—Marrying two backyard amenities for optimal fun and functionality

A custom outdoor kitchen—often built around an existing swimming pool or in conjunction with a new or remodeled one—provides a wonderful amenity to expand options for outdoor dining and entertaining.

Topics: Backyard Additions, outdoor kitchens, pool construction, pool buyer tips, swimming pool plans, island grill, custom pool ideas

—Why owner-builder gunite pools often pose surprising hurdles and hidden costs

Topics: Gunite pool construction, swimming pool construction problems, DIY pool, owner-builder pools, subcontractors

Small backyard pool ideas that maximize your space

Trying to fit a pool into a small backyard can feel impossible.

Between property lines, existing landscaping, and limited square footage, most homeowners assume they don’t have enough space.

The truth? You probably do.

With the right design strategy, even tight or awkward yards can fit a functional, beautiful inground pool.

Below are practical small backyard pool ideas you can actually use, whether you're planning now or talking to a contractor.

 

Topics: outdoor kitchens, custom spas, hardscape, pool layout, Design / Features, pool construction, gunite hot tub, aquatic fitness, swimming pools, pool plans, pool decking, Buyer Tips, hydrotherapy, swimming pool waterfalls, backyard design, tanning ledges, pool builder, Landscaping, swimming pool accessories

—Masterful custom projects that take aquatic style to new heights

One of the most challenging and visually dramatic types of swimming pools is an elevated pool. This concrete (gunite/shotcrete) creation is not only built completely out of the ground, it stands soaring high above it.

Topics: Design / Features, pool buyer tips, Swimming pool costs, Gunite pool construction, negative-edge pool, zero-edge pool, pool photos, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, swimming pool construction problems, pool builder

—Learn about and view examples of this exciting gunite pool feature

Rim flow spas—also called mirror spas, full-perimeter spas, and 360-degree overflow spas—represent a dramatic style of elevated custom spa with specially configured exposed tile- or stone-covered walls that allow the water inside to sleekly run over the spa’s entire perimeter into the swimming pool below.

Topics: custom spas, Design / Features, Gunite pool construction, pool photos, pool decking, custom pool design, Buyer Tips, custom pool ideas, pool builder

 —More than good looks, pool tile protects your liquid investment

Topics: cascade water features, custom spas, Design / Features, pool buyer tips, swimming pool plans, Construction, custom pool ideas

 —How executing your entire backyard makeover as a single endeavor delivers greater value  

If you are planning a new swimming pool along with other outdoor-living amenities, consider a strategy that optimizes style unity, smoother construction with better costs, and overall project cohesion—as well as some additional benefits.

Topics: Design / Features, swimming pool plans, LED, remote controls, Pool Financing, Construction, custom pool ideas, backyard design, pool deck, swimming pool construction problems, pool builder, Landscaping, Owner/Lifestyle