West + Main agent Caitlin Carrow is an avid DIY-er. She has done many projects in the past, and after seeing Cowboy Pools on social media for some time, it had always been in the back of her mind to do something similar in her own backyard.
“This year, though, we are in a new home with a HUGE yard and a new baby girl! One of the biggest motivating factors was creating a solution for beating the summer heat while hanging out at home with our eight month old.”
She wanted to balance function and design for her family, and learned all of the technicalities of maintaining a pool along the way.
To be realistic, they thought about how often they would be using the pool, and decided to go with a minimalist vibe, regarding the deck and surroundings to keep things easier to keep up with.
“I knew we weren’t going to be ‘living’ in the pool or on the deck - I figured we’d hit the pool and lounge twice a week. We decided not go ‘all out’ with a large deck and gazebo. So, we settled on just enough decking to sit comfortably around about half of the pool and to decorate with some plants.”
Q+A With Caitlin
Q: When it came to the design + finishes, what was your process?
Caitlin: Pinterest, Instagram, wanting privacy, and wanting it to be modern, airy, summery, and simple.
Q: Did anything funny, cute or unexpected happen along the way?
Catilin: It was definitely a family affair! The privacy screen came together along the way (the curtain idea). You can stain a deck this size REALLY fast, if you have to! I had 30min between feeding the baby and hitting the road for an appointment… and I made it happen.
Q: What is your favorite part of the finished project?
Caitlin: Seeing Columbia get accustomed to the water + all of the smiles we get from neighbors and passersby!
Process + Cost
Day 1: Pick up lumber, Pick up stock tank, organize all parts and supplies, review pump setup/installation instructions
Day 2: Determine pool placement, spread sand and level pool, construct deck structure
Day 3: Stain deck structure, Assemble and secure decking, stain decking
Day 4: Assemble and install pool pump, check for leaks, fill with water, set up accessories
Day 5: Test and treat water
Cost for material ~$2,000 (just under). Half of that (~$1,000) is decking material costs (lumber). The stock tank is ~$400 and ~$300 for the pump and other pool components.
Related Links
If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
