Engineered solutions for steep slopes, challenging soil, and year-round Pacific Northwest living.
Building a pool in the Seattle area isn’t a cookie-cutter job. Our region presents unique challenges: steep hillsides that require structural engineering, clay-heavy soil with drainage issues, strict setback and impervious surface regulations, and weather that limits traditional pool use to just 3 months a year.
At Malone’s Landscape, we’ve spent over 20 years solving these exact problems. We engineer infinity edges that cantilever over Bellevue’s dramatic slopes, design natural aquascapes that thrive in our temperate climate, and integrate year-round spas that make sense for homeowners who want to use their investment 12 months a year—not just during summer.
What sets us apart: We’re not pool installers; we’re landscape architects who understand how water features integrate with grading, drainage, native plantings, and outdoor living spaces. Every project includes complete site engineering, permitting support, and post-installation care guidance.
From infinity edges to plunge pools—book a free 30-minute design consult.
Pool & Water Feature Comparison Guide
Find Your Perfect Match Based on Your Property & Goals
| Feature Type | Ideal Property Profile | Timeline | Maintenance | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity Edge Pool | Sloped lots (Somerset, Lakemont, Cougar Mountain) with water or mountain views | 4–6 months | Moderate | Statement piece for entertaining; maximizes view corridors |
| Integrated Spa/Hot Tub | Any size yard; especially valuable for compact lots | 2–3 months | Low | Year-round use; extends outdoor season; therapeutic |
| Natural Swimming Pool | ½+ acre lots; wooded or naturalistic settings | 3–5 months | Low-Moderate | Eco-conscious design; no chlorine; wildlife-friendly |
| Geometric/Lap Pool | Modern architecture; flat or gently sloped yards | 3–5 months | Moderate | Fitness-focused; clean aesthetic; space-efficient |
| Pond & Waterfall | Shade gardens; Asian-inspired landscapes; meditation spaces | 3–5 weeks | Low | Sound masking; wildlife habitat; low-commitment water feature |
Luxury Inground Pools (Concrete & Gunite)
For homeowners investing in a long-term, architectural water feature that becomes the centerpiece of their outdoor living space—and who need the structural flexibility to work with challenging Pacific Northwest terrain.
Unlike prefabricated fiberglass shells or vinyl-liner pools that come in predetermined shapes and sizes, concrete and gunite pools are built on-site using sprayed concrete over a custom steel rebar framework.
In the Eastside’s hilly terrain, most properties aren’t flat rectangles. You’re working with slopes that drop 10, 20, even 40 feet across a backyard. You need drainage systems that can handle 40+ inches of annual rainfall. And you want a pool that integrates seamlessly with your home’s architecture—whether that’s a contemporary glass-and-steel design in Medina or a craftsman estate in Sammamish.
Infinity Edge
Perfect For: Properties with Lake Washington views, Cascade mountain backdrops, or dramatic elevation changes
The Design Challenge: Infinity edges require precise hydraulic engineering and structural cantilevers—our specialty.
Modern Geometric
Perfect For: Contemporary homes in Medina, Downtown Bellevue, or new builds in Sammamish
Design Note: We align pool geometry with your home’s architecture and sightlines from main living spaces.
Freeform/Lagoon
Perfect For: Ranch-style homes, wooded lots, or “resort in the backyard” aesthetics
Design Note: We incorporate boulders, beach entries, and grotto features for a naturalistic look.
Your local custom pool builder
Why Choose Malone’s Landscape as your Custom Pool Builder?
With endless possibilities, Malone’s Landscape is your local go-to swimming pool builder bringing your dream pool to life. Whatever your vision, our landscape design team ensures every detail aligns with your style, space, and purpose.
Structural Engineering Expertise:
We don’t guess on slopes and soils. Our designs include engineered retaining walls, drainage plans, and compaction specs—critical for long-term stability in Seattle’s challenging terrain.
Local Permitting Knowledge:
We’ve navigated Bellevue, King County, Sammamish, and Redmond permit processes hundreds of times. We know what reviewers look for and how to get approvals efficiently.
Post-Installation Support
We don’t disappear after the final walkthrough. We provide maintenance training, seasonal checklists, and are available for questions as you learn your system.
Dedicated Team:
With 30+ years of experience and award winning properties, our team ensures a smooth, worry-free process.
Creating a Luxury Pool Environment
Transform your existing pool into a complete outdoor living experience by layering complementary elements:
Water + Fire Integration
Pair cascading waterfalls with elevated fire bowls or poolside fire pits. The contrast creates dramatic ambiance for evening entertaining—especially valuable in our Pacific Northwest climate where fire features extend the outdoor season.
Natural Aquascape Additions
Complement your pool with a nearby koi pond or naturalistic water garden. We design these to feel integrated—using similar stone, coordinated plantings, and connecting the pool’s modern elements with organic, eco-friendly features.
Lighting Layering
Underwater LED color-changing systems, waterfall accent lighting, and surrounding landscape lights create a resort-quality atmosphere. Modern controls let you set scenes for different occasions
Pools & Water Feature Design Planning
See Bellevue & Eastside Projects in Action Don’t just imagine the possibilities—see how we’ve transformed local backyards. From infinity edges in Somerset to secluded spas in Medina, our gallery showcases real solutions for Pacific North West terrain. Browse our portfolio to see how we blend water, stone, and slope into a cohesive outdoor retreat.
Dive into our work below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What homeowners actually want to know
Do I need a permit for a pool or water feature in Bellevue?
Yes, for almost any inground pool, integrated spa, or water feature with mechanical components. We handle the entire permitting process, including engineering drawings and site plan submissions to the City of Bellevue, King County, or your jurisdiction.
Can you build a pool on a sloped lot?
Absolutely—it’s our specialty. Most of the Eastside is hilly. We design structural retaining walls, engineer proper drainage, and often use the slope to create dramatic infinity edges or multi-level pool/spa combinations.
How much does a custom pool cost in the Seattle area?
Budget ranges (2024–2025): Basic gunite pool (no spa, standard finishes): $80K–$120K. Luxury pool with spa, premium finishes, extensive hardscape: $150K–$300K+. Natural swimming pool: $100K–$200K (larger footprint but simpler mechanics). Renovation/resurfacing: $15K–$60K depending on scope. Every project is different—we provide detailed, line-item estimates after an on-site consultation.
How long does it take to build a pool?
Design & permitting: 4–8 weeks. Construction: 8–16 weeks for standard projects; up to 6 months for complex infinity edges or sites requiring extensive grading. Weather delays are common in Seattle—we build rain contingencies into every timeline.
Will a pool increase my property value?
In higher-end Eastside neighborhoods (Bellevue, Medina, Clyde Hill, Mercer Island), a well-designed pool typically adds 50–80% of its cost to resale value. In more modest areas or homes under $800K, ROI can be lower. We recommend building a pool for lifestyle enjoyment first, property value second.
Talk with our Team of Pool and Water Feature Designers Today!
Sitting down with the landscape designers at Malone’s is just the first step to starting your pool construction and transforming your backyard into a personal paradise.