Pasadena Modern Pool & Fire Lounge

Swimming Pool Construction
Pasadena

Some backyards are all about lush layers and winding paths. This Pasadena project was the opposite—in the best way. The homeowners wanted something crisp, easy to live with, and built for the way they actually spend their evenings: swimming, hosting friends, and catching a game outside with a drink in hand.

So we leaned into a clean, modern layout and let the details do the talking.

A pool designed for real life

The centerpiece is a sleek rectangular pool with a generous tanning shelf—the kind of feature that gets used every day once you have it. It’s perfect for lounging in the water, keeping an eye on kids, or just cooling off without committing to a full swim. The straight lines and simple geometry keep the whole yard feeling calm and intentional, especially when the water is lit up at night.

Zones that make entertaining effortless

A backyard like this works because everything has its place. We created distinct “rooms” without making it feel chopped up:

  • A dining area close to the house for easy serving and cleanup
  • A fire lounge that naturally becomes the gathering spot after sunset
  • A covered pergola living area with comfortable seating and a wall-mounted TV—basically an outdoor family room

The flow between spaces is smooth, so people aren’t bottlenecked in one spot. You can have a few friends by the fire, someone grilling or plating inside, and others watching the game under the cover—all without it feeling crowded.

Fire + water = the backyard cheat code

Nothing makes a space feel “finished” like the combination of firelight and pool glow. The round fire bowl softens all the straight edges and adds instant atmosphere. It’s the kind of feature that turns a quick weeknight hang into “let’s stay out here a little longer.”

Clean hardscape, softened with planting

The hardscape is intentionally simple: large-format pavers, clean joints, and wide walking areas that feel comfortable barefoot. From there, we softened the edges with low, tidy planting and lawn/turf accents so the space doesn’t feel sterile. The stepping pads across the green add a little rhythm and break up the hardscape in a way that feels modern—but still warm.

Nighttime was part of the plan

This yard really comes alive in the evening. Between the pool lighting, subtle landscape lights, and the warm glow from the pergola, the space feels inviting without being overly bright. It’s that sweet spot where you can see everything you need, but it still feels like an escape.

The end result

The finished backyard is clean, comfortable, and built for how Pasadena homeowners actually use their outdoor space—low maintenance, high function, and ready for anything from a quiet dip to a full-on weekend get-together.