by Joanna Posner

The backyard pool was once a simple concrete hole filled with water — not any more! As homeowners continue to customize and personalize their own piece of paradise, many backyard pools are beginning to emulate the designs and features found at five-star resorts. In searching for your ideal pool, your limitations will not be in the options available to you, but in the price you’re willing to pay. That’s why one of the first things your pool contractor will determine is your budget. This will set the stage for all things related to your backyard makeover.

Brad Cotton from Mission Pools says that a lot of people have homes where the pool is 15 to 20 years old, which means that the style is extremely out of date and the plaster is usually in need of repair. “Fifteen years ago, there was white and grey plaster. Now they have white, light grey, dark gray, pebble plaster, beach bottom.… A lot of people are choosing those to make their pool look more natural.”

Other ideas for a more natural look include flagstone decking and coping and artificial or natural rockwork. Cotton also suggests adding a water feature or slide. “You can knock out a section of the pool, and add a water feature with a sheer descent from a raised area of the pool. The water looks like it’s coming out of the wall. You can basically do anything you want.”

But many homeowners aren’t sure what they want or what is possible. “If they don’t have a clue, we’ll open up our design book and talk it through,” says Cotton. “We ask the clients to tell us what they would like to see in their backyard, whether they want something natural or formal, how far they want to go, what’s their budget.”

So just how elaborate are homeowners getting? Jack Manilla, owner of Portofino Pools, who is also a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, points out that the big draw is still on water features: whether tumbling waterfalls, vanishing edges or spas overflowing into the pool. “People like both the visual effects and the sound of water,” says Manilla.

For children’s safety and adult convenience, Dan Dougherty, owner of Sandpiper Pools, is a fan of benches and ledges. “Not everybody wants to be swimming or treading water, so I try to incorporate benches or baja shelves into most of our pool designs.” This is particularly important with pools that have deep ends.

Another fun feature that takes the kids into consideration is jumping rocks. “If you have a jumping rock, not only are the kids going to have fun, but the pool is also going to be more attractive,” says Dougherty. To round out the rocky look, Dougherty will usually tie in other rock features such as a waterfall, an artificial rock slide or a grotto.

While grottos add a pretty penny to the pool budget, they also give the pool an entirely new dimension. Akin to a rock cave, grottos are usually tucked into one corner of the pool with a waterfall cascading over the top to separate the grotto from the rest of the world. And if you really want to get creative, you could install a spa or a bar within the grotto.

Of course, a pool design wouldn’t be complete without a touch of ambiance, especially in the evening. Evening effects are being achieved with both firepits and creative lighting. On the increasing use of fire, Manilla says, “The contrast of fire and water has a soothing effect.” Adding to the mood are both pool and architectural lighting. Dougherty points out that lighting options are an inexpensive way to add some flash to the pool design.

Because San Diego residents live in such a temperate climate, it’s only natural that outdoor entertainment areas are also becoming the norm. “Built-in BBQs, cabanas, outdoor kitchen areas and outdoor living rooms have all become very popular over the last several years,” says Dougherty.

Although bringing the kitchen and living room to the outdoors might exceed your price point, Manilla says there are alternatives. One option is to design the pool in phases: you can get the pool done now, but plan on incorporating the kitchen area later on. After all, this is your backyard paradise and you don’t want to leave any water or rock feature unturned.