The very first time I even thought of doing a backyard remodel, the image that always played in my head was a bright blue water pool, widely presented landscaping, as well as a place to sit and relax or entertain.
A dream backyard pool is more than just a splash area for the adventously minded during hot summer months, it becomes a space for fun relaxation activities with family and friends making the pool more of a memories center than merely water.
For people like me, who like to spend time outdoors, I am now sure it is possible to enhance your backyard and match on an outdoor space that combines practicality, beauty, and excitement.
In this case, I shall take you through my excitement and experiences as I attempt a backyard remodeling with a pool.
The focus will be on how careful thought into backyard pool landscaping and design can enable you to realize the vision of an outdoor space that you’ve always desired.
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1. Creating a Cozy Poolside Retreat with Simple Décor Ideas
2. Practical Pool Ideas for Small Backyard
3. Incorporating Relaxing and Pool Area for a Perfect Backyard Duo
4. Low-Maintenance Landscaping Around the Pool
5. Adding Greenery: Plants that Complement Poolside Spaces
6. Pool Deck Designs for a Practical and Beautiful Surrounding
7. Choosing the Best Pool Shape for Small Backyard Spaces
8. Affordable Poolside Décor Ideas for Any Budget
9. Using Natural Stones and Tiles for Poolside Beauty
10. Maximizing Small Backyards with Compact Pool Options
11. Minimalist Pool Designs for a Simple and Elegant Backyard
12. Choosing Poolside Plants that Thrive in Outdoor Areas
13. Furniture Essentials for a Comfortable Poolside Lounge
14. How to Add Shade Structures for All-Day Pool Comfort
15. Building a Pool Deck: Materials and Design Tips
16. Creating Seamless Flow Between Indoor and Poolside Areas
17. Outdoor Patio and Pool Combination for Summer Parties
18. Stunning Poolside Lounge Setups for Relaxation and Style
19. Small Backyard Pool Ideas: Making the Most of Limited Space
Beginning the Process: Deciding the Function of Your Pool in the Yard
The first time someone dwarfed the outside space of the house by expressing a desire to put in a pool, it was clear that they were ruled out by mere rectangular shapes within the pool.
I had an ideal in my head of how things would look like – moving around the principal garden, which had the pool as the centerpiece, which would be enveloped by landscaping, the patio area and seating.
It was a picture of going on vacation without the need to step out of my house; the entire place felt like a holiday center.
And it all started with thinking of the ideal backyard swimming pool design. For, it was necessary for me to put into perspective the desire that I was trying to achieve. Was it sleek and contemporary that I was after?
Or some more earthy and natural looking pool with rocks and plants all around it?
These questions assisted in helping out the entire process.
Determining the design relevant to your style is a paramount aspect that cannot be undermined prior to the finalizing part.
This will also ensure there is uniformity in all aspects considering the shape of the pool and the design suitable for it.
Pool Size Deciding Factor
The very first task that I was obliged to handle was about selecting the shape and size of the pool. Now, here is where it can be complicated, as it all comes down to the space available in your yard and what you intend the pool to be used for.
Take for instance, if you are going to swim a lot of lap, then you better prepare for a more elongated and rectangular type shape.
But if you are more concerned with resting and the look of the pool, you better get a more fluid and curvier design.
As for me, I was looking for something that would allow for a little bit of both – a place for leisure swimming and a place that would look impressive and perform well in accommodating guests.
I ended up well using a freeform design which blended so well with the composition of the natural landscape of my backyard.
Equally critical was the factor of deciding the appropriate size. The pool had to be in the courtyard but at the same time I did not want it to be the dominating zone of the yard.
It’s about that point where the pool does not compete for or even dominate the space but rather makes the outdoor space look better if not more functional.
As soon as I picked the shape and dimensions of the pool, the next thing to consider was the Backyard Pool Landscaping.
This particular part of the project for me was on par with the pool. Proper landscaping does wonders and enhances the entire space bringing unity of design and purpose.
When planning for my pool, I was keen on making it blend with the native surroundings, therefore, I resolved to go for thick landscaping whereby tropical plants and grasses would cover up the rough edges of the pool.
