Carving Out A Steep Slope for a Swimming Pool Landscape Design

How Do You Build a Pool on a Hill?

One of Southview's lead designers was called in to difficult site conditions and high homeowner expectations for a swimming pool oasis in this suburban backyard. Dealing with a steep hill (which sloped toward the home) and saving a large 100-year old oak tree at the top of the hill called for complex and creative design.

Their only outdoor space, other than a screen porch, was a small paver patio just large enough for a high-top table for four. Preserving the existing paver patio and nearby maple tree topped the clients’ wish list.

The end result is multiple areas for outdoor living. The homeowners enjoy a screened porch, a paver patio plus a swimming pool area with plenty of space for catching some sun or dining; the hot tub is tucked away in a private corner. Landscape lighting in all areas makes the yard inviting early and late in the day.

Storm water management and landscape drainage was needed to keep the home's foundation dry. A dry creek bed at the lowest point directs water around the foundation and into gardens. Stone steps bridge the gap between the lower patio and the pool area.

Leveling out a space for the pool meant cutting into the hill and installing a boulder wall (Superior Trap). The top of the hill has an in-ground fire pit, big enough for family gatherings, and a play area for the homeowners' children.

Chilton Stone Steps provide access to the upper yard where they wanted a rustic-looking fire pit. A 100-year old tree on this level was saved and will give shade for many years to come.

At the top of the steps is an in-ground fire pit surrounded by Superior Trap boulders for seating with crushed trap and flagstones to walk on. The crushed trap keeps the weeds down and mud-free.