Your Trusted Project Partner
Our custom pool design services settle every decision about the pool before construction starts: its shape and size, where it sits, how deep it goes, how you get in and which features it includes. Christopher Underwood holds a degree in Landscape Architecture, so design here begins with the whole property, including sun, views from the house, slopes and the patio around the water. The goal is a pool that suits how you live, looks like it belongs to the house and stays within the budget we set together. Read how design and build fit together for backyards in MA and NH.
Each of these projects began as a sketch on a site plan. Notice how the pool shapes, edges and patios relate to each house. Our gallery shows more finished work.
A pool that looks good on paper can still be awkward to live with. These are the design gaps we see most often, and how we close them.
We design pools for homes across eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, from North Andover and Concord to Harvard and Groton, and over the border in Hollis and Bedford. Design work starts with a visit, because a site plan never shows everything: the view from the back door, where the wind comes from, and which trees will drop leaves into the water.
// Areas We Serve
We work with homeowners across northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Pick your town to see local details, or ask us if yours is not listed.
It starts with a conversation about how you will use the pool: laps, games, lounging, entertaining or all of these. On site we look at sun, slopes, views and setbacks. Next comes a concept sketch with the pool shape, depths, steps and patio laid out, plus an initial budget so expectations line up early. We refine the concept with you, adjusting size, features and finishes until the plan feels right. That plan then becomes the drawings used for permits and construction, so the pool we build is the one you approved.
Why Mountainscapes
A pool is only one part of a backyard. Christopher studied Landscape Architecture and has worked in landscape construction, pools and real estate for over 20 years, so your design weighs the yard, the house and long-term value together.
Clean rectangles, soft freeform curves, L-shapes or a long lap lane, chosen to suit the house and yard.
Sport depth for games, a deeper end for jumping, or a gentle slope between the two.
Full-width steps, corner steps, built-in benches and swim-outs where people can sit in the water.
A wide, shallow shelf for lounge chairs, toddlers and cooling off without a full swim.
Waterfalls, deck jets, a spillover spa and lighting placed where they look and sound best.
Patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and fire pits arranged around the pool so the yard flows.
What does custom pool design include?
It covers placement, shape, size, depths, steps, ledges, features, the surrounding patio and the equipment location. You get a concept sketch and an initial budget, then refinements until the layout is right. The final design becomes the basis for permit drawings and construction, so nothing important is left to decide on site.
Can I bring my own ideas or photos?
Please do. Photos, sketches and saved images help us understand the look you like. We then adapt those ideas to your lot, the pool type and your budget, and point out anything that would not work well in a New England yard, such as features that are hard to winterize.
How deep should my pool be?
It depends on who swims. Families with young children often prefer a sport depth that lets people stand across most of the pool. A deeper end suits jumping, and a diving board needs a deeper, longer diving area to meet safety guidance. Many homeowners skip the board and choose a moderate deep end instead.
Is a tanning ledge worth adding?
For many families, yes. A tanning ledge is a wide, shallow shelf, often near the steps, where you can set a lounge chair in the water or let small children splash under supervision. It adds some cost and pool area, so we weigh it against your budget and how much sun that spot gets.
How does custom pool design affect cost?
Size, shape complexity, depth, features and the surrounding patio all move the budget. We set an initial budget at concept stage and show where each choice adds cost, so you decide what matters most. Our article on whether a pool adds home value is useful when weighing bigger features.
Can you design the pool and landscape together?
Yes, and we recommend it. Pool placement affects grading, drainage, planting and where the patio and lighting go. Planning them at once avoids tearing up new work later. See our landscape design service for the rest of the yard, or pool construction for the full build.
