Pool Remodel Ideas – Adding a Slide

Every backyard has a story, and this one began when the Chase family was looking for pool remodel ideas and consulted California Pools & Landscape for a pool and backyard remodel. While they had an existing pool, spa, and water feature, they knew their space needed a refresh, and after hearing about a friend’s backyard makeover experience with CPL, it sealed their decision.

“When I went out to find a company to work on my backyard, it wasn’t like we’re just putting a pool in, I know the company I hire is going to be running into some obstacles because it’s a 20-year-old base, so I researched it quite a bit. One of my friends had done a very similar job with California Pools, and they really liked how it came out. So when it came down to picking a company, I decided to go with them, and it was a great decision,” said Skip Chase.

The Chases’ existing backyard featured a 20-year-old freeform lagoon pool with a raised spa, rock waterfall, and baja shelf. The pool decking was a combination of acrylic-laced deck and flagstone, which they wanted to replace with a modern design material.

“We got to a point where the interior of the pool was 20 years old, so we wanted to do something to refresh it. We also had flagstone out here, which looked really dated compared to the house, so I wanted to update that.”

Designer Kyler Morse worked with the Chases to create an updated feel by adding over 3,500 sq ft of travertine paver decking not only in the backyard but also in the front yard.

“The hardscape part of this project went far beyond the pool; we had a lot of flagstone leading up to the home’s doors and a lot of flagstone leading back towards the patio. We also added some extra curb appeal by having the front decking match the travertine in the back, which really pops,” said Morse.

Adding A Slide to a Pool Remodel

When thinking about a pool model, adding features to the project is a popular consideration, whether it’s a spa, water feature, or fire feature. For the Chases, expanding on the existing rock waterfall and adding a slide were at the top of the list. 

“We’ve got grandkids, so we thought this would be a great idea to put a new feature in, so we wanted to put in a slide,” said Chase.

For Morse and the construction team, saving boulders from the old design and demolition, and then repurposing them into the expanded rock waterfall, helped build up the area for the large slide and made it look all the more natural.

“Our team repurposed the rocks that were in the existing baja shelf and tucked into the deck around the pool, and added them to the original rock waterfall, helping to create the massive new water feature,” said Morse.   

Just as you’d expect, the significant new addition has been a big hit with the grandkids.

“We’re getting our kids coming over a lot more with the grandkids to spend time in the backyard because it is a pretty cool feature having the slide, and like I said, the slide’s not just for the kids, we get a lot of entertainment going down it,” said Chase. “The biggest thing now is it’s kind of an escape coming out to the backyard, it’s very relaxing. We just enjoy spending time sitting outside, even if we’re just sitting outside with the waterfall going, it’s just a great feature, and we enjoy it.”

Modernizing Your Outdoor Living Space

The most significant elements of a pool remodel are modernizing the space and making the pool more usable. With this backyard makeover, the Chases’ outdoor living space looks brand new. 

“This pops, you come out here, and it’s very noticeable, especially at night when you have the lights on, it’s outstanding,” said Chase. “Having this outdoors creates a whole new environment for us, it’s a different situation than what we had before. It’s so much more user-friendly; it presents itself so well.”

At the center of the vibrant pops of the project is the Mediterranean Sea Glass Pebble interior with double abalone, providing a smooth interior surface and a sparkling blue hue for the oasis. New waterline tile extends around the interior of the pool and along the spillway of the spa, blending seamlessly between the water and the Sabbia travertine pool coping. Adding landscaping around the slide and behind the water feature helped complete the feel of a tropical paradise in Chandler.

“With the remodel being done, we’re spending a lot more time out in the back. It’s much more user-friendly,” said Chase. “You know the term staycation, it’s definitely it. We’re having a lot more fun out here, we’ve got everything we want. California Pools did everything we asked, and it came out great.” 

Working with California Pools & Landscape

With any large construction project, managing the work and the process throughout takes a lot of communication and teamwork. California Pools & Landscape is licensed to complete any and all work in your backyard while all being managed under one roof, which was a highlight for Skip Chase.

“What I liked most about the construction was that I went back and talked to one individual, the Project Manager, who was taking care of everything. I wasn’t chasing someone around; if I had a question on one thing or another, it was one person who took care of everything for me.”

With the MyCPL Portal App, customers can communicate directly with the team members working on their project, texting back and forth for quick answers, or to approve changes to their job.

“The Portal App is outstanding because you’ve got a record and a log of everything that’s happened as you proceed through the whole process,” said Chase. “It’s just another great way of communicating, which they encourage, which I really liked. Bianca was all over that. I’d put a note in there, and if it was a weekday, I’d hear back from her in about five minutes.”

“Sincerely from the beginning to the end, from the time I first met Kyle to the time through the whole project, everything went as well as expected, I couldn’t have asked for anything else.”

FAQ

What are the most popular pool remodeling features?

When remodeling a pool, adding water features, like a waterfall, bubbler, scupper, or fountain, can all add a luxurious feel and ambiance to your pool. Adding a baja shelf, which can also be referred to as a tanning ledge, is a popular modern addition as it provides a space to relax and entertain. Adding LED lighting to your pool is a cost-effective way to improve the ambiance of your project at night. Fire pits, spas, and slides are also popular feature additions for pool remodels.   

Can you add a pool slide as part of a pool remodel? 

Yes, you can add a pool slide during a pool remodel. It’s crucial to consider several factors, including space, plumbing, and safety regulations. Planning ahead and working with a qualified contractor is essential for a successful installation.

How do I modernize an older pool design?

Modernizing a pool can be achieved through a number of different upgrades, including resurfacing the interior, replacing tiles, upgrading the decking, adding LED lighting, and adding water features. These enhancements can dramatically improve the appearance and functionality of the pool. 

What are some ideas for modernizing a flagstone deck?

Removing flagstone decking and replacing it with a new material will modernize the appearance and functionality of the surface. Common modern material choices like travertine pavers, concrete pavers, or porcelain pavers will all dramatically improve the aesthetic. Additionally, adding LED lighting will improve the safety and appearance of your deck at night.