Because everyone “needs” a Havana room for entertaining – we decked this one with swivel clubs chairs, a pool table, palm print drapes, and a fig tree. A full bar, just out of sight, makes for chic and effortless entertaining. Photos by Kristada

Request Free Quote This pool, measuring 20'0" x 45'0" is right in the middle of Horse country. The separate, raised 8'0" hot tub gives the bathers a great vantage point from which to watch the Equestrian activities. Pool and Spa coping is Valder's Wisconsin Limestone. The pool has an automatic safety cover with custom stone walk-on lid system. The pool finish is Exposed Aggregate. Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan

Outdoor lighting brings this beautiful family friendly backyard to life at night. The inviting swimming pool, sheer decent walls, steps, planting, pergolas and more become visual focal points. Tom Minczeski photographer

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Pool fountain - transitional concrete paver and custom-shaped pool fountain idea in San Francisco

Beautiful custom pool, spa & cabana designed by Mike Farley in Trophy Club, TX. The spa is the focal point for the home 365 days of the year. It was raised 18" high for comfortable seating and a nice water feature. 3 stainless steel spill edges match the spillways coming out of the fire and water bowls. The silver Splitface Travertine tile matches the coping and porch Travertine. The rolled edge spa tile also matches the tile used on the pool waterline and details. The grade drops in the yard so the back of the spa is bar height so the patio was included for barstools on the back of the spa. The fireplace in the cabana provides screening from the neighbors view. The pool and spa had to be piered because the grade was raised 10' above the golf course. Waterway Jets were used to provide a variety of hydrotherapy options. Beauty and function are the best combination for a spa and this one has it all.

Tuscan pool photo in Houston

This luxury San Diego backyard remodel features a custom pool and spa, entertainer’s outdoor kitchen, porcelain paver patio, and drought-tolerant landscape design. At the heart of the design is a beautifully remodeled swimming pool and spa, surrounded by expansive outdoor living spaces that seamlessly connect the home to the landscape. Large-format porcelain pavers create a clean, modern terrace around the pool while natural flagstone walkways add warmth and character throughout the property. The pool deck flows effortlessly into multiple seating areas, including intimate lounge spaces and fire features that create inviting gathering points in the evening. A custom entertainer’s outdoor kitchen anchors the main patio and was designed for both functionality and style. The space features premium appliances, generous preparation areas, and a striking decorative tile backsplash that adds texture and visual interest. Adjacent dining and lounge areas allow guests to gather comfortably while enjoying views of the pool and surrounding gardens. The front and rear landscapes were designed with a low-maintenance planting palette that feels both elegant and natural. Sculptural succulents, citrus trees, ornamental grasses, and layered plantings are set within river rock and gravel beds, creating a drought-conscious landscape that complements the architecture of the home while maintaining year-round visual interest. Carefully integrated lighting throughout the property highlights architectural elements, specimen trees, and pathways, allowing the outdoor spaces to transition beautifully from day to evening. The result is a cohesive outdoor environment that blends resort-style comfort with timeless landscape design, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying Southern California living.

Inspiration for a transitional backyard deck remodel in Dallas with a fire pit and a pergola

Example of a minimalist pool design in Charleston

Center point photography
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Example of a tuscan basement design in Los Angeles with beige walls

Completed in 2013, this this property located in University Park, Texas, features a modern pool pavilion with a green roof that opens to a new swimming pool and garden.

This amazing home features a backyard patio and pool area with a spectacular custom pool with many features including island which feature sitting areas and fire pit a spa as well as incredible slide which goes into the swimming pool. The pool measures roughly 2300 square feet, and has a deep end of 10'0". The spa is raised and has 12 therapy heads. There is LED colored lighting throughout the project. There is a 300 square foot zero depth beach entry into the pool with agitator jets to keep the water moving. There is also a sunshelf within the pool. The lazy river wraps around the sunken island, and the current in the lazy river is propelled by a commercial waterpark quality pumping system. The sunken island has lighting, a fire pit, and a bridge connecting it to the decking area. There is an infinity edge on one edge of the pool. The pool also has an in-floor cleaning system to keep it clean and sanitary. The swimming pool also has the ability to change colors at night utilizing the amazing LED lighting system. The pool and spa exposed aggregate finish is French Gray color. The slide that cascades down the grotto is custom built. The waterfall grotto also provide a thrilling jump off point into the deepest part of the pool. This amazing backyard was designed and built for a home in Bull Valley Illinois.

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Large mountain style backyard concrete paver patio photo in Richmond with a fireplace and a pergola

This project was designed by architect and developer of Cypress Pointe, Mitch LaPlante. To quote Mitch, "Nature is the inspiration for this pool and water feature design. The Tranquility Garden Pool is nestled quietly within grand oaks and large pine trees, orchestrated to blend into its surrounding. The curvature of the pool reflects the pattern waves leave on the beach as they wash ashore and the cascading water features are a nod the to the waterways that surround Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The pool and deck were built by Aqua Blue Pools. Water features installed by Aqua Blue Pools. The interior finish is French Silver Aggregate, the waterline tile is 1'x1" Fujiwah Albi, deck is a combination of Ipe wood and the pool coping is pre-cast concrete. Photo Credit: Clint Fore

This project was designed by architect and developer of Cypress Pointe, Mitch LaPlante. To quote Mitch, "Nature is the inspiration for this pool and water feature design. The Tranquility Garden Pool is nestled quietly within grand oaks and large pine trees, orchestrated to blend into its surrounding. The curvature of the pool reflects the pattern waves leave on the beach as they wash ashore and the cascading water features are a nod the to the waterways that surround Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The pool and deck were built by Aqua Blue Pools. Water features installed by Aqua Blue Pools. The interior finish is French Silver Aggregate, the waterline tile is 1'x1" Fujiwah Albi, deck is a combination of Ipe wood and the pool coping is pre-cast concrete. Photo Credit: Clint Fore

This luxurious pool and spa in Lighthouse Point is the ultimate backyard paradise! Complete with French Silver interior, custom spillway spa, fire feature, and 2 custom made by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas fire bowls, this is sure to please on a summer evening!