Ever since we moved into our home, building a pool has been at the top of our wish list. Growing up with a pool, I have so many fond memories of summer days spent swimming, playing, and relaxing with family and friends. I wanted to give my kids those same experiences—and create a space where we could all make new memories together.
After years of planning and pinning inspiration, we finally decided to take the plunge and transform our sloped, split-level backyard into something truly special.
In this post, I’m sharing the story of our backyard pool transformation, including the challenges we faced, the design choices we made, and plenty of before-and-after photos to inspire your own backyard makeover!
The “Before”
Before our pool build, our backyard was anything but inspiring. The space was split in two by a large, sloped retaining wall that ran right through the center, making the yard feel awkward and disconnected.
The lower yard sloped downward on a hill, so the retaining wall only got taller the further you went. It was a tricky layout that made it hard to imagine how we could ever turn it into a functional, beautiful space.
We knew we wanted to keep the upper elevation for a patio and outdoor furniture, but the lower area was just begging for a makeover. For a long time, it felt like wasted space—until we realized it was the perfect spot for a pool, hot tub, and new lounge areas.
The Vision
Once we decided to build a pool, our main goal was to make the most of our unique backyard layout. We wanted a space that felt inviting, functional, and perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. After interviewing several companies, we chose Seahorse Pools to help bring our vision to life.
We worked closely with their team to design a 14×38 foot in-ground pool with a hot tub, all nestled into the lower level of our yard. To maximize the space, we added a brand new retaining wall, which not only helped manage the slope but also created distinct zones for lounging and playing.
Our vision was to transform a once awkward, split-level yard into a backyard oasis that we could enjoy for years to come.
The Build
Once construction began, it was amazing to watch our backyard transform day by day. The crew from Seahorse Pools worked quickly and efficiently, and even with a couple of rain delays, there was almost always someone here making progress.
The pool itself is a 14×38 foot in-ground beauty, with a hot tub and a brand new retaining wall that further divides the yard into functional zones.
We wanted the pool to feel bright and inviting, so we chose light materials that matched our home’s style.
Some of our favorite features:
- Three waterfalls: Each runs on its own pump, so we can enjoy the soothing sound of water even when the pool or hot tub isn’t in use
- Dual-height baja shelf: Perfect for in-water lounge chairs and a great spot for both kids and adults to cool off.
- Hot tub: Seamlessly integrated for year-round relaxation.
- New retaining wall: Not only manages the slope but also creates two new decking areas, which we turned into cozy lounge spaces.
- Landscaping transformation: We planted 14 new trees and added hardscaping throughout the yard, making the whole space feel lush and private.
The Process
The pool build itself took about six weeks, which was much faster than we expected.
Landscaping took another 2–3 weeks, and the pergola and upper deck patio areas were finished a few weeks after.
There were only a couple of rain delays, but otherwise, there was a crew member here almost every day. Since we hired professionals, our main job was to sit back, watch, and take lots of pictures!
Tips for Your Own Backyard Pool Transformation
If you’re thinking about a backyard pool transformation, here are a few things we learned:
- Interview multiple pool builders and get more than one quote. Every company has a different approach and price point, so it’s worth comparing your options.
- Consider hiring professionals. While it’s possible to DIY, coordinating all the trades and logistics is a huge job that’s best left to the pros.
- Have a design vision before your appointment. Know your color schemes and style preferences ahead of time. Pinterest was a huge help for us—feel free to check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration!
- Plan for the unexpected. Even with the best planning, weather and other surprises can pop up, so try to stay flexible.
The Result: Our Backyard Oasis
Now, our backyard truly feels like an extension of our home—a place where we can relax, entertain, and make memories as a family. The transformation is even more dramatic in person, and every time we step outside, we’re reminded how worth it the project was.
The new pool, hot tub, and lounge areas have completely changed how we use our outdoor space. What was once a bland, awkward yard is now a private retreat that we enjoy every single day. We’re so excited to keep adding finishing touches and to share even more updates as our backyard evolves.
If you’re considering your own backyard transformation, I hope our story inspires you to take the leap! And don’t forget to check out our upcoming patio update post for more ideas on creating your own outdoor oasis.
Comments (0)