Pool and huge decks...that sounds high budget!

Are you planning an inground pool? If so, your pool builder should be able to help with designs for the pool. This is not a low budget project. If it were me, I would consider a real landscape architect for the design.

I am sorry, even I am at a loss. Just moving the dirt to even it out is going to cost. I don't even the lids you are discussing. And aren't the facilities going to have limited use, since you have to walk so far to get to them through rain, etc.?

If you're on a budget, which I take to mean the sky is NOT the limit, talk to an architect that does outdoor planning, get a plan, and tackle it piecemeal. Prepping the area one year, putting the pool in later, putting in the deck and patio even later, or how ever makes sense to the plan and budget.

Pool is in ground. I spent several thousands for a plan that I just don't like. Our pool contractor does all things pool, but that's really it.

why not post a picture of the plan you dislike? and a current pic showing the pool?

I have a picture and specs of the pool, but it's not in yet. The plan I don't like is on my computer. This is my first post to houzz...newbie mistakes.

tis alright, we all need to learn. ; )

The plan you spent thousands on...the creator won't work with you to arrive at what you want?

Just be sure to take your time, which it sounds like you are doing. And, tell us more: looks like you walk out from the house on the right side. Is that from a "basement" family room?

1. Would you like an outdoor kitchen in that area?

2. Do you have small kids that need a play equipment space?

3. Your yard looks very open, rolling lawn to the neighbors. Do you want that much openness or would look like privacy from a few evergreens?

The double door I see in the turret, is that a patio door for accessing a future deck?

I'm unhappy with the plans. He's having health issues and we've been at this for sometime now. I think a fresh start would be best.

Will regs require a fence around pool on all four sides?

Would you mind telling us what your limited budget is about? I am seeing at least a $60,000 project with a nice inground pool, decks, pergola, fencing, landscape, sprinklers....make that more $`100,000.

I have an inground pool, nice one, put in when kids were small. Now I wished we had simply had an above ground somewhere off to the side of the property. Kids gone, no one swims, and high continual maintenance and costs! Just something for you to think about.

double door is for deck pool access. Patio is the concrete area to the right in the picture.

Outdoor kitchen is exactly what is planned for the walkout! Pool must be in ground per HOA regulations. We have to have a fence as well. If I could get away with 60-75 I'd be extremely happy! Some of these numbers are crazy!!!

The yard is huge. We have 1.25 acres. So your not seeing all of the backyard.

will the pool be covered during a portion of the year? if so, during the off season you'll be looking at a covered pool. so make sure you have ample attractive patio near your doors (and windows).

I had a few minutes to give you a visual. I thought the back of your house was more conducive to a deck since rear interior windows are low to flooring but high on exterior. If you don't like wooden deck I can draw a patio with curved beds.

If we're on the right track then you need to add outdoor kitchen design, fence for pool, etc. let's just start somewhere!

Wondering what area of the country you live in. How many months of swimming? If you decide you want the pool ($$ forever...) will you want solar heating and a cover?

here is where I want the outdoor kitchen. I want a wall around the patio area to sit on and prevent little children from stumbling off.

Ahh! Ok. Well I drew these up real quick just to do a quick design without big deck. I'm sending photo anyways. Drew it before I saw new photos. Now I see your retaining wall is sloped downward. I need some time and it's been 20 years but I'll try and draw something to to maybe get your design juices flowing. I can't really suggest plant material because I only know south Texas.

Oops. Here it is

Apparently my fingers aren't working properly on my phone. Didn't mean to double post photo.

You cannot cover septic lids as they need to be easily accessible. You can hide them with shrubbery/planting, but not cover them with patios/pavers, etc...
I think your wish list of an in ground pool and an outdoor kitchen, plus all the hardscaping and planting season of greenery is 100k at the very least. Get a Landscape Architect and do your project in phases as budget allows.

