The one-piece vessel was chosen because the pool is placed about grade. That was necessary to accommodate the design of the 3,000-square-foot, two-tiered patio. A related challenge was excavating and installing the pool with minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation. This was accomplished , according to the builder. As a result, landscaping costs were also minimal.

Meanwhile, fiber-optic pool lighting brings the setting to life at night.

Finally, any time is a good time to relax on either of the 16-by-33-foot pool’s two built-in benches.

After 20 years, his existing vinyl-liner pool just couldn't hold its water. Plans were underway to remove the pool and fill the hole when the owner heard about a fiberglass alternative. The 14-by-30-foot pool was lowered into the existing concrete form and finished with concrete decking to match the previous décor.

The pool goes from 3.5 feet to about 6 feet in the deep end. It offers entry steps in the shallow end and a ladder and bench in the deep end. The waterline tile complements the brick of the home and the landscaping. A concrete deck with plenty of room for patio furniture and pool toys makes poolside entertaining a pleasure, while fiber-optic lighting strikes a chord at night.