A Truly One-of-a-Kind Backyard Transformation
Working with Hampton Pools and Landscape was an extraordinary experience. This was far more than a pool installation. It was a highly complex, fully custom transformation of a steep and difficult backyard into a private outdoor resort that reflects my imagination, aesthetic and accessibility needs.
From the beginning, Hampton Pools and Landscape understood that I was not looking for a standard pool package or a catalogue-designed yard. I wanted something playful, artistic and unexpected. The team listened carefully, explored unusual ideas and worked with me to turn them into practical, buildable solutions.
The design is based around fractals, circles, curves and repeating forms. That theme appears in the custom sunken fire-pit lounge, the round four-person hot tub, the pathways, stepping stones, sculptural art pedestals and even the pool liner. I did not like any of the standard liner patterns, so we created a custom swirling design that reflected the circular language of the entire backyard. The deck also has holographic sparkle embedded in it, which catches the light beautifully.
One of the most unusual features is a 1958 Airflight trailer that I found on Facebook Marketplace. I wanted it transformed into both a poolside bar and a writing studio. The wheel base was removed, the trailer was completely renovated, and because there was no easy access to the backyard, it had to be craned over the house.
The illuminated art installations were another major undertaking. Large concrete drain pipes were craned into place and turned into sculptural pedestals supporting diving, swimming and undulating mannequin figures. At night, the architectural lighting makes the entire space feel theatrical and magical.
Because I have a disability, accessibility and ease of movement were important from the beginning. The layout, pathways, lighting and connections between the different areas were designed with that in mind. I also wanted privacy and low-maintenance landscaping, so the hedging and materials were chosen to create screening without requiring constant upkeep.
This was a substantial investment, and a project of this scale naturally came with challenges and difficult decisions. It mattered deeply to me that my aesthetic not be diluted. Tim listened, and Hampton Pools and Landscape kept working with me to find solutions that preserved the spirit of the design.
The finished result includes a custom pool, hot tub, fire lounge, vintage trailer bar and studio, outdoor shower, swings, accessible pathways, sculptural art, dramatic lighting and low-maintenance landscaping, all built on a challenging sloped property.
Hampton Pools and Landscape did not simply build a pool. They created a truly unique backyard oasis. I would highly recommend them for any custom pool or complex outdoor living project requiring creativity, technical expertise, accessibility planning and serious problem-solving.
