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.