Refreshing a Pool Landscape in Buckhead

This Buckhead  family of four was interested in refreshing a pool landscape in their backyard. Their older pool, screened-in-gazebo and surround were tired. They not only wanted an updated look, but also wanted to add a spa and a covered outdoor kitchen and lounge. The rainiest spring on record tried to thwart their plans, but we were able to complete construction just in time for swimming season.

Before

The existing pool surround was brick and was no longer in very good shape.

A Refreshed Pool LandscapeAfter

A new spa seamlessly connects to the pool.

A Refreshed Pool LandscapeSite Plan

This aerial shot provides a good glimpse of the layout. The new pool pavilion is on the right and the spa is on the left side of the pool. On the far right we were able to fit in an unexpected bonus: a putting green. This photo also gives us a good overview of the paving details, like the diagonal lines that break up the paving off each corner of the pool.

A Refreshed Pool LandscapePool Surround

We kept the existing pool’s classical shape, and enhanced it with a new pool edging and diagonals across the surround that hit at the corners. This helped integrate the pool with the pavers around it. The new stone is  Tremron Bluestone in a colorway called “Lion’s Bridge.”

A Refreshed Pool LandscapeSpa

The spa’s coping is composed of large-format rectangular-cut stones. Meanwhile, mimicking the curve of the pool’s edge along that side of the spa helped create a strong relationship between the two.

spa with fountains

Also creating a strong connection between the pool and spa are three fountains that spill down from the edge of the spa into the pool. And the splashing sound of the water is tranquil and relaxing.

A Refreshed Pool LandscapeBeyond the Pool

We improved the bottom of the stairs that lead up the yard’s steep slope by covering them in coordinating stone. We also repaired some drainage issues in the existing retaining wall. New tree and shrub plantings will help prevent erosion on the slope. And new landscape lights highlight the trees at night.

A Refreshed Pool Landscape with PavilionPool Pavilion

A big part of  refreshing the pool landscape was replacing the gazebo with a more functional and attractive pavilion. With two teenage daughters, the homeowners wanted a larger covered space the whole family and their friends could enjoy. We created a beautiful space with a design that’s cohesive with the rest of the new pool landscape design.

Stone bases support the columns and play off the other new masonry. And we added stone to the retaining walls around the pavilion to add warmth and character to the space. This lovely stone is Country Ledgestone from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Pool pavilion with outdoor kitchen and loungeThe pool pavilion’s focal point is a fireplace. An outdoor TV was a must for this family. So was a comfy outdoor sectional sofa that would accommodate all four of them. The woven texture works well with the rugged stone.

pool pavilion with outdoor kitchenA dining area on the pool side seats eight. And the outdoor kitchen at the back has a barbecue, outdoor fridge, trash pull-out and ample counter space for prep and serving. The countertops are black Vermont granite with a leathered finish.

Tip: Leathering is a good finish for outdoor spaces, as a polished finish is tougher to keep looking clean in the elements.

outdoor pool pavilion with cedar ceiling

One of the most beautiful surprises inside the pavilion is the stunning dark-stained cedar ceiling. A pair of ceiling fans help maintain a comfortable temperature under the pavilion even in the heat of an Atlanta summer.

A Refreshed Pool LandscapePavilion Siting

We sited the pavilion in a way that makes the most of the corner created by the retaining wall. And we left enough space for lounge chairs between the pavilion and the pool.

A Refreshed Pool Landscape

The existing home’s back facade is as pretty as its front. Glass doors off the foyer lead out to the pool in the center. This shows how important the view of the pool landscape is from inside the home. To the right, the doors lead to a pool bathroom and mudroom.

backyard putting greenPutting Green

We were able to make the most of this back corner by placing a putting green between the pavilion and the driveway. This provided more family fun during a time when they were spending all of their time at home.

A Refreshed Pool Landscape

The project was completed during the early days of the pandemic, not a moment too soon. With everyone at home all the time, the family needed space to spread out. They also made their home an inviting spot for staycations. In fact, one of the homeowners admitted that during the shutdown, her favorite time of day was when she’d take a cup of tea out to the pavilion and catch up on “The Great British Bake Off.”

Here’s a review the clients left for us regarding refreshing a pool landscape:

Innovative Design + Build did a wonderful job with our large-scale backyard renovation. Their pricing was transparent and fair, the quality is top-notch, and their soup-to-nuts Design/Build process was just what we were looking for. Clark & his team are easy to work with, and are clearly professionals that care about their craft and their customers. We would gladly work with the Innovative team again.

If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more we think you’ll like:

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The Benefits of Hiring a Design-Build Firm

A New Porch with an Outdoor Fireplace

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