It has been a little bit since we've shared an update on the backyard, and we have major pool progress to report! When they promised a pool by summer, they really meant it, and I'm so ready for that. I didn't know exactly what to expect with a pool install but I've been very much in awe the entire time. These workers are so quick at what they do and you can tell the process is very streamlined. They've probably done hundreds of pool installs and it's mesmerizing to watch! (If you missed it, we discussed the cost of our pool here. We're working with Anthony Sylvan--a national brand, but a local crew that was recommended by our landscape contractor.)
The Pool Today
It's worth mentioning that we were working with Yardzen to design the landscaping plans for the yard and they actually connected us with a local contractor to see the plans through. Per that contractor's recommendation we met with a local landscaping architect to make the plans a bit more translatable for our area. Yardzen kicked us off with a great initial design, but she was able to make the plan more specific and tailored to our area and yard. She even incorporated a privacy wall with greenery which is something we hoped to have. Happy to have an expert guiding us along with local plants as well! It just goes to show that there really are pros and cons to working with a local landscaping architect vs an online exterior design service. Yardzen is still a really great option in my opinion, but we just took it a step further with the design.
This is the Yardzen plan that we handed off to the architect and she incorporated more details we wanted and tightened up the design a bit! How fun is it to compare with the drone shot and see where the pool is headed?!
Here's the revised plan from the new, local landscape designer (Wildflower landscape design for you locals). I love how inclusive and specific this design is of everything we want in a yard. There's a play space for the kids, a fire-pit area, a full outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, and of course the pool. She added in a lot more design elements that we wanted like the pavers + turf near the house to bring in some green. And some structural must-haves like a retaining wall behind the pool. I like how enclosed and private this design feels. That's what I loved about our courtyard, and this feels like the best possible way to get more use out of our yard, while not compromising on privacy and trees.
As for the pool finishes, we selected this slate pewter tile to go along the waterline of the pool. It has really beautiful undertones that work nicely with the bluestone pavers we chose for the pool decking and coping, while also still looking like a raw, natural material. They're already installing it and I'm thrilled with how it's looking--minus the grout that they have added since. (blerg! But they said the can change that)!
The rest of the pool material will be this textured blend of quartz and mini pebbles called Sharkskin. It has the prettiest, texture and I think it it will pair really nicely with the slate tile. Here's a look at the rest of the pool selections!
Pool Mood Board
Scalloped Umbrella
Chaise
Turf Between Bluestone Pavers
Sharkskin Pool Texture
Bluestone Tile
Slate Ash Tile
Striped Towels
Textured Planters
Faux Topiary
Pergola
We are still shooting for a May completion date. This week, they are coming in to start backfilling and leveling out the yard for the next steps! Our landscaping is scheduled to start in March and they told us it would be an 8 week project. We can barely wait and are already dreaming of our first pool party!
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Check here to see what the pool is costing us and how we're budgeting for it.
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One thing I am wondering is about the color of the pool itself (think the sharkskin). I have a pool similar to yours and it gets very full sun and bc of the color of the pool walls, it looks very dark like a deep hole (only almost 5' at deepest). Just something I was wondering if you had considered (sooo hard to tell from a small sample that is wet) and if you want it to look that dark. I am kind of wishing I had some a slightly lighter color so you could actually see in it, a decision I will never have the option to change...
Looks awesome! I was a bit underwhelmed with the Yardzen design (just a bunch of hardscape and not much else) and glad that the local landscape designer took the original design and improved on it. To be honest, it looks like a different plan except for the size/shape of the pool. I think landscape-wise (compared to interiors), you really need a professional to actually see the space and walk around to get a better feel for the land. Plus, locals know better what plants work best in the area. Looking forward to seeing the completed space.
I love everything you’ve done with your home, especially the kitchen! The pictures of what the pool is going to look like are gorgeous too. I wanted to ask if you were planning on putting a fence around the perimeter of the pool?
It looks like the perfect oasis! Wish we were neighbors :)
Thank you so much for sharing all the details! I’ve been waiting to see what your selections would be as I’m finalizing mine. So funny that I have the same turf design on mine! My timeline is about the same. Can’t wait for both!
The greenery between the pavers is SO dreamy and I'm definitely bookmarking that for our future backyard!
Hey there - awesome progress report, and so glad you found the right kind of design support! A quick note on nomenclature (sorry, licensed landscape architect here): The term is Landscape Architect, not Landscaping Architect. Landscape Architects are licensed professionals (We take tests, like doctors or engineers, and are responsible for the public's health, safety and welfare. We require continuing education in order to retain our license) and are often required for signing and stamping drawings by many municipalities (especially on commercial or institutional work). Landscape Designers (looks like that's who you are working with - and they have a LOVELY portfolio) are not required to be licensed, but can often achieve permits on residential or smaller-scale commercial work. Landscape Designers are often PERFECT for residential work like this, and can support planting design, hardscape design and built elements (like your privacy wall). The difference just lies in the licensure and legal liability between the professions. Your readers will need to research their individual code situations to know who is right for their work.
Good luck with the project!
Thanks for sharing this. I’m married to a landscape architect and notice this confusion all the time.
Everything looks beautiful, how exciting! I find it so interesting that contractors will sometimes go over the most minute details like one of 50 grass plants they were putting in but then put in large stones without asking which kind I wanted. Sounds like the grout situation! Often missing the mark on large impact things we care about but they just use what they always use.
I'm sure you have thought of everything that will work for your family, but if you have a trampoline, I would suggest making it ground-level. SO much safer, no silly net needed, etc.
Yes, it will be ground level! We had them at our last two houses and loved it so much!
Oh my gosh!! I love the permeable pavers added near the house!!! Sooooo much better for the environment! Natural drainage!
Beautiful! Love the change to the pergola too. As the primary cook in the family, I’m really excited to see your outdoor kitchen being developed. Are those appliances backordered like indoor kitchen ones?