Freeform Pool with Boulder Waterfall

Design notes

Mountain pools trade ornament for view. Look for a rectangular or vanishing-edge pool aimed at the peaks, decks of ipe or dark composite, stacked-stone walls and boulders at the edge, a hot tub and fire pit within a few steps, and planting of pines, aspens and grasses. Dark plaster and warm lighting make the water glow on cold evenings.

What to look for

• The coping — how the deck meets the water sets the whole tone
• Where the spa sits and how it spills into the pool
• Night lighting: which features glow and which stay dark