Picture your dream pool, and chances are you are imagining more than the water itself. The outdoor living spaces around the pool have a big impact on the look and feel of the backyard, and the possibilities are nearly endless. Here are ideas from our design portfolio to get you started, along with what makes each one work.

Fire pits for cool evenings

Relaxing by a fire pit is a great way to spend cool fall and winter nights, so you can enjoy the pool area even when swimming season is over. A stone fire pit surrounded by native plants and landscaping rocks blends into the desert and frames a view of Arizona sunsets. Blue glass in the fire feature adds striking visual contrast and stands out beautifully. And a fire pit with a built-in seating area, paired with a nearby table and chairs, makes the perfect setup for a night with friends and family, especially with bold cushions against natural stone.

Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands

An outdoor kitchen makes it easy to prepare food outside, whether you are hosting a party or just trying something different for dinner. A stone grill island with built-in storage drawers keeps grilling supplies accessible without clutter, and neutral stone tiles pair beautifully with blue tile around the pool’s edge. Adding a sink to the island makes cleanup and prep easy, and bar seating plus a nearby table gives everyone room to gather.

Comfortable seating zones

A place to lounge by the pool matters, and it does not need a fire pit or kitchen to be beautiful. We design the deck to leave room for seating that matches your preferences. An elevated lounge area set above the pool adds variation to the design, especially with water features accenting the ledge. For a low-maintenance pop of green, artificial grass stays lush and welcoming year-round with no upkeep, contrasted with stone tiles and comfortable furniture.

Shade and the finishing touches

In Southern Arizona, shade is what makes the space usable through summer, so a ramada, pergola, or shade sail is worth building in. Layered lighting keeps the area safe and beautiful after dark, and desert-smart greenery softens the hardscape and adds privacy.

Design your perfect backyard

From the pool to the area surrounding it, Pools by Design pays attention to every detail to create a backyard you will be proud to show off. Contact us to take the first step toward your ideal outdoor living space across Tucson and Southern Arizona.