscape and reduce heat reflection, delivering both practical performance and lasting beauty that suits their University Park home.

How do you design pools for established neighborhoods?

University Park's mature neighborhoods require thoughtful design that respects existing sight lines while creating intimate outdoor living spaces. We position custom spas and seating areas to maximize privacy from neighboring properties without sacrificing openness. The Feinstein design uses the pool's orientation and built-in features like bench seating every six feet to create natural gathering zones. LED lighting placement enhances evening ambiance and privacy while maintaining the inviting atmosphere that encourages the family to step outside the moment the workday ends.

What should work-from-home families expect during construction?

Home-based professionals need construction schedules that minimize disruption to client calls and video conferences. We coordinate louder work phases around household schedules and provide advance notice of any utility interruptions that could affect connectivity. The Feinstein installation benefited from proactive communication by project manager John, who provided regular updates and timeline adjustments throughout the build. As first-time pool owners, the Feinsteins valued John's patience in answering every question, ensuring the family maintained professional commitments while their outdoor living space took shape.