What an absolutely gorgeous pool and paver patio! This was another entirely custom design and build. Notice the rock features, water slide, waterfall, built in loungers, and hot tub!

Expansive contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Raleigh with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Expansive backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with stamped concrete.

Natural stone waterfall and inground freeform pool designed and built by Mike Hodak in Venetia, PA.
Expansive backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with with a pool and stamped concrete.

Indoor and Outdoor pool with inset spa. Swim under the bridge to access the outdoor pool!
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Seattle with a pool house and stamped concrete.

Inspiration for an expansive transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with with a pool and stamped concrete.

This resort style swimming pool was part of the reason this project won the 2018 Best Outdoor Living Award in the Parade of Homes. The pool features a built in water slide, grotto, and waterfall. The two benches double as fire features with a 60 inch long blaze of fire. Photo Credit: Lakeover Photography

Expansive traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Denver with with a pool and stamped concrete.

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Gray stamped and stained concrete decking with stone coping. Pool has a grand beach entry and margarita table. Stacked stone spa with spillover and diving end. Southwest drought tolerant landscape.

Expansive country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Manchester with a pool house and stamped concrete.

Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Other with a water slide and stamped concrete.

Expansive mediterranean backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Patrick Livingston
Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in DC Metro with a water feature and stamped concrete.

This is an example of an expansive backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Los Angeles with a water slide and stamped concrete.

This outdoor oasis was a full remodel and begs for you to come in and stay awhile. There are so many lounging opportunities in the soothing outdoor oasis. The pool was completely resurfaced, travertine coping and stamped concrete decking was installed, hot tub was raised and waterfall feature added with iridescent mosaic tile, new board on board privacy fencing with automated sliding door installed, new water feature with fire, state of the art outdoor kitchen with beautiful architectural pergolas, outdoor lounge area with custom lounge chairs, LED firepit, custom LED light features and fence panels, custom metal art pieces, outdoor dining table with fire feature, bocce ball court, custom water features with water bubbling vases, new landscaping, custom live edge wood bench, two soothing sunrooms with additional peace and tranquility.

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with stamped concrete.

This Bentonville Estate home was updated with paint, carpet, hardware, fixtures, and oak doors. A golf simulation room and gym were also added to the home during the remodel. Ramage Third Generation Photography

Complete natural stone outdoor oasis featuring pool, separate 10 person spa, koi pond, grotto, waterfalls, island and cabana. Featured on Discovery Animal Planets show The Pool Master.