The season is fast approaching, and I never thought I would utter this phrase: “We open our pool in less than two weeks!” I love pools. Who doesn’t? I love laying by them. I love the feel of cool, fresh water on a hot day. I love the carefree memories they evoke.
I just never imagined we’d own one.
dead of winter before photos
The pool itself is in fine shape. We’re converting it to salt water (for health reasons and it’s cheaper in the long run) but other than that it should be good to go for the season. The rest of the backyard, however, leaves a bit to be desired. I’ve been staring at that pool cover (and ALL of that concrete and tired decking) for far too long, and it’s time to give this area some attention.
I would venture to guess that when most people think of pools they think of 2 different scenarios. The first would be a calm and relaxing environment. A book in one hand, a drink in the other, with some alone time or a relaxed gathering of friends. The other is a very different scene – lots of loud laughter as children splash, dad barbecues and pool paraphernalia: noodles, towels and the like are strewn about.
We’re in that stage of life where the second is going to be our scenario. But just because the atmosphere will be filled with energy doesn’t mean the backdrop has to be. I want to let the people, the pool, and the paraphernalia be the color and bring a calmness to the rest. So, here is my inspiration for our backyard.
I’d love to replicate any one of these images, but I have to be realistic with what we’re working with. Our house is currently light blue and there are several tons of concrete covering most of the backyard. While the amount of pool deck area will probably always stay the same (Micah says grass around pools just ends up in the pool or dies) the color of the house will eventually go. A girl can dream. So I plan to work with it, but pick things that will also work well with a white house. Our goals for now include freshening up the decks, investing in some furniture – it sure isn’t cheap! – and adding some green.
First on the list has been the green. There is a measly 15″ between the concrete and the fence surrounding the pool. I thought, “if we add no other greenery this summer, a row of tall and narrow evergreens lining the perimeter would be beautiful all year round.” After visiting several different nurseries and being slapped with a $4,000 price tag, we’ve moved on to updating the decks and searching for furniture. Micah has to bring me down to reality more often than not “Gwen, people would rather have a place to sit than trees to look at.” Most people, Micah, most people.
We have the opposite problem, all grass/weeds no patio or shade. I think your existing concrete is great, less mowing and lots of opportunities for outdoor living. Can't wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks, Amanda! Yes, I agree it's certainly very practical!
We actually planted engelman ivy on our fence around the pool. It provides a lush green wall (and privacy) plus it's less messy than trees. To me it's a win win!
I thought about Ivy of some kind, Angela, but wasn't sure – can it just climb up the fence or does it need some sort of trellis? I think it's a beautiful look when done right!
Be VERY careful with ivy, ladies! It's lovely but yikes is it invasive. We inherited a backyard full of ivy and it had taken over the trees and fencing to the point that the trees are mostly dead and the fence just about disintegrated when we unearthed them from the suffocating ivy. Most ivy will grow up and up by itself without a trellis, and it grows fast. Crazy fast. If you know you will be able to maintain it well, go for it, otherwise please be cautious.
I love the image of the tile grouted with grass! What about doing it with moss instead? It's cheaper, more hearty, and soft on little toes 🙂
Isn't it amazing! And you would' thane to mow moss either. 😉
I can not wait to see what you do with the space! You always come up with something that surprises me, yet I love. 🙂 It's going to be beautiful!
Thanks, Jesse! I'm excited about the possibilities but trying to be realistic about the timeline and budget. I'm trying to remind myself that we'll be here for a long time, God willing, and I'd rather invest in a few great pieces once in a while than do it all on the cheap now. Thanks for following along!
exciting! what boggles my mind is all that concrete is so expensive.. someone paid to have all of that concrete poured! you will work magic, i cant wait to see what you do with the space
Exactly! But it's totally practical. So, I see why the normal person would go for it. 😉
Beautiful inspiration! I've always dreamed of having a perfect rectangle pool that is surround by manicured grass. So not practical. lol I can't wait to see what you do with the space!
I know, you're totally right. Unless you are childless, petless, and have a pool boy. 🙂
I literally laughed out loud at Micah's comment. ? come on man, where's the vision?! #forreal #mandudebro #priorities
Ha! Yes. #men
Love your pool inspiration! Especially the all the green! Have you considered turf? there are so many realistic ones out there! I know you'll get what you want one way or another;)
Micah's a grass man. And I guess you're right – I always find a way to get what I want. Ha!
Your inspiration images are so good. I'm sure your creative solutions will be fabulous…can't wait to see!! (Also – you have a pool!) 🙂
I love your inspiration photos and can't wait to see what you do with the space. My aunt and uncle have bamboo growing around their pool. It grows fast, gives privacy, and feels pretty zen.