Disappointed in my new pool

Apoolperson · May 18, 2022

Hiya all. We just built a new pool and it’s HUGE meaning I have zero space now for anything else in my rather small backyard. We can’t extend the porch or have a firpit or anything. I feel pretty devastated by the whole thing. Has anyone else ever felt like this. Would trees along the fence line help? What type? 6 feet of space there. Any recommendation on how I can make it feel more like a place I would want to be rather than a hot bright place to bake.

Headbanger783 · May 18, 2022

I think once you get some mature landscaping in there you’ll feel different. Trees, bushes, grasses etc.

Steve-D · May 18, 2022

I agree with @Headbanger783 . You might consider a propane 'fire pit table' for the sitting area end of the decking, too.

Texas Splash · May 18, 2022

I see lots of potential. I'm not a big fan of trees really close to the pool simply because of the potential mess to the water, but certainly plenty of room for some nice landscaping. Along the house I see opportunities for slim tables, grill, etc. Once you get that pool filled, landscaping, and perhaps some potted plants, I think you'll feel differently.

PoolBrews · May 18, 2022

That doesn't look crowded to me at all! I love the look!

I would look at adding shade over the patio area by the pool. There are several options here - umbrellas, shade sails, or if you're adding a birdcage over the area you can add a canvas top over a portion of the cage for shade. I have 2/3 of my cage covered and it's fantastic in Florida.

If you are getting a birdcage over the pool, make the birdcage as large as possible. Once it's up, anything outside of the cage in your backyard will be wasted space.

Casey · May 18, 2022

Apoolperson said:
Hiya all. We just built a new pool and it’s HUGE meaning I have zero space now for anything else in my rather small backyard. We can’t extend the porch or have a firpit or anything. I feel pretty devastated by the whole thing. Has anyone else ever felt like this. Would trees along the fence line help? What type? 6 feet of space there. Any recommendation on how I can make it feel more like a place I would want to be rather than a hot bright place to bake.View attachment 411934

Can we see a pic from the other end of the pool? I think I saw this before n you were upset with the size. You still haven't gotten used to it? If you're looking for more green space like grass, maybe you can remove some of the patio pavers n make the decking smaller. You definitely can't make the pool smaller (you could but it's too expensive).

Lanzz · May 18, 2022

My gosh, I see nothing but potential in your yard. Awesome looking pool - that big patio space looks right for a fire table and chairs, I see a screened porch for lounging and socializing. Just need to think about how to handle the areas between the fence and the pool deck. I agree with others - not seeing trees there, they make a mess. Better minds than mine will have ideas, but you should be super excited about your new pool!!!

Oona · May 18, 2022

I certainly can empathize with your concern-pools are incredibly expensive and after paying that price I couldn’t imagine walking out to my yard and being overwhelmed with disappointment. Don’t be sad there really is so much you can do with the space it appears you do have: here is a YT with lots of beautiful ideas for small spaces. I hope it helps to visualize some possibilities for your yard

Mcow · May 18, 2022

I 100% agree with others some landscaping in that back area will make all the difference. We had a similar small area behind our pool and did a lower maintenance desert landscape.

Lineman7 · May 18, 2022

Nah. Your G2G! Chairs, grills, shade, landscaping.. etc....

You have enough room along the fence to have some games. Horseshoes maybe.... putting green.

Also, beautiful soft lighting at night would create depth.

Kaylee34 · May 18, 2022

I see huge potential too! Some photos from the other end would help. Where will the equipment pad be located? Your backyard isn't much different from mine in that the pool dominates everything. I have a hill where your fence is so accessing the actual yard means walking around the pool and then you're on a slope. No space at all on either end for anything and I don't have a great sitting area around the pool either.

If I were you, the existing shrubs down the long side would go and I'd replant with some low maintenance shrubs, perennials and various bulbs to give you year round color. There's lots you can do to dress up the fence and make that a lot more attractive also. I've seen a few really cool murals done on privacy fence. I wouldn't do trees, you have enough in the neighbor's yard to deal with already. Depending on what kind of backyard activities you like to do, there's room for horseshoe pits and cornhole along the deep end space. Like others have said, you've got a great space for chairs and a propane fire. Some nice potted plants along the house and pool storage. You've still got a work in progress! lt will be a lot better once it's done and you can really envision what to do with the space.

Newdude · May 18, 2022

Pffffffffffffffffft. Full stop. Now.

