Here they are....

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WOW, that looks great! I love how the rocks flow into the pool and I like the deep blue color. I also think you and Chris did a great job at utilizing the steep hill to your advantage. I think the only thing I would do is make the sitting area at the bottom of the hill bigger. You can never have too much decking and it just seems a little small. Have you thought about installing a fire pit? I'm not sure where that would fit, but just something to think about.

I'm very happy to hear that Chris has been able to help you as well. He was worth every penny and I'm soooooo glad we decided to hire him. I'll make sure to update my pictures when my pool starts to be built and you keep posting your updates. I love seeing new pool designs!!

A fire pit is a good idea. I'll have to see how far the budget will let us go with the decking. I'd like to double the size of everything, but I'm afraid he kids might want to eat between swims. :)

We are talking about extending the deck some and adding in a hot tub somewhere. I'll post updates when we have them.

Very thoughtful. One thing I would change, match the steps from the house/deck to the ones by the waterfall and pool. I am not a fan of wedding cake steps. I love Chris' natural look, very true to the site. Add more deck by the lounges, or prep to add later. A spa and firepit would be great if budget allows. Great job on design. Keep us posted, Barb

I agree with leepoffaith. A larger deck on the lower side of the pool would be a nice addition. The fire pit can always be added at a later date. Just plan for it while putting the other plumbing in the ground and come back and add it when ever you wish. Can I also suggest some in pool stools on that same lower side of the pool which will be overlooking the table and chairs below.

Chris did a super job. You can really imagine the way it'll look. I was just wondering how you will walk from the house to get to the steps that lead to the lower level. It seems hard to get to. Can you walk through the area just below the water fall? Is that dry/open or is there water in it that falls into the pool? We're starting our proccess also "owner builder pool in folsom" thanks!!

Chris says that there will be some stones in that area that will allow an easy way to cross that area. He is going to show that in the next version. Also, we're thinking about adding steps and decking around the other side as well so you will be able to access the lower deck from either side.

Like this!!

Wow! That is so cool and beautiful. Thanks.

Here are some other ideas from Chris.

This first one shows a way to integrate a stand alone spa with an elavated wrap around deck.

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Ohhh... Very nice. I think we're getting close. What do you guys think???

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The latest designs look great! It really helps you visualize how everything will come together.

He has done a great job on the design. The water feature looks very appealling coming out of the hillside.
The fiberglas spa and wood deck hurt the purity of the original design. A spa would look great incorporated into the waterfall if you decide to add one.

I think you should eliminate the second set of steps to the lower patio and go back to the first concept. If you want more lower patio, make it bigger without wrapping the whole pool.

Its a well thought out plan but sometimes the first concept is the best. It looks better off-balance and works better with the slope.

Good job!

He has an all electric house is the reason that the acrylic spa was thought of. With all that slope, I was trying to keep cost down with the idea of a wooden deck.

renovxpt, I agree that the original plan was great. The couple of concerns that we had was the fact that crossing stepping stones in the waterfall to get to the lower deck might be a bit of obstacle, especially when the kids grandparents are visiting.

I guess maybe you have to live on a hill like this to appreciate why I asked Chris to wrap the deck all the way around, and to include a raised wall edge. For one thing, I wanted an easy way to walk around the pool to retrieve pool toys or balls - without having to change into rock climbing gear. You don't have any idea how many basketballs I've climbed down that hill for. Once they start rolling they're going all the way to the bottom, which is over 100 yards of tough climbing.

And secondly, I wanted to draw a clear barrier between the deep woods and the pool area. Inside that wall there can be sunscreen, pool towels, and margaritas. Outside that wall there will be deer, raccoons, poison ivy, and rattlesnakes.

I believe in form following function and think that is what have driven the changes. The original plan had more drama or wow effect.

IMO
you could raise a few stones 2-3 inches in the spillway to make a path though the waterfall.

Add a few larger boulders at some transition areas and peeking out of the landscape to imply a continued dry streambed.

Chris's original design follows the slope and has a more natural feel. The changes have compromised that feel.

Sorry if I sound critical, it will be a great pool if you do any of the plans.