Complete Backyard Complete Backyard
Luxury Lap Pool
A sloped backyard terraced into a lap-pool retreat with a raised spa, a spillway waterfall and a pergola lounge sitting out above the hillside.
How this project came together
The challenge
Lawn and paving up top, dirt slopes falling away toward the rear, and the driveway, fence line and utilities threaded through the middle of it. Two things ran this job from the start: the topography, and the views that opened up the moment you got out onto the slope.
The design decision
We sketched by hand and put the pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and seating where the slope wanted them, working with the fall rather than cutting against it. That keeps the retaining down and the views open. The homeowners could see the layout and how they'd move through it before anyone committed to a shovel.
The build
Pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and pergola were fixed next, then the planting on the slopes and along the fence line for privacy. Pool and spa lights, path lights and uplights pick out the features after dark. We put material samples in their hands for the pressure-treated steps, the turf and the pavers, because those three read completely differently outside than they do on a screen.
The Design Process
From survey to buildable plan
Every project is measured, drawn, and approved before a shovel goes in the ground. These are the actual drawings for this property.
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100%Base Plan
The base plan detailed the home’s layout, surrounding lawn, paved areas, and dirt slopes toward the back of the property. It also mapped out key elements like the driveway, fence line, and utilities. This overview helped the design team organize zones for new features while making the most of the views and natural topography.
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100%Design Proposals
During the design consultation, hand-drawn sketches outlined ideas for the pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and seating areas, all positioned to work with the slope and highlight the property’s views. These early drawings helped the homeowners visualize the layout and flow of the space, setting the creative direction for the final plan.
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100%Conceptual Plan
The conceptual plan finalized the layout of all major features, including the pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, firepit, and pergola. Plant selections were detailed for the sloped areas and along the fence line to soften the space and enhance privacy. Lighting elements like pool and spa lights, path lights, and uplights were thoughtfully placed to highlight key features and improve evening ambiance. The plan also included material samples for features like pressure-treated wood steps, turf, and pavers tying everything together into a cohesive and functional hillside retreat.
Before We Built It
The space, rendered in 3D
Homeowners approve a photorealistic model of their own property before construction starts, so what gets built is what they signed off on.
Before & After
The property as we found it
Drag the handle to see the same view before construction began.
Before After
Finished Project
Luxury Lap Pool in detail
6 photographs of the completed project.
Planning something like this?
We build Complete Landscape Design, Pools & Spas and Water Features across Southern California
Design, permits, materials, and construction are handled by one in-house team. A designer will walk your property, talk through what's realistic on your lot, and show you what the space can become.
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