Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Design by Sitescapes (Rick Polhamus) Built by Aqua-Link Pools and Spas
Small mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in Orange County with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Outvision Photography
Contemporary pool in Chicago with a hot tub.

Mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

This is an example of a contemporary rectangular pool in Melbourne with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with a hot tub.

Request Free Quote This pool and hot tub in Hinsdale, IL, completed this year, measures 20'0 x 40'0" and has a 7'0" x 8'0" hot tub inside the pool. The sunshelf measures 5'0" x 11'0" and has steps attached. The pool coping is Valders Wisconsin Limestone. The pool also features LED colored lighting. An automatic cover protects and preserves the pool and spa together. Photos by Larry Huene

David Noel
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Vancouver with a hot tub and decking.

Expansive transitional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Outdoor living space with custom pool and spa, fire and water bowls and custom patio with built in fire pit
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Detroit with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

This spa features an infinity edge, black porcelain tile, and view. Other surrounding features consist of raised hardwood decks, cantilevered umbrella, BBQ island, fire pit, covered patio, and drought tolerant landscaping.

This is an example of a beach style rectangular pool in Charleston with a hot tub and tile.

This Soake Pool landed in the mountains of Boulder Colorado. The rugged surroundings provide a fabulous backdrop for the customer's modern new outdoor living space. We truly enjoyed working with our clients across the country on their new stunning courtyard retreat.

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard rectangular natural pool in Austin with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Located off the great room, we repeated the client's indoor color palette of navy, aqua, and yellow. A large all weather wicker sectional and a pair of spring chairs provide ample seating in the patio area. This seating area opens to a dining space all of which spill onto the pool deck.

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!