The Sims 4 is about building and experiencing life as players create Sims and tell their stories. While there are pre-built houses and venues, players can take things into their own hands by building up the world around them to fit their Sim's needs.
Despite not being available upon release, The Sims 4 has an expansive pool-building feature. Players can get creative by making unique bodies of water or keeping it simple. Pools are great for building multiple skills, and most households would benefit from one. So, here's a complete guide on how to build pools in The Sims 4.
How to Build Pools in The Sims 4
While players are in control, Sims can sometimes be needy, constantly seeking ways to entertain themselves. Building a pool is an easy solution for relaxation, fun, and exercise.
Pools can be placed on a personal lot or as a public venue. A couple of stipulations exist for building a pool in The Sims 4. Pools cannot be stacked on each other or built above a basement. Additionally, pools cannot be built inside the underground basement level.
The pool-building tool is found in the Outdoor Landscaping section of Build Mode. It has an icon, so it is easy to find. There are a few pre-made shapes that players can use, or they can use the custom shape tool to make a pool of their design. Start placing the pool, and as long as the borders don't turn red, it can be built in that area.
Players can find all kinds of pool decorations and customize the water's color, trim shape and color, ladders, and other pool items like floaties. Players who have Growing Together installed will find water park structures that Toddlers and older can play with—these work particularly well as a nice touch for a public pool venue. Unlike in past titles, pool ladders are no longer required for Sims to get in and out safely.
Lights can also be placed around or inside a pool for that glowing look when it's dark. Pools can be built indoors or outdoors, but Sims do run the risk of getting sunburnt in Island Living if they float in an outdoor pool for too long.
Sims who are children and older can use pools freely. Sims can use it to work on their Fitness skill or kick back and relax if they're low on Fun or Energy. If the weather is nice enough, Sims will autonomously use the pool fairly regularly.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.