Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in DC Metro

Pool - mid-sized traditional backyard brick and rectangular lap pool idea in San Francisco

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Pool oasis in Atlanta with large deck. The pool finish is Pebble Sheen by Pebble Tec, the dimensions are 8' wide x 50' long. The deck is Dasso XTR bamboo decking.

Large elegant backyard brick and rectangular hot tub photo in Houston

The brick decking is in a herringbone pattern that creates dynamic interest. The grass strips break up the large expanse. We made sure to include traditional planters to inject some color to the scene.

Pool decks can be stained to complement the exteriors of your home and provide a colorful, safe, slip-resistant surface for swimmers to enjoy.
Arts and crafts backyard concrete paver pool photo in Dallas

A quatrefoil shaped spa and pool follow the the Spanish theme of the home. The home is build in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale and overlooks the city with famous Arizona sunsets in the back ground. The pool is built with a unique sloping edge that softly transitions the decking into the pool without a raised coping.

Nancy Dransfield - Photographer The back of the house naturally extends into the back yard. The kitchen flows out onto the deck that becomes a great dining and grilling area. The sun room also flows easily to the pool. The required fencing is along the property lines, so that the back yard is not interrupted by fences. The open lawn behind and to the side of the pool allows for a wide open space where folks can overflow onto the lawn from the pool deck.

Hot tub - mid-sized traditional backyard brick and custom-shaped lap hot tub idea in Tampa

Randy Angell, Designer The beautiful estate already had a well-designed backyard by a prominent landscape architect. This included the upper spa area, which we had built for the previous owner. The challenge presented by the new homeowner was to create a seamless design that integrated the new with the existing, remained true to the original architects vision, and created a space to be enjoyed by the family's children, as well as the many business and charity event guests that would be frequenting the home.

Chip Riegel Photography
Elegant stone and kidney-shaped pool photo in Providence

David Burroughs
Elegant rectangular pool photo in Baltimore with decking

Elegant brick and rectangular pool photo in San Francisco

Justin Fantl
Example of a classic brick pool design in San Francisco

Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver and kidney-shaped lap pool design in Philadelphia

Kidney shaped pool with custom steps and in pool seating. Beautiful Eagle Bay "EB" Kingsland Traditional pavers in James River Color Bordered with EB Cottagestone 6"x6" Textured Shenandoah pavers. EB Copingstone, James River. EB Highland Retaining wall in Shenandoah.

Anastasia Alkema
Pool house - traditional rectangular pool house idea in Atlanta

Lovely backyard in New Braunfels, Texas. The vanishing edge pool (also called an infinity or negative edge) overlooks the Hill Country and has a spa for ultimate relaxation. Right next to the pool is an outdoor kitchen, complete with a propane grill, sink, and plenty of counter space. Beautiful natural stones make a walkway to the pool from the house, and there is plenty of decking around the pool for sunbathing.