- Start with a clear vision to design a backyard that fits your lifestyle and space.
- Focus on custom pool design, quality materials, and outdoor living features to create a seamless retreat.
- Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding, poor layout, and ignoring future needs.
Too hot to stay inside? Too boring to go outside? If that sounds like your summer routine, something’s off. The solution? Your own backyard holds the fix. Whether you want a place to cool off, gather with family, or just relax in peace, the right backyard design can completely change how you use your home.
Let’s walk through what it really takes to create a backyard oasis that works for you, season after season.
Step 1: Start with a Vision
Before anything gets drawn on paper or dug into the ground, we begin with a simple question: What does your ideal backyard feel like?
Do you imagine a peaceful spot to relax after work? A fun hangout for friends and family on summer weekends? Or maybe a space that does both? Getting specific about how you want to use your backyard will help shape every decision moving forward.
Think about:
- How many people will be using the space regularly?
- Do you prefer soaking in the sun or sitting in the shade?
- Do you love the sound of moving water or prefer stillness?
- Will the space be used mostly for lounging, entertaining, or exercise?
Even color choices and landscaping preferences play a role in setting the tone. Some homeowners want a tropical vibe with palm-like greenery and warm tones. Others lean toward a minimalist, modern aesthetic with clean lines and cooler hues.
The beauty of a custom pool design is that it’s tailored to you and your needs, not the other way around.
Step 2: Designing the Custom Pool
This is the heart of the project. A well-designed pool sets the mood and anchors the entire space.
We start by evaluating the layout of your yard—its slope, size, sun exposure, and how the existing landscape interacts with the build site. That helps determine the best orientation and shape. Rectangle pools have a classic look and pair well with modern homes. Freeform pools, on the other hand, create a more organic flow, especially when surrounded by plants and curved patios.
What really brings it to life are the features. Some of the most popular additions to our custom pool design projects include:
- Tanning ledges (also called Baja shelves) for lounging in shallow water
- Integrated spas that flow into the main pool
- LED lighting to make nighttime swims feel magical
- Waterfalls or sheer descents for a touch of motion and sound
- Automatic covers and smart pool systems for easy control
Step 3: Choosing the Right Materials for Longevity and Style
Once the design is finalized and the big features are in place, it’s time to get into the details that bring it all together—the materials. What you choose for the pool deck, patio, and coping can affect everything from the comfort under your feet to how your space weathers over time.
Pool Deck
Let’s start with the pool deck. Concrete is popular for its flexibility and affordability. You can go with broom-finished, stamped, or even exposed aggregate for texture. If you’re after a more upscale look, natural stone or pavers are great choices. Travertine stays cool in the sun and looks timeless. Pavers offer design flexibility and are easier to repair if needed.
Coping
This is the border between the pool and the deck. It’s more than just a visual frame. It affects how the pool feels when you climb in and out, and how safe it is around the edge. Concrete, brick, or natural stone all offer different looks and grip levels. For example, bullnose coping provides a soft edge and works well with many design styles.
Tile Selection
This matters especially for the waterline. Glass tiles shimmer and change with the light. Porcelain or ceramic options are more budget-friendly but still bring color and texture to the surface.
Finally, don’t overlook materials for landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Flagstone, composite decking, decorative gravel, and high-end turf are all ways to make your yard look clean and complete while staying functional for everyday use.
At B&B Custom Pools, we help our clients weigh those choices based on comfort, design, and the weather patterns right here in the Lehigh Valley.
Step 4: Building Out the Outdoor Living Space
Once the pool is in place, it’s time to think beyond the water. A true backyard oasis invites people to gather, dine, laugh, and relax. That’s where your outdoor living space really comes in.
This part is where things get fun. Think of it as designing an open-air room or a series of these:
- A covered patio with seating to enjoy the shade
- An outdoor kitchen or built-in grill area to cook without missing the party
- A fire pit or fireplace for chilly evenings and marshmallow moments
- A dining area for long summer dinners
- Maybe even a mounted outdoor TV or sound system for game days or movie nights
One of the most important things we do during planning is to make sure these spaces feel connected and not scattered or tacked on. That often means using complementary materials, continuing design lines, and making smart use of lighting and furniture.
A smooth transition from the pool deck to a shaded seating area can make the difference between a space that looks good and one that feels effortless.
