// Phase 1
Survey the Grade
We measure elevations, note ledge and drainage paths, and decide where level space can be created with the least soil moved.
Your Trusted Project Partner
Atkinson is a residential Rockingham County town on the Massachusetts border, next to Haverhill, Plaistow and Hampstead, with many homes set among trees. When an Atkinson backyard slopes away from the house, it can make a striking setting for a pool, but it takes careful design: retaining walls, steps, terraces and drainage all have to work together. Mountainscapes plans those pieces as one landscape and builds them with one team. We are just as happy to rebuild a single worn patio or a crumbling set of steps.
On a grade, the pool can sit on a level terrace with a retaining wall below it, a waterfall spilling over natural stone, or a raised spa looking out over the yard. We sketch these options early so you can compare them before anything is dug.
Freeform or geometric layouts, entry steps, ledges and depths drawn to suit the slope and the view from the house.
Sprayed concrete shells that can be built into a hillside, with raised walls where the grade makes them useful.
Rock or sheer-descent waterfalls that take advantage of a natural grade change and add the sound of moving water.
A raised spa built into the pool wall, overlooking the yard and spilling into the water below.
Engineered where height requires it, with drainage stone and pipe behind the wall so water pressure does not push it over.
Stone steps, walkways and seating walls that tie terraces together and make the yard easy to walk.
Step lights, path lights and gentle uplighting so terraces and stairs stay safe and easy to read at night.
A full-property plan for planting, hardscape, lighting and phasing, drawn by a team trained in landscape architecture.
It only takes 30 seconds.
Hear what our incredible customers have to say!
Chris installed a beautiful gunite pool for me. My kids love it and they cherish the day it gets opened. Chris did an amazing job designing the layout. He is a true artisan. I’ve been in business for 37 years and I’ve been around countless contractors. I highly recommend Mountainscapes.
I had the need for an emergency skimmer replacement during a pool deck replacement. Mountainscapes was the only company that got back to me and came right out and fixed things up to keep my project on schedule. Chris and his team were top notch. Highly recommended.
I have engaged Chris and his team on a number of landscape projects over the years. The pricing is good, the end result gorgeous, and Chris is always a pleasure to work with.
My experience having a pool installed was a great one! The owner Chris, worked with me to get exactly what I wanted. The team was friendly and very professional. I would highly recommend them!
Working with Chris and his team from MountainScapes was truly a pleasure building our pool this past year. Chris was a huge help working with the town on permitting and approvals (our town is notoriously difficult) and in helping us make our design dreams a reality.
...Today, one year post-completion, we are thrilled with the quality of MountainScapes' work. Chris, in particular, is something of a pool artist. It was truly worth it, but as homeowners you need to be prepared to be patient!
If you are considering an inground pool or any type of hardscape to your property, I would not recommend anyone other than Mountainscapes! Responsiveness, quality, professionalism!
Our Strengths
Sloped sites are where design training pays off. Christopher Underwood holds a degree in Landscape Architecture and has spent over 20 years building pools and landscapes, so the walls, stairs and pool on your Atkinson property are drawn and built by people who understand how they hold together.
// All Services
From a new pool to a single drainage fix, these are the pool, landscape and site services available to Atkinson homeowners. Small jobs are welcome.
Pool Construction
Pool Renovation & Care
Pool Features
Landscaping
Hardscaping & Outdoor Living
Drainage & Site Work
Can you build a pool on a sloped Atkinson backyard?
Yes. Slopes are handled with grading, retaining walls and sometimes a raised pool wall or spillover spa that turns the grade into a feature. The design has to manage drainage and soil pressure carefully. Our custom pool design page shows how layout choices follow the site.
What does a custom pool project cost in Atkinson?
Our full pool and landscape projects most often range from $50,000 to $150,000. Sloped sites with walls, waterfalls or a spa tend to land higher in that range than a pool on flat ground. Read our guide to what a pool costs to build for the main cost drivers.
What permits do I need for a pool in Atkinson, NH?
The town requires a building permit for an inground pool, and the pool must meet the barrier and fencing requirements of the state building code. Taller retaining walls may need engineered plans. If your lot is near wetlands or a large pond, NHDES permits may also apply. We guide you through each one.
Is a gunite or fiberglass pool better on a slope?
Gunite is usually the more flexible choice for a hillside, because the shell is formed on site and can take any shape, raised wall or edge detail. Fiberglass shells come in set shapes and need room for crane delivery, which can be harder on a steep lot. Compare them on our gunite pool page.
How do you light steps and terraces without overdoing it?
We use low-voltage step lights and soft path lights where people walk, then add a few uplights on trees or walls for depth. Fewer, well-placed fixtures look better than many bright ones. Our article on lighting a backyard without overdoing it explains the approach.
From initial planning and design to engineering, permitting, and construction, we manage every stage of your pool and landscape project with precision and care.
