Home Improvement Ideas Outdoor Structures Pools & Spas Pool Tour: Backyard-Turned-Paradise By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 21, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Discover a basic backyard turned tropical getaway -- complete with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and guesthouse -- and get great ideas for designing and outfitting your pool. 01 of 14 Backyard Destination When the homeowners first bought this property in San Antonio, the long, narrow backyard offered little for a growing, young family. To fix that, they designed a space that the whole family could enjoy -- one that resembled a tropical destination. The tricky part: It all had to fit in an 80x50-foot backyard. The renovated backyard is now the perfect space to escape and a favorite spot for family gatherings. 02 of 14 Poolside Cabana The improved backyard boasts a cabana with a small guesthouse on one side and an outdoor kitchen-dining area on the other. The guesthouse provides a place for the family and guests to change clothes easily. A covered outdoor kitchen allows for outdoor dining even on rainy days. The cabana was built on the west side of the property to shade the pool from the afternoon sun. 03 of 14 Built-In Spa The spa integrates well with the pool and outdoor living space. The vine-covered rock walls with waterfalls create the illusion of a secluded swimming hole in a tropical rain forest. The palm trees and lush vegetation that surround the backyard add to the illusion while screening the neighbor's house. 04 of 14 Outdoor Kitchen An outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and refrigerator makes poolside living even easier. A ceiling fan circulates air, keeping the kitchen cool, and lighting allows dining to go late into the night. 05 of 14 Waterfalls Waterfalls on each end of the pool add soothing sound to the backyard retreat. They also protect the illusion of a tropical destination by hiding the pool equipment. Anchors on the side of the pool allow for a volleyball net and basketball hoop. As seen in this pool tour, half the fun of owning a pool is accessorizing it to fit your family's needs. In the following slides, discover fun and unique ways to accessorize your pool. 06 of 14 Spa Pamper yourself with a poolside spa, which can be a cost-effective addition. The pool and spa often share operational equipment, and building costs are distributed between the two. 07 of 14 Spa Spillway Add another layer of enjoyment by designing a spa with a spillway effect next to the pool. Water from the spa will cascade into the pool like a natural waterfall. 08 of 14 Negative Edge Install a negative edge that allows pool water to spill over its boundary; the water is captured and circulated back into the pool. This is an especially appealing feature for a pool with a great view. 09 of 14 Beach Entry Instead of a traditional pool edge, create a gradual sloping entry like you'd see at a beach. You'll find it easier to get in and out of the pool and have a ready-made sunbathing and play area. 10 of 14 Waterfall Make it as simple or elaborate as you like. A waterfall can be an almost-silent, grasslike sheet of water; a rushing mountain spring; or something in between. 11 of 14 Fountain Choose from floating and permanent built-in varieties. The force provided by the pool's circulation pump or an auxiliary pump can create the desired effect. 12 of 14 Scupper Direct an arching stream of water into the pool from a raised area on a deck or pool wall. Scuppers come in an array of sizes, shapes, and finishes. 13 of 14 Diving Board and Slide Add a diving board or a wet-and-wild ride with a waterslide. Today's diving boards offer more spring and come in many colors, but they require minimum pool depths and widths. 14 of 14 Lighting Illuminate your pool for nighttime use, as a safety precaution and to spotlight water features and create a mood. Choose from incandescent, perimeter, floating solar, and fiber-optic lights. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit