Create the Ultimate Backyard Escape with Outdoor Living Features
A beautiful pool is just the beginning. To truly transform your Mesa, AZ backyard into a year-round outdoor retreat, you need more than water — you need comfort, function, and shade.
That’s where outdoor living upgrades come in.
At No Limit Pools & Spas, we help homeowners throughout Mesa and the East Valley turn ordinary yards into extraordinary oases with features like:
- Outdoor kitchens and built-in BBQs
- Pergolas, patio covers, and shade structures
- Fire features and ambient lighting
- Entertainment systems and smart tech
If you’re planning a backyard remodel in Mesa, AZ, this “Outdoor Living Upgrades to Complete Your Pool Area” guide walks you through the most valuable and popular outdoor upgrades to complete your pool area.
☀️ Shade Features: Protect Your Poolside Time from the Arizona Sun
Mesa’s sun can be intense, especially from late spring through early fall. If you want to enjoy your pool deck comfortably year-round, shade structures are essential.
✅ Top Shade Features to Consider
1. Pergolas
- Open-roof wooden or aluminum structures
- Adds filtered light and architectural style
- Can be installed over seating, dining, or spa areas
2. Solid Patio Covers
- Fully roofed structures attached to your home or freestanding
- Offers complete protection from the sun and rain
- Can include fans, recessed lighting, and heaters
3. Shade Sails & Canopies
- Sleek, modern fabric options for flexible shading
- Ideal for tanning ledges or play areas
- Quick-install and budget-friendly
🌡️ Arizona Tip: Position shade structures to block the harsh afternoon sun from the west. You’ll stay cooler and extend poolside usability.
🍽️ Outdoor Kitchens: Mesa’s Most Requested Backyard Upgrade
Forget the old portable grill — Mesa homeowners are building full-scale outdoor kitchens as part of their pool installations or backyard remodels.
🔥Features of a High-End Outdoor Kitchen:
- Built-in gas or charcoal grill
- Countertop space with prep sink
- Refrigerator, icemaker, or wine fridge
- Storage drawers and cabinets
- Pizza ovens or smokers
- Seating bars for entertaining
- Overhead pergola or cover for comfort
Popular Materials:
- Travertine or natural stone countertops
- Stucco or stacked stone facades
- Powder-coated stainless steel appliances
Hosting tip: Include task lighting, fans, and USB outlets to make your kitchen usable day or night.
🔊 Add Entertainment & Tech to Your Poolside Paradise
Today’s backyards aren’t just for relaxing — they’re fully equipped entertainment zones. With the right tech, you can control lights, music, temperature, and more with just your phone.
🎶Entertainment Upgrades Include:
- Outdoor sound systems: Bluetooth or wired speakers
- Mounted TVs: Weatherproof and shaded for glare-free viewing
- Wi-Fi extenders: Keep streaming strong near the pool
- Smart automation: Control lighting, pumps, and fire features remotely
- Landscape lighting: Create ambiance with path, tree, and pool accent lighting
💡 Smart Idea: Pair automation with your pool controls for seamless mood setting — dim the lights, start the spa, and cue the music with one tap.
🔥 Fire Features for Ambience & Warmth

Even in Arizona, it gets chilly at night, especially from fall through early spring. Fire features let you extend the season and elevate the vibe.
Most Popular Fire Features:
- Gas fire pits: Round, square, or custom-built into seating
- Fire bowls: Placed on pool pillars or spa corners
- Outdoor fireplaces: Stone or stucco with hearth seating
- Fire & water combos: Eye-catching dual-element features
These not only provide warmth, but also act as design anchors and conversation zones.
Style Tip: Match your fire features’ stone, tile, or stucco to your pool finishes for a cohesive look.
Matching Outdoor Features to Your Pool Design
Cohesion is key. Your backyard will look and feel more luxurious if the pool, patio, and outdoor elements are tied together through consistent materials and design language.
Design Tips:
- Tile & Coping: Match spa tile to outdoor kitchen backsplashes or fire pit edging
- Stonework: Use the same travertine or pavers across pool decks, walkways, and kitchen bases
- Color Scheme: Stick to 2–3 primary colors across furniture, hardscaping, and structures
- Lighting: Choose matching fixtures for pool, landscape, and structure lighting
Need help visualizing? We offer 3D design renderings so you can see how every element flows before you build.
🏆 Why Mesa Homeowners Choose No Limit Pools & Spas
At No Limit Pools & Spas, we don’t just build pools — we design and construct complete outdoor living environments.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Turnkey Backyard Solutions: Pool, kitchen, shade, landscaping — all in one design
- Custom 3D Designs: Visualize your entire space before construction starts
- Arizona-Smart Materials: UV-resistant, heat-tolerant finishes built to last
- Trusted Local Team: Experienced with Mesa terrain, permitting, and climate needs
- Top-Rated Results: Check our 5-star reviews and portfolio
❓ People Also Ask (FAQs)
What outdoor living upgrades work best in Mesa, AZ?
Shade structures, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and smart lighting are ideal upgrades for Mesa’s sunny, dry climate.
How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen in Arizona?
A basic outdoor kitchen may start around $10,000–$15,000, while fully equipped setups can range from $25,000–$40,000+, depending on materials and appliances. Click here to learn more about costs.
What’s the best shade for an Arizona backyard?
Pergolas and solid patio covers are both great. Choose based on how much sun protection and airflow you want.
Can I finance my entire backyard remodel?
Yes! At No Limit Pools, we work with lenders that can finance pools + kitchens + landscaping, + structures all in one loan. Click here to learn more about funding a custom pool in Mesa and what you must know.
Let’s Build Your Backyard Lifestyle, Not Just a Pool
You deserve more than just a place to swim. Choose the right pool builder and let No Limit Pools & Spas help you design a complete outdoor experience — shaded, stylish, and smart.
👉Schedule your design consultation today and let’s turn your Mesa backyard into a custom retreat built for relaxation, entertaining, and every season.
Click here if you want to learn more about the timeframe for building a pool in Mesa and surrounding towns.