Modern Pools: Innovative Arizona Backyard Design Ideas

Are you looking to upgrade your backyard with a modern pool but aren’t sure what your budget can get you? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Putting together a budget for your dream outdoor living design can be an intimidating task.

We created our Arizona Backyard Design Ideas series to spark ideas for what is possible in your backyard within certain budget ranges. When you’re building modern pools, there are numerous decisions to make about your design, features, and materials selected. All of these decisions can also impact the budget of your project.

Since 1988, California Pools & Landscape has created more than 36,000 custom pools across Arizona. Our Mesa pool builders bring that experience to complete backyard designs shaped around your home, lifestyle, and budget.

In this article, we’ll use this beautiful Mesa backyard as a case study of what you can get with a backyard budget between $90,000 – $110,000, or rather $750 – $920 per month based on a 15-year pool loan.

About This Mesa Backyard

This Mesa modern pool design features a linear pool design with an elevated overflow spa and fire pit; offering several destinations in the area. Our design team worked hand in hand with the homeowner to bring their backyard vision to life. The raised pool wall with the smooth flow scupper and the sit-and-spin spa are the stars of this stunning modern marvel.

These Mesa homeowners were looking for a modern geometric pool to match their modern home. Creating a design with artificial turf running up to the edge of the pool decking was important to maximize the space for their young children and golden retriever. Our design team integrated the Arctic Travertine throughout the environment, including travertine step pads that lead from the back porch to the outdoor living space.

Geometric Modern Pools & Spas Design

The geometric play pool and attached elevated overflow spa sparkle in this modern pools design, contrasting beautifully with the artificial turf. The play pool design starts at 3”, goes down to 5” in the middle of the pool and then back up to 4”. This play pool design enables you to stand anywhere in the pool and offers a great opportunity for playing games like basketball or volleyball in the water.

There are some special design features on this geometric play pool that make it shine. The raised water wall with a smooth flow scupper creates the perfect pairing for this backyard. The 24” stainless steel scupper adds a visible and audible ambiance in the yard as a smooth blanket of water cascades into the pool, perfect for endless relaxation. A 14’ long pool bench sits below the raised water wall, creating another destination in the pool.

You can enter this backyard oasis by stepping down onto a large baja shelf. This extended baja shelf sits at a 12” depth and is 89 square feet, which offers a large area for relaxing or splashing with the kids.

The pool’s Arctic Sea Glass Pebble interior creates a vibrant blue color that mirrors the bright blue Arizona sky. The Granito Dolomite Gray 6” x 6” waterline tile contributes to the modern look and pairs beautifully with the Arctic White Travertine coping that surrounds the perimeter of the pool.

The elevated overflow spa offers a wonderful option for enjoyment on cool desert nights. The sit-and-spin spa design features maximized space for relaxation in the spa without losing any seating area, as there aren’t steps into the water. At 9’ x 7’6”, the spa offers plenty of room for relaxation and serenity.

The fire pit sits next to the sit and spin spa and truly maximizes the space available in the yard. The 2’6” x 2’6” fire feature is also covered by the White Quartz Stacked Stone and capped with Arctic White Travertine Cappers. The edge of the sit and spin spa also offers a bonus seat next to the fire pit, thanks to their proximity. This corner of this outdoor living area is perfect for entertaining and is able to be used year round.

Landscaping Around A Pool & Spa

No outdoor oasis is complete without landscaping to add the final touches! Landscape design is pivotal in creating a natural feel in the backyard along with beautiful splashes of color. Our design team incorporated several trees, hedges and accent plants to create a lush environment in this Mesa backyard.

Hopseed Bush shrubs line the back wall of the yard, creating a vibrant color splash to go along with simple serenity. In the near future, they will also provide some privacy as they continue to grow taller. Several plants were added as accents including smooth edge agave, red hibiscus, and Arizona yellow bells. These all will add splashes of color at different times of the year and add to the ambiance of the yard.

Designing Your Own Backyard Oasis

Hopefully, these backyard design ideas helped you figure out some design elements that you might enjoy in your backyard design. Selecting pool and backyard elements as well as design features is a fun part of the process. It’s important to consider what will fit into your home’s environment and be enjoyed by you and your family while staying within your budget.

The elements in this beautiful Mesa backyard are just a few of the many design options that we have available at California Pools & Landscape. Explore our pool gallery and spa gallery to find inspiration for your own backyard. When you’re ready to start planning, our backyard budget guide can help you understand how your design, materials, and features affect the overall investment.

Love this backyard design idea? If you’re ready to start with your dream yard design, get started with one of our talented designers.

*Please note that this article reflects 2022 pricing.