On the mountainous backdrop of this swimming pool, the custom waterfall design and grotto provides a peaceful retreat. The artificial rock formation accurately mimics one of nature’s unique wonders by providing a natural escape behind the privacy of a large waterfall. The concrete matches natural stone formations with meticulous placement, specific coloring, and purposeful cracks and crevices. Conveniently, the Saddle River NJ homeowners can swim into the grotto from the pool, or they can enter and exit through a rugged gap in the stone, leading directly to the cabana.

Notion LLC Designer: Natalia Dragunova Photographer: Bradd Celidonia

Here is another night shot that showcases the LED lights in this San Antonio area pool with waterfall and spa with spa spillover.

Hot Springs Hot Tub set in Japanese Garden. Design and Build by Trilogy Partners. Landscape concept and design by Chadd Guinn Photo Roger Wade published in Architectural Digest May 2010

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

At the top of these stairs is a tiny Carex meadow leading to a garden room resembling an ancient ruin- an idyll where lovers met in secret? The 'floor' inside the crumbling stone walls is an Italian mosaic tile floor with plants growing through the cracks. The 'ceiling' is formed by the canopies of 4 statuesque olive trees. A fountain, once the laundry trough on a French estate, cools the body and erases mundane thoughts with its gentle trickle. Stone urns announce the entrance; at night they are gas-lit to set the mood for the ultimate romantic midnight picnic. Photographs by Mayita Dinos

custom gunite tree that conceals the metal supports for the grotto roof span tree stumps are the bar stools for the table below (gunite textured) MMG you are pretty good baby !!!

Massive faux rock grotto with multiple waterfalls that lead you into a swim-up bar inside the grotto. A dry entrance on the side of the grotto leads to the kitchen and restroom area, as well as to a private outdoor shower on the other side, accessible from the pool by swimming under a hidden entrance. The grotto kitchen includes a wine refrigerator, outdoor refrigerator, outdoor dishwasher, a farmhouse apron sink and custom distressed doors for the entry. The grotto restroom includes a custom faux rock sink base with copper bowl and faucet. Photo credit: Cameron Caviness

A view of the swim up bar inside the massive faux rock grotto with multiple waterfalls. A dry entrance on the side of the grotto leads to the kitchen and restroom area, as well as to a private outdoor shower on the other side, accessible from the pool by swimming under a hidden entrance. The grotto kitchen includes a wine refrigerator, outdoor refrigerator, outdoor dishwasher, a farmhouse apron sink and custom distressed doors for the entry. The grotto restroom includes a custom faux rock sink base with copper bowl and faucet. Photo credit: Cameron Caviness

Our client wanted to vacation in his own backyard! This was custom designed and built by our talented staff. Our goal was to exceed our clients expectations, and with his our cave, waterfall and slide this is just what he was desiring.

Heather Fritz

Swimming pool and spa with swim-up bar and water slide