Swimming Pool and Landscaping Blog
Get insight into design, construction, and inspiration for your backyard. From deep dives into landscape themese to swimming pool shapes, learn from professionals.
What is Poolscaping? The Art of the Complete Backyard
A beautiful swimming pool is just the beginning. To truly create a sanctuary, you need ‘poolscaping’—the art of blending water, land, and lifestyle into one harmonious design. It’s the difference between having a pool in your yard and having a complete outdoor oasis. From strategic plantings and custom hardscaping to the perfect flow of light and sound, discover how poolscaping elevates every element of your property to create the ultimate backyard experience.
A Guide to Pool Water Features
Water is more than just a place to swim—it’s a sensory experience. Whether you’re looking to create a dramatic focal point with a custom grotto or add a subtle, rhythmic soundtrack to your patio with elegant scuppers, the right water features can completely transform your pool’s atmosphere. In this guide, we dive into the most popular water features for Sacramento homes, exploring how each style—from naturalistic rock falls to sleek, modern rain curtains—can enhance your backyard’s beauty and serenity.
Homeowners Guide to Hardscaping
Choosing the right hardscape is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how you’ll use your space for the next 20 years. From the sleek versatility of modern concrete finishes to the low-maintenance “forever green” of artificial turf and the unmatched durability of custom pavers, every material comes with its own set of pros, cons, and long-term care needs.
In this guide, we break down the most popular hardscaping options for Northern California homeowners, including realistic investment ranges and the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic DG path or a luxury stone patio, learn how to choose the perfect foundation for your outdoor sanctuary.
Ultimate Guide to Pool Tile: Materials, Functionality, and Design
Pool tile isn’t just decorative; it’s a functional barrier. Placed at the waterline, it protects your pool’s structure from “scum lines,” calcium scaling, and freeze-thaw damage. While porcelain is the durable industry standard, glass offers premium chemical resistance, and stone provides a natural look. Choosing the right material ensures easier maintenance and long-term protection for your pool’s interior.
Backyard Design Guide
Unlock your backyard’s potential. This ultimate design guide covers foundational principles: analyzing your space, incorporating essential hardscaping, layered landscaping, custom pool features, and outdoor living areas for a beautiful, functional oasis.
Stories From Customers
Hear directly from our clients! Read Serenity Designs customer success stories and landscape design testimonials. Discover how we collaborate with homeowners to transform their backyards into stunning, functional outdoor living spaces, from comprehensive hardscaping to custom pool and garden features.
Swimming Pool Shapes
Choose your ideal pool! This guide details Geometric (Rectangle, L-Shape) and Freeform (Kidney, Lagoon) styles, plus Plunge Pools, helping you match the perfect shape to your yard and home’s aesthetic.
Small Modern Mediterranean
See how a compact 2100 sq. ft. yard transforms into a luxurious, low-maintenance Modern Mediterranean retreat. The design features a cohesive palette, 600 sq. ft. of stamped concrete, a natural gas fire pit, and drought-tolerant planting including Fruitless Olive trees and Tuscan Blue Rosemary.
Mediterranean-English Garden Swimming Pool and Landscape Design
Explore a stunning fusion of styles: the serene charm of an English garden blended with Mediterranean elegance. This project features a 366 sq. ft. geometric pool with White Diamonds Pebble Sheen plaster, travertine coping, three raised sheer descents, and a landscape anchored by a mature olive tree and synthetic turf for a low-maintenance, year-round oasis.
Palm Springs Swimming Pool and Landscape Design
Step into modern desert luxury. This Palm Springs-inspired design features a 495 sq. ft. geometric pool, 920 sq. ft. hardscape, water-wise plants, and a custom cabana—creating a sleek, eco-friendly outdoor retreat.
Want More Inspiration? Check Our Our Portfolios!
Just starting your backyard transformation? Inspiration is everything! Explore our Construction Portfolio and Design Portfolio to see the full range of our completed projects and ignite your vision.
See our whole process in action with a video walk-through in a recent project then check out all our videos on our YouTube channel.