Concrete Pool & Backyard Design–Build Project in East Gwillimbury
East Gwillimbury
Project Overview
This East Gwillimbury project was a full backyard design–build centred around a highly customized concrete swimming pool and surrounding hardscape. The goal was to simplify circulation, improve usability, and create a single, functional pool environment on a property with significant grade changes.
The project was completed during the COVID period, when fiberglass pool availability was limited, requiring an alternative approach that ultimately allowed for greater flexibility in pool size, depth, and placement.
Site Conditions and Constraints
The backyard presented several technical challenges that influenced both design and construction:
-
A steep slope beyond the pool area, with substantial runoff potential
-
Multiple existing elevation changes near the house
-
The need to maintain safe circulation around the pool perimeter
-
Managing drainage to prevent water from the upper slope entering the pool zone
-
Coordinating construction access while protecting the surrounding property
Access to the backyard was adequate for machinery, allowing a skid steer to be used for excavation and material handling.
Before Pictures
Design Approach
Rather than stepping down from the house into a tiered yard, the design repositioned the pool to create a much flatter and more usable primary level. This eliminated the previous sequence of steps down and back up, significantly improving everyday movement and safety.
A custom concrete pool was selected to allow full control over dimensions and geometry. The pool includes:
-
A flat section combined with a graded depth transition
-
A bench integrated at the rear of the pool
-
Forty-five-degree entry stairs
-
A deeper profile (approximately 7.5 feet), requiring careful structural planning
By building the pool slightly raised and retaining around it, a continuous walking path was created around the pool perimeter.
-
Landscape Design-Build
Pool Construction and Structure
The pool was constructed using ICF blocks with extensive reinforcement, making it significantly more complex and time-intensive than a typical fiberglass installation. The graded pool floor added further complexity, requiring precision during forming and concrete placement.
The pool was finished with marbleite and a tiled surround, with custom coping integrated into the surrounding hardscape. Because the pool was custom-built, its width exceeded standard fiberglass dimensions, better matching the scale of the yard and the client’s goals.
Permitting and coordination included:
-
Pool permit approval
-
Utility locates
-
Structural and reinforcement planning
This level of coordination is critical on concrete pool projects of this depth and complexity.
Grading, Retaining, and Drainage Control
One of the most critical aspects of the project was managing water coming down the steep rear slope. Without proper grading, runoff would have directed water toward the pool structure.
To address this, retaining walls were constructed around the pool area, and specialized grading was completed behind the walls to divert water away from the pool zone. This ensured long-term performance and protected the pool structure from hydrostatic pressure and erosion.
Large-format concrete pavers were installed around the pool, forming a stable and durable walking surface that ties the pool area together visually and functionally.
Lighting and Finishing Elements
Landscape lighting was installed to highlight existing mature trees and provide safe navigation around the pool and pathways. The lighting strategy focused on subtle illumination rather than feature emphasis, supporting evening use without overpowering the space.
Planting visible in the photos reflects a combination of existing material and owner-completed enhancements following construction, consistent with the project’s focus on hardscape and pool infrastructure.
Final Outcome
Functionally, the backyard was transformed into a level, organized pool environment that is significantly easier to use than the previous multi-tiered layout. Circulation around the pool is clear, safe, and uninterrupted.
From a construction standpoint, the project demonstrates how complex grading, drainage control, and custom concrete pool construction can be combined to solve challenging site conditions while delivering a clean, intentional result.
Services Featured in This Project
-
Landscape Design–Build
-
Planting & Softscape
-
Landscape Lighting
-
Hardscape Repairs
Project Location
This project was completed in:
{{link:East Gwillimbury Landscaping}}
Discussing a Similar Project
Projects involving steep grades, custom concrete pools, or complex drainage require early planning and careful execution. This case study demonstrates how those challenges can be addressed through design-build coordination and disciplined construction.
If you are considering a custom pool or a backyard with significant elevation change, we encourage you to discuss feasibility and approach early in the process.