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Design Dilemma
ekrumm25

Landscape Help!

14 years ago
We put in a semi above ground pool in last year and now we're trying to figure out how to place a patio and deal with the spaces around the pool. We have a few ideas but need some help. We're thinking of putting a patio off of the deck and extending it around most of the pool. Also thinking of putting a patio in the back right corner with a fire pit. Thank you in advance!
Featured Answer
  • 14 years ago
    you can do it yourself: research online a nice wrap-around deck w/ built in benches would look great: albeit the curves are a lot harder to deal with. I am building my own dog-pool this weekend - have done before and given this one is gonna be a lot shorter will be easy. i find when I hire contractors who are not Experts in the Field (aka super expensive) i get a shoody job: just had someone put in a safety fence on rock wall... now I have to redo cause he said it'd be "really hard" to drill into rock wall (so he did on grass) when last weekend it took me 5 minutes w/ the right drill to drill into masonary. takes a lot longer to do yourself, albeit if you research like crazy you can do a perfect job. just make sure you allot 3x longer then expected. try the diy MESSAGE BOARDS and places like that for insider tips. good luck!

    Comments (14)

    • 14 years ago
      J. E. makes some good points about there being lots of factors to take into account. That said, you might want to extend part of your existing deck out to better overlook the pool. Are you planning to reinstall the other steps to the deck? What is the other structure seen in the last two photos, garage, shed? That area seems to be a good spot for a seating group. You don't want to overdo it with patio, leave room for lawn and plantings, this last one especially around the edges.
    • 14 years ago
      I agree with J.E.Anne. If you want to do the work yourself and have the expertise I'd suggest hiring a landscape designer, go to www.apld.org to find one on your area. They can help you design your space and recommend a contractor.

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    • 14 years ago
      Thank you everyone for your input! I've attached another photo showing the 1 car garage that isn't used for car storage. We;re planning on keeping the area in front of the garage grass as well as the right side of the pool (when looking towards the fence), and all along the right side of the house. We are planning on putting another set of steps at the other end of the deck as well. The deck had been bigger but we cut off half of it to give more space for a patio instead, also so that once the patio is put in it will only be a few inches below the top of the pool giving it the appearance that it's more inground. We were also thinking of building a pergola off of the right side of the garage over the extended patio creating a outdoor bar/seating area. Again I appreciate everyone's input.
    • 14 years ago
      May I ask...your backyard is like mine. Why did you decide that type of pool? I was looking into Endless Pools because my space is limited. Is it less expensive?
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      My advice would be to get professional help with this project. A comprehensive plan will give a 'method to your madness' and allow for budgetary decisions based on priorities, with an overall finished product in mind.
    • 14 years ago
      i agree that you need to consult professionals. it might be too overwhelming to do yourself. they can get it done in a much shorter time. Make sure that someone checks with Digger's Hotline :) as well. Your ideas sound great and i'm sure your backyard will be delightful. the best way to find trustworthy professionals is to ask people you trust who have had work done, or to research them beforehand.
    • 14 years ago
      Same question from us as above...why did you go with the hard shell fiberglass pool instead of something like an Endless Pool? We have the same space constraints and some issues with shifting ground, so traditional concrete was not an option. Was it less expensive to go with the hard shell even with delivery?
    • 14 years ago
      If you are going to extend your deck, I suggest doing different heights. So the present height you will have to extend it a little more, then go down a few steps to the rest of the deck, that way the deck does not become to overwhelming, also you don't want to be sitting on a deck that is too high so you can see your friends on each side of your fence. Everyone likes to have there own privacy. Also add deck lighting,...looks fantastic at night, especially for gatherings, or just for mood lighting as you are relaxing quietly by the pool. Don't do built in seating, does not give you enough options, for arranging outdoor furniture for the different ways your deck will be enjoyed.
    • 14 years ago
      This pool is an above ground pool meant to be semi-above ground-we chose this because it was cheaper then doing an actual in-ground pool and also doing a pool like this doesn't effect or taxes because it's not a permanent structure and it can actually be taken with you when you move. We actually don't want to extend the deck-it used to be bigger and we took half of it off to give more patio space around the actual pool. Because our block is a hill you can start to see neighbors yards as you may be able to tell on the deck off of the house. Doing a patio rather then all deck gives us more privacy so that we're not looking over into neighbors yards as easily and same for the other way around.
    • 14 years ago
      Okee Dokey, so do your patio which solves all your problems, try maybe pouring cement around the pool, you can get it tinted if you like, to match nice with patio stones that you choose. Also try tall ornamental grass in groupings behind the pool, will give it that nice relaxing feel, put in some lighting. In ground lighting shooting up the tall grass always looks great. Maybe built in fire pit, gas, or wood if you are allowed that. Not sure what you want to use you back yard for, need to find that out, because it will cause the design process be much more enjoyable for yourself!!
    • 14 years ago
      puredemming can you tell me about the dog pool? I have six pooches and was thinkin about building something like that
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Looks like the perfect spot for the already suggested Cedar Pergola. Purchased in a kit form it can be installed quickly and at a great price. We found some pics of a corner shed from someone with a similar pool placement..... http://www.outdoorlivingtoday.com/oltss/storefront/products.php?category=pergolas
    • 13 years ago
      I don't think that pergola is in scale or the right fit at all, this does not make me want to go and sit there at all, it feels so uncomfortable to me, and it does not blend in with the setting that it is in, you need a rod iron structure with a metal roof and maybe a fan hanging from the center of it, and the pic with the pool, the shed does not fit,...the pool area looks more old world, you need a shed that has that old world feel, with a rustic door and some old wooden windows,...and old clay roof, with the wall made with stucco that is stain maybe a little darker that antique white.
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