Outdoor Living

Our Backyard Pool Area Reveal

We’ve finally completed our backyard pool area! Well, almost. We’re still waiting for the automatic cover to be installed, but that hasn’t stopped us from already enjoying our pool during these hot summer days.

Going into this project, we knew that it was going to be a big undertaking. We didn’t have much of a backyard, and what little bit we had was on a pretty steep slope. So we had to bring in a lot of shale to build it up and level it out. Even though it took a lot to get here, we are so happy with the way it turned out. And we think that creating this usable space has added value to our home.

So without further ado, here’s a look at our new pool area!

Fiberglass Pool

Just like at our previous home, we decided to go with a fiberglass pool. We like fiberglass because it is much more affordable than gunite, and less maintenance than a liner pool.

The install of a fiberglass pool is pretty fun to watch too. It’s basically like a large bathtub and they set it in place using a boom truck.

Pool Shape and Size

When we were planning our pool area, we knew we wanted the space to have a very clean look. This made choosing a rectangular pool a no-brainer. We also wanted to maximize the available space we had, so we went with a medium-sized pool which is 31′ x 15′.

Pool Color

The pool at the farmhouse was a brighter blue. This time around we went with a color called graphite. It’s a dark gray, but the water makes it look like a really pretty desaturated blue. We felt like a more subdued color would look better with all of the surrounding trees and nature.

Pool Decking

We had originally planned on using concrete pavers for our pool decking, but at the last minute, we decided to use 3/4″ thick outdoor ceramic tile that has a concrete look. We poured concrete around the pool and laid the tile on top of it just as you would in a bathroom.

We DIY’d this part of the project, and I must admit, it was a hard job! But just like any project, it’s that much more rewarding when you do the work yourself.

Pool Equipment

Just like our last pool, we went with a saltwater system. We like saltwater better than chlorine for several reasons:

  • It’s not as harsh on your skin.
  • There is no chlorine odor.
  • Less to maintain.
  • No need to store chemicals.

As for the filter, this time around we went with a sand filter instead of a cartridge filter like our last pool. They both have their pros and cons, so ultimately it just comes down to personal preference.

We went with an electric heat pump for the pool and one of my favorite things about our setup is the ability to adjust the heat from our phones. The app also allows us to control the pool pump and lights. And we get notifications if any of the equipment needs our attention.

Automatic Pool Cover

As I mentioned above, our pool cover hasn’t been installed yet. The track is there, but the actual cover and motor is still in production. The track was mounted to the top edge of the pool all the way around, and we laid the tile over top of it, making it hidden.

Since we have so many trees around our pool area, we felt like having a cover was a must, and it will also serve as a great safety feature!

Landscaping Around the Pool

To create some yard space, we laid sod around the pool – about 700 sq ft in total. Then to create a natural fence around the pool area, we planted 20 schip laurels. They are about 4 ft tall currently, but will eventually grow up to 8 ft tall and 6 ft wide, creating a really nice hedge.

Pool Furniture

We wanted to carry the same clean modern vibe through to our pool furniture. So we opted to use only four minimal-looking chase lounges made from Acacia wood. And we spaced them evenly on one end of the pool.

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14 Comments

  • Reply Emily

    Looks beautiful! In regard to the fiberglass option how deep is the pool? It sounds like a great option but I want something we can have a “deep end” for jumping in.

    July 19, 2021 at 1:58 am
    • Reply Henry

      Whoops. We left that detail out. Our pool is 4′ to 6′ deep, but our previous fiberglass pool was 7′ deep. And you can get them even deeper if you want.

      July 19, 2021 at 2:11 am
  • Reply Rachel

    Hi! You pool is beautiful! We have a VERY similar backyard with trees all around. My husband is against a pool because of all the leaves and debris from the trees and the cost. Would you mind sharing the cost of your pool and the automated cover?!

    July 19, 2021 at 2:02 am
  • Reply Alison

    Where are your planters and chaise chairs from?

    July 19, 2021 at 3:59 am
    • Reply Henry

      The chairs are from target (linked in the article) and the planters are from At Home.

      August 2, 2021 at 6:17 pm
      • Reply Courtney W

        Did you guys replace the lounge chair cushions? Yours look white but all of the reviews note that they’re actually more of a yellow tone?

        August 9, 2021 at 7:45 pm
  • Reply karen sunday

    This is soooo wicked GOOD! I love the whole look!!!!!!!!!!

    July 19, 2021 at 10:29 pm
  • Reply Keith Charlesworth

    Beautiful well done.
    ENJOY.

    July 23, 2021 at 9:28 am
  • Reply Kristy

    Beautiful! Would love to know the width of the walkways and lounge areas. The space looks perfect!

    July 26, 2021 at 1:56 pm
    • Reply Henry

      Thanks! The side where the grass is at is 4 ft. Where the chairs are is 9 ft, and next to the house is 7 ft.

      July 28, 2021 at 11:54 pm
  • Reply Ashley

    She’s BEAUTIFUL! Hard to top your last pool. Would love to know / understand how ya’ll sourced / built your oversized walkway pavers that are in front & alongside the house. I am in the mid-west and my local hardscapers just aren’t understanding what I’m describing for ‘oversized pavers’ so Im curious to understand if others like you poured concrete into your desired shape or if they are in fact paver stones. Thanks for sharing all your projects!

    August 1, 2021 at 7:44 pm
  • Reply Nikita

    Where did you order your fiberglass shell from?

    August 14, 2021 at 8:53 pm
    • Reply David

      I’m curious as well! Awesome job!!!!

      September 27, 2021 at 5:30 pm
  • Reply Laura Montoya

    What company di you use for your fiberglass pool?

    April 21, 2023 at 12:46 am
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