So, here is some additional info on the project:
We had to build an enormous retaining wall due to a slope between us and our neighbors who are above us. Because of the upward slope, we designed the pool to have a few different heights. So the front is ground, then you step up +18 on either side (one is a jump off and the other side is a sitting area with a fire pit), the top park is +36 and has a large bench that will have two planter on either side that match the fire pit and a large tiled wall above it (handpainted tile from Arto that is beautiful). The top of the tile wall will have a wood mantel look that matches the furniture we had made and will hold lights. Right now it looks like a thrown, so I’m hoping to soften the look with landscape (it still needs to be stuccoed and tiled).
Concrete- we did a medium topcoat and I love it. Looks like aged concrete.
Pavers/coping - modern concrete pavers from StepStone
Pool tile- Heath tile
BBQ area- we have a large built in bbq area with a smooth white stucco (which matches the small retaining wall in front of the planter). The bar will hold 13 barstools and is equipped with Blaze equipment. We got a large grill, a few storage doors, pull out trash can, a large fridge, an ice maker and after inspection we will add a little sink.
Wood furniture- we had made locally but they used the plans from Ana White’s blog for outdoor seating. Not hard to make, just takes time we didn’t have.
Speakers- our friend is an electrician and got us a deal for a few rock speakers and some large speakers that hang on the house.
Lights- still deciding on which ones to buy, but Er had it all wired and ready to go.
Paint- we still need to paint all the back walls to match and patch the house from taking down the old patio cover
We still need a cover over the bbq and our 12ft table, but we have killed our budget and will be waiting a while.
After tiling, we just have some minor hardscape stuff to finish up and then eventually start planting. We are still needing to finalize our plaster and get the guy out to do the retractable gate.
It’s finally starting to come along and Kimkats- they are getting to the finger rail. It’s what they should be working on tomorrow or the next day. I expect to hear some curse words, but I think t was a great decision to add.
Here are some pictures. Can’t wait for it to be completed. I have a house full of furniture looking to be put outside. I’m attaching our sectional that will go up on the +18 right side around the fire pit. We picked it up this weekend and it’s so beautiful. Can’t wait to add cushions and throw pillows
We had to build an enormous retaining wall due to a slope between us and our neighbors who are above us. Because of the upward slope, we designed the pool to have a few different heights. So the front is ground, then you step up +18 on either side (one is a jump off and the other side is a sitting area with a fire pit), the top park is +36 and has a large bench that will have two planter on either side that match the fire pit and a large tiled wall above it (handpainted tile from Arto that is beautiful). The top of the tile wall will have a wood mantel look that matches the furniture we had made and will hold lights. Right now it looks like a thrown, so I’m hoping to soften the look with landscape (it still needs to be stuccoed and tiled).
Concrete- we did a medium topcoat and I love it. Looks like aged concrete.
Pavers/coping - modern concrete pavers from StepStone
Pool tile- Heath tile
BBQ area- we have a large built in bbq area with a smooth white stucco (which matches the small retaining wall in front of the planter). The bar will hold 13 barstools and is equipped with Blaze equipment. We got a large grill, a few storage doors, pull out trash can, a large fridge, an ice maker and after inspection we will add a little sink.
Wood furniture- we had made locally but they used the plans from Ana White’s blog for outdoor seating. Not hard to make, just takes time we didn’t have.
Speakers- our friend is an electrician and got us a deal for a few rock speakers and some large speakers that hang on the house.
Lights- still deciding on which ones to buy, but Er had it all wired and ready to go.
Paint- we still need to paint all the back walls to match and patch the house from taking down the old patio cover
We still need a cover over the bbq and our 12ft table, but we have killed our budget and will be waiting a while.
After tiling, we just have some minor hardscape stuff to finish up and then eventually start planting. We are still needing to finalize our plaster and get the guy out to do the retractable gate.
It’s finally starting to come along and Kimkats- they are getting to the finger rail. It’s what they should be working on tomorrow or the next day. I expect to hear some curse words, but I think t was a great decision to add.
Here are some pictures. Can’t wait for it to be completed. I have a house full of furniture looking to be put outside. I’m attaching our sectional that will go up on the +18 right side around the fire pit. We picked it up this weekend and it’s so beautiful. Can’t wait to add cushions and throw pillows
so I’m looking at those this afternoon and getting everything ready for start up. 