I saw a couple of paver designs that had the septic lids covered with neat trickery. I'm hoping to work that in. maybe faux rock or I even saw a birdbath made for this application.
I know my budget exceeds my desires, stages it will be. The hubby wants a huge deck and outdoor kitchen. Our 5 year old wants a pool; pool it is...lol

Hi!

I'm not sure where you're located (we're located in southeast PA) but our site has some great photos that may help give you some ideas or inspiration if you'd interested! We showcase a lot of our past projects where we've done outdoor kitchens, in ground pools, large decks, patios, etc. Feel free to check it out if you think it'd help - http://salsnursery.com/

AWESOME!!! I've been on the website for 2 minutes and I'm in love!

What area do you live in? I know many great pool designers and builders. Mark

Are you working with a pool designer or a pool builder? If a pool designer, most designers goals are to deliver a design that suits your style, function, lifestyle and overall budget and to make revisions as needed.

i not only know many pool designers and pool builders but specialize in custom pool designs. Please visit my Houzz profile or www.artfulpools.com for more information and ideas.

Thanks

Mark

If you have septic lids, then you have a leach field obviously. We do too. Which means that you will need to not plant much on top of it. God knows we have had to repair ours over the years a few times!

Your area is beautiful as is. So, avoid going overboard on the landscaping. One of the things I like is how open it feels. Of course, you probably want a row of evergreens between your home and the neighbors to the right.

How do you feel about bunch grasses? They would be high enough to disguise those lids, while still allowing for access. And no mowing!

When we moved into our wide open space with our two and five year olds, the first thing on my list was a fenced play yard I could see from the kitchen window. Those little ones can wander away fast!

That, and when we put the pool in a couple years later, a locking pool cover! Ours opens and closes with a key and will hold up the weight of two adults. Not cheap, and means a simple rectangle pool, but well worth the peace of mind!

Just noticed that there is a drain from the roof that dumps the water at the base of that retaining wall....better extend that down the slope!

There is tubing that is connected to the drain and its buried, down the slope and around the corner...:-)

From the photos you have some site issues including slope, drainfields and elevations to be considered in design. First you need to locate exact location of septic tanks and drainfields, stakes and paint works. In most municipalities you have to stay 5' away from tanks and drainfield. After locating the drainfield on site the locations need to be put on scale drawing with house to start with a pool plan. Then the style, size of pool and location along with deck elevations and how they will tie into existing decks and house. Hopefully some of this is on your existing pool plan to work with?

what part of country are you located in?

You can create your dream backyard oasis with Cambridge pavingstones and wallstones. You can start with a beautiful pavingstone patio leading to your pool, and then add our outdoor living kits, like a fire pit or outdoor kitchen to make your backyard the ideal place for entertaining. Please go to our website and visit the amazing photos in our electronic brochure and gallery. By linking to Cambridge’s Designscape Visualizer you can upload a picture of your backyard and re-design using Cambridge Pavingstones. Visit our website at www.cambridgepavers.com

Just checking: You know about Trek Deck? No maintenance and no splinters!

For pet safety: be sure to have a shallow walk out section of the pool and be sure the pets know about it!

Shallow section can be a great lounge spot and "wading" section for little ones.

I'm in Indiana. I would say we most definitely have a pool builder...LOL. The company is highly recommended, but as far as designing, not their forte. As far as the cambridge pavers, we really liked them and downloaded the app, that I think is no longer supported, and then we tried via computer, but had issues with the website, so we gave up. I'll circle back around and try it out. Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions! I have looked into the composite, and that's what I want to use. It's a budget buster :-)

With a composite pool your design choices in shape, size and style is already determined by shell package, so pool shape is what it is. Now that you have a shell the design challenge is where and how to locate pool shell and at what elevation and how to address the multiple elevations of your site.

Many composite pool companies salesmen are not the best designers. Have you looked at Aloha Fiberglass Pools? Stacy Nelson from Backyard Mamma can assist you.

We were speaking of composite decking like trex. I've picked out a 20x40 steel wall vinyl liner pool.

See the image below. It should give you some ideas for what you’re looking for