Rain Fall from one of the bridges on the Colleyville Lazy River. Designed by Mike Farley of Claffey Pools. Photo by Mike Farley Rain Fall Video - http://youtu.be/MFLXsKHqjg8

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Beachfront home in Maui, Hawaii built by Smith Brothers.
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical backyard natural pool in Hawaii with a hot tub.

Luxury Swimming Pool Project in St Marlo Country Club. Designed by Joe Dover Photography by Josh Dover Very large custom pool, spa, cabana, outdoor kitchen, grotto, waterfall, slide, fire pit and so much more.

Large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and concrete slab.

Lawrence Taylor Photography
Inspiration for an expansive tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Orlando with concrete pavers.

In this pirates themed backyard there is so much to do for kids of all ages! Details include a rope swing from an artificial tree, large slide that takes you underground before you enter the pool, an enormous grotto to stay cool under, a rope bridge over the pool, spa and tanning ledge. For those less adventurous, there are two covered deck area as well as a large covered outdoor living area. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Large tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Miami.

Challenge As part-time residents of this Bonita Springs home, our clients were looking to update their outdoor entertainment area. They also planned to be away for the summer during the remodel and needed their renovation project to be finished prior to their return for the winter. Their needs included: Changing the color pallet to a monochromatic scheme, removing the yellow brick pavers, adding an outdoor kitchen area, adding an outdoor fireplace, resurfacing the pool and updating the tile, installing a new screen enclosure, and creating privacy from the neighbors, particularly the main sitting areas, pool and outdoor kitchen. Although there was already a 1,221 sq. ft. lanai under the roof, it lacked functionality needed by the homeowners. Most of its amenities were located at one end of the lanai, and lacked privacy that the homeowners valued. Solution The final project design required two additions to the lanai area adding an accumulative 265 sq. ft. to the existing space expanding their sitting area and accommodating a much-needed outdoor kitchen. The new additions also needed to blend with the home’s existing style. Addition #1—Sitting Area: The first addition added approximately 145 sq. ft. to the end of the lanai. This allowed Progressive Design Build to tie into the existing gable room for the new space and create privacy from the neighbors. Addition #2—Outdoor Kitchen: The second addition was a bump out that added approximately 120 sq. ft. to the end of the house close to the interior kitchen. This allowed the client to add an outdoor over and 52” Viking grill (with a side burner) to their outdoor living space. Other amenities included a new sink and under counter fridge, granite countertops, tumbled stone stile and Cypress cabinetry, custom-fabricated with marine grade plywood boxes and marine grade finishes to withstand moisture, common in the Bonita Bay community. Special attention was given to the preparation area on either side of the stove, the landing area next to the oven and the serving counter behind the bar. Bar seating was added to the outdoor kitchen, allowing guests to visit with the cook comfortably and easily. Brick Pavers During the design phase, we discovered that the original brick pavers were set in sand, with no concrete pad below. Consequently, the retaining wall and several pavers were starting to fail, caused by the shifting sands. To remedy the problem, we installed a new concrete deck and laid new nonslip pavers on top of the deck—ideal for wet area applications. Pool Renovations To dramatically improve the enjoyment and ambiance of their pool, Progressive Design Build completely re-plumbed it, putting in additional lighting and new water features. New decorative pool tile, coping, and a paver deck were also installed around the pool. The pool finish chosen by our clients was a nice tropical blue color. Screen Enclosure A new screen enclosure was installed in compliance with new local building codes, making it more stable and solid than the existing one. The color change from white to bronze coordinated well with the homeowners’ new color scheme; and the location of the service door and stairs provided convenient access to the new pool equipment. Results This project was completed on time and within budget before these homeowners returned for their winter holiday. They were thrilled with the weekly communication, which included two-way phone calls and email photo sharing. They always knew where their project was in the construction process and what was happening at all times—providing security and peace of mind.

Expansive tropical backyard rectangular pool in London with decking.

Pool designed for a 4 people family, as an spa and parties place. the tiles used are made of resined concrete.
This is an example of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with with a pool and concrete slab.

Large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and concrete slab.

Natural rock water feature constructed on a freeform lagoon shaped pool. Inspired by natural landscapes to blend with the clients backyard.
Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Brisbane with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

This particular project was unique in two respects. In terms of scale and scope, the property we were working on was exceptionally large. This allowed for the construction of an exceptionally realistic natural pool. Not only did this natural swimming area closely mimic wilderness equivalents, but it was further enhanced by a unique application of fiber optic stars that imitated stars reflecting off the surface of the water. The pool was built in a curvilinear design that imitated the edges of natural bodies of water. In order to accentuate its realism, we built the coping around water’s edge completely out of rock. This rock perimeter was then aesthetically extended in a number of ways. Starting at the far end of the pool, we constructed a large rock outcropping that supported a natural waterfall that poured over a small grotto. This grotto was a special seating area for swimmers. When it is time to take a break from exercise, they can sit on the rocky ledge and look back through the waterfall for a spectacular view of the scenery. The vertical impact created by the rocky outcropping, combined with the constant sound of pouring water, lend a sense of remote isolation to this natural pool. This feeling of being in a faraway place is then further accentuated with a spectacular display of star light that appears to dance on the surface of the water. These stars are actually an optical effect created by tiny fiber optic cables that are built into the basin of the structure. They carry light from a remote transmitter that is remotely powered, so there is no electricity or heat produced by their presence in the water. A controller causes various groups of lights to intermittently dim and brighten like twinkling stars in the night. Once this feeling of remote isolation and privacy were firmly established, we then set ourselves to the task of making the natural pool as user friendly as possible. We did this by adding two key features. The first of these was a spa that contains ergonomic places for seating and headrests. In order to integrate this obviously luxurious element into what was intended to be a very pristine setting, we built the spa’s outer structure out of rocks with a similar color and proportion to those used in the construction of the coping and the waterfall. Another element that was added for functional purposes was a beach entry located at the near end of the pool opposite from the waterfall. This area featured a blend of human amenities, creature comforts, and natural decorations to scale the sense of luxury down in order to better blend it with that natural aesthetic. Rock boulders, reflective of those used to build the waterfall outcropping, were positioned in various locations to emulate a rocky shoreline. We also installed three benches that reclined at an angle. This allowed visitors who preferred not to swim to lay back and take in the panoramic view of the starlit natural pool, the waterfall in the distance, and the circle of stone that comprised the spa adjoined to the water at the midpoint.

This pebbletec color is blue surf with grey travertine coping. This pebbletec color makes the water so vibrant! Call us today at (979) 704-6102
Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a hot tub and decking.

If the walk-through grotto doesn’t make this one of the best lagoons in Florida, there is a fire pit peninsula between the lounge chairs on the sun shelf and the in-pool seating cove next to the oversize spa to maximize the space. From the spa we make our way to the amazing pool deck area, with room for multiple chaise lounges to soak in the sun, the pool view or the bay vista, docks and beyond. Back poolside, the oversize tiki hut has a hammock, outdoor deep seating with tables, art and more. Photo: Geza Darrah

Tropical living in timeless, luxurious style. ... Modern Balinese, and a blend of Asian influences with Contemporary, Mediterranean architecture. Builder: Professional Grounds, Inc. Photography: George Brown Photography

custom designed Distinguished pool with waterfall cave that features a few spa jets.
Photo of a large tropical backyard kidney-shaped pool in San Diego with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard rectangular infinity pool in Miami with a water feature and natural stone pavers.