It’s tough to think of anything more inviting than the shimmering blue waters of a backyard pool. With visuals alone they can take your stress level down several notches. But that’s just the beginning.
Today the goal for savvy homeowners and designers is to create a backyard oasis that works for intimate family gatherings just as well as large-scale entertaining. Lighting in and around the pool, fire features, waterfalls, whirlpools, and fountains, add soothing sensory elements. Lush landscaping introduces color, shade, and privacy.
A covered living space in the form of a pergola or pool house provides a shaded conversation enclave. Those equipped with fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and televisions extend their use into cooler seasons. Comfy seating areas around a fire pit, by the side of the pool—and sometimes in the pool—allow plenty of choices when contemplating relaxation or conversation.
We’ve got several stunning examples, see if you have a favorite.
Clean lines. Warm tones.
This intimate sitting area beneath a pavilion enhanced with a cedar ceiling and copper accents is just feet from the water. The ability to enjoy the pool and the fire simultaneously goes far in eliminating stress after a long day.
—Ben Bayer, The Site Group
Pavilion, fireplace, landscape and hardscape: The Site Group
Pool: Watermark Pools
Photo by Paul Miller
Setting the mood
Our clients wanted a haven with fire and lighting to enjoy with their kids and grandkids. By using water features, color lighted water bowls, and pool and landscape lighting, we crafted a sophisticated, multi-functional oasis—all in a sleek, minimal footprint.
— Jason Craycraft, Omni Pools & Scapes
Pool, fire features, landscape and hardscape: Omni Pools & Scapes
Homebuilder: Diyanni Homes
Photo courtesy of Omni Pools & Scapes
Life is good
Enjoy the spa, slip into ankle deep water and lounge on the swim shelf, take a ride down the water slide or watch the big game under the pool house. Everything you could ever want, all in one well-developed space.
—Shane Bordwine, TowneScapes
Pavilion, fire features, landscape and hardscape: TowneScapes
Pool installation: Tri-State Gunite Pools
Photo by Ross Van Pelt
Shimmer and sparkle
Clean rectangular lines for both the pool and travertine deck set the stage for elegance. Pool-width steps make for an easy entry, and a few steps away in the other direction is an inviting, fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and living area.
—Chris Durbin, Buckeye Pools
Pool: Buckeye Pools
Photo courtesy of Buckeye Pools
Effortless Elegance
The homeowners envisioned a space that felt like an extension of their home—an inviting retreat with a striking presence. With LED lighting, in-pool loungers, and water reflecting the home’s modern design, this pool delivers a resort-like experience just steps from the back door. — Matt Blansit, Mid-American Gunite Pools
Pool: Mid-American Gunite Pools
Homebuilder: Hueber Homes
Landscape design: Mid-American Gunite Pools and Hueber Homes
Fire Bowls: Grand Effects
Photo by Greg Grupenhof
Pool, fire features, landscape and hardscape: Omni Pools & Scapes
Photo courtesy of Omni Pools & Scapes
Everything for entertaining
This outdoor living area was designed for family gatherings and fun. The pool house includes a fireplace and seating area for watching games and golf, a full wet bar, refrigerator, storage space, and a bathroom and changing area with cubbies.
—Michelle Moran, J&K Custom Homes
Pool house construction: J&K Custom Homes
Pool installer: Tri-State Gunite Pools
Landscape and hardscape: Evans Landscaping
Stone: Reading Rock and TruStone
Masonry: James A. Linville Masonry
Sound/AV: Phantom Sound
Architect: Bowerman Myers Architects, Ltd.
Photo by Greg Grupenhof
Article originally appeared in March 2025