Pool & Backyard Update

With the exception of the nursery, home decor projects have been a little slow BUT I’m happy to say that our backyard is finally finished! Sharing a bit of our process and some before & after photos in today’s post!

When we first found this lot, Ryan said he didn’t want it unless he could put a pool in the back. It’s a weird shaped lot that comes into a triangular point in the back and we’re also on a slight hill so it was tricky but we were able to make it happen! Ryan & I both grew up with pools so we always dreamed about having our own. It gets so hot in Charlotte during the summer that sometimes you don’t want to even go outside. We wanted a place where we could cool off, swim with Porter and have friends & family over to enjoy it as well! There aren’t many other options in Charlotte unless you join a country club or pool club (and most of those have waiting lists that are several years long)!

Here is our backyard before construction

We started the design process last fall and loved that our company was able to provide us renderings of what the pool would look like! We didn’t do a spa or any waterfalls but did opt for a sun shelf in the shallow end along with two bubblers. We may eventually put two pool loungers in here and there is also a spot for an umbrella.

We started the construction in January. After our house was completed last fall, we just left the backyard as it was because it would all be destroyed by the pool construction anyway. It was such a big mud pit and it’s crazy to see the transformation! We went with a gunite pool (concrete) with a PebbleSheen finish (the textured layer that gives it the color). We also decided on a salt water system since it’s better for your skin and not as harsh as chlorine. 

The whole process only took about 8 weeks since this was a relatively simple project and once the pool was done, it was time for the fence and landscaping! Since our fence is treated wood, it is recommended to wait 6 months before staining it but eventually it will be dark brown. As far as landscaping, we weighed the pros and cons and ultimately decided to put in artificial turf in the backyard. The main reasons were reducing/eliminating grass maintenance, decreasing the amount of dirt & bugs and always having a perfectly green yard! We had our landscapers install that and a few plants along the side of the pool and had the help of Ryan’s parents to install the trees against the fence and some smaller shrubs.

And here is the after! 

 We are so happy with how it all turned out- our new and improved backyard! We are so excited to hang out here all spring and summer and can’t wait until social distancing is over so we can have our family & friends over too!