Step 5: Landscaping That Ties It All Together
The right plants, hardscaping, and lighting will take your oasis from just a nice pool to “wow, this is a whole mood.”
Landscaping does more than just add visual appeal. It plays a big role in how your backyard functions and feels. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can create natural privacy, helping your space feel more secluded and peaceful. Plants can also soften the edges of patios, walkways, and decks, making the overall design feel more connected and inviting.
Larger trees offer shade during hot afternoons, while well-planned greenery can subtly guide foot traffic and define zones within your yard. With the right mix of texture, color, and movement, landscaping brings life and balance to your outdoor oasis.
Always consider how the space will change throughout the year. Choosing plants that thrive in your soil and climate means you’ll get consistent color and growth without constant maintenance. You can also use different types of ground cover, rock, and mulch to frame flower beds or tree clusters while keeping things tidy.
Lighting, too, is a big part of the puzzle. Low-voltage pathway lights, accent lighting on trees or water features, and subtle wall washes can completely change how a space feels after dark. When done right, landscaping draws you in and invites you to stay awhile.
Step 6: Pool Maintenance That Keeps It All Running
A beautiful backyard doesn’t stay that way by accident. That’s why, at B&B Custom Pools, we offer full pool maintenance services that cover everything from seasonal care to weekly upkeep.
Here’s what we take off your plate:
- Pool openings in the spring to get everything running smoothly
- Closings in the fall to protect your investment during colder months
- Weekly valet service to skim, balance, and inspect so you can spend more time enjoying and less time fiddling with equipment
- Equipment checks and filter cleanings to catch small issues before they become big ones
We’ve found that when pool owners try to manage everything themselves, it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks. Algae blooms, cloudy water, or cracked tiles aren’t just annoying—they chip away at the whole experience. Our job is to make sure your space always feels like the retreat it’s meant to be, without the hassle.
Step 7: Renovating What You Already Have
Not everyone starts with a blank canvas, and that’s okay. If you already have a pool or patio area that’s feeling outdated, we can help bring it back to life.
Pool renovations can include:
- Resurfacing to fix stains, cracks, or rough spots
- Upgrading tiles and coping for a modern look
- Replacing old pumps and filters with quieter, more energy-efficient options
- Reconfiguring the shape or adding features like spas, lighting, or swim-up benches
Even changing the color of the waterline tile or switching out the deck surface can breathe new energy into a space. For many clients, this is the most budget-friendly way to get that “new pool feel” without starting over completely.
We often pair renovations with updates to the outdoor living space as well, so everything feels fresh and cohesive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a Backyard Oasis
No one wants to invest in a dream backyard only to feel like something’s missing later. Over the years, we’ve seen a few avoidable missteps that can really impact how your space functions.
Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Overloading the Space
It’s tempting to fit in everything: a pool, kitchen, fire pit, seating, hot tub, and maybe even a water feature. But if every square foot is packed, the space can feel chaotic rather than relaxing. Think about how you’ll move through the area, and leave room to breathe.
2. Ignoring Flow and Access
If you have to walk around furniture or landscaping to get from the pool to the house, it won’t feel natural. The layout should guide people smoothly from one area to another. We always walk through a plan from a user’s point of view before breaking ground.
3. Forgetting Storage
You’ll need space to put away pool toys, cushions, cleaning gear, and maybe even a cover. Without built-in storage or a nearby shed, those items end up cluttering your yard or getting ruined by weather.
4. Skimping on Lighting
Good lighting extends how long you can enjoy the space. Underwater lights, pathway lighting, uplighting on trees, and soft glows around the patio can all add warmth and safety without ruining the vibe. Make sure to not leave this as an afterthought.
5. Not Planning for the Long-Term
Tastes change, families grow and needs shift. That’s why we build with flexibility in mind. Maybe you don’t want an outdoor kitchen now, but we’ll run the gas and electric lines just in case. Small steps today make upgrades easier down the line.
By knowing what to avoid, you’re already ahead of the game. Building a custom pool and outdoor space is about getting it right the first time—not just for summer, but for all the years ahead.
Building your backyard oasis is more than a home improvement project—it’s an investment in how you live. Ready to make it happen? Contact us today at B&B Custom Pools for a backyard retreat you’ve been waiting for!
