Create a backyard sanctuary
A backyard oasis design transforms your pool area with designated zones for conversation, dining, and entertainment, each marked by furniture and thoughtful layout.
Typical costs range from $3,000 to $12,000 for a pool deck, which provides comfortable seating at the water's edge and space for furniture.
Your pool area gains privacy and ambiance through strategic fencing, tall plants, creative lighting on pathways, and soothing water features like waterfalls or jets.
Hiring a local backyard landscaping professional provides reliable support with deck installation, zone planning, and lighting design to complete your pool transformation.
You don’t need to hop on a jet to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation—with some thoughtful strategy, you can design your pool area to feel like a true backyard oasis, complete with an outdoor grill, lounging areas, and a full stereo system. Follow our tips to elevate your swimming pool area to resort-in-Tulum status.
The deck around your pool can be designed in many ways to reflect your aesthetic preferences. Using wood, composite wood, pavers, or concrete, a deck offers a place for swimmers to sit comfortably at the water’s edge, or for some of your pool furniture to live. The cost of a pool deck ranges from $3,000 to $12,000, on average.
With furniture, privacy screens, and plants, you can create different zones around your pool that will make it feel like a more thoughtful and luxurious space. Have one area set up to foster conversation and cocktail hour with cozy cushions and small tables, and another for after-swim lunch or dinner, marked by an outdoor dining set.
If you’ve got the space and budget, consider an entertainment zone on a raised deck, complete with an outdoor, waterproof television. Another option, if you have the square footage, is to create a separate pool house, which will give you and your family and friends shade from the sun and a place to relax in between laps.
You won’t get tropical island—or even spring break—vibes if the view from your pool area is your neighbor’s unkempt backyard. Create privacy with the help of fencing, climbing vines, other tall plants like bamboo or hedges, walls, or trees. Make sure not to block anything you do want to see, like the mountains, the ocean, or other natural scenery.
Think of your favorite movie with a nighttime pool scene. Didn’t it have elegant lighting to properly illuminate the pool and the surrounding area, without taking away from the ambiance? Your pool can and should have that, too.
Install lighting on steps and pathways for safety, and well lights along walls to give the space some depth. For character, consider torches and string lights or color LED lights in the pool itself.
From laminar jets and sconces to waterfalls, water features add an extra layer of elegance and charm to your pool area. In addition, the sound of running water is soothing, and helps block out less-relaxing sounds like airplanes and cars.
Keep things simple with a barbeque or design a full prep area with an oven, grill, and tiki bar. Either way, an outdoor kitchen is helpful for pool parties or any day you simply want to enjoy a hot dog in the sunshine.
Is a pool party a pool party without tunes? If you’ve got the budget, you can install a full outdoor sound system that connects to your indoor system, so long as you have a multi-channel AV receiver or matric for whole-house audio.
For this, you’ll want to hire a home audio installation company near you. A more budget-friendly option is simply placing wireless outdoor speakers around your pool area; find an amp that can play audio from many different sources, including streaming platforms, CDs, and vinyl.
Custom Paint Jobs LLC made our home feel like a piece of art. Thank you for your creativity!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWindow Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioFirst of all, the gentleman I dealt with (Cam?) was very responsive to my many questions and concerns throughout the project, which is a huge plus to me. From the first time I met him for the estimate all the way til the completion of the job, he and his crew were professional and respectful....
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesJeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
Another great success for me on home advisor. This company did an awesome job on my landscaping and stayed within my budget. The best part, the work was complete within 2 days of my initial request. Professional and responsive. I highly recommend!
Blue Ring Residential Services, LLCThe company no showed on me twice. The 2nd time was no call no show. They were responsive to set up the first appointment to perform the "landscape cleanup". 3 hours after their initial scheduled appointment time they called me to let me know they had some "problem" with the truck and their...
Ruby Home and Hauling ServicesReceived ideas for future landscape plans...quote to do the work seemed a bit high but I did not have any other quotes to compare it to, so perhaps that is the going rates. <br />
Landscapes By Terra, IncAll around they have done a really great job. <br /> I have used JL Landscapes for the past 8 years. I own and operate my own commercial/residential real estate company where we own, operate, and maintain our own properties. JL Landscapes has been our exclusive landscaper for both our...
J.L. LandscapesBought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer LandscapingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The pool is where you go to relax and create memories with the ones you love. Make the most of your backyard space with these refreshing pool landscaping ideas.
Using brick or concrete patio pavers can transform your backyard into your own luxury getaway. Browse our paver patio ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
If you own a pool or are having one put in, chances are safety is important to you. Check out these pool fence ideas to keep your summer swimming fun and safe.
Your backyard should enhance your quality of life and serve as a stress-free retreat for you and your family. Add beauty and remove extra work with these 9 next-level outdoor upgrades that are worth the investment.
Outdoor water feature ideas are just as unique as your backyard itself. Check out how a waterfall, fountain, or koi pond can reimagine your property.
Filling in an in-ground pool has definite advantages, but it can also cost you more money than it’s worth. Our guide covers the pros and cons of filling in a pool.
