Backyard Swimming Pool Landscape with Bluestone and Concrete Paver Inlay

Wetlands and Groundwater were a Challenge in Creating this Serene Poolscape

National Award Winner for Excellence in Landscape Design

This project took home an award for Excellence in Landscape Design from the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) in 2015. This project is also a 2015 North Central Region CotY (Contractor of the Year) award winner and a 2015 National Award Winner, from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI National). Both of the NARI awards were in the Outdoor Living category.

Before: BEFORE – In Minnesota Winters, Snow-pack can be 2-feet deep making the Hot Tub inaccessible.

After: AFTER – Completely Renovated into a Serene Outdoor Living Setting

Before and After

The yard is adjacent to a wetland area. Unfortunately, the swimming pool was originally dug too deep resulting in groundwater seepage. Plus, runoff from the house and yard had a tendency to puddle in the back yard. A combination of re-grading, redirecting the runoff from the house into drain tile, and a deco-drain in the pool deck solved the drainage issues. The new pool is a shallow lap pool instead of a traditional diving pool. A concrete base under the pool deck minimizes the chance of settling.

Your Landscape Design and Construction Partner Learn how our landscape design process works

Our Design-Build Process

Backyard Swimming Pool Landscape with Outdoor Shower under Deck

Multi-Level Outdoor Living

In their newly-renovated back yard, the homeowners swim in the pool and easily access the hot tub while enjoying the surrounding gardens. The hot tub (on a poured concreted base) is tucked away at the base of the deck stairs.

Backyard Swimming Pool Landscape at Twilight in St. Paul, Mn

Laminar Pool Jets with LED Lighting

Landscape Design Details

Borrowed views… the wetlands. This area is teeming with wildlife. It’s beautiful, even mesmerizing. There is never a dull moment and the homeowners especially enjoy watching the drama.

Swimming Pool Landscaping with Aluminum Fencing

Perennial Gardens are a Homeowner Favorite

Perennial gardens soften the aluminum fence and provide a colorful transition between the back yard and nature. There are additional landscaping plantings on both sides of the yard for privacy.

Outdoor Shower in St. Paul Mn

Convenient (and Private) Outside Shower with a Zen Feeling.

New York Bluestone Swimming Pool Deck with Paver Inlay

Paver Inlay Indicates the Sunniest Spot in the Back Yard

New York (NY) Bluestone dominates the pool deck with a paver inlay on the sunnier side of the pool. Anchor pavers also accent the outdoor living space under the deck.

Perennial Garden with Birch Trees, Astilbe, Daisies, Hosta and Boulder Edging

Enjoy the Gardens in the Evening with Nightlighting

Low voltage lighting illuminates Hostas, Astilbe, Arborvitae, Hydrangea, Daisies in the gardens. The irrigation system was customized for sod and garden areas. Multiple drip zones allow for the right amount of water for sunny vs. shady garden areas. The homeowners carried each boulder to the back yard for edging. It was re-used along the renovated backyard perennial gardens.

Garden with Boulder Edging in St.Paul Mn

Homeowner Perennials were Saved and Added to the New Garden

Landscape Materials Were Saved and Repurposed

  • Saved some of the homeowners’ garden plants (sentimental reasons) and several key trees.
  • Saved the homeowners’ garden fountain.
  • Key trees were treated prior to construction to minimize the stress.
  • The pool equipment and hot tub were reused.

Improve Your Life Outdoors

Meet with A Landscape Designer or Architect

Your perfect outdoor living space begins with a simple conversation. Let’s talk about your outdoor living space!


Schedule a Meeting

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


Edina Classic

Side yard landscape design for classic Edina home with New York Bluestone patio, Chilton stone walls, and custom-designed white arbor.

Multi-Level Backyard Fun

Designers and crews had to carve out a portion of a hill to create a level space for a swimming pool and hot tub in this backyard.

Vermillion Vista

Captivating swimming pool landscape in Hastings MN designed with every amenity for maximum comfort and fun.