Pool Remodel
Transforming the Berry Family’s Pool: A Comprehensive Renovation by Exterior Worlds
When the Berry family of Houston, Texas, reached out to us at Exterior Worlds, their backyard pool was in dire need of restoration. The pool’s surface, plaster, tiles, and coping had all deteriorated over time, prompting them to seek our expertise in swimming pool renovation. Initially, the Berrys expected a straightforward repair job, but upon closer inspection, we recognized that a more profound transformation was necessary to harmonize the pool with its surrounding landscape.
Identifying and Addressing Design Flaws
The primary issue with the pool was not just the physical wear and tear, but fundamental design flaws that disrupted the aesthetic cohesion with the landscape. The pool was framed by a towering architectural wall at the rear, and the water was bordered by a brick and bluestone patio. This high wall created an unwelcome separation from the rest of the yard and obscured the view of a beautiful arbor nestled under the trees behind the pool. Additionally, the contemporary sheer-descent waterfall on this wall clashed with the traditional charm of the surrounding lawn and garden.
To achieve a seamless integration between the pool and its surroundings, it was clear that the wall needed significant reworking. Lowering its height was crucial to open up views of the arbor and enhance the overall sense of space.
Renovating the Pool and Patio
We commenced the renovation by carefully lowering the wall to reveal the picturesque arbor and the trees beyond. Removing the modern sheer-descent waterfall was another essential step, as it did not complement the traditional aesthetics of the backyard. Instead, we opted for a classic-style fountain that aligned perfectly with the brick and bluestone patio.
Reconstructing the wall involved integrating bluestone columns into the existing brick structure. These columns not only matched the bluestone in the patio but also introduced a stately, refined look to the once plain wall. Each column was slightly elevated above the wall’s height and capped at the top, with thermal-finish weirs elegantly protruding from beneath the capstones, allowing water to cascade gently into the pool.
To further enhance the pool’s visual appeal, we expanded the brick coping around the pool from its original 8 inches to a generous 12 inches. This modification emphasized the water’s presence and focused attention on the tranquil environment created by the newly added fountain. The outdated diving board was replaced with a diving rock, providing both a safer and more aesthetically pleasing feature.
Expanding and Enhancing the Pool Area
In our quest to amplify the sense of space and relaxation, we extended the pool and patio area an additional 15 feet to the right. This expansion transformed the area into a more expansive and inviting hardscape. We also customized the brick coping around the uniquely shaped spa, creating a bespoke interlace pattern that harmonized with its irregular design.
Extending the Sense of Space into the Yard
With the pool renovation complete, our focus shifted to extending this newfound sense of openness into the rest of the yard. We crafted a unique bluestone stepping pad walkway that traversed the water, leading directly to the arbor on the other side of the fountain wall. This distinctive pathway created an inviting connection to the verdant world beyond the pool’s edge and balanced the pool area’s focal point with the arbor as a secondary point of interest.
To further enhance this area, we built a terrace and a dining space near the arbor, providing a comfortable retreat where family and guests could linger without having to return to the main patio or kitchen for refreshments. This addition transformed the backyard into a multi-dimensional space that encourages exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Through careful planning and execution, Exterior Worlds succeeded in transforming the Berry family’s backyard into a harmonious and inviting oasis. The project illustrates our commitment to delivering high-end, bespoke landscape solutions that not only address immediate needs but also elevate the overall beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces.
