Family-Friendly Backyard Design: A Resort-Inspired Pool and Spa Renovation

When we moved in, our backyard was a wide open, grassy hill- perfect for sledding in winter and occasional dirt bike rides by our boys. But while it had charm, it wasn’t functional year-round, especially in the summer. The sloped area made it difficult to truly enjoy or entertain in, and we found ourselves wishing for a space that felt like a vacation without ever leaving home.

So, we decided to create one.

We completely reimagined the space, transforming it into a resort-style backyard centered around a stunning oversized built-in pool. Instead of following current trends of smaller or kidney-shaped pools, we opted for a large rectangular design that gave our kids room to actually swim, dive, and play. The upgraded liner we chose has a butterfly effect and a borderless finish—making the pool look like it’s fully tiled. It gives off major luxury-resort vibes and instantly elevated the entire look of our yard.

But the real showstopper? The spillover spa.

This was a non-negotiable for us. After long days at the ball field or late evening workouts, we wanted a spot where we could unwind as a family. The spa cascades into the pool with a beautiful waterfall effect, adding both visual beauty and relaxing sound. We open the pool in October and keep it running until after Thanksgiving—something that’s almost unheard of in the Northeast! Thanks to our pool heater, and the spa being built-in, we make the most of our fall evenings outdoors.

To tie it all together, we went with upscale travertine throughout the patio and coping. The same material carries from the spa’s edge to the patio flooring, making the space look expansive and cohesive. We also made sure there was plenty of space for entertaining—initially filling the area with rattan furniture, but now upgraded to sleek wrought iron for a more refined look.

Just beside the pool, we retained a flat grassy section perfect for wiffle ball games, relay races, and spontaneous kid energy. And while we’ve added low-maintenance black mulch around the border, our next dream is to install turf throughout the perimeter—bringing even more greenery and polish to the space.

This renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about creating a space our family could enjoy every single day—whether relaxing in the spa, hosting backyard barbecues, or soaking up golden hour with our feet in the water.