Custom Pool Patio and Backyard Transformation
This project focused on creating a clean, durable poolside environment with upgraded hardscaping, drainage, planting, and lighting. Every detail was designed to improve function, longevity, and overall backyard flow.
Pool Patio and Coping Installation
We installed Unilock Beacon Hill bullnose coping in Granite Fusion around the pool to create a clean, finished edge. To prevent future settling, we excavated and poured a 1 foot by 1 foot concrete collar around the entire pool perimeter. The coping was then thin-set to the concrete collar using Ardex mortar, ensuring a strong and reliable bond built to last.
For the pool patio, we installed a combination of Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth XL Enduracolor slabs in Granite Fusion and Techo-Bloc Industria 600 series pavers in Greyed Nickel. Hide skimmer covers were integrated into the patio surface for a seamless, uncluttered look.
All joints were finished with Romex Eco-Fine jointing sand in grey. This semi-permeable material outperforms traditional polymeric sand and helps maintain long-term stability.
Walkways and Transitions
To keep the design consistent throughout the yard, we carried Techo-Bloc Industria 600 series pavers in Shale Grey from the pool patio through the walkway leading to the existing patio. The pavers were spaced approximately 6 inches apart to allow for future sod installation between the stones.
Seating Wall Construction
We built a custom seating wall using Unilock Lineo Dimensional Wall with an architectural cap, both in Granite color. The wall stands approximately 24 inches tall, with integrated pillars reaching roughly 36 inches. This feature adds both functional seating and a strong visual anchor to the patio space.
Landscape Plantings and Mulch
We supplied and installed all new landscape plantings and amended the native soil with plant-based compost at each planting location. All planting beds were finished with 2 to 3 inches of brown mulch.
Before final cleanup, we double-watered all plants to promote healthy establishment. Ongoing watering after installation is handled by the homeowner based on site conditions.
Plantings included:
5 Western Arborvitae, 12 to 14 feet tall
4 Colorado Blue Spruce, 4 to 5 feet tall
6 ornamental grasses
4 Endless Summer hydrangeas
6 Limelight hydrangeas
12 assorted perennials
We also added a continuous mulch bed approximately 1 foot wide along the fence perimeter to clean up the property edge.
Lawn Repair and Sod Installation
We removed poor subsoils and installed 4 to 6 inches of screened loam, blending it into the existing topsoil. All areas were finish-raked and regraded before sod installation.
We installed approximately 4,000 square feet of Black Beauty sod to restore the lawn. Irrigation heads were adjusted, and the irrigation controller was reset to support proper watering for the new sod.
Landscape Lighting
We supplied and installed a custom landscape lighting system using fixtures from Alliance, Cast, and In-Lite, powered by an Alliance astrological transformer.
The lighting plan included uplighting, pathway lighting, and integrated paver lighting. Paver lights were installed directly into the patio to enhance visibility and add subtle nighttime character.
Installed fixtures included:
6 black undercap lights mounted in the seating wall pillars
4 black L-shaped pathway lights installed along the patio edge
Drainage Improvements
We addressed drainage issues throughout the yard by excavating and installing a new underground drainage system. Schedule 20 piping was installed from gutter downspouts and directed to a drainage box located at a lower area of the property.
Water from the outdoor shower area was also tied into this system. Where piping daylighted, rodent guards were installed to prevent debris and animals from entering. Each downspout includes a WYE with a cleanout cap to allow for easy maintenance and flushing.
Existing Patio Reconfiguration
We reconfigured the existing patio and walkway by removing the old walkway, re-cutting the curve, and resetting the border pavers. Pavers removed from the walkway were reused in the outdoor shower area to create a permeable paver surface.
We also supplied and installed a 6 foot granite step at the new railing opening for safe and clean access.
Outdoor Shower Paver Area
The outdoor shower area was finished with Beacon Hill Smooth small rectangle pavers in Granite Fusion. This provided a durable, slip-resistant surface while maintaining visual continuity with the rest of the hardscape.
