Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Design

Pool Progress + The Pool Mood Board

February 22, 2022

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!

Shop Pool Accents

 

Check here to see what the pool is costing us and how we're budgeting for it.

— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. 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...

  2. 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.

  3. 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?

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Oh my gosh!! I love the permeable pavers added near the house!!! Sooooo much better for the environment! Natural drainage!

  9. 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?

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Beautifully wrapped traditional presents stacked in a doorway
Gift Guides!

Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone in Your Life {2024}

Remember the thrill of unwrapping a gift that felt just right? Let's bring that magic back this holiday season!! Our curated gift guides for 2024 are filled with thoughtful picks that will make your loved ones feel special. That's what it's all about, after all. Whether you're shopping for your main guy, your clutch coworker, […]
Modern traditional kitchen with marble island and gold barstools
round up

The Best Cyber Monday Deals for Holiday Hosting

This post is sponsored by Wayfair. By the time Cyber Monday rolls around, I've usually grabbed the Christmas gifts I plan to buy for others and have moved on to home decor (my other favorite thing to shop for). My head is spinning with ideas on what my home needs for holiday parties on the […]
Sales

The Best Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals in 2024

We collected all of the best deals of the holiday season—from tech to home decor—in one place for easy reference. Whether you want the lowest price on one of the best gifts of the year or you have a furniture item in your cart waiting for a discount, we’ve rounded up our recommendations. We're also […]
A white dish of peppermint brownies next to a red & white tea towel
Chris Cooks

Holiday Peppermint Brownies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Baking Dish | Striped Dish Towel (similar) I have a few recipes that are perfect for the holidays, and this is one of them. I make a really delicious brownie that can be made gluten-free and dairy-free, but you won't even know it's missing those elements when the peppermint flavor hits. It's really simple, and […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES