Pool Design Ideas: Phoenician Grecian

Our Pool Design Ideas series was created to help spark ideas of what might be a good fit for you in your backyard. When you’re starting the process of building a pool, there are numerous decisions to make. A great place to get started is with the pool design and design elements.

Whether it’s a freeform or geometric design, with modern, Tuscan, or retro design elements; it’s really about the look that fits your home.

At California Pools & Landscape, we’ve been creating custom pools in the valley of the sun for more than 35 years. We’ve designed hundreds of Grecian pools of all shapes and sizes, to meet the desires of every client.

About This Scottsdale Backyard

These Scottsdale customers wanted to keep their existing pool and spa while upgrading the rest of the area around it. Adding destination areas throughout the yard for enjoyment with the fire pit and outdoor kitchen was a priority. Creating an open design feel for a freeflow to all destination points in the outdoor environment was part of the vision as well. Additionally, upgrading the landscaping while adding artificial turf and lighting was also important to the homeowner. Keeping the existing 1×1 water tile added a design challenge as the CPL team did extensive planning to ensure that the work could be completed without risking any damage to the tile.

The focal point from inside the home is the Grecian pool and raised spa. Over 2,100 square feet of San Joaquin Vein Cut travertine carry throughout the backyard, adding elegance and a variance to the royal blue waterline tile. The spa is highlighted by new pillars and walls, which are covered in a Chardonnay Southern Ledgestone stacked stone and capped with travertine. The walls and bench seat add an extra usable space near the spa. There are several destinations for enjoyment of the outdoor living space; tied together with the travertine and stacked stone design elements. Landscaping and lighting throw in the final touches, adding accents and illumination to this beautiful outdoor living environment.

Creating Outdoor Entertainment Destinations

Creating a clean and classic design to match the feel of the home and preexisting pool was at the top of the list for our design team. Maximizing existing space for active and passive activities was a focus in this Scottsdale backyard. Adding the bbq cooking area and raised fire pit to the preexisting amenities adds a balance to the design of the yard. The outdoor kitchen features a bbq grill, refrigerator and plenty of storage space. It is covered in the Chardonnay Southern Ledgestone stacked stone and the 26 square feet of counter space is capped with the San Joaquin Vein Cut travertine. An aluminum shade structure in Spanish Brown provides cover over the area and a break from the sun.

The raised deck and fire pit sit 6 inches above the connected travertine decking and serves as a natural gathering spot on cool evenings in the desert. The fire pit is 4’-8” x 4’-6” and sits in the center of the space. The fire feature is 16 inches tall and covered on all sides with the stacked stone. The interior of the pit is filled with silica sand and black volcanic rock that surround the fire ring for a natural looking design element.

Incorporating Landscape Design Throughout The Yard

The landscaping in this backyard adds extra space for activity and several design accents. Two Mediterranean Fan Palms and an Arizona Ash tree were added for privacy and shade. There are several planters that are filled with accent flowers that add a color pop throughout the backyard environment. The Wok Contemporary Round Pots that sit on top of the pillars flanking the spa each hold a Bicolor Iris. There are 22 shrubs, 14 groundcover plants and 10 accent plants between the front, side and backyard.

The artificial turf adds additional color to the landscape design as well as 445 square feet for activity or relaxation. The turf is framed in by Belgard Bella Blend Catalina Stone pavers. The pavers offer a natural transition to the Madison Gold ½ inch screened granite rock that runs to the perimeter of the outdoor environment.

Outdoor lighting adds a luxury design element and an extra safety measure to your outdoor space. There were 29 lights added on this Scottsdale property as accents and safety measures. There are 7 path lights between the front and side yards and 12 ledge lights that illuminate the area around the spa and fire pit. There are 4 spot lights that accent landscape elements in the yard at night.

Designing Your Own Backyard Oasis

Hopefully, these pool 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.

The elements in this beautiful Scottsdale backyard are just a few of the many design options that we have available at California Pools & Landscape. We’ve built a page that houses all of the Grecian design ideas that could create an ultimate backyard experience. To see all more design ideas visit our Photo Galleries.

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