Imagine stepping into a backyard where the past meets the present–where a vintage 1959 pool design is reimagined for today’s world. That was the dream behind Fall Creek Oasis, a project that took determination, creativity, and a whole lot of teamwork to bring to life.
The Challenge: Bringing a 1959 Classic into the Modern Age While Navigating the Steep Grade and Limited Storage Space
Let’s do this! The time had come to transform an outdated pool and patio area into a modern, seamless outdoor retreat, blending new features with the existing landscape. The new swimming pool design included additional amenities such as a tanning shelf area, bench seating at the pool’s deep end, limestone pool coping, and custom tile work. Great, right?! We had our wants and needs list, our team in place, and a few hurdles to overcome before we could begin.
The two biggest challenges we faced to make this dream a reality were (1) accessing the backyard to install the new swimming pool and retaining walls due to the steep grade on the side of the home and the recently installed concrete driveway, which the homeowners did not want to replace or repair, and (2) the existing pool area is located on a hillside, complicating material storage and delivery logistics.
Thanks to an exceptional team of talent and impeccable time management skills, we surpassed our two biggest challenges and proceeded to create the Fall Creek Oasis we had hoped for and more! Driveway intact. ;)
Our remodeling goals:
- Create a new and updated version of the original 1959 pool and patio area
- Replace the old pool to ensure it is leak-free and efficient
- Incorporate modern features such as an automatic pool cover
- Redesign the pool deck to better suit the client’s furnishings needs
- Replace the failing wooden retaining walls with new stone walls, including proper gravel and drainage systems
- Pay homage to the original design while modernizing the structure
The Solution: Build a Road Less Traveled that Includes Strategic Scheduling and Optimal Use of Limited Space
Laying the Groundwork
Before we could even think about diving into the new pool, we had a major challenge: How do we get all the heavy machinery to the backyard without damaging the homeowner’s recently installed driveway?
Our Solution: A temporary gravel road. To safely access the backyard, we first protected the concrete driveway and built a temporary gravel road along the side of the home to the pool area. This allowed excavation equipment and dump trucks to reach the site.
The use of concrete protection mats on the driveway further ensured that the weight of the machinery was dissipated, preventing any damage when they safely rolled in. And roll in they did—over 45 truckloads of old concrete, pool debris, and failing wooden retaining walls were hauled away! At the same time, we reshaped the land for the new stone retaining walls and dug footings for their foundation.
With limited space around the pool and ongoing retaining wall work, efficient material storage and delivery were crucial. Staying on top of delivery schedules allowed us to direct materials to the best locations, maximizing efficiency and minimizing obstacles. Organization was key to keeping the project on track, saving both time and money.
The Pool Takes Shape
To align with the new landscape design, we excavated for the new pool, moving it 4 feet closer to the home. The first step was pouring the pool footings, which provide essential structural support. Once set, we framed the pool and installed the steel rebar structure for reinforcement.
Next, we completed the pool plumbing, including skimmers, return lines, and specialty features, ensuring all connections reached the designated pool equipment area. With the plumbing in place, we applied Gunite, a concrete-like material that forms the pool’s structure. This defined key features such as the tanning shelf, deep-end bench seating, and pool walls.
While the Gunite cured, we began work on the stone retaining walls, allowing us to tackle multiple tasks simultaneously. Additional finishing touches included installing limestone coping along the pool’s edge, ensuring efficiency and a seamless finish.
The Perfect Blend of Function, Beauty, and Talent
With the pool in place, it was time to bring the whole space together. Stone retaining walls to replaced the old wooden ones, ensuring long-term durability. Laid limestone coping around the pool’s edge for a polished, timeless look. Poured a custom-colored concrete deck with a sand-matrix finish for style and comfort. And added modern pool features like an automatic cover and upgraded plumbing systems.
Once the tile work was completed, it was time for plaster and water! After an extensive cleaning process, the pool was plastered, acid-washed, and then filled—all within a matter of hours. From there, it was a waiting game—20-30 days of curing and daily brushing before full swimming mode could begin.
To finish the transformation, we removed the temporary road, regraded the yard, and completed the landscaping, making the space feel like it had always been there.
A Team Effort
A project of this scale required expert collaboration. From a leaky, outdated pool to a stunning modern oasis, the transformation is breathtaking. Now, Fall Creek Oasis is a relaxing retreat built to last for decades, combining classic charm with modern luxury.
Out team of outstanding professionals included:
- Patrick Spencer (Land Design Studio) – Design & layout genius
- Hoskins Interior Design – Material selection & styling
- Elliotts Earth Creations – Site excavation & road building
- Mike McGhee & Associates – Custom pool construction
- Arkenau Landscaping – Hardscaping, stonework & patio design
