Turning your backyard into a personal retreat is about more than just adding a swimming pool; it’s about creating a complete experience. You want a space where you can relax after a long week, host memorable family gatherings, and enjoy the beautiful Long Island weather. The process, however, can feel daunting. From design and permits to construction and landscaping, every detail matters. Choosing the right team is the most critical step. You need more than just contractors; you need partners who understand your vision. When searching for the best pool builders Huntington Bay has to offer, look for a company that sees the bigger picture, integrating stunning pools with functional patios, outdoor kitchens, and elegant landscaping for a truly cohesive design.
This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and installed by the Gappsi team. The gunite swimming pool has a rectangular shell with a bench on the long side of the pool, a sundeck with a bubbler, steps, and a spa. Spillover water bowls also function as fire features. The swimming pool is 8 feet deep, and includes a diving board and a safety auto cover. The backyard is elegant, functional, and simple. The Fiorito travertine patio for the fire pit area, the pavilion floor, and the pool patio area were bordered with blue stone strips to match the swimming pool coping. The pavilion was built by Gappsi and was designed to match the house style and details. The outdoor kitchen was built with Wolf cabinets and Twin Eagle appliances, and it was veneered with Fiorito travertine to match the pillars that hold the fire bowls and the fire-pit. Blue stone stepping stones were used as a walkway to connect the backyard doors and patio to the front yard. Contact Gappsi to design and build your next home improvement project at 631-543-1177 [videopress ASQnc9OX]
Backyard Designers Huntington Bay NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to create a “cohesive design” for a backyard? A cohesive design means that every element in your backyard, from the pool coping to the patio pavers and the style of your pavilion, works together in harmony. Instead of looking like separate projects added over time, the entire space feels intentional and connected. It’s about matching materials, colors, and architectural details to your home so your backyard becomes a true extension of your living space.
The project in the post is beautiful, but can I choose different materials and features? Of course. The project shown is just one example of what’s possible. Your backyard should reflect your personal style and how you want to live. We work with you to select the right materials, whether that’s a different type of natural stone, a unique pool finish, or specific appliances for your outdoor kitchen. The goal is to create a custom space that is perfect for you.
How involved do I need to be in managing the design and construction process? Our goal is to make the process as smooth for you as possible. We handle all the details, from the initial design concepts and 3D renderings to securing permits and managing the entire construction schedule. You get to focus on the exciting parts, like making design choices, while we coordinate the logistics to bring your vision to life.
A project of this scale seems like it would take a long time. What is a realistic timeline? A comprehensive backyard transformation is a significant undertaking, and the timeline can vary depending on the complexity, permit approvals, and even the weather. A project that includes a gunite pool, extensive masonry, and a structure like a pavilion can take several months from start to finish. We establish a clear and realistic schedule from the beginning so you know what to expect.
Besides a pool and patio, what other features can I include in my backyard retreat? Your backyard can be customized with all sorts of features to fit your lifestyle. Many clients choose to add fully equipped outdoor kitchens for entertaining, cozy fire pits for relaxing evenings, or pavilions for shade and style. We can also incorporate elements like sports courts for active families, custom landscape lighting, walkways, and even saunas to create a complete outdoor oasis.
Key Takeaways
- Plan Beyond the Pool: A truly exceptional backyard is a complete ecosystem, not just a single feature. Consider how patios, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, and landscaping will work together from the start to create a seamless and functional living space.
- Use Consistent Materials for a Unified Look: Create a high-end, intentional design by selecting a cohesive palette of materials. Repeating a specific stone or wood across different elements, like the patio and fire pit, ties the entire area together beautifully.
- Choose Features That Fit Your Lifestyle: The best designs are both beautiful and practical. Personalize your space by incorporating features you’ll actually use, whether it’s a sundeck for lounging, a spa for relaxing, or an outdoor kitchen for entertaining.
Letter from the Clients
Letter from the Clients
The family in this East Islip home wanted a pool for entertaining that was built to last. Giuseppe Abbrancati, owner/designer of Smithtown-based Gappsi, Inc. suggested a gunite saltwater pool in a Sports Pool style design where both sides of the pool are shallow and the deep end is in the middle. “Gunite pools make a statement. They are a very customizable pool. That is why you see a sundeck, round steps, and LED lights inside the pool. You can shape the cement any way you want it and apply any finish. They are also highly durable,” says Abbrancati who has been building pools for the last thirty years. “The deepest part of this pool is six feet. It’s built like that so you can play volleyball in the pool and its fair ground,” he adds. Abbrancati designed a classic rectangular-shaped pool that is 16 by 32 foot in size and has that sleek modern look. “Everyone in the Hamptons has the gunite rectangular shape. It is the most elegant,” he says. The pool, he explains, is a cobalt blue diamond bright with quartz finish. Before the installation, the house – that is close to a hundred years old- had a simple concrete patio. in order to keep the character of the home, Abbrancati chose a brick looking veneer that would blend in with the existing bricks to make it look like the pool was always there. “I didn’t want the pool to look like it was an addition. I wanted it to look like it was built with the house 100 years ago,” he says. Travertine pavers were added throughout. Additional features of the property that Abbrancati built was a sunken down natural fire pit made from rocks and lava and an L-shaped bench for seating. One of the corners of the pool features a blue stone counter three feet wide that is designed to enjoy snacks and beverages poolside. Seating inside the pool with stools built inside the pool made from veneer with glass tiles is an ideal spot for socializing. A twelve-foot long natural gas fire pit runs alongside the pool so you can roast marshmallows and eat smores right from the pool. The fire accent is also a beautiful decorative feature that adds ambiance. A sundeck is accessible on the shallow end of the pool and an ideal place to place a lounge chair. To keep the pool pristine an ‘auto-cover’ was installed. With a push of a button – located next to the sliding door- the auto-cover opens and closes. The pool has a gas heater and the temperature can go as high as 104 degrees. The average setting is between 80 to 85. The heater goes on automatically and the technology enables the homeowner to set the temperature that is comfortable for them.
Vinyl swimming pool built in Smithtown, NY by Gappsi. This pool was specially designed with 10″ concrete walls and a footprint-free bottom. The multi-level patio was designed to work alongside the natural contour and slope of the hill. The retaining walls and steps were built with Nicolock Oyster Blend. The pool coping and patio are 6″x12″ travertine pavers.