A backyard makeover is a pretty big project!
This summer was the first spent in our new home, but we knew the moment we moved in that we wanted to install an in-ground pool. With COVID and the arrival of our daughter, we decided to stay in Quebec this summer and enjoy our new home and backyard.
THE POOL AREA
We opted for a fibreglass in-ground pool from Aquarino. As for the colour of the fibreglass, we chose an artic grey, and the dimensions are 12X24. We are really happy with the size we went with! The pool’s contour features Rinox PROMA XL slab in Silver White, which is a very light grey.
To bring a touch of warmth to the pool area, we decided to create a patio platform that’s the same height as the edge of the pool. So many photos inspired me on Pinterest (obviously!).
THE INSPIRATION
OUR “BEFORE” PICTURE
THE PATIO PLATFORM
My boyfriend did the entire patio platform himself, with the help of his father! The total cost for our platform was approximately $2,000 (we bought the material at Rona), but we did have some leftover wood. And also, let’s not forget that we didn’t have to pay anyone, seeing as my boyfriend did the work himself.
THE SLAB
Next, we decided to install a slab zone near the front of the pool. The slab we decided to go with was Rinox PROMA XL in Silver White. Once again, my boyfriend did the work himself (and I have to say that from where I was standing, it looked like quite the challenge!).
THE PLANTS & FLOWERS
At first I thought of planting tropical plants behind the patio platform, but I was afraid of damaging my bird of paradise, so instead we opted for artificial cannas from Décor Véronneau. At the far end of the pool we planted Annabelle hydrangeas (my favourite perennial).
THE LIVING AND FIRE AREA
For quality time spent with family and friends, we decided to create a small outdoor living area. We found the sectional at Club Piscine and the chair at Home Depot.
With the cooler weather just around the corner, we also wanted a fire area. We opted for ⅜” golden decorative stones from Jardin Dion. We found our fireplace on Amazon. Next year, we plan on buying Adirondack chairs, but in the meantime, we simply used some chairs we already had in our backyard.
THE FIRE AREA
In closing, I have to say that we are more than happy with the final results. In all, the approximate cost was $34,000. We did save quite a bit of money on labour, seeing as my boyfriend and his father did much of the work. We started our renovations on June 28 and completed everything on August 10.
Approximate costs
Aquarino 12x24 pool: 28,000 $ + taxes
Rinox slabs (installation not included): $2,000
Treated wood patio platform (installation not included): $2,600
Golden stones: $500
Artificial outdoor plants: $800
Fireplace: $150
