What does it take to turn an ordinary backyard into an extraordinary private resort? It starts with a clear vision and a team capable of executing it down to the smallest detail. We invite you to explore one of our favorite recent projects, a complete outdoor renovation in Sands Point, NY. This transformation features a breathtaking 20×40 gunite pool with a built-in spa, surrounded by a chic porcelain patio. We also added a modern pavilion, a gas fire pit, and a full cooking island. This isn’t just a case study; it’s a showcase of what happens when innovative design meets expert construction from a leading pool company in Sands Point.
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A modern masterpiece, gunite pool and porcelain patio in Sands Point, NY. At Gappsi, we specialize in creating luxury outdoor spaces that blend function, comfort, and aesthetics. Our recent project in Sands Point, NY, is a prime example of a complete backyard transformation. It elevates outdoor living to a new level. This job involved a full redesign and installation of the entire backyard area. Resulting in a breathtaking blend of modern design and expert craftsmanship. From the installation of a luxurious gunite pool to premium porcelain pavers. The high-end features like a pavilion, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen, this backyard was turned into a five-star retreat right at home.
A Stunning Gunite Pool and Porcelain Patio – The Centerpiece of the Backyard
The focal point of the redesign is a 20×40 gunite pool that immediately captures attention with its clean lines and functional elegance. Gunite, renowned for its durability and versatility, enables complete customization in pool design. For this project, the pool features a built-in spa and an inviting sundeck in the shallow end. It’s perfect for relaxing and cooling off on hot summer days. Whether you’re lounging on the sundeck or soaking in the spa, this pool was designed with luxury and leisure in mind.
To ensure ease of maintenance and added safety, we also installed an automatic pool cover. This system helps maintain water cleanliness, conserves heat, and provides a child-safe barrier when the pool is not in use.
Porcelain Paver Patio – Sleek, Durable, and Stylish
Surrounding the pool is a beautifully installed patio made from gray porcelain pavers. The gunite pool and porcelain patio pavers are three-quarters of an inch thick and were carefully chosen by the homeowners to match the color and style of the house. Porcelain is an ideal material for outdoor spaces. It’s non-porous, slip-resistant, UV-resistant, and incredibly easy to maintain.
One of the standout features of the patio is its porcelain coping. It frames the pool’s edge, creating a smooth, finished look. We used 24×24-inch, two-inch-thick porcelain coping for the pool’s automatic cover area and 12×24-inch, two-inch-thick coping for the remainder of the pool edge. This combination of sizes ensures both a functional and aesthetic flow around the entire perimeter of the pool. Additionally, the skimmer boxes were custom-cut to integrate perfectly with the porcelain coping—demonstrating our attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The Pavilion – A Modern Outdoor Living Room
To complement the pool and patio, a custom-built pavilion was installed at the far end of the backyard. Designed to match the house in both style and finish, the pavilion serves as an outdoor living room. The pavilion has all the comforts of an indoor space. It features a gas fireplace, a mounted TV, and cabinets for storage—perfect for hosting gatherings, watching the game, or simply relaxing outdoors.
The pavilion creates a shaded, inviting retreat just a step away from the pool. It was built using materials that harmonize with the overall color palette of the backyard. This ensures a seamless aesthetic from one area to the next.
Fire Pit and Outdoor Cooking Island – Enhancing the Entertainment Experience
To further elevate the outdoor experience, we installed a modern gas fire pit, ideal for evening relaxation or entertaining guests. The fire pit adds warmth and ambiance, making the outdoor space enjoyable even on cooler nights.
Adjacent to the pavilion is a fully functional cooking island, custom-built for this project. The island’s structure is faced with marble split-face veneer, offering a rich texture and upscale appearance. Topping it off is a black leathered granite countertop, which provides a bold contrast and durable work surface for outdoor cooking. This area is perfect for grilling, prepping meals, and serving guests—all without needing to go inside.
Modern Outdoor Furnishings – A Cohesive Design
The entire pool and patio area is furnished with contemporary outdoor furniture, handpicked to maintain the modern and minimalist design theme. Gray and white tones dominate the space, maintaining a clean, cohesive, and stylish look. The furniture was selected not only for its looks but also for comfort and weather resistance, ensuring years of enjoyment.
The careful choice of materials, from porcelain and granite to marble and weather-resistant fabrics, reflects Gappsi’s commitment to quality and long-term durability. Every element in this project complements the next, offering a luxurious yet practical outdoor environment.
Understanding Your Investment in a New Pool
A new swimming pool is more than just an addition to your home; it’s an investment in your lifestyle. When you start planning for a project like the one in Sands Point, it’s important to have a clear picture of the costs involved. The price tag isn’t just for the pool itself but for the entire transformed space, including the patio, features, and landscaping that create a cohesive outdoor oasis. Understanding the budget from the beginning helps you make informed decisions and ensures the final result is exactly what you dreamed of, without any surprises along the way. Let’s break down what you can expect when investing in a new inground pool.
