Case Study

Cascading Curves - A Case Study

July 29, 2025
Cascading Curves - A Case Study

Background

This homeowner approached Outdoor Dreams while relocating from Hawaii into their newly built custom home. With a fresh start in Virginia, they envisioned a poolscape that would feel both welcoming and grounded—a space that blended seamlessly with the architecture of their home while also reflecting the rustic, natural warmth of the Midwest.

Client Needs

Client Needs

From the outset, the client envisioned a low-maintenance poolscape that balanced natural beauty with functionality. They were drawn to a fiberglass pool and spa, both from Latham Pools, and were open to either a connected spillover or standalone spa design. A waterfall feature was high on their wish list, adding both sound and movement to the space.

They also expressed interest in incorporating fire elements—such as fire bowls or linear fire features—to enhance ambiance and provide visual warmth. The patio needed to accommodate up to 20 guests for entertaining, while still maintaining a sense of openness.

In terms of materials, the client preferred larger-format slabs for the patio and decking, and requested that all masonry match the stone veneer used on their custom home.

Design Phase

During our site analysis, it quickly became clear that the property’s slope would need to be addressed. While some might see a challenge, our design team saw an opportunity. The natural grade allowed us to seamlessly integrate the naturalistic water feature the clients had requested—something that can often look forced or artificial on flat properties where soil and stone must be unnaturally mounded. Here, we let the land do the work.

We designed a three-tiered layout that takes full advantage of the elevation change: the spa sits at the highest tier, the pool at the lowest, and a custom waterfall and streambed connect the two, creating both visual drama and a soothing soundscape.

Each level was intentionally sized to accommodate gatherings of up to 20 guests, and the retaining walls and vertical transitions were built using a stone veneer that matched the home's exterior—creating a cohesive flow between the poolscape and the residence. A dark pool shell color was chosen to reflect the home’s deep blue siding, further blending the built and natural environments.

The clients also had a strong preference for curved pool and spa forms, which inspired a design language full of organic movement and flowing lines. To complement the curves and reinforce the client’s desire for a rustic Midwestern aesthetic, we incorporated natural fieldstone boulders and a planting palette featuring ornamental grasses, upright evergreens, euphorbia, and yucca—all evoking a prairie-inspired, low-maintenance vibe with a touch of agave-like character.

Build Phase, Challenges, and Finish

Even with a well-thought-out design, clear expectations, and ideal site access, construction rarely unfolds exactly as planned—and this project was no exception.

Shortly after the pool shell arrived on site, our team discovered it had sustained damage during transport. It had been lightly struck by a logging truck, which caused visible exterior damage. A closer inspection revealed internal spider cracks in the shell, which worsened while the unit sat awaiting evaluation by the manufacturer, Latham Pools.

Although Latham initially deemed the shell repairable, the interior cracking continued to spread during our attempt to install it post-repair. Ultimately, it became clear that a full replacement was necessary, leading to significant delays and unprecedented disruption to our construction schedule.

Despite the setback, our team worked diligently to recover lost time once the new shell arrived. Thanks to a highly understanding and supportive client, we were able to regroup, refocus, and bring the project to a successful and beautiful finish.

Features in this project:

Fiberglass Pool - Axium 16 from Latham Pools

Fiberglass Spa - Regal from Latham Pools

Natural Riverbed & Waterfall

3-Tiered Hardscape with Unilock Pavers

Custom Curved Gas Fire Burners - from Warming Trends

Low Mainteance Landscape

Low Voltage Lighting

Additional points of interests

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Axiom 16 Fiberglass Pool

The Axiom 16 fiberglass pool from Latham Pools is a beautifully designed freeform model with no straight lines—perfect for creating an organic, flowing aesthetic that feels natural and relaxed. Its curving shape includes a spacious tanning ledge and full-length bench seating, offering both functionality and comfort. For this project, the homeowners chose the Night Sky color—a deep, rich finish that complements the navy blue siding of their home—creating a cohesive and striking visual connection between the architecture and poolscape. The Crystal G3 finish enhances the water’s shimmer and depth, giving the entire space a polished, high-end look.

Regal Fiberglass Spa

The Regal spa from Latham Pools is a luxurious fiberglass spa designed to complement the Axiom pool with the same flowing, freeform curves and high-end features. Finished in the rich Night Sky color with the Crystal G3 finish, it mirrors the pool’s deep shimmer while tying beautifully into the home’s navy blue siding. Equipped with powerful air blowers to enhance jet strength and paired with a dedicated gas heater, the Regal delivers a true hot tub experience—perfect for year-round relaxation. This spa also features a graceful spillover that feeds into a custom-built riverbed and naturalistic waterfall, creating a seamless visual and sensory connection to the main pool below.

Natural Riverbed & Waterfall

At first glance, the flowing riverbed and waterfall between the spa and pool appear to be one continuous, connected water feature—but it’s actually an illusion of seamless design. While the riverbed seems to carry water directly from the spa to the pool, the two bodies of water operate on entirely separate systems. Our team carefully engineered a hidden transition point within the riverbed: spa water flows down to a concealed return, while pool water begins its own recirculating path at the waterfall. This clever separation allows for independent control of temperatures and filtration, while maintaining the look of one unified feature. Artistically placed boulders and riverstone disguise the seam and define the structure, creating a naturalistic centerpiece that feels organic, fluid, and completely custom.

Custom Curved Fire Burners

To complement the curved design of the poolscape, we collaborated with our partners at Warming Trends to create custom curved gas fire burners—true showpieces integrated seamlessly into our masonry walls. Because these features were fully custom, we built the curved walls first and then had a Warming Trends representative template the exact shape on site, much like templating for a custom countertop. The result: perfectly contoured burner trays that mirror the flow of the space. Each burner ignites via remote-start with a key valve and switch, delivering bold flames with the ease of a light switch. Custom stainless steel covers protect the system from rain and debris, ensuring beauty and performance for years to come. These dramatic fire features bring warmth, light, and undeniable wow factor to the poolscape.

Completing the look

Rustic Midwest Landscape

The landscaping was carefully curated to echo the client’s vision of a rustic, Midwestern-inspired retreat. We used a mix of ornamental grasses, upright evergreens, yucca, and unique perennials to create soft movement, layered texture, and a naturalistic feel around the poolscape. Boulders were strategically placed to anchor planting beds and tie the hardscape into the surrounding landscape, while ornamental trees and perimeter plantings provide privacy without feeling closed in. Swaths of riverstone were incorporated along the edges to evoke the rugged, rocky landscapes of the Midwest. The result is a landscape that feels both intentional and organic—complementing the curves, stonework, and overall serenity of the space.

A few More Photos

Sculpting Fire - Custom Curved Fire Features

Sculpting Fire - Custom Curved Fire Features

When it comes to building a luxury poolscape, a swimming pool is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the details—the elements that transform a backyard into an unforgettable retreat. For the Cascading Curves Project, that magic came in the form of two fully customized, curve-driven fire features that now anchor the space with drama, warmth, and unmistakable personality.

Other Resources

How to Compare Competing Estimates

How to Compare Competing Estimates

Learn how to examine an estimate and the services included.

Planning

Choosing the Perfect Pool Tile

Choosing the Perfect Pool Tile

Selecting pool tile is one of the most exciting steps in designing your swimming pool. Not only does the tile contribute to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor oasis, but it also plays a critical role in durability and functionality. With so many options available, this guide will help you navigate the selection process, ensuring your pool tile is both beautiful and practical.

Planning
View
Test ToolTip