We were talking about the design of the cool deck around my pool in the BBQ thread and I told judyb that I would post a couple of pic's.

A few years ago when Deb and I were touring model homes I saw a pool with a small free form deck and a stepping pod leading to it from the patio. When it came time to have our pool put in, I had them install mine with the same idea, only more of it. This is what we ended up with.

I took these this morning and you can see that we have rain today!

Here's another one.

And the last one.

I'm not quite sure how to explain what we wanted to capture but we have a free flowing design with the of the pool and cool decking but we also have a sense of order with the trees and plants. We're still seeking to make a somewhat tropical atmosphere and yet the entire yard is compartmentalized. There is, or will be, a cooking area, a conversation/fire-pit area, a dining area, a play/pool area, a vegetable gardening area and a utility area. I don't know what that design scheme is called but that's what we have.

That is really beautiful, Dan! I love the flowing nature of the design!

I really like it, too. Well done! I like seeing things done using new ideas with old materials. By old I mean used often and over the years. There's nothing wrong with concrete, for instance, when it's used right. Yours has an integrated yet visually interesting design.

Beautiful! Reminds me of a Japanese rock garden. It's amazing how thoroughly and productively you've used all of your space available, Dan.

Dan, your backyard is gorgeous!

Thank you everyone!