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Outdoor Design Glossary
Terms and phrases used in luxury pool, spa, and outdoor living design — defined plainly, with context for how we use them at Colao & Peter.
The cap or edging material (stone, concrete, or tile) installed around the top perimeter of a pool, spa, or raised planter. Provides a finished edge and prevents water from running behind the shell.
The process of engineering and constructing a pool tailored entirely to a client's property, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences — as opposed to a pre-built or kit pool.
The hardscape surface surrounding a pool or outdoor living area. Common materials include travertine, bluestone, concrete pavers, Ipe wood, and composite decking.
The system of channels, drains, and grading designed to move water away from hardscape and structures to prevent flooding, erosion, or damage.
The interior surface coating of a pool shell. Options include plaster, pebble aggregate (e.g., Pebble Tec), quartz, and glass tile — each varying in texture, durability, and appearance.
Natural stone (limestone, bluestone, slate, or sandstone) cut into irregular or regular shapes and used for patios, walkways, and pool decks.
A dry-mix concrete applied pneumatically to form the shell of a swimming pool or spa. Stronger and more flexible than standard concrete; the standard construction method for custom pools.
The process of reshaping the ground surface for proper drainage, structural support, and visual appeal before hardscape or planting installation.
All non-living elements of a landscape design: patios, retaining walls, walkways, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, and outdoor structures.
The engineering of a pool's circulation system — pumps, pipes, returns, skimmers, and drains — to ensure proper water flow, filtration, and chemical distribution.
A pool design in which one or more walls are built level with the water surface, creating the optical illusion that the water extends to the horizon. Water overflows into a catch basin and is recirculated.
The licensed profession governing the design of outdoor environments — grading, drainage, planting, hardscape, and structures — in compliance with local codes and engineering standards.
Thin-cut natural stone stacked horizontally to create a textured, layered effect on walls, columns, fire features, and water features.
Construction using stone, brick, or concrete block — including retaining walls, columns, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and pool surrounds.
An outdoor living surface adjacent to the home, typically paved with stone, concrete, or pavers, designed for seating, dining, or entertaining.
An open outdoor structure with a roof of beams or lattice — typically wood or Ipe — used to define outdoor rooms and support climbing plants or fabric shade.
The process of updating, repairing, or redesigning an existing pool — which may include resurfacing, retiling, replumbing, equipment upgrades, or full structural changes.
Removing and replacing the interior finish of an existing pool to restore appearance and waterproofing. Common triggers: staining, etching, delamination, or finish age (typically 10–15 years).
A structural wall built to hold back soil on a slope, enabling level planting areas, terraced patios, or grade transitions on uneven terrain.
A pool sanitation system that generates chlorine from dissolved salt via electrolysis, replacing traditional liquid or tablet chlorine. Produces softer-feeling water.
The living elements of a landscape: trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and turf. Counterpart to hardscape.
A heated, jetted vessel for hydrotherapy. Can be standalone or integrated ("spill-over spa") with a pool, sharing equipment and overflowing into the pool.
A natural limestone formed near hot springs, prized for its warm tones and thermal properties (stays cool underfoot). A premium choice for pool coping and decking in luxury outdoor design.
Any decorative element incorporating moving water: fountains, bubblers, sheer descents, deck jets, grottos, waterfalls, or pondless streams.
Decorative tile installed at the waterline of a pool, covering the area where water meets the shell. Functional (prevents scum line staining) and aesthetic.