The aim was to make it more of a warm area than just another hardscape. Plants like palms, ferns and flowering shrubs helped in achieving that casual style I was after which is more like a vacation resort.
Landscaping also came in handy in addressing few of the problems posed by the design.
For instance, the appropriate positioning of a few taller plants acted as walls for privacy while low yet dense covers helped keep dust and dirt out of the pool.
Moreover, a mixture of heights and color and texture of all elements helped break the monotony of the entire space.
I discovered that it’s not enough to just choose the right plants. The way in which trees and bushes, stones and pots, and other hardscapes are placed around the pool boy, or how the features come together makes a big difference in how the pool meshes with the rest of the yard.
Making Use of Surrounding Areas of the Pool
It is obvious that the main protagonist here is the pool but surrounding areas are of utmost importance equally. Come on, you can’t swim and then stand in the pool forever; there should be a space to chill, hang out or have your buddies and have a meal.
I toyed with ideas relating where to place the elements that surround the pool so that everything is purposeful and welcoming.
For One quick thing that impressed me was that outdoors is all about the movement, it is not stagnant. You don’t want to feel like every part of your backyard serves the same function.
For example, I knew I had to create a zone for lounging, and so I installed some shaded recliners around the pool.
Lastly, the other thing I could not do without was a dining room. It does not need to be lunchtime, or a lunch break from the meeting. I simply could not do without tables and chairs close by.
I decided on a patio with a dining set, with an umbrella for those extra bright and sunny days.
And do not neglect those nice touches as well! It could be outdoor lighting, a fire pit, or even a BBQ grill built into the construction.
I was glad to add string lights and lanterns to provide some warmth in the dark. The fire pit was a hit as well the moment the weather turned cold.
Taking Precautions Around the Pool
A pool can be a great source of enjoyment, but it is also important to think about the safety aspects especially when kids are around.
When I was designing the house with a backyard pool as part of it, I realized that there were certain features I should definitely include to avoid any risks, knowing that there are small children and some pets in the house.
Fencing is the obvious choice. It not only ensures that children are kept safe, but it can also contribute to the overall aesthetics of the area. I went with a modern, glass pool fence that gave protection without obstructing the views of the pool and landscaping.
I also focused on providing pool non slip surfaces as these would be mostly used in those areas with a lot of foot traffic and where people would be without shoes.
Slipping on surfaces that are close to water is the most frustrating experience. Therefore, use of rough concrete or stone was beneficial in avoiding such situations.
Making the Pool Energy-Efficient
Another important aspect that I thought about during the renovation is what measures I can take to make my swimming pool as energy efficient as possible.
Swimming pools are known for being energy consumptive but with proper renovations or less invasive measures done, the energy consumption is lower and even money is saved in the long term.
To reduce water heating expenditures I have decided to use a high-efficiency pool pump and a solar cover in the first several months of the year before heaters need to be switched on.
In terms of when it is necessary to heat and clean the water, this pump was a miracle because it cut the power usage in a lot of ways and maintained the water circulating and filtered.
In addition, I contemplated energy-saving lighting systems for the pool. With cold light bulbs, I managed to cut down the power usage at the same time giving the water body a nice stellar brightness.
And let us be honest, basking in the moonlight by the illuminated pool can be a one in a lifetime experience.
The Last But Not Least, The Most Anticipated Phase: My Dream Backyard Pool
After the renovation was done, I think I would say that it is one of the best decisions I have made.
After finishing the pool, it became the focal interest in the back yard but it was the blend of incredible backyard pool design and intelligent backyard pool landscaping which ultimately made the whole area to flourish.
It’s more than a mere pool—it’s a sanctuary, a sanctuary where the mundaneness of life can be left far behind—without possessing to step away from the house.
It does not matter if it is a party with friends or a rendezvous with myself over a book near the pool, it has turned out that the backyard is the best place for relaxation.
For me it was a revelation that pool remodeling is not only about building the actual pool. It is about designing a place that fits the way you live, the way you want it to look like and, most importantly, each day gives you happiness.
So if, for example, you contemplate doing a backyard remodel with a pool, my only advice is that you should relax, think everything through, and have fun with it.
With the right design and landscape plus a bit of imagination, you are able to make your backyard a backyard paradise.
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