We spent nearly a year reimagining our pool area to create a larger, more versatile outdoor living space.
Two years ago we shared a behind-the-scenes look at installing our pool and a number of before-and-after shots. We love the pool and the surrounding area quickly became our favorite outdoor hangout. In spring 2022 we realized a relatively simple change—moving one short section of fence—would double the usable space and make the yard far more functional.
What started as a fence adjustment turned into a multi-step overhaul. In summary, we:
- Moved a section of fencing to open up the yard
- Built a platform deck to create a level outdoor dining area
- Poured large concrete walkways, stairs, and retaining walls
We also added a driveway and front pathways as part of the broader project, which deserves its own post. Below I’ll walk through the key steps we took to transform the pool area into a cohesive, functional outdoor room.
Video Walk-Through Day & Night
We filmed a video tour that shows how the new layout flows during the day and how the space transitions at night when the outdoor lights come on. The video captures the way the dining space, lounge, and lighting work together better than photos alone.
Step 1: Moving the Fence
To pass the pool inspection in 2021, we added a short section of fence to fully enclose the pool. At the time we envisioned a small guest structure in that spot, so the fence was meant to be temporary. Later we realized the guest shed wasn’t necessary because a nearby rental guest house worked perfectly for visitors. That meant the temporary fence was limiting the pool area and cutting off a large, underused section of yard.
After noticing how much space was unused beyond that short fence, we decided to move the fence line back. The crew dismantled and reused portions of the old fence, and even repurposed pavers elsewhere on the property. Once rebuilt, the new fence enclosed the area around a large oak tree, connecting it visually and physically to the pool area.
Opening up roughly 20 feet of yard created room for seating, a dining corner, and circulation—while still leaving space for parking.
Step 2: Building a Platform Deck for Dining
Before the redo our dining table was upstairs and the firepit sat on the opposite side of the house. Bringing dining and lounging together near the pool was a primary goal so guests could gather in one large, comfortable area. We decided to add a simple platform deck in a shady corner under a tree to keep the dining area level and visually connected to the pool.
Instead of extending the pool pavers we chose Trex decking for three reasons: it preserved the pool deck’s curved edge, it blended better with the pine straw and natural landscape, and it matched other Trex surfaces on our house for a cohesive look. The platform was built level with the pool deck to create a seamless transition and reduce trip hazards.
The new deck quickly became one of our favorite spots. It stays shaded most of the day, so we use it for casual meals, laptop work, kid’s parties, and evenings playing board games. We also found that a detachable ping-pong net works surprisingly well on the slatted table, and it’s been a daily source of entertainment.
Step 3: Adding Poured Concrete Walkways
Temporary concrete pavers kept us off the dirt, but they shifted and felt too small for a permanent layout. We went back and forth about materials and layout until a local landscape pro showed us a project he’d done years earlier featuring large poured-in-place concrete pavers. Seeing that install made the decision clear: big, poured concrete stepping stones would provide a stable, low-maintenance solution that complemented the pool patio.
The paths required excavation, grading, and a poured retaining wall around the firepit area to create level seating. Because our house sits on a slight grade, the contractor framed, poured, and finished each section carefully. The result is a series of durable walkways and steps that tie the whole space together and dramatically improved the curb-to-backyard flow.
Poured concrete feels like a smart long-term choice. Well-done concrete work can last decades, and the finished look gives the space a purposeful, finished quality.
Step 4: Creating a Sunken Firepit Area
To work with the yard’s varying levels and to visually define the lounge area, we lowered the firepit zone about 15 inches. The sunken design creates a cozy, intimate setting that feels separate from the pool and deck while still being part of the same overall outdoor room.
The firepit sits on a concrete paver base surrounded by marble chips and is paired with no-rot Adirondack chairs. We use a Solo Stove for a cleaner burn and minimal smoke. The sunken arrangement comfortably fits six chairs and leaves room for extra seating at the nearby table and lounge chairs.
We added plug-in LED cafe lights in addition to our solar lighting so the firepit and dining area have enough brightness for evening gatherings. The lights are Alexa-enabled for easy control.
The end result of moving the fence, adding a platform deck, installing poured concrete walkways, and creating a sunken firepit is a backyard that feels complete, functional, and intentionally designed. The pool side of the house is now our go-to spot for daytime swims, evenings around the fire, and small gatherings.
Want to See More Outdoor Transformations?
If you’d like to see other exterior projects we completed—before-and-afters, a grilling porch, upper-deck updates, or our outdoor shower refresh—check out our related posts to follow along with more of the home’s transformation.
Looking back on the process reminds us that meaningful outdoor upgrades can take time, but thoughtful changes—like moving a fence—can unlock a lot of potential. We’re thrilled with how the space turned out and how much more usable the yard is now.