The owners built a pool at the bottom of a hill. Boulders are the foundation of the retaining wall.

They used organic elements for the waterfall. A slide that goes under a stone overpass adds to the fun.

Add color with flowering plants. Lounge chairs with brown frames and deep green cushions blend into the background.

The filtration system is hidden by the large pot in the flower bed.

This yard is split into multiple entertainment areas. A spa is nestled in a semi-circle of shrubs and flower beds. The lower level features the swimming pool.

Wild flowers are used to create a soft, private divide. Use flowers and ground cover to keep people on the walkways.

The deck is built around the entire pool. This allows access from all sides. Gravel around the perimeter helps with drainage from rain storms. Mulch around the trees are kept in using the same color wood as the perimeter of the deck.

The design of this pool and deck takes into account the nearby trees which provide shade.

A post and beam structure on the far side of the pool can be used to string lights. This is an affordable way to extend the party into the evening.

Take advantage of a hill by extending the seating next to the pool and deck area.

A pergola adds shade to the seating area in the far corner. The zones are separated by pink and cream flower beds. The side of the pool is finished with a stone wall.

Stepping stones lead to the different seating areas.

The grassy area that leads to a pool always gets pushed down. This creates bare spots where the grass never has a chance to recover.

Create a path leading to and around the pool using gravel, marble chips, and slate pavers. This will also help prevent rain water from puddling at the pool area.

This outdoor area used the slope in the yard to its advantage. Different seating areas were created around the pool.

It blends into the landscape using locally found boulders, tiles, and bricks.

A long deck allows access to one side of the pool. A towel bar is attached to the fence.

Stepping stones leads swimmers to a shady area. Bushes were planted around the pool to hide the pool’s frame.

This pool in the desert blends into its surroundings with a stone façade. Clay shingles cover the roof of the seating area. Turquoise pool tile introduces another color in the same palette.

A simple bed of lava rocks and trees defines the entertainment area near the pool.

Create any pattern by alternating tufts of grass with square pavers. It eliminates the need for mowing. A quick pass with a weed trimmer will do.

The siding of the infinity pool was trimmed to match the deck. More greenery was introduced in potted plants.

Instead of doing a full remodel, a spa was filled in. The question was how to get it to blend into the rest of the patio.

Rectangular planters pointing across the semi-circle pool are an artistic solution. Ground cover plants have been planted and will eventually cover the slope with color.

Add a finishing touch to an above ground pool with wood framing. A deck area hides in the shade.

The side of the hill shows off a rock retaining wall. Keep the grass from growing up near the pool by adding shrubs in a mulch bed.

It’s tricky to maintain a pool in a desert climate. The water heats up and evaporates quickly in larger pools. The answer here is to keep the size small and deep. A small wall creates much-needed shade.

Recycling water with a pump and scuppers lowers the overall temperature. Keep the color of the walking area’s light to reflect the heat of the sun. Removing the ground cover from the surrounding area discourages wildlife from seeking refuge from the sun.

Different sizes of whitewashed bricks add interest to this walkway and patio.

A flower garden contrasts with the low retaining wall near the entertainment area. The lounge area includes a fire pit.

A deck surround gets an upgrade with the addition of a gazebo. It’s a larger, more comfortable solution to a patio umbrella.

Low-growing bushes soften the fence line and hide the pool’s filtration system.

The deck doesn’t have to connect to the house. The owners created a separate entertainment area by building a deck next to the pool.

A high fence adds privacy. The table and patio umbrella add a place for poolside dining.

Build up a beautiful backdrop for your pool area with sage bushes and flowering plants.

This reduces the noise level. Wide steps welcome swimmers into the pool and extend the look of the hill.

Separating the deck from the pool is a great idea if you have several generations of family and friends enjoying the space. The pool is far enough away that kids can have their fun while adults enjoy conversations on the deck.

When the diving board starts showing its age, a water feature can take its place. They’re ready to add onto a pump system and add an upscale vibe.

Grassy areas near pools tend to get torn up and muddy. Replace the grass in these areas with gravel for a cleaner look.

Many suburban areas require a pool to be fenced in.

Soften the look by surrounding the area with a row of flowers and shrubs. Define the area by adding mulch beds.

Keep the pool looking sleek and modern by maintaining the angles and color in the stepping stones and lounge chairs.

The pool is positioned to take advantage of the shade cast by the tallest tree in the yard.

Create interest in a small pool by adding a water feature. The soothing sounds of the fountain enhance the ambiance in this meditative soaking pool.

Dark topper bricks and a Buddhist statue add to the calming scene.

Extra-wide steps lead to the seating at the top of the hill. It provides access to the spa and a nice view of the fire pit area.

The spa does double duty as a water feature with its stone siding and waterfall.

The poured concrete bench and steps provide a smooth contrast to the rough stone on the side of the soaking pool. The stones and concrete are matched to the local environment.