swimming pool in plainview, ny and old westbury, ny

A resort-like backyard is not about adding one feature. It is about how the entire space feels when you step outside and settle in. A swimming pool in Plainview and Old Westbury, NY, can anchor that experience by creating a central place to cool off, relax, and gather. When the layout, patio surfaces, plantings, and outdoor lighting are planned as one design, your inground pool area feels cohesive and comfortable. Our team handles every decision, from placement to finishes, so the backyard works smoothly from day to night.

What “Resort-Like” Really Means in a Backyard

Homeowners often use the phrase resort-like to describe a backyard that feels effortless. The space feels organized without being rigid. It feels comfortable without being crowded. It feels elevated without being flashy. Most importantly, it feels usable. You are not stepping around awkward routes or dealing with a pool area that looks separate from the rest of the backyard.

A resort-like backyard typically has a few key qualities. First, it has a clear focal point, and a swimming pool often becomes that focal point. Second, it has defined zones that make it easy to choose how you want to spend your time outside, whether you are lounging, dining, or gathering with friends. Third, the materials and finishes feel consistent across the space, so nothing feels mismatched. Fourth, the lighting and plantings soften the space and make it welcoming after sunset.

Resort-like is a feeling created by design choices that support comfort, flow, and visual balance. That is why planning matters as much as the pool itself.

Why a Swimming Pool Becomes the Natural Anchor of the Backyard

An inground pool changes the way you use your backyard because it provides a reason to be outside. It becomes the center of activity during warm weather, and it creates a natural rhythm for how the rest of the space is arranged. Lounging and dining areas tend to orient toward the water. Walkways and routes naturally connect to the pool deck. Planting beds are often designed to frame the space and create privacy.

When the inground pool is placed correctly, the backyard feels more organized. When it is placed without a plan, the backyard can feel chopped up or difficult to navigate. Our pool company designs the inground pool location based on how you move through the backyard, how you want to host, and what you want to see from inside the home.

A resort-like feel comes from a layout where the pool is central, but not overwhelming. There is room to breathe around it, and there is enough structure in the design to make the space feel intentional.

Pool Placement That Supports Comfort and Flow

Pool placement is one of the most important decisions because it sets the framework for everything else. The goal is to create an easy connection between the home, the patio, and the inground pool deck without forcing awkward routes or tight corners.

Our team begins by evaluating how you access the backyard, where you want the primary gathering area to be, and how you want the pool to relate to the home. Some homeowners prefer a pool that feels close and connected to indoor living spaces. Others prefer a pool that feels slightly set back for a more private, retreat-like atmosphere. The best placement depends on the property layout and how you want to use the space.

We also plan placement with outdoor zones in mind. If you want an outdoor kitchen, dining area, or fire feature, the pool needs to be positioned so these areas connect naturally without crowding each other. When we handle placement as part of a complete plan, the backyard feels smoother to use and more comfortable to host in.

Pool Shape and Waterline Design That Feel Refined

A resort-like backyard often feels refined because the design language is consistent. Pool shape is a big part of that. A clean rectangular pool can create a modern, structured look and makes it easier to design crisp patio zones around it. A pool with gentle curves can feel softer and more relaxed, especially when framed by plantings that add texture and movement.

Beyond shape, details like waterline tile, coping, and edge design influence the overall feel. A refined pool often has finishes that complement the surrounding patio materials rather than competing with them. Our team guides these selections so the pool looks cohesive within the broader backyard design.

We also plan how the pool edge interacts with the deck. The transitions should feel comfortable underfoot and visually balanced, especially in areas where you will be walking frequently.

Patio Surfaces That Complete the Resort Feel

The pool itself is only one part of the experience. The surfaces around it determine how the space feels when you are walking, lounging, and gathering. A resort-like backyard often has patio surfaces that feel consistent and intentionally selected.

Many homeowners choose pavers or natural stone to create a patio and pool deck that feels refined. These materials can also help define zones, such as a lounge area near the pool, a dining area slightly set apart, and a comfortable route connecting everything.

Our team plans the patio layout so the deck is not just a ring around the pool. We design the deck as an outdoor living platform, with enough space for loungers, conversation seating, and clear routes that keep foot traffic from cutting through relaxation zones.

