Luxury Pool items on a Budget
Affordable Luxury:
10 Items That Make Your Pool Feel High-End
(Without Breaking the Bank)
You’ve just built the pool — now it’s time to make it feel like your private resort… but pool toys can get expensive quickly!
You don’t need to spend thousands to create a luxe backyard experience. In fact, the right accessories and small upgrades can transform your pool into a high-end escape, all while sticking to a smart budget. Here are our top recommended items to add instant luxury to your custom inground pool!
1. In-Pool Lounge Chairs
Bring the resort feel home with tanning ledge loungers — perfect for soaking up the sun while staying cool. Brands like Ledge Lounger or Mainstay (Walmart) offer sleek, ergonomic designs under $400 per chair. Now this price might feel a little… Shocking. HOWEVER, these chairs will last you a lifetime and still look amazing over time. We have homeowners say they are worth every penny! We’ve personally used them and CAN’T recommend them enough, but don’t just take our word for it – their reviews speak for themself!
Chairs are pictured down below!
Local tip: These are perfect for tanning ledges we build in Katy-area pools. Look for UV-resistant, water-weighted models.
🛒 Shop: Ledge Lounger Signature Chair
2. Floating Drink Caddies + Waterproof Coolers
Who needs a swim-up bar when you can float your favorite drinks right to you? This is great for families who love to host, but might not have the bar space yet. Plus who want’s a dirty kitchen, when pool time is meant for relaxation! These also aren’t just for adults – Kids LOVE them. Not having to get in and out of the pool to go inside and grab a drink, or your kids forgetting to drink water, allows parents to relax… and not have to wipe up water tracked in the house 40 million times!
Inflatable floating coolers, bar trays, and drink holders add a playful, high-end touch for under $50. Great for pool parties or lazy Saturdays.
🛒 Shop: Intex Mega Chill Floating Cooler
3. LED Floating Lights
Add ambiance for under $100.
Floating or submersible LED lights instantly give your pool a luxury glow at night. Go for color-changing, rechargeable models that are remote-controlled for extra ease.
🛒 Shop: Blufree LED Pool Lights
Pro Tip: Line your Katy backyard patio with solar-powered lanterns for a high-end feel without electrical work.
4. Oversized Shade Umbrellas
Beat the Texas heat in style.
Freestanding cantilever umbrellas (look for 9-11 foot span) add instant resort vibes. They’re perfect for shallow ledges or lounge areas without the expense of a pergola or cabana.
5. Woven Storage Baskets for Towels + Toys
Small detail, big difference.
Add beautiful, weather-resistant baskets near your pool area to store fresh towels, goggles, floaties, or sunscreen. It creates a spa-like experience and keeps clutter out of sight.
🛒 Shop: Keter Outdoor Storage Basket
6. Stylish Pool Floats (That Aren’t Kiddie-Themed)
Skip the neon inner tubes. Opt for sleek, neutral-colored floats — think white, beige, or muted tones — for a more elevated poolside look.
Look for brands like Funboy or Frontgate for Instagram-worthy styles. Now these might be a little more expensive than what you’re used to, however, with normal pool toys you’ll have to keep rebuying them because they are made so cheaply. FUNBOY is an excellent and affordable pool product we know you’ll love!
🛒 Shop: FUNBOY Luxury Pool Lounger
7. Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Luxury is also about sound. A compact, portable Bluetooth speaker lets you play music poolside without permanent installation costs. If you do enjoy hosting, we wouldn’t recommend this as a permanent solution, but as a solution until you can install a sound system later on. Most companies might offer you a deal on installation during your pool build, but we wouldn’t count on it!
Choose waterproof models that float or mount to fences.
🛒 Shop: JBL Clip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
8. Pool Side Rugs
A good outdoor rug instantly upgrades your pool lounge area. It defines space, adds color, and feels amazing under bare feet. Best of all, it’s an affordable way to pull your whole backyard design together without a full patio renovation.
Look for:
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UV-resistant, quick-dry materials
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Patterns in beige, charcoal, or blue for a coastal-luxe vibe
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5×7 or 8×10 sizes under $150
🛒 Shop: Ruggable Outdoor Rugs (Bonus: machine washable!)
9. Floating Food tray
If you’ve ever been to a high-end resort, you’ve probably seen a floating breakfast tray or drink caddy gliding across the water. Now you can bring that same Instagrammable moment to your own pool — for under $100.
Why It Feels Luxe:
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Perfect for wine, charcuterie, fruit, or sparkling water
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Creates a “vacation at home” vibe
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Ideal for girls’ nights, date nights, or pool parties
🛒 Shop:
✨ Luxury is in the Details
Adding just 2–3 of these items can instantly change the way your backyard feels — and none of them require construction, remodeling, or a huge budget.
At Your Great Outdoors, we specialize in helping Katy and Houston-area families upgrade their outdoor living spaces with smart design and stylish features — whether it’s building from scratch or adding a few final touches.
Is your family begging for a pool? Here’s our recommendation down below!
Build Your Dream Backyard with Your Great Outdoors
Ready to Get Started?
No matter the season, Your Great Outdoors is here to bring your vision to life. We serve Houston, Katy, and surrounding communities with high-quality design, craftsmanship, and personalized service.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get on the schedule before the rush. 281-392-3838
📍 Proudly serving Houston, Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Cinco Ranch, and beyond.
Why Choose Your Great Outdoors?
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Over 15 years of experience in Houston outdoor living and custom pool build
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Custom-built solutions (no pre-fab kits)
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Full design-build services from start to finish
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Local, licensed, and insured team
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Hundreds of happy clients across Greater Houston
We hope today not only answered some questions for you but also sparked a unique idea or dream you now have for your future outdoor living space! The opportunity to have something outdoors for your whole family creates lasting memories for generations to come!
If a custom outdoor living space is something you are interested in and want to talk to a designer, we have a link so one of our top designers will get in touch with you and answer any questions you have! Check out a 3D visual of the type of projects we can do for your custom pool or backyard living space.
Since 2008, we’ve been handcrafting outdoor living designs and custom pools. Find out how our experienced team of designers can turn your dream into a reality.
To get started, visit our outdoor showroom or speak to one of our professional team members to discuss your project.
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