Complete backyard transformations — pool, decking, outdoor kitchen, landscaping — all built by one triple-licensed crew. Pools from $55,555. Spa-only from $25,000.
Most Sacramento backyards are underused. A dead lawn, a concrete slab, maybe an old above-ground pool. Here's what the same space looks like after a proper makeover.
A backyard makeover in Sacramento isn't just about adding a pool. The best transformations treat the entire outdoor space as a single design — where the pool, the decking, the shade structure, and the landscaping all feel like they belong together.
That's the approach we bring to every project. Because we hold all three required licenses (C27, C35, C53), we design and build the entire backyard in-house — you deal with one team, one contract, one timeline.
Not every makeover needs all five. But knowing what each element adds — and costs — helps you plan the right scope from the start.
The centerpiece of any backyard makeover. A custom gunite pool gives you 30+ years of use with the right care. If a full pool isn't in scope yet, our spa-only option at $25,000 is a meaningful entry point that you can expand later. Pool + attached spa runs from $80,555.
Pool from $55,555 · Spa-only $25K · Pool + Spa from $80,555The surface area around your pool defines how the whole backyard feels. Broom finish concrete is clean and cost-effective. Exposed aggregate adds texture. Large-format slabs elevate the look significantly. Decking done right prevents future cracking and makes the pool feel like part of the home — not an add-on.
$22/sqft · $4,500 minimum · Typical pool surround: $8,000–$15,000A built-in BBQ island transforms a pool deck into a true outdoor living space. NorCal weather makes outdoor kitchens usable 10+ months of the year. We build full kitchen islands with sink, refrigerator, grill, and side burners on a concrete countertop with tile or stone finish. Great for Roseville and Granite Bay homeowners who entertain regularly.
$120/sqft · $9,000 minimumSacramento summers are relentless — 100°F days in July and August mean shade isn't a luxury, it's a usability requirement. A solid patio cover or alumawood pergola over your outdoor kitchen and seating area makes the whole space livable during peak summer. We design and permit shade structures as part of a complete backyard makeover build.
Varies by size and style — from ~$8,000 for a standard pergolaThe borders and plantings around your pool determine whether the backyard feels finished or half-done. Drought-tolerant landscaping using California natives works beautifully in NorCal and reduces water bills. Synthetic turf around the pool perimeter is increasingly popular — no mowing, no mud, no yellow patches from pool chemical splash.
Pricing varies by scope — included in full makeover packagesFire bowls, LED pool lighting, deck-mounted landscape lights, and gas fire troughs are the details that turn a nice backyard into a great one. These are typically added during the primary build — retrofitting later is possible but more expensive. We recommend budgeting for at least LED pool lighting and one fire feature on any full makeover.
Fire bowls from $2,500 · LED pool lighting from $1,200Both approaches work. Here's how to think about them and what each scope of backyard makeover costs in Sacramento.
When budget allows, building everything simultaneously is almost always the smarter financial decision. You benefit from shared mobilization, a single permit pull across all trades, no future excavation damage to existing work, and consistent design coordination. We estimate that building in one phase saves 10–20% versus phasing across separate years.
All-at-once also means one construction disruption to your home, not two or three. If you're planning to do the pool, the outdoor kitchen, and the decking eventually — strongly consider doing it together.
If budget is a constraint, phasing your backyard makeover is completely sensible. The key is planning the phases thoughtfully upfront — we design the complete final vision first, then build Phase 1 in a way that won't need to be torn out for Phase 2.
The most common phasing approach in Sacramento:
Even a spa-only first phase at $25,000 can transform how you use your backyard — and is a meaningful starting point while you save for the full pool build.
| Makeover Scope | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Entry — Spa Only | $25,000 | Standalone gunite spa, plaster finish, equipment, basic decking |
| Small Transformation — Pool Only | $55,555–$70,000 | Custom gunite pool (standard footprint), plaster, equipment, permit |
| Mid-Range — Pool + Spa + Decking | $90,000–$120,000 | Pool + attached spa, concrete decking, basic landscaping clean-up |
| Full Makeover — Pool + Outdoor Living | $120,000–$175,000 | Pool + spa, full decking, outdoor kitchen, shade structure, fire feature |
| Resort-Style Transformation | $175,000+ | Infinity edge or premium pool, full hardscape, outdoor kitchen, full landscape, lighting, fire features |
| Decking Only | $22/sqft ($4,500 min) | Broom finish, stamped, or exposed aggregate concrete surround |
| Outdoor Kitchen Add-On | $120/sqft ($9,000 min) | Built-in grill, sink, counter space, tile finish |
All prices are starting estimates for the Sacramento / Rocklin area. Get an instant estimate at phenomenalpoolscapes.com/pages/estimate.html or call (916) 926-8884 for a free consultation.
