Transforming Challenging Terrain into a Backyard Oasis: March 2025 Pool of the Month

When imagination meets expertise, even the most challenging landscapes can be transformed into breathtaking outdoor living spaces. Leisure Pools’ March 2025 Pool of the Month installation showcases exactly that kind of transformation, where a steeply sloped Knoxville, Tennessee backyard with minimal usable space became an award-winning project. Through innovative design and skilled craftsmanship, Silverline Pools has created not just a swimming pool, but a complete backyard retreat that perfectly balances beauty, functionality and the unique character of the site.

When the homeowner approached Dell Outdoor, her vision was clear: create a space where family could gather across generations. She wanted a backyard that would serve as both an entertainment hub and a welcoming environment for her children and grandchildren to enjoy together.

“This was a fun and exciting project for our team,” shared Anthony Mondello, owner of Dell Outdoor. “The property had no existing outdoor living spaces, which gave us a blank canvas to work with. We incorporated a complete outdoor living solution—kitchen, patio, pergola and of course, the stunning pool at the center of it all.”

The project’s location in this established neighborhood in Bergen County presented both challenges and opportunities. The team at Dell Outdoor approached the installation with careful planning and consideration for the existing landscape and architectural elements of the property.

What do you do when you have a steep backyard slope and dreams of installing a swimming pool? For one Knoxville, Tennessee, family, the answer was to trust the experts at Silverline Pools based in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Construction Manager Kevin Dubone approached the challenging terrain with innovative thinking, tweaking and broadening the initial design for a more functional and visually appealing two-tiered solution.

The original space offered roughly five feet of flat yard between the home’s porch and a small retaining wall built against the backyard slope. Rather than seeing limitations, Dubone envisioned opportunity, creating a curved two-tiered wall system that maximized the usable space while complementing the natural landscape. The second wall artfully extends to the fence at the rear of the property, creating a cohesive design that works harmoniously with the natural terrain rather than fighting against it.

This award-winning installation showcases The Ultimate 35 in Ebony Blue by Leisure Pools, featuring an integrated spa that invites relaxation throughout the year. The design thoughtfully incorporates three sheer descent water features along the lower wall, complete with sophisticated lighting that transforms the space after sunset.

The homeowners opted for a saltwater chlorination system with heating capabilities, allowing the family—parents with two kids—to enjoy their vacation spot year-round, regardless of season. This aligns perfectly with the owner’s vision of having a permanent vacation destination right in their backyard.

The entire system benefits from full Hayward equipment automation, giving the homeowners effortless control over everything from the atmospheric lighting to the cascading water features with just a touch.

The material selection for this project demonstrates Silverline Pools’ commitment to quality and aesthetic harmony:

• Stamped concrete with a natural stone appearance surrounds the pool
• Elegant Belgard coping frames the water’s edge
• Techo-Bloc onyx caps crown the retaining walls
• Brick-laid porcelain tile creates a sophisticated step-down area from the pool level
• Abundant rock landscaping around the perimeter reduces lawn maintenance while enhancing visual appeal

The thoughtful material coordination is particularly evident where the perimeter of the stamped concrete matches the material used for the retaining wall caps, creating a cohesive visual flow throughout the space. As Kevin Dubone noted, these hardscape elements give the project its “final look” and make “a big difference, whether a little or a lot is used.”

A prefabricated fire pit, connected to a natural gas line installed by the Silverline team, provides a perfect gathering spot for cooler evenings, extending the usability of the space beyond just swimming seasons.

The transformation began with a full week of intensive excavation to prepare the challenging site. While the homeowner initially expressed uncertainty about how the revised design would work in the space, they placed their trust in Silverline’s expertise—a decision that clearly paid off. Dubone took the original concept from their designer and added his own creative tweaks to make it perfectly suited for this unique space.

Logistically, this project presented several challenges. Access to the backyard required specialized equipment, with the team utilizing a boom lift through the side of the house to deliver the substantial pool shell into the backyard of this subdivision home. This kind of problem-solving is typical of the Silverline approach, where obstacles are viewed as opportunities to demonstrate their technical expertise.

The Silverline Pools team handled all aspects of the installation, from the pool itself to all hardscaping, walls, tile work and the fire pit installation. This comprehensive approach ensured a cohesive final result where every element works in harmony with the others.

Silverline Pools has built its reputation on the philosophy that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” Based in Lenoir City, Tennessee, the company prides itself on turning challenging projects into stunning outdoor living spaces. As Dubone explained, the company is “known for making (most!) anything happen” when creating custom backyard retreats.

Their mantra—”if you can dream it, we can build it”—isn’t just marketing; it’s a commitment to bringing backyard pool dreams and outdoor living visions to life. Whether working from their clients’ designs or developing custom solutions, the Silverline Pools team finds a way to make seemingly impossible projects a reality.

Their comprehensive services extend beyond installation to include routine maintenance, minor repairs, full-scale renovations, landscaping and water chemical adjustments, ensuring clients can simply enjoy their outdoor spaces without worry. This dedication to client satisfaction, combined with technical expertise, innovative thinking and effective use of technology, has established Silverline Pools as a leader in the pool industry in Lenoir City and the greater Knoxville area.

For this Knoxville family, the result is a perfectly balanced outdoor space that combines sophisticated water features with practical considerations like reduced lawn maintenance, while still preserving some green space to the side of the pool for play. The thoughtful design ensures that every inch of the previously challenging yard now serves a purpose, either as functional space or visual enhancement. Most important, it delivers on the homeowner’s vision of a year-round backyard vacation destination where memories will be made for years to come with their family and friends.