A breakdown of options to upgrade a basic, outdated vinyl liner in-ground pool and ideas to improve a backyard for beauty and function.
It’s been two years since we moved in, and only now am I finally sharing our backyard with you. We’ve been focused on interiors for so long that the outdoor space got pushed to the back burner. This summer we’re changing that. We’re committing to refreshing the landscaping, updating our aging pool, and turning this overlooked outdoor area into the small oasis we know it can be.
Here’s a look at our staycation pad:
UPDATE: See the final pool reveal here!
We’re grateful for this backyard and for the many memories it has already hosted. Now that we’ve carved out time to focus on it, I want to walk through the vision for the space and the practical upgrades we’re planning—starting with the pool.
When we bought this house, the pool felt intimidating. From day one we relied on a pool maintenance professional to teach us how to care for our saltwater system. It’s also more cost-effective for us to use his services and pricing for supplies. When he closed the pool last fall he warned us that our vinyl liner, which is about 11 years old, needed replacing sooner rather than later.
We don’t want to spend tens of thousands on a luxury overhaul, but we do want a modern, elevated look that won’t break the bank. The good news is vinyl liner technology has improved a lot since our current liner was installed, so we can achieve a high-end appearance with a new liner and a few thoughtful updates.
We’re working with GLI Pool Products to choose a new liner that feels modern and chic while staying budget-friendly. I’m drawn to darker, deeper palettes to create contrast and a contemporary vibe, and many modern liners now mimic mosaic tile and stone for a more authentic look.
The collection we’re considering lets you customize walls, floor, steps, and ledges so the finished look feels cohesive and custom. A few of the patterns even include stone-like texture for added depth.
1. Obsidian
This deep teal option creates dramatic contrast and feels luxe. It’s currently my top pick for a striking, modern pool finish.
2. Blue Slate
Blue Slate offers beautiful texture and a subtle shimmer that makes water look alive and inviting.
3. Pearlstone
Pearlstone brightens the water to an authentic blue and offers a classic mosaic look that reads timeless and clean.
4. Black Galaxy
Black Galaxy has a bold, contemporary feel—very modern and dramatic if you want the pool to be a centerpiece.
We’ll update hardware like drain covers, eyeball fittings, and the skimmer to match the new liner. Using color-matched fittings helps the finishes look intentional and custom rather than patched together.
We were worried we’d left this project too late in the season, but the timeline is surprisingly quick—the liner will be manufactured, delivered, and installed within about a week once we place the order.
Because we have young children, safety is a priority. We’re adding a strong safety cover rated to support heavy loads, and we’ll install an extra safety gate around the pool area.
For the rest of the yard, our goal is to refresh without overspending. Our current plan includes a handful of practical, budget-friendly moves:
- Remove overgrown shrubs and clear debris to tidy borders and discourage snakes or pests.
- Replace the old fence with fresh, more attractive fencing for improved privacy and curb appeal.
- Paint the pool shed—either a crisp white or a deep charcoal with white trim—and eventually convert it into an outdoor bar or entertaining area.
- Apply stamped concrete over the existing slab to mimic custom stone without the higher cost of full stonework.
Down the line we may add new patio furniture or an outdoor kitchen, but for now we’re focused on the pool liner, hardware updates, safety features, and cleaning up the landscape. We have a long list of ideas—and even if we don’t do everything at once, we’re excited by the possibilities.
We plan to stay in this home for many years, so there’s plenty of time to tackle more projects. The liner is the first big step in the plan, and I can’t wait to see how much of a difference the right color and texture will make.
Are you planning any outdoor projects this summer? Have a pool renovation on your radar? I’m counting the days until our new liner is installed so we can finally test-drive the refreshed pool.