Every project in this gallery was designed and built in-house by our crew.
Sacramento's diverse architecture and climate support several distinct outdoor design directions. Here are the four most-requested styles we build.
Travertine or tumbled stone decking, warm earth tones, olive and citrus trees, terracotta accents, and a freeform pool with a spilling spa. Pairs beautifully with Sacramento's stucco-exterior homes. This style is timeless in Roseville and Rocklin neighborhoods built in the 2000s.
Popular in: Roseville · Rocklin · Fair Oaks
Clean geometric lines, dark plaster finish, concrete decking in light grey, drought-tolerant plants (agaves, ornamental grasses, desert willows), minimal palette. This style thrives in Sacramento's hot, dry climate and pairs perfectly with contemporary architecture. Virtually zero ongoing landscape maintenance.
Popular in: Granite Bay · El Dorado Hills · Lincoln
Light blue water finish, white or light grey concrete decking, white-painted wood pergola, tropical plants (palms, bird of paradise), and bright clean lines. The coastal aesthetic brings a relaxed resort energy to Sacramento backyards — popular with homeowners who love the beach aesthetic but live inland.
Popular in: Folsom · Elk Grove · Citrus Heights
The full transformation: infinity edge or lagoon pool, raised spilling spa, full outdoor kitchen with bar seating, solid shade structure, fire features, LED lighting throughout, and complete professional landscaping. The goal is a hotel-pool aesthetic on your own property. Popular across Granite Bay and El Dorado Hills where lot size allows it.
Popular in: Granite Bay · El Dorado Hills · LincolnFrom the day we break ground to the day you swim — here's exactly what happens and when.
We visit your property, measure the space, assess soil and grading, confirm setback requirements with your city, and discuss design options. You leave with a clear scope, a fixed price, and a project timeline. No vague estimates.
Week 0 — Before ConstructionWe submit permit applications to your city or county on your behalf. Typical approval times: City of Sacramento (4–6 weeks), Roseville (3–5 weeks), Folsom (4–6 weeks), Rocklin (3–4 weeks). We follow up with the permitting office so you don't have to.
Weeks 1–6 — Before Construction StartsExcavation is the loudest and most disruptive day of the project — usually one to two days of equipment in your yard. We stake the pool layout, dig to depth, and shape the shell. Neighbours will know something exciting is happening.
Days 1–2 of ConstructionOur crew installs the rebar skeleton, which gets inspected by the city before we shoot gunite. Gunite application takes one day and creates the permanent shell of the pool. After gunite cures (typically 10–14 days), the surface is ready for plaster.
Days 3–18 of ConstructionOur plumbing and electrical teams run all lines, install the equipment pad (pump, filter, heater, automation), and connect everything to your home's electrical panel. This work runs in parallel with decking where possible.
Weeks 2–4 of ConstructionConcrete forms go in, decking gets poured, coping is set, and any outdoor kitchen, fire features, or shade structure gets built in parallel. This is the phase where the backyard starts looking like the finished product.
Weeks 3–6 of ConstructionOur C35-licensed in-house plaster crew applies your chosen finish — white, Mini Pebble Smokey Gray, Midnight Blue, or other. The pool fills immediately after plaster application and water chemistry is balanced. Startup chemicals, equipment commissioning, and your final walkthrough happen on fill-up day.
Week 6–8 — Final PhaseWe walk you through the equipment controls, hand over the warranty documents, and your backyard makeover is complete. Chemistry typically stabilises within 24–72 hours of fill-up. Most clients are swimming within a week of plaster day.
Week 7–9 — Enjoy Your BackyardWe don't publish made-up testimonials. Read every review, from every customer, directly on our Google Business Profile — and on our in-house Gallery page.
Honest answers to the questions Sacramento homeowners ask most.
More on pricing, our gallery, and design guides for your backyard.
Tell us about your project — we'll reach out to schedule a free on-site consultation and walk you through exactly what's possible on your property.
