Our Process

The "KD" Difference

The Permit Process

Find Your Backyard

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Should We Put The Pool?


HOW TO GET STARTED > FIND YOUR BACKYARD

No one would agree more that every backyard provides its own opportunity. Through more than 25 years of designing and building these outdoor projects, we have found that these opportunities can be categorized. Over the years, we have developed design and building procedures that address each of these backyard building environments, and they are described below. It is important to note that all of these projects have been designed and built by KD Poolscapes - with no subcontracting. We have documented, from start to finish, every project we have ever built. That is how we continually get better year after year, fine-tuning our approach and building procedures in all phases of design and construction.

I have a flat backyard

Although this is easiest for pool installation, a flat backyard requires attention in design to provide interest, traffic patterns, and uniqueness - all on one level. It typically requires drainage considerations depending on soil type. The opportunity in this type of backyard relies heavily on how the pool is orientated to the residence. This is not limited to 45 or 90 degrees. The orientation of the pool is determined by the design of the poolscape, not a pre-determined angle.

The grade of my yard slopes upward

This pool is found where the backyard grade is higher at the back lot line than it is at the backdoor. These pools offer the challenge of designing a pool at an exact elevation, pre-determined with a detailed drawing showing existing grades and how the elevation change has been taken into consideration. This drawing shows rise and run of steps, the drainage system, concrete pitches, and the elevations of all hardscape relative to the pool. These pools can also have a wall built behind them to lessen the transition height. There is an added opportunity in design, with the ability to elevate the pool and present it in a raised setting.

The grade of my yard slopes downward

These pools traditionally have two steps down from the patio door with the grade falling away as you walk towards the backyard. Likely the most common backyard, it has roughly two feet of pitch from the backdoor to the back lot line. In this project, dealing with the pool sticking out of the ground on the back side has to be addressed. The pool and its surroundings are fairly level; depending on the concrete pitches, they are usually within a couple of inches of each other. Providing support for the decking areas around the pool is necessary because the decking is tied directly to the pool. In most cases, the pool is built with a two foot wide, one foot thick, concrete frost footing. This provides the pool with the stability required to prevent settling, frost heave, and ground movement from damaging the pool. These same considerations should be given when supporting all decking around your inground pool. If the backyard exceeds these grade differences, a retaining wall will be required. Without a detailed plan specifying elevations, we do not know if the wall required is two foot or four foot. This information is necessary to determine not only costs, but number of steps required and the space they will take up. This can only be determined with a detailed plan.

I have a wet backyard
I have an existing deck

You have already built a deck, but can we incorporate it into the poolscape without incurring the costs of starting over? The short answer is yes. Many times the existing deck can be used exactly as is; other times slight modifications in railing and steps are required to maximize its usage to serve the pool area. Still others require structural changes to provide added benefits. The challenge here is designing the project to look like the existing deck was part of the original plan for the poolscape.

I'm willing to remove my existing deck

You built a deck between five years and 50 years ago and for many reasons, it has outlived its usefulness. The advantage to rebuilding is that we can design the deck to perfectly function in the new environment. With new innovative technology offered in the decking industry in the last five years, the maintenance-free deck is much closer to becoming a reality. You will notice that in all cases we try to marry the deck to the house. Our intention is to design and build a deck that looks like part of the home.

I have a fully-exposed basement

This is probably the most complicated installation, offering a multitude of challenges, few actually having to do with the pool. During new construction, the possibilities are endless. Usually the transition is 14 to 16 steps down from the garage elevation. Therefore, the transition and space necessary to build staircases, regardless if they are part of the upper decks or independent entrances from the side yard, must be determined before a pool location is even considered. Many times these projects are "one way in" and must be built in stages back to front. Our crews are skilled at every phase of construction, with a single vision of what is required to complete the job - and no need to involve subcontractors.

I have a partially-exposed basement

This home has been built with half of the basement exposed in the back of the house. Four to five feet below garage elevation, designing a way down to the backyard is one of many challenges and opportunities presented in this backyard. Window locations in both upper and lower elevations facing the pool are important for proper pool location. A basement walkout is sometimes an option with this installation.

I'd like to access my pool via basement
I'd like to incorporate a poolhouse
I have a pool that needs remodeling

There are countless pools built in the 1970’s and 80’s that are in need of a makeover. Innovations in the pool industry can bring your pool up to today’s standards with new technology in pumps and heaters to provide savings and efficiency. Filtration systems can not only cleanse your water better but eliminate backwashing completely. Electronic gas heaters provide digitally-displayed heat at a touch of a button. Consider adding steps, lights, new decking, or change the depth of the pool. We do require an individual pool evaluation and detailed plan with specifications. Also, the results of deck removal, ground water conditions, and draining of the pool will be addressed.

My backyard is wooded

Many times wooded lots are purchased and the trees necessary to construct the house are the only ones taken down. Although trees offer many benefits, sometimes they prevent a homeowner from utilizing their backyard. If there are no restrictions on taking the trees down to install a poolscape in your backyard, then we have a documented procedure to accomplish just that. We bring in an insured, licensed, tree removal company to take down the trees; the insurance required for these services are quite specific. Procedures on cutting trees and removing them from the residence are documented by professional arborist associations. Safety equipment must be worn, and all machinery must be operated by a trained professional. A detailed print in these locations is especially important so elevations that are sometimes hidden by underbrush can be identified and addressed. Pools in this type of backyard are often isolated by a four-sided fence. More decking space is often necessary in these installations. The extra area replaces what would typically be the patio if the project was built with the house as the fourth side.

I have lots of acreage

This pool is a rare breed, built for the entire family at a convenient location not being the owners’ residence. It can be self-contained, offering a complete remote entertaining center for family and friends. "A Land of Ahhhhs," a remote island to gather with loved ones and build memories, also is a lot of fun to build.