Custom Pool

Vista

The Endless “Vista” Pool. This pool was one of the finishing touches on this amazing home, Casa Del Aire y Sol, that we have been lucky enough to be improving for many years.

Inspired by a love for above ground pools in Cabo San Lucas, this design was intended to ground the edges of a previously infrequently used deck and make it a space where people could congregate and enjoy the water, whether they were inside the pool or just sitting on the edge.

Because the deck was existing and also a sealed system, the engineering and design definitely had its challenges in order to provide adequate drainage of the deck and still allow for a great seamless function and aesthetic.

We had to make the pool look like it was always there and always part of the original landscape design, so adding the planter walls not only provided a really great breaking point for an otherwise daunting exterior elevation, but it also provided the owners with some relief as the planter doubles as a “safety net” for any accidental falls or overzealous youngsters. The owners report that it was one of their favorite design solutions and that they are so happy to see their (14) grandkids jumping from the pool edge into the water and playing in it as if it was a ground level pool, and they are never worried.

Because the home itself already had so many great “Cabo-esque” features, it wasn’t hard to get this pool to feel like it wasn’t an afterthought and adding some beautiful hand painted terracotta tiles for the water line really set this vibe in motion.

The location of this pool is also directly off of an amazing recreational room and bar area that the owner’s family spends a lot of time in, while the hot tub was strategically positioned closer to the private master suite. This provides dual functionality so that when the owner’s are just at home by themselves, they can use the hot tub as an extension of their master bathroom and master suite, whereas, at larger gatherings, they have the ability to open up all of their adjacent doors and windows and really allow for a wonderful indoor/outdoor entertaining experience.

We just love this pool and this home and are so thankful to have been able to build it!

Project highlights

Pool Design by our Landscape Design partner, Brooks Crawford from Brookside Design
Authentic Hand Painted Tile by Tierra y Fuego
Iron work by Artistic Doors
Custom Pool Seats
LED lighting under Coping
Lap Pool and Hot Tub
Slightly tinted concrete steps and coping
Pool lighting controlled by smart phone app

“We are thrilled with the work Chad and the team did in our backyard, and could not be more pleased. If something wasn’t right, he went above and beyond to make it 100% better.”

Patrick O'Donnell

Homeowner

BEFORE - AFTER PHOTOS

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ALL PROJECT PHOTOS

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Overall Vista

What a spectacular property that captures an ocean view from the privacy of the foothills in Vista California. Multiple generations of this family have grown and developed within and without the walls of this home. Beautiful Spanish architecture and material selections are evident throughout.

Find A Curve

Curves are not only elegant but spatially efficient. When properly set they have the uncanny ability to radiate energy outward and ease the tension in a rectilinear space.

Grand Stairway

The scale of these beautiful spaces are merged by an expansive stairway of Terracotta tile. Bespoke iron railing and towering plant specimens create a visual wonderland.

Pool Placement

Pools are like water itself; they can fit into any shape you desire. The owner wanted the spa close to the home for intimacy, length in the pool for swimming laps and built-in seats for spectatorship. Once we had the needs established the shape came into focus.

Laps Anyone?

Swimming laps is a very popular form of exercise and recreation. A long, uninterrupted lane is a welcome addition to a pool design. Just be sure not to schedule your laps during Marco Polo.

Dam Wall

Dam Walls sit just high enough to keep the pool and spa water separate. It also make the spa feel more integrated with the pool and allows a cool water head-dunk for the overheating visitor.

Bold Waterline

This waterline tile is sourced from Tierra y Fuego. The rhythm of blue and accent tiles are sure to excite the eye.

Spa Formation

Pools can be standard in terms of steps and depths, but spas can be so much more. This spa bench has a slanted backrest and a ledge armrest to insure long lasting comfort.

Material Palette

Elegant material combinations are key to success. In a Spanish or Mediterranean landscape you can put a slight tint in the concrete mix to pair your overall palette. And nothing pops out of smooth white stucco like authentic handmade tiles.

Keep It Fun

Umbrellas always create a mood around a pool or patio. We should always have the ability to choose if we desire direct sunlight or shade. But more importantly, are you in a Margarita or Pina Colada mood?

Take A Load Off

Be sure to create space for 6’ lounge chairs plus side tables and umbrellas between. Allow a few feet in front and behind for flow. After this is accomplished take a load off and release the weight of the world.

Planters and Palms

We added a shorter planter wall in front of the pool to reduce the shear transition. This added safety and garden interest along the outside edge of the pool. The Kentia Palm in the foreground is a fabulous specimen that adds tropical flare and is drought tolerant once established.

Older The Better

Aged red clay brick makes a fitting wall cap in a Spanish style landscape. It jives perfectly with Terracotta, white stucco and sculptural plantings.

Lighting Is Key

The more lights you can add in a landscape the better. A few rules to follow: spread them out, illuminate the boundaries of a property, use a uniform warm LED across all fixtures, do not blind guests in spaces of relaxation or transition, place an uplight on any specimen that you are proud to highlight. The list goes on and the fixtures limitless so choose your own adventure.

Coping Detail

The pool has a tinted, sand-finished concrete coping with a slight overhang. The under-mounted LED strip light activates at dusk with the landscape lighting. This is a very contemporary touch and creates safe lighting from every access point in the pool.

Pool Lights

Pool lights have come a long way. Now you can control the entire program from your phone. Long lasting LEDs do not have to be changed out often and are much smarter. You can set the mood with color and brightness controls enjoyable from inside your home.

Take A Seat

Three custom pool seats were added along the curved outer edge. The ocean view is west, the mountains are north, the city is south, the stars are above. You know where home is.

Learn more about Brooks Crawford

Brooks specializes in designing outdoor living environments that our clients will enjoy for years to come. His landscape designs focus on meeting your practical outdoor living space needs.

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We'd be honored to help you design, plan and build your ideal living space!

Custom Pool