Fire, Water and Outdoor Living: A Custom Pool and Spa in Cornelius, NC

The spa is positioned within the pool rather than beside it on the patio. That placement makes it part of the pool’s architecture and gives it a clear identity within the larger body of water. Its square shape repeats the straight lines of the geometric pool, so the spa, waterline and surrounding terrace work together visually.

Floating-style stepping stones cross the large tanning ledge to reach the spa. The gaps between the individual pads keep water visible along the route, creating a different experience from a continuous walkway around the pool perimeter. The stones also establish a strong line through the shallow area without making the ledge feel like a separate pool.

The tanning ledge provides space for in-water loungers, while the main pool remains the place for swimming. In one view, you can read the three different uses: lounging on the ledge, relaxing in the spa and enjoying the open water. The layout gives each a defined place without separating them into unrelated features.

The elevated Sedona fire-and-water bowls combine two features in the same focal point. Water spills from each bowl toward the pool, adding a visible stream and the sound of moving water. Fire introduces a different effect after sunset, with flame above the water and reflections below.

The pedestals give the bowls height above the pool edge. That makes their shape and the falling water legible from across the backyard, while their curved profiles contrast with the pool’s straight edges and square spa. Seen together, the waterline, pedestals and bowls create a layered edge instead of a flat perimeter.

The project’s smart control system operates the fire/water features alongside the other pool functions. The bowls are part of the overall pool experience, while the separate Chestnut Brown Sedona fire pit on the lower patio creates a place to gather outside the water. At 48 inches wide, that fire pit gives the seating area its own focal point for evenings beside the pool.

The pool interior is finished in Aqua White mini pebble, paired with Key West Marina 6 × 6-inch waterline tile. These are separate finish layers: the pebble surface lines the pool interior, while the tile defines the waterline and creates a distinct band at the edge.

Diana Royale leathered marble forms the coping around the pool and continues across the lower terrace. Repeating the marble connects the narrow edge of the pool with the broader deck, so the transition from water to lounging space feels consistent. Its light palette contrasts with the deeper Chestnut Brown paving above.

The leathered finish is part of the material selection, not simply a color name. It gives the marble a different surface character from a polished finish. Together, the waterline tile, mini-pebble interior and marble coping establish the pool’s material palette before the design moves outward to the kitchen, pergolas and planting beds.

Two large custom wood pergolas extend the outdoor living areas from the house. One defines the upper patio, and the other covers the kitchen area. Their repeated structure helps connect the separate spaces visually, while the upper patio includes electrical provisions for lighting and ceiling fans.

Landscaping and raised flower beds add planting to the built environment. They give the pool, patio and structures a softer setting and carry the project beyond its hard surfaces. The beds are part of the completed backyard composition alongside the pool and entertaining areas.

Small dark path lights line planted areas, and pale gravel creates a contrast beside the terrace. Outdoor lighting adds another layer after sunset. In this project, it works alongside the pool’s color-changing lights and the flame from the fire features. Those elements serve different roles: the pool lighting changes the appearance of the water, the fire features create warm focal points, and the outdoor lighting brings the surrounding landscape and living spaces into the evening setting.

Learn more about our fire features, water features and outdoor lighting in Cornelius.

This pool includes an automated in-floor cleaning system. It is an important part of the project even though it is less visually prominent than the spa, marble or fire-and-water bowls. The cleaning equipment is integrated into the pool rather than being the main object you see moving around inside it.

In general, an in-floor system sends pressurized water to cleaning heads built into the pool. Pop-up heads rise while their zone operates and direct water across the surrounding surface. As the system cycles to other zones, the heads retract. The directed flow moves debris toward collection points, where the pool’s collection and filtration equipment can remove it. The exact head layout, valve arrangement and operating requirements depend on the system and the pool design.

For a pool with an integrated spa, stepping stones and a large tanning ledge, cleaning needs belong in the design discussion alongside those architectural features. The installed in-floor system provides automated cleaning, and the project’s smart controls can turn the in-floor system on.

Automated cleaning still works alongside routine pool care. Water testing, chemical balancing, filter and basket maintenance, and attention to debris remain part of ownership. The benefit is integrating a cleaning function into the pool’s everyday operation, rather than treating maintenance as an afterthought.

Explore our in-floor pool cleaning systems in Cornelius to understand how this option fits into a custom pool plan.

The control system connects the pool’s operating features: fire/water bowls, in-floor cleaning, pool and spa modes, heating and color-changing lights. That matters in a backyard with several different ways to use the water. A swimming afternoon, time in the spa and an evening beside the fire features call for different combinations of equipment and lighting.

Automation provides a common way to operate those functions. It complements the physical design, just as the repeated finishes connect the visible spaces. The pool can be visually detailed while still giving the homeowner a coordinated way to use its features.