It took me 5 years to get my backyard to where I was proud of it at the old place after the build. I got it functional real quick but it took some serious time to plant and wait for things to mature. Then half of it died in the cold and half of the remaining half looked out of place with the more robust stuffs we chose.

It will be 2 steps forward and one step back at times, just like the build. But you will get there, I promise.

If my 2nd go at it takes any less than 5 years, I'll consider it a win thanks to experience.

gingrbredman · May 18, 2022

Oh man, I don't know if I'd be disappointed in that space at all. Like others have said, lots of potential! Some mentioned plantings, but I can see a nice putting green back there! Really, anything low maintenance would be a great addition and make for an excellent back yard! A couple nice umbrellas, maybe a few fans for the Florida heat, and love the idea of a propane fire table! We bought one and its the most used area of the pool (besides the pool of course). A nice table, some decorative rocks, and a little flame for ambience and the back yard is a different place!

MiguelACA · May 18, 2022

I went through the same thing when i had my pool put it. My pool is smaller than yours, but my backyard is tiny. My pool takes up most of my backyard too!

You definitely have a ton of room to work with! I ended up getting rid of all the grass in my backyard. It was a pain to mow and water the yard, trees in the ground. It look nice, but huge pain in the butt.

I laid some pavers where i wanted to grill and have a meal, and for greenery, i went with everything in planters and pots. The grass was replaced with texas black star gravel.

I now have WAY more usable space and less maintenance and mess from in ground plants. The added benefit of having everything in planters and pots is i can more efficiently water and care for the trees and plants in the pots, i have terrible clay soil and doesnt drain well. My baby thujas have grown more in the last 3 months in pots than they did in a year in the ground.

Agreed with adding lights along the back, it makes the space feel bigger at night and just looks nice.

Ive added a bunch of photos of my tiny backyard space and what ive been able to do with it. I can always move the pots around if i want to add more loungers or anything

gingrbredman · May 18, 2022

@MiguelACA very nice of you to post up some pics of what a small yard can become. I can see the OPs backyard become a real oasis!

MiguelACA said:
I ended up getting rid of all the grass in my backyard. It was a pain to mow and water the yard, trees in the ground. It look nice, but huge pain in the butt.

Another nice choice! I have an area for the pool, and an area for yard, grass does not intrude on the pool areas!

Those that have dogs may need to keep some grass for their four legged friends, something else to keep into consideration for small back yard spaces.

MiguelACA · May 18, 2022

gingrbredman said:
@MiguelACA very nice of you to post up some pics of what a small yard can become. I can see the OPs backyard become a real oasis!

Another nice choice! I have an area for the pool, and an area for yard, grass does not intrude on the pool areas!

Those that have dogs may need to keep some grass for their four legged friends, something else to keep into consideration for small back yard spaces.

Thanks! It's been a lot of trial an error, but I am mostly happy with the back. Going to add some more plants to add some color and swap out the picnic table for a nice table with a fire pit in the middle.

My wife's aunt left one side of her yard with grass for the dog to do his business there, but its not visible from the pool area

splashpad · May 18, 2022

I understand where you are coming from, we've had some sort of pool for the last almost 8yrs (just simple AGP's) and right now we are pool-less waiting on a replacement liner, so we have the opposite problem, but it still doesn't feel right!!

With it being new, I would definitely give everything time to settle in and definitely adding your desired elements (as already suggested in other great posts) you will be able to live & love that space! It definitely has fantastic potential!

Apoolperson · Jun 3, 2022

Casey said:
Can we see a pic from the other end of the pool? I think I saw this before n you were upset with the size. You still haven't gotten used to it? If you're looking for more green space like grass, maybe you can remove some of the patio pavers n make the decking smaller. You definitely can't make the pool smaller (you could but it's too expensive).

Yes I did post some before on here but here is another. We have 8 feet between the house and pool, we have a 13/10 screen porch that we are eventually going to redo and 10 feet of decking on either end. No grass space left really now. Maybe that’s what’s bothering me I don’t know. How would you use this space?

Newdude · Jun 3, 2022

What you see :

What we all see :

depositphotos_19958539-stock-photo-background-with-blank-canvas-on.jpg

Get your Bob Ross on.

The yard makes the pool, not the other way round. But you have one HECKUVA start.

Texas Splash · Jun 3, 2022

I've seen a LOT of other posts of owners whose pool is accented the same way either due to a limited sized yard or simply personal preference. It looks very nice & clean. I suspect once you're done with any cosmetic accents, you will enjoy your set-up. :swim:

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