Top Pool Remodel Ideas to Transform Your Backyard in New York and Connecticut

A backyard pool should be more than just a place to cool off in the summer—it should be the centerpiece of your personal retreat. In New York and Connecticut,  homeowners are increasingly turning their focus to the outdoor living space, transforming existing pool areas into multi-functional sanctuaries that reflect their lifestyle and add lasting value to the home. 

At Neave Group, we specialize in turning outdated or underutilized spaces into breathtaking environments that integrate seamlessly with your home’s architecture, regional climate, and your personal vision. Whether you’re looking to update the pool deck, resurface your gunite pool, or introduce high-end pool features like a swim up bar or spillover spa, our team manages every aspect of your pool remodeling project—from the renovation process to final detailing.

Why Renovate Your Pool?

Whether your pool is showing signs of wear or simply no longer reflects your lifestyle, a thoughtful pool remodel  can deliver meaningful upgrades and long-term advantages. With a pool remodel, you can:

• Repair aging finishes and outdated structures
• Integrate modern features like spas, lighting, or automation
• Improve energy efficiency with updated equipment
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs
• Elevate the design to match your current aesthetic and needs

A remodel isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about transforming your existing space into something more functional, beautiful, and aligned with how you want to live outdoors.

Key Design Principles for Your Pool Remodeling Project

Whether you’re starting with an aging gunite pool or an outdated backyard layout, a pool remodel begins with solid design principles. At Neave Group, we focus on timeless features that enhance form and function, ensuring your outdoor space feels modern, inviting, and aligned with how you live. Below are some of the foundational elements that can guide a successful pool renovation.

Clean Lines and Modern Layouts

Today’s luxury pools favor streamlined geometry and minimalist aesthetics. Rectangular and L-shaped gunite pools remain popular because they maximize swim space and fit seamlessly into structured landscapes.

Neave Group specializes in updating outdated shapes and layouts, using modern design techniques to transform the entire pool area into a cohesive architectural statement. Whether you’re modifying the surface shape or installing complementary hardscaping, our designs prioritize visual balance and practical use.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow

We frequently work with clients who want their backyard to feel like a natural extension of their interior space. That may mean aligning the deck height with interior floors or continuing interior finishes out to the pool deck. Every location is different, but our goal remains the same: to create a unified, immersive environment that feels curated and complete.

Integration with Landscaping and Hardscaping

A well-designed pool doesn’t stand alone—it’s part of a larger ecosystem that includes surrounding greenery, walkways, retaining walls, and gathering spaces. Incorporating landscaping elements like ornamental grasses, privacy plantings, or integrated garden beds can soften the look of the pool area and add natural beauty. Likewise, custom hardscaping can create seamless transitions between functional zones like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and lounging areas, reinforcing the sense of flow and cohesion throughout your backyard.

Top Pool Remodel Features 

Your pool remodeling project should not only enhance aesthetics but also elevate performance and usability. These high-end pool features deliver both form and function for homeowners in our region.

Spillover Spa or Integrated Hot Tub

An integrated spa is a high-impact way to extend your pool’s seasonal use. A raised spillover spa introduces movement, sound, and visual appeal while also offering a year-round wellness feature. Neave Group expertly designs and installs custom spas to complement any pool remodel layout.

Swim Up Bars & Baja Shelves

Looking to create your own private resort? A swim up bar—paired with submerged stools and a dry-side serving area—is an unforgettable add on. Or consider a Baja shelf (also called a tanning ledge), ideal for lounging in shallow water while soaking up the sun. These modern additions deliver high style and comfort with little maintenance.

Custom Water Features

The tranquil sound of waterfalls, fountains, or fire bowls instantly elevates a space. These features are both artistic and practical—they add movement, mask unwanted noise, and contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. Neave Group builds custom water features that tie directly into your plumbing and filtration systems for reliable, low-maintenance operation.

Saltwater Pool Conversion

A saltwater pool is a popular upgrade that’s gentler on the skin and eyes—and often more cost effective to maintain over time. Neave Group can convert your chlorinated pool system to saltwater, using high-performance equipment and providing guidance on long-term maintenance.

Resurfacing and Retiling for a Fresh Look

Sometimes the most dramatic results come from simple updates. Resurfacing your gunite pool with a modern finish—such as quartz aggregate or glass tile—can completely refresh its appearance and enhance performance. We offer premium tile and plaster options, many of which also improve water efficiency by enhancing thermal properties.

Hardscaping That Makes a Statement

Your pool deck should be just as impressive as the pool itself. That’s why Neave Group offers premium hardscape design and installation using materials suited for the NY and CT climate. From low-porosity porcelain pavers to thermal bluestone or custom concrete finishes, our selections are engineered for safety, durability, and aesthetics.

Hardscaping isn’t just about material selection—it’s about creating an outdoor experience that’s both functional and visually striking. Thoughtful design can define zones, improve flow, and elevate the entire aesthetic of your backyard retreat.

Seamless Transitions and Sophisticated Layouts

By replacing outdated decks or walkways, we can create flow throughout your site, visually and physically connecting the pool area to dining zones, fire features, or garden paths. These layouts are not just about beauty—they improve circulation and help organize how you use the space.

We also pay close attention to elevation changes and sightlines, using retaining walls, steps, and terracing techniques to create smooth level transitions and enhance spatial depth. The result is a cohesive environment that feels intentional and well-orchestrated from every angle.

Functional Enhancements with Built-In Features

Beyond the surface, hardscaping can support a host of built-in features that make your outdoor living space more enjoyable and easier to use. Consider integrated seating walls that provide casual gathering spots without taking up extra furniture space, or built-in planters that double as natural privacy screens.

We also design and install outdoor showers, architectural shade structures, and in-ground lighting that can be embedded into hardscape elements for a polished, custom feel. These details not only elevate the look of your pool area but also enhance day-to-day functionality and comfort.

Lighting and Automation: Technology That Enhances Daily Life

Modern pool remodels go beyond structure and finish—they integrate smart lighting, automation, and control systems that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Smart Lighting Design

From app-controlled LED lighting to color-changing mood lights built into steps and water features, lighting enhances both safety and ambiance. At Neave Group, we design and install lighting systems that not only look beautiful but also align with your schedule and lifestyle.

Automation Systems for Effortless Control

Control your pool cover, heating system, filter system, and even lighting with the touch of a button. Whether you’re heating your hot tub from inside the house or programming your equipment to run during off-peak hours to save money, automation puts convenience and efficiency at your fingertips.

Integration with Your Smart Home

Today’s luxury homeowners expect full connectivity—and your pool should be no exception. Neave Group can integrate pool controls into existing smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. This allows for seamless voice control, automation routines (like “pool party” or “night mode”), and remote access while you’re away from home.

We can also coordinate smart sensor technology for water quality monitoring, leak detection, and energy usage tracking—all accessible through your preferred home automation app. It’s a streamlined way to manage your pool that fits into the rhythm of your everyday life.

Safety and Seasonal Strategy: Essential Considerations

Protecting your pool investment goes beyond day-to-day use—it requires smart planning and proactive safety measures year-round. In the Northeast, where climate and seasonal changes can be extreme, integrating safety features and preparing for off-season conditions are critical components of any successful remodel. Neave Group works with homeowners to ensure their pool area is both secure and ready for whatever the season brings.

Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover is one of the best investments for homeowners in our region. It helps retain heat, reduce evaporation, and prevent debris accumulation—especially important during leaf season in the Northeast. It also enhances safety, particularly for families with children or pets.