A resort-like backyard feels calm because it is organized. The deck layout plays a major role in that organization.

How Outdoor Lighting Creates the Resort Atmosphere After Sunset

A resort-like backyard should feel inviting in the evening, not like the experience ends when the sun goes down. Outdoor lighting installation is one of the most powerful tools for creating that nighttime comfort.

We plan outdoor lighting to support both visibility and atmosphere. Walkways and steps need a clear, welcoming glow. Seating zones benefit from softer lighting that supports conversation. Plantings can be highlighted to add depth and layering. The pool itself can become a nighttime focal point when the surrounding lighting is balanced and warm.

Outdoor lighting should never feel harsh or overly bright. The goal is to create a calm setting that feels comfortable, where you can move around confidently and still enjoy the relaxed feeling of being outside.

When outdoor lighting is part of the design plan from the beginning, it looks integrated. Fixtures feel intentionally placed, and the light supports the flow of the space.

Shade That Makes the Backyard More Comfortable

Resort spaces always provide shade options, and your backyard should too. Shade helps you enjoy the pool area longer, especially during hot afternoons, and it makes outdoor dining and lounging more comfortable.

We plan shade structures such as pergolas or pavilions when they support your layout. A pergola can define a lounge zone and create an outdoor room feel. A pavilion can provide a stronger sheltered space for seating or dining. Shade also supports better zone definition, which helps the backyard feel more organized.

When shade is planned correctly, it improves flow. It gives you multiple comfortable places to sit and helps the pool deck feel less exposed.

Outdoor Kitchen Planning That Keeps Hosting Easy

If hosting is part of your resort-like goal, an outdoor kitchen can be a major support feature, as long as it is planned in the right location.

We design outdoor kitchens so they connect naturally to dining and seating areas without crowding the pool deck. The best outdoor kitchen placement keeps the host engaged with guests rather than separated from the gathering. It also supports clear routes so people can move around the space without interrupting food prep or serving areas.

An outdoor kitchen is most successful when it feels integrated with the patio design and the overall backyard layout. That is why we plan it as part of the full pool project rather than treating it as a separate addition later.

What Shape Of Pool Is Best?

The best shape of pool is the one that fits your backyard layout and supports how you want to use the space. There is no single shape that works for every homeowner. A rectangular inground pool is often chosen for a clean, resort-style look because it creates strong lines and makes it easier to organize patio seating, loungers, and walkways around the water. This shape works especially well when you want a structured layout with clearly defined zones.

A pool with softer curves can be a better option when your backyard has a more natural flow or when you want the pool to blend into surrounding plantings. Curved shapes can help soften the overall design and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Our team designs the pool shape around your property, patio layout, and outdoor living goals so the pool feels natural and comfortable within the space, not forced into it.

What Is The Best Color For A Pool?

The best color for a pool depends on the mood you want your backyard to have and how the pool will interact with surrounding materials. Lighter pool finishes often create a brighter, more classic resort feel and can make the water appear clear and inviting. These tones pair well with natural stone patios and lighter paver surfaces.

Darker pool finishes can create a deeper, more dramatic look that feels modern and refined. They can also add contrast against lighter decking and plantings, which helps the pool stand out as a focal point. Our team helps you select a pool color that works with your patio materials, planting palette, and overall backyard design so the water looks balanced and intentional throughout the space.

Creating a Calm, Resort-Like Look Through Material Coordination

One of the biggest differences between a resort-style backyard and a backyard that feels pieced together is coordination. Resorts look refined because materials are repeated intentionally. Surfaces, colors, and textures feel connected.

We coordinate pool coping with patio surfaces. We select pavers or natural stone that complement the home’s exterior tones. We use consistent edging details where possible. We plan to plant bed borders so they align with the design style rather than looking random. We also coordinate outdoor lighting fixture styles so they feel cohesive.

This coordination does not mean everything matches exactly. It means the palette is consistent. The backyard feels like one complete environment instead of multiple separate projects.

Swimming Pool in Plainview and Old Westbury, NY: Create a Resort-Like Backyard Feel