Pools & Water Features

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces with Pools & Water Features in New Orleans

A well-designed pool area is more than just a place to swim — it’s a luxurious retreat, an entertainment hub and a stunning focal point for your outdoor space. At Exterior Designs, Inc., we specialize in creating cohesive, beautifully landscaped environments that complement your pool and water features, ensuring they seamlessly blend with your home’s architecture and natural surroundings.

While we don’t install pools ourselves, we work with trusted pool professionals to bring your vision to life. Our expertise lies in designing the master plan, grading and leveling the surrounding landscape and integrating custom landscaping elements to complete the space. From lush gardens and elegant patios to functional drainage solutions and decorative stonework, we create a finished look that transforms your yard into a true outdoor oasis.

Why Choose Exterior Designs for Your Pool & Water Feature Landscaping?

With years of experience in New Orleans landscape design, Exterior Designs, Inc. brings an unmatched level of expertise, creativity and craftsmanship to every project. When you choose us to enhance your pool and water feature landscaping, you get:

Comprehensive planning & execution – From grading to planting, we handle it all.
Seamless coordination with pool professionals – Ensuring a smooth process.
Custom designs tailored to your home & lifestyle – No cookie-cutter solutions.
High-quality materials & expert craftsmanship – Built to last in Louisiana’s climate.
A stress-free experience from start to finish – We manage the details so you can enjoy the results.

New Orleans backyard with pool & courtyard landscaping
French Quarter pool after renovation
New Orleans swimming pool & fountain

Our Approach to Pool & Water Feature Landscaping

At Exterior Designs, we take a comprehensive approach to pool and water feature landscaping, ensuring that every element of your outdoor space is thoughtfully designed and executed. Here’s how we do it:

1. Custom Landscape Design & Master Planning

Before construction begins, we develop a master landscape plan that harmonizes with your pool’s design. We consider factors like:

🌿 Pool shape & style – Ensuring it complements your home’s aesthetic.
🌿 Outdoor living spaces – Designing patios, courtyards and seating areas.
🌿 Privacy & screening – Using plants, fencing or walls for seclusion.
🌿 Drainage & grading – Preventing water issues and ensuring proper runoff.

Every detail is planned to enhance both the functionality and beauty of your outdoor space.

2. Site Preparation, Grading & Leveling

Proper grading is essential for a stable and long-lasting pool area. Our team ensures that the surrounding land is correctly leveled, contoured and prepared before installation. This prevents erosion, standing water and uneven settling, creating a safe and sustainable foundation for your pool and landscape features.

3. Hardscaping & Poolside Features

We design and install custom hardscaping to enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of your pool area. Some of our most popular features include:

Our team ensures that these elements complement both the pool itself and the overall landscape, resulting in a cohesive, polished look.

🌿 Flagstone or scored concrete patios – Durable and stylish surfaces for lounging.
🌿 Paved walkways & pool decks – Seamlessly connecting different areas of your yard.
🌿 Retaining walls & decorative stonework – Adding dimension and structure.
🌿 Fire pits & outdoor kitchens – Elevating your entertainment options.

4. Planting & Landscape Integration

To soften the look of hardscaping and enhance the natural beauty of your pool area, we incorporate lush greenery and vibrant plants that thrive in the New Orleans climate. This may include:

🌿 Tropical palms & ferns – Creating a resort-like feel.
🌿 Colorful flowering plants – Adding seasonal interest and curb appeal.
🌿 Low-maintenance native plants – Providing beauty with minimal upkeep.
🌿 Privacy hedges & decorative grasses – Offering natural screening and texture.

By carefully selecting the right plantings, we create a landscape that is both visually appealing and functional, offering shade, privacy and a welcoming atmosphere.

5. Water Features & Decorative Accents

Water features bring tranquility, movement, and ambiance to any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to complement your pool or create a standalone feature, we design and install elements such as:

💧 Custom fountains – Elegant focal points that enhance curb appeal.
💧 Cascading waterfalls – Adding a soothing sound and natural feel.
💧 Koi ponds & reflection pools – Creating a serene retreat.
💧 Bubbling urns & decorative water bowls – Perfect for courtyards and patios.

Water features not only enhance relaxation but also attract birds and wildlife, adding another layer of enjoyment to your outdoor space.