Average Cost of a New Inground Pool
When budgeting for a new inground pool, it’s helpful to look at industry averages. Most homeowners find that the total cost for a new installation, including essential features like stone and concrete work, falls somewhere between $80,000 and $120,000. This range can shift based on the size of the pool, the materials you choose, and any custom features you add, such as a built-in spa or sundeck like the one in our Sands Point project. A comprehensive project often includes more than just the pool, incorporating masonry for patios and retaining walls, which contributes to the overall investment but also creates a complete and functional outdoor living area.
What is the Cheapest Type of Pool to Install?
If budget is a primary concern, vinyl-lined pools are typically the most affordable option, with installation costs often ranging from $35,000 to $65,000. While they offer a lower upfront cost, it’s important to consider the long-term picture. For projects that demand complete design freedom and durability, a gunite pool is an excellent choice. Gunite allows for endless customization in shape, size, and integrated features, which is why we selected it for the modern masterpiece in Sands Point. This flexibility ensures your swimming pool perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic and your family’s needs, providing lasting value and a truly unique design.
When is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Pool?
While you can plan a pool project any time of year, scheduling the installation during the off-season—from late fall to early spring—can be a smart move. During these months, contractors often have more availability, which can lead to a smoother and sometimes faster construction process. Planning ahead allows you to get on the schedule before the busy summer rush begins. This ensures your backyard transformation is complete and ready for you to enjoy as soon as the warm weather arrives. It gives you plenty of time to finalize designs, select materials, and prepare for an exciting new addition to your home.
What to Expect for Pool Refinishing Costs
If you already have a pool that’s showing its age, refinishing can bring it back to life. The cost for this varies depending on the pool type and the extent of the work. For a gunite pool, for example, resurfacing can range from $5,000 to $15,000. This process involves repairing any cracks and applying a new finish to make the surface look brand new. It’s a great way to update your pool’s appearance without the cost of a full replacement. At Gappsi, we also offer services to restore and seal surrounding patios and stonework, ensuring your entire pool area looks pristine and well-maintained for years to come.
How to Choose the Best Pool Company in Sands Point
Choosing the right company to build your dream backyard is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The quality of the craftsmanship, the smoothness of the process, and the final outcome all depend on the team you hire. In an area like Sands Point, where quality and aesthetics are paramount, you need a partner who understands your vision and has the expertise to execute it flawlessly. It’s not just about finding a builder; it’s about finding a designer, a project manager, and a team of artisans who will treat your home with the care it deserves. Look for a company with a proven track record, a deep understanding of local requirements, and a commitment to client satisfaction.
Full-Service Design vs. Specialized Contractors
When undertaking a large-scale backyard project, you can either hire specialized contractors for each part—one for the pool, another for the patio, and a third for landscaping—or you can work with a full-service design and build company. A full-service firm like Gappsi manages every aspect of the project, from the initial concept to the final installation. This integrated approach ensures a seamless experience, with one point of contact and a cohesive design vision. It eliminates the stress of coordinating multiple teams and timelines, ensuring that elements like the pavilion and outdoor kitchen are perfectly integrated with the pool and patio design.
The Importance of In-House Teams and Experience
A company’s experience and the structure of its team can significantly impact your project’s success. Companies with decades of experience, like Gappsi’s 35+ years serving Long Island, bring a wealth of knowledge to every job. When a company uses in-house teams for design, masonry, and installation, it leads to better communication, consistent quality control, and greater accountability. This structure ensures that everyone working on your project is aligned with the same high standards and vision. An experienced team can anticipate challenges, offer creative solutions, and deliver a finished product that not only looks beautiful but is built to last.
Comparing Pool Materials and Construction
The materials and construction methods used will define your pool’s look, feel, and longevity. As seen in the Sands Point project, gunite is a top-tier choice known for its incredible durability and design flexibility. It allows for custom shapes, depths, and features like built-in spas and benches that simply aren’t possible with other pool types. Surrounding the pool, high-quality porcelain and natural stone pavers offer a slip-resistant, low-maintenance, and elegant surface. Discussing these options with your pool company will help you understand the benefits of each and select the best materials to achieve your desired aesthetic and performance.
The Final Result – A Private Resort in Sands Point, NY
What was once a standard backyard has now become a complete outdoor sanctuary that resembles a high-end resort. This transformation is not just about adding a pool or patio—it’s about creating an entire lifestyle experience. The project’s modern design, premium materials, and innovative layout combine to provide homeowners with a space that is both beautiful and functional.</p>
At Gappsi, we take pride in bringing our client’s visions to life. This project in Sands Point, NY, is a perfect example of how thoughtful design and expert execution can turn any backyard into a luxurious retreat. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a cozy night by the fire pit, or entertaining friends under the pavilion, this space was designed to enhance every moment spent outdoors.</p>
Why Choose Gappsi for Your Backyard Redesign?
