Pool Design Ideas: Scottsdale Tuscan Treasure

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, Grecian 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 homeowners wanted a formal grecian pool in the backyard with a modern design touch. Capitalizing on the amazing mountain views and allowing the beautiful desert environment to come into the yard was a priority for our design team. Creating additional areas on either side of the pool for axial balance was also important to the design of this stunning outdoor living area.

The pool, zero edge spa and water features are in the perfect focal point from the home, guided by the travertine step pads that lead from the patio. The Mexican Noche Tumbled Travertine surrounds the pool, adding an extra elegance to the surrounding area and contributing to the natural color palette of the design.

There are additional destinations for enjoyment beyond the pool in this outdoor oasis. The covered structure features a bbq grill and a unique wood fire adjustable grill that is very famous in Brazilian style cooking. This outdoor kitchen creates a natural area for outdoor entertainment and enjoyment. On the other side of the yard, the raised fire pit offers a serene area for cool desert nights.

Natural Grecian Pool Design & Zero Edge Spa

Creating a clean and natural design to match the feel of the home was at the top of the list for our design team. This large grecian pool with its 30-inch raised curved water wall instantly grabs your eye when looking out from the home. The three 16” Smooth Flow Scuppers in the curved wall provide an added ambiance and add symmetry to the design. The walls’ face is covered with Copper Canyon Block stacked stone and capped with the matching Mexican Noche Travertine. There are 12” tall extensions that connect to each side of the curved water wall that feature the Tortora waterline tile. These extensions are flanked by short pillars that hold large pots on top, completing a brilliant backdrop for this natural masterpiece.

The Sapphire Sea Glass Pebble Interior with double abalone really sparkles in this Grecian pool, creating an ultimate oasis in the desert. The Tortora waterline tile complements the natural look of the design, tying in to the surrounding elements beautifully.

Another design highlight on this Grecian pool is the 47sq ft baja shelf that sits 21” below the waterline. This area provides an entry option into the pool and an area to be seated comfortably while being submerged in the cool water.

The zero edge spa is one of the main stars of this backyard design, with half of the spa going into the pools’ rectangular shape. The spa offers balance to the design as well, working off of the curved water wall and featuring a curve in the surrounding travertine decking. The 1×1 Sherwood Forest Mottled Brown tile that covers the exposed face of the spa sizzles and compliments the other natural design elements.

Incorporating Design Elements Throughout The Yard

Incorporating design elements throughout the yard and maximizing your available space is always at the top of the list for our design team. Grecian designs are very axial, so the design was balanced by adding the raised fire pit on one side of the pool and the outdoor kitchen with shade structure on the other side.

The outdoor kitchen features a bbq grill, a unique wood fire adjustable grill and tons of counter space. The outdoor kitchen sits underneath an Alumawood Shade Structure that is Spanish Brown. The design materials in the outdoor kitchen all pair beautifully with the rest of the yard, featuring the Copper Canyon Block stacked stone on the pillars, Mexican Noche Tumbled travertine on the decking & coping and stucco painted to match the color of the home.

The fire pit sits on the far end of the pool, adding another destination for relaxation and entertainment. The circle fire pit sits 16” high and is 4’ in diameter. It is covered with Copper Canyon Block stacked stone and features the Mexican Noche Tumbled travertine caps. This area is a great destination in the evening combining the warm fire and a wonderful spot to stargaze.

The landscaping in this backyard adds the last splash with all of it’s natural elements. Our design team went to work adding in natural grass along with a high volume of desert flora. There are 17 trees added between the front and backyard, along with two Mediterranean Fan Palms. There are 79 shrubs in the landscape design alone highlighted by the Rosemary Bush & Valentine shrub. There are also numerous vines, groundcover plants, cactus and accent plants that complete the look of this natural treasure.

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.