Pools Of Distinction

Florida brings near-endless hours of sunshine— we can’t always make it out to play in saltwater waves or dive to cool spring depths. That means it’s essential to carve out a slice of paradise right here in our backyards.

When leaving it in the hands of the experts, you can create the outdoor space of your dreams with ease. A Tallahassee pool design and building company, ServCo Pools specializes in creating complete outdoor oases, from pool to patio, that are both practical and visually stunning.

As president of ServCo Pools, Steven Ivester works actively on every project and with every client. We talked with Ivester for a detailed overview of the pool design and execution process, so you can start planning the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Q: HOW CAN THE ADDITION OF A POOL ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HOMEOWNERS AS WELL AS THE VALUE OF THE HOME?

STEVEN IVESTER, PRESIDENT, SERVCO POOLS:

A well-designed pool creates a private retreat where families can relax, entertain, and spend meaningful time together without ever leaving home. From a lifestyle perspective, it becomes the centerpiece of the backyard—perfect for hosting gatherings, creating memories with family, and even promoting wellness through relaxation and low-impact exercise. From a value standpoint, a thoughtfully designed and professionally built pool can significantly increase a home’s appeal and marketability— especially in warm climates like Florida. Homes with cohesive outdoor living spaces tend to stand out, attract more buyers, and command stronger resale value.

Q: HOW MUCH OPEN SPACE IS NEEDED TO INSTALL A STANDARD-SIZED POOL? AND WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAPPING OUT YOUR BACKYARD OASIS?

SI: The amount of space needed for a standard pool can vary, but in most cases, a typical residential pool requires a minimum backyard area of around 30-40 feet in width and 50-60 feet in length. That said, every project is unique, and with thoughtful design, we can often work within tighter spaces or create more expansive layouts depending on the property.

Q: HOW CAN COLOR AND TEXTURE BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE DESIGN PROCESS TO ENHANCE THE POOL’S STYLE?

SI: When used intentionally, color and texture can completely transform a space—from sleek and modern to warm and resort-inspired. Color is often introduced through finishes like interior pool surfaces, glass tile, and decking materials. Lighter tones can create a bright, tropical feel with a vibrant water color, while darker finishes produce a deeper, more dramatic look. Accents such as tile selections and coping details allow us to tie the pool seamlessly into the home’s architecture and surrounding landscape. Texture adds depth and contrast, making the space feel more dynamic and inviting. Materials like travertine, natural stone, and specialty pavers not only elevate the visual appeal but also provide functional benefits such as slip resistance and comfort underfoot. Combining smooth surfaces with more textured elements creates a balanced, layered design.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME DESIGN FEATURES THAT CAN MAKE YOUR POOL STAND OUT FROM THE REST?

SI: A standout pool isn’t just about shape—it’s about how all the elements come together to create a cohesive, elevated outdoor experience. High-end finishes like glass tile, travertine decking, and custom coping immediately add a level of sophistication. Features such as sun ledges with bubblers, infinity edges, and raised water-feature walls create both visual impact and a resort-style feel. Integrated spas, fire features, and LED lighting systems can transform the space from a daytime retreat into a dramatic nighttime environment.

Q: WHAT ARE CURRENT TRENDS IN POOLSCAPES AND PATIO DESIGNS?

SI: Water features continue to lead the way in today’s poolscape and patio design trends, with color LED lighting close behind. Homeowners are looking to create dynamic, resort-style environments, and features like sheer descents, raised water walls, bubblers, and spillover spas add both movement and a calming, high-end aesthetic. With color LED lighting’s customizable colors and programmable settings, homeowners can create different moods for entertaining, relaxing, or everyday enjoyment—all at the touch of a button. Smart automation is also on the rise, giving homeowners complete control over lighting, temperature, and water features directly from their phone.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME ASPECTS OR FEATURES THAT HOMEOWNERS OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN APPROACH- ING A POOL DESIGN AND BUILD?

SI: Many homeowners initially focus on size and shape, but factors like layout, flow, and how the space will actually be used day-to-day are just as important. Drainage and grading are often underestimated. Proper water management is critical to protect both the pool and surrounding structures, especially in Florida’s climate. Similarly, planning for utilities— such as electrical, plumbing, and equipment placement—can make a big difference in both functionality and long-term maintenance. Future planning is [also] something many homeowners don’t think about—such as leaving room for additional features like outdoor kitchens, fire elements, or screen enclosures down the road.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR BEST TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS APPROACHING A POOL DESIGN AND BUILD FOR THE FIRST TIME?

SI: My best advice is to think beyond the pool itself and focus on the overall experience you want to create. A pool should be part of a complete outdoor living environment, not a standalone feature. Start by considering how you plan to use the space. Are you focused on entertaining, relaxing, family time, or all of the above? This will help guide decisions on size, layout, and features like sun ledges, spas, or outdoor kitchens.