With over three decades of experience in outdoor living design and installation, Gappsi has established itself as a trusted name across Long Island for high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service. We specialize in custom pool construction, paver installation, landscape design, masonry, and a range of other services.
Each project we undertake is unique, and we work closely with our clients from the initial concept through to completion. Our team handles every aspect—from design to permitting to construction—with precision and care, ensuring that the final product exceeds expectations.</p>
Are you considering a backyard transformation of your own? In that case, whether it’s a pool installation, patio upgrade, or a complete outdoor living space like this one in Sands Point, Gappsi is here to bring your vision to life.</p>
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did this project use porcelain pavers instead of a more traditional material like natural stone? That’s a great question. While natural stone is a classic choice, porcelain offers some fantastic benefits for a high-traffic area like a pool patio. It’s incredibly durable and doesn’t stain easily, so you don’t have to worry about spills during a barbecue. It’s also slip-resistant, which is a huge plus around water, and it stays cooler under the sun than many other materials. For this project, it provided the clean, modern look the homeowners wanted with minimal upkeep.
A project of this scale seems huge. How long does a complete backyard transformation typically take? A multi-faceted project involving a new pool, extensive masonry, and a structure like a pavilion can take a few months from the first day of construction to the final touches. The timeline can vary based on factors like the complexity of the design, local permitting, and even the weather. The most important part is the planning phase, which happens well before any digging begins, to ensure every detail is considered and the project runs smoothly.
The post mentions a lot of custom features. How much of a project like this can actually be personalized? Nearly every element you see can be tailored to your specific taste and property. With a gunite pool, the shape, size, depth, and features like a sundeck or spa are designed from scratch. The same goes for the outdoor kitchen, the layout of the patio, and the finishes on the pavilion. Our goal is to create a space that feels like a true extension of your home, so we work with you on everything from the color of the pavers to the placement of the fire pit.
What does it really mean to work with a “full-service” company for a project like this? Think of it as having one dedicated team and a single point of contact for your entire project. Instead of you having to hire and coordinate a pool installer, a mason, a landscaper, and an electrician, we manage all of it. This ensures the design is cohesive—so the patio stone perfectly matches the pool coping—and that the entire process is streamlined. It saves you the headache of juggling different contractors and timelines.
I’m inspired by this project, but my backyard is completely different. What’s the first step to see what’s possible for my own space? Every great backyard starts with a conversation. The best first step is to gather some inspiration—photos of styles you love and a list of how you want to use the space. Do you host big parties or prefer quiet family evenings? From there, scheduling a consultation is key. We can walk your property with you, listen to your ideas, and help you understand what’s possible within your specific landscape and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Think Beyond Just the Pool: A successful backyard transformation comes from a unified design where the pool, patio, and amenities work together. Planning your project as a complete outdoor living space ensures every element is functional and flows together beautifully.
- Select Materials for Both Style and Performance: Your choice of materials is a long-term investment in your home’s value and your own enjoyment. High-quality options like customizable gunite and durable porcelain pavers create a sophisticated look that is also built to last with minimal upkeep.
- Partner with a Full-Service Firm for a Seamless Process: Hiring one company to manage your entire project from design to installation simplifies everything. An integrated team provides a single point of contact, ensures consistent quality, and brings a cohesive vision to life without the stress of coordinating multiple contractors.
To support this elevation, we constructed a retaining wall that serves both functional and visual purposes. This wall was veneered with Eldorado cultured stone, chosen to complement the house’s existing exterior. It was topped with 
The bump-out circular design blends seamlessly into the surrounding lawn and visually connects with the retaining wall. This curves gently into the space. It’s a detail that not only enhances the utility of the yard but also expresses a thoughtful and intentional design language throughout the project.
From the 
Marble Patio and Pool Coping: Sophistication in Every Detail
We constructed these raised garden beds using Nicolock Firma wall blocks, known for their strength, contemporary look, and versatile design options. The neutral tones and smooth texture of the Firma wall blocks complement the gray marble patio beautifully while providing an optimal environment for cultivating vegetables and herbs. It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern design that supports sustainable living and farm-to-table eating.
Inside, the kitchen is a chef’s dream. The appliances are all Fire Magic, a top-tier brand synonymous with premium outdoor grilling and kitchen equipment. The kitchen includes:
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The Vision and Inspiration Behind this Luxury Backyard Transformation
The patios were strategically designed to provide ample seating and lounging areas, making them ideal for social gatherings and family relaxation. Whether enjoying a sunny afternoon or hosting an evening gathering, the pavers create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to stay and unwind.
Outdoor Cooking Area
The Gas Fire Pit Area
The Putting Green