The Yard Around the Pool, Designed With It.
We design and build the decks, walls, planting, privacy, lighting and safety barrier around a new pool or spa, working with your pool builder from the first drawing. The pool itself comes from them; everything around it comes from one plan.
PhotoComplete BackyardBoise
- Typical project
- $105k–$220k for a complete backyard around a new pool, design and build included
- Not in our range
- The pool shell and its equipment, which come from your pool builder
- Barrier
- Fences, gates and walls drawn to your city's pool barrier rules
- Timing
- Designed alongside the pool, built once the shell is in
Everything Past the Pool's Edge.
Your pool builder designs the pool. We design the yard it sits in, so the deck, the views and the walk from the back door work as one.
The Rules Around Pools and Spas.
These are Meridian's barrier rules and Boise's permit. Eagle, Star and the county apply their own, and we confirm every one for your lot before the design is final.
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48 in
Barrier Height
In Meridian, an outdoor pool, hot tub or spa holding water more than 48 inches deep needs a barrier at least 48 inches tall, measured on the outside, with no opening a 4-inch sphere can pass through.
City of Meridian, residential pool barrier requirements -
54 in
Gates
Pedestrian gates open outward, away from the pool, and must self-close and self-latch. A latch release set lower than 54 inches goes on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top of the gate.
City of Meridian, residential pool barrier requirements -
F1346
Spas and Covers
A spa or hot tub with a lockable safety cover is exempt from the barrier, and so is a pool with a powered safety cover that meets ASTM F1346.
City of Meridian, residential pool barrier requirements -
Permit
Boise's Pool Permit
In Boise, a residential pool needs its own permit, and the application covers the pool's filter, disinfection and backwash disposal, and erosion control while the ground is open. We plan the site around it with your pool builder.
City of Boise, residential pool application
Checked against City of Meridian and City of Boise documents. Rules change, so we confirm them again for every project.
What the Yard Around a Pool Invests.
Set up for a complete backyard around a new pool. The pool shell and its equipment come from your pool builder and are not in these ranges. Change anything to see how the range moves.
Decks, Water and Shade From Our Other Yards.
We have no pool project published yet, so these three show the terraces, water, shade and planting we would build around one.
From the Pool Plan to the First Swim.
The same six steps as every Fine Grade project, timed around your pool builder's schedule.
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Step 1 · by phone or video
A Design Consultation
Your pool plans, how you'd like to use the yard around them, and a comfortable range. Bring your pool builder's drawings if you have them.
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Step 2 · at your home
A Site Visit
We note sun, views, the neighbors' windows, access for the dig and where the equipment will sit. Then you receive a design proposal with a fixed fee.
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Step 3
Design, With Your Pool Builder
Concept plan, 3D renderings, decks, barrier, planting and lighting, drawn around the pool's layout and checked with your pool builder as it develops.
A design fee, set after the site visit -
Step 4
Approvals and a Fixed Price
Barrier and landscape drawings for the city and your HOA's committee, and a fixed-price proposal that matches the final design line for line, with Idaho's homeowner disclosure.
No cost to review -
Step 5 · on site, after the shell
The Build
Drainage, walls and decks first, then the barrier, planting and lighting. One project lead, weekly updates.
The proposal price, paid at milestones -
Step 6 · The first year
Walkthrough & Warranty
We walk the finished landscape with you, hand over a care guide, and check back after the first season.
Included, with a written warranty
About Pools and Spas.
Something else on your mind? Ask a Designer
How much does landscaping around a pool cost in Boise?
A complete backyard around a new pool typically invests $105,000–$220,000, design and build included. That covers the decks, walls, barrier, planting, irrigation and lighting, but not the pool shell or its equipment, which come from your pool builder. A spa terrace without a pool typically invests $50,000–$85,000, and a whole property with a pool $150,000–$300,000; at the top of that range our sister studio often leads.
Do you build pools?
No. We design and build everything around them. Your pool builder designs, permits and builds the pool and its equipment. We design the yard alongside them, so levels, drainage, access and views are planned once, and we build it after the shell is in.
Does a hot tub need a fence in Meridian?
Not if it has a lockable safety cover. Meridian's barrier rules cover pools, hot tubs and spas holding water more than 48 inches deep, and exempt a spa or hot tub with a lockable safety cover. Boise and other cities set their own rules, so we check them for your lot.
How tall does a pool fence need to be?
At least 48 inches in Meridian, measured on the side away from the pool. No opening may pass a 4-inch sphere, and pedestrian gates must open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch. We design the barrier as part of the garden and check your own city's version of the rules.
Can the house be part of the pool barrier?
Yes, with extra protection on the doors. In Meridian, where a house wall forms part of the barrier, doors and low windows with direct access to the pool need an alarm, or the pool needs a powered safety cover, or another means that protects as well. We plan the layout so this is settled early.
When should we bring in a landscape designer for a new pool?
Before the pool design is final. Where the pool sits sets the deck, the views, the drainage, the access for the dig and where the soil goes. Designing the yard alongside the pool means none of it has to be redone.
What is the best deck material around a pool in the Treasure Valley?
One that grips when wet, stays cool enough to walk on and handles freeze and thaw. Lighter pavers and textured concrete are common choices, and pavers can be lifted and reset if the ground moves. We match the deck to the house and the coping your pool builder chooses.
Can you redo the landscaping around an existing pool?
Yes, as part of a redesigned backyard. New decks, walls, planting, privacy and lighting around a pool that is staying put is a project we design and build. A deck replacement on its own is usually below where our projects begin.
Keep Planning
Let's Design the Yard Around Your Pool.
A design consultation, a clear process, and a designer who tells you honestly what's possible within your range.
Rather talk? Call or text (208) 994-9204 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm