It took about a year, but our pool is finally (mostly) finished. Picture five very enthusiastic members of our household celebrating — including Burger with a tiny pom-pom. In this post I’ll walk through the process from start to finish: planning, materials, timeline, landscaping, and the few things still left to wrap up. We’ll also answer common questions we’ve been asked along the way.
*Mostly finished — a couple of spa fittings are still on backorder, but the space is entirely usable and wonderful.
Neither of us had ever owned a home with a pool before, and we hadn’t lived in neighborhoods where residential pools are common. After years of renting houses in Florida for spring break and loving every minute in backyard pools, we knew a modest, well-designed pool would be a daily luxury for our family. We eat meals poolside, float, splash, and relax — this small oasis has already changed how we spend time outdoors.
When we moved to Florida, having room to add a pool was high on our list. The house we bought didn’t come with a pool, but the lot was perfect for one. In the end we got to design exactly the backyard we envisioned — including a hot tub for my heat-loving spouse. Designing to fit the lot meant choosing a smaller, freeform shape that still offers plenty of swimmable area and a spa.
Before & After
The yard started as a blank, weedy space with very little interest. There aren’t many “before” photos because there wasn’t much to capture, but you can get the idea — bare ground, an old fence, and lots of weeds. Now the same area is a compact backyard paradise with a curved pool, spa, seating, and tropical plantings.
We painted the fences a muted green to unify the space and added a new horizontal fence along our property line. The finished result feels private, cozy, and surprisingly lush for a small yard.
Planning Our Pool
Our inspiration was a small Balinese-style pool we loved during a Costa Rica vacation: lush greenery, a simple white house, and a peaceful vibe. We didn’t want a massive party pool — instead we focused on a compact design that fits the lot while delivering swim space, room for floats, and an integrated spa.
We hired a local landscape architect for a few hours to help navigate setbacks and refine the layout. Her suggestions — like softer curved edges and a stone retaining wall with water features — made the pool feel intentional and scaled for the space. The pool is freeform with the longest side about 20 feet and the widest about 14 feet, including an integrated hot tub. That size has worked well for our family and friends.
Materials: Plaster, Tile, and Stone
Most local pools are concrete with plaster, which suits our sandy soil. Choosing the plaster color took time because it largely determines the water’s tone. We wanted a softer blue-green look rather than an electric blue. After viewing physical samples and comparing them with our tile selections, we settled on an ivory-style plaster that keeps the water light and pairs well with the stonework.
Two tile choices were important: the small 2×2 waterline mosaic that follows the pool’s curves, and a subtle stacked travertine split-face for the retaining wall. For the patio and coping we used 12×24 travertine pavers throughout to keep the palette consistent and tone-on-tone.
A few practical rules we learned: see plaster samples in person, compare them wet with your tiles, and remember that water color will shift with depth, weather, and surrounding landscaping.
Build Process and Timeline
Pools are in high demand, and we experienced delays from permit issues and back-ordered items. Here’s the condensed timeline:
- June 2020: Initial estimate gathered.
- July 2020: Landscape architect consulted.
- September 2020: Builder hired and permits submitted.
- February 2021: Permit issued and materials finalized.
- March 2021: Excavation, framing, rebar, plumbing, and shotcrete.
- May 2021: Tile, coping, patio, and retaining wall installed.
- June 2021: Equipment installed, pool plastered, and filling began.
- July 2021: Scuppers plumbed and heater enabled for spa after cure period.
- August 2021: Mostly complete; a few spa fittings still pending delivery.
Shotcrete must cure before tile and plaster, which adds unavoidable waits, and many materials were back-ordered during our build. Despite the ups and downs, the process was exhilarating and, in the end, worth every pause and delay.
Landscaping, Furnishings, and Details
Planting, furniture, and organization brought the area to life. We designed the planting beds ourselves, added Chinese Fan Palms for immediate impact, and filled in with jasmine, foxtail ferns, stonecrop, and tropical accents. The jasmine along the back fence should create a fragrant privacy wall as it fills in.
We kept the plant choices low-maintenance to minimize debris in the pool. Retaining walls solved grade issues and became a design feature: the decorative stone wall doubles as a fountain wall with three scuppers that create a gentle, calming sound.
Furniture choices evolved: we settled on two upright chairs with a coffee table and two lounge chairs under an 11-foot umbrella. Solar pathway lights, string lights, and solar umbrella lights create effortless evening ambiance. Hooks, a simple float organizer, and a small wall of pool tools keep things tidy and practical.
Common Questions
Salt or chlorine? We opted for a saltwater system, which is common here. The pool started as a chlorine pool for the first 30 days to protect the plaster cure, then salt was added.
Safety measures? Local code required a barrier fence with childproof latches and self-closing springs, and door/window alarms for the house. We also added a movement-sensing camera for extra peace of mind.
Maintenance? We hired a weekly pool pro to handle balancing, vacuuming, and equipment checks while we learn. He’s been helpful and is happy to teach us if we want to take over.
Heating and equipment? We have a gas heater for the spa and a variable-speed pump for efficiency. The controller can be operated remotely via a receiver and smartphone app so lights, spa heat, and fountains can be managed from our phones.
Budget
Our pool build cost roughly $45,000 for the pool work itself. That figure excludes fencing, landscaping, furniture, and other extras. Pool pricing varies widely by region, soil conditions, access, size, and chosen materials, so quotes can range significantly depending on your location and circumstances.
This project was the most involved and costly we’ve ever taken on as homeowners, but the result has already become a central part of how our family enjoys home life. We don’t take it for granted and would do it again — though perhaps not immediately.
Note: A couple of small spa fittings remain on backorder, but the pool and spa are fully usable and bring our family countless hours of enjoyment.