If you live in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, turning your backyard into a personal oasis isn’t just a luxury — it’s an investment in your home, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind. At Clarkson Pools, a family-owned and operated company, we’ve spent over three decades helping clients in our area transform ordinary outdoor spaces into extraordinary environments that combine stunning pools, patios, and landscaping into one seamless, functional retreat.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing backyard, this guide will walk you through the most in-demand features and practical tips to create your dream outdoor living space — with Clarkson Quality at the center of it all.
Why an Integrated Backyard Oasis?
In Florida, your backyard isn’t just a place for occasional gatherings — it’s a year-round extension of your living space. Especially in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas, combining custom pools, hardscapes, and landscaping gives homeowners the ultimate staycation spot right outside their door.
From family-friendly pools and spa retreats to outdoor kitchens and lush landscaping, an integrated outdoor environment adds value, beauty, and functionality to your home.
The Foundation: Custom Pools & Spas
A custom pool is often the centerpiece of a backyard oasis. In Jacksonville and St. Augustine, where warm weather dominates most of the year, your pool becomes more than a water feature — it’s a daily escape.
Popular Pool Features:
Tanning Ledges: Perfect for lounging or letting little ones play safely.
Integrated Spas: Relax sore muscles while enjoying the Florida stars.
Waterfalls & Sheer Descents: Add the calming sound of running water.
LED Lighting: Create ambiance for evening entertaining.
At Clarkson Pools, we approach pool design with the same attention to form, function, and final product that has guided our work for 35 years. Whether you want a modern geometric linear pool or a natural, freeform lagoon, our Design Consultants use cutting-edge training to bring your vision to life.
Hardscaping That Grounds the Space
Once the pool is planned, it’s time to build the patios and walkways that frame the space. These elements are essential for both aesthetics and functionality.
Top Hardscape Features:
Paver or Travertine Decking: Slip-resistant and stunning under the Florida sun.
Covered Patios & Cabanas: Stay shaded and cool during the heat of the day.
Pergolas & Arbors: Add architectural interest and define outdoor zones.
In coastal areas like Ponte Vedra or inland suburbs of Jacksonville, choosing durable, weather-resistant materials is key. Our team helps clients select hardscaping solutions that handle Florida’s humidity, rain, and sun while complementing their home’s style.
Bringing the Heat: Fire Features & Outdoor Kitchens
A true backyard oasis extends beyond water to include places to cook, gather, and warm up — even in Florida’s cooler months.
Must-Have Outdoor Living Features:
Fireplaces & Fire Pits: Ideal for evening conversation or s’mores with the kids.
Built-in Grills: Perfect for the weekend cookout or weekday dinners.
Full Outdoor Kitchens: Think countertops, sinks, beverage fridges, and even pizza ovens.
The Clarkson Pools Outdoor Living division specializes in these enhancements. Our goal is to design fully integrated spaces that turn backyards into outdoor rooms, combining cooking, entertaining, and relaxation into one harmonious space.
Landscaping: The Finishing Touch
Landscaping ties your entire outdoor living space together — softening the edges, adding privacy, and creating a lush, inviting atmosphere.
Key Landscaping Tips:
Use Native Plants: Florida-friendly species like palm varieties, coontie, or muhly grass reduce maintenance and water needs.
Layer Plants for Texture: Combine groundcovers, shrubs, and trees for a visually rich space.
Add Strategic Lighting: Uplighting trees or pathway lights extends usability after dark.
Clarkson Pools partners with trusted local landscaping professionals to ensure the final product is as functional as it is beautiful — and always in sync with your pool and patio design.
Planning Your Backyard Makeover: 5 Smart Tips
Whether you’re in Nocatee or Fleming Island, Oakleaf or Jacksonville Beach, planning is key to a successful backyard transformation. Here’s how to start:
1. Start with Your Lifestyle
Do you want an elaborate custom pool as a showpiece for your backyard? A lap pool for fitness? A shallow area for grandkids? A gourmet grilling area or pergola to complement your outdoor oasis, and provide a more functional space? Your goals shape the design.
2. Consider Flow and Function
How will people move between the pool, patio, and indoor spaces? Will there be enough shade? Seating?
3. Work with a Full-Service Partner
Choosing a company like Clarkson Pools, which can handle pool construction, outdoor living, and renovations, ensures better coordination and consistency.
4. Think About Maintenance
Ask about automation, smart pool systems, and efficient designs to reduce upkeep.
5. Renovating? Know What to Upgrade
If you already have a pool, focus on resurfacing, new waterline tile, lighting, and updated equipment — or expand your setting with a patio or fire feature.
Renovations: Breathe New Life Into Existing Backyards
Many Jacksonville homeowners are looking to renovate outdated pools and patios rather than start from scratch. Our Renovation and Pool Care divisions specialize in these upgrades. Whether you’re looking to reimagine a 20-year-old pool, resurface decking, or add smart technology, we bring the same Clarkson Quality to every phase of your pool’s life.
Why Choose Clarkson Pools?
At Clarkson Pools, we’re not just building pools — we’re building relationships, one backyard at a time, and we’ve been at it right here in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas for a long time.
Why Choose Clarkson Pools?
At Clarkson Pools, we’re not just building pools — we’re building relationships, one backyard at a time, and we’ve been at it right here in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas for a long time.
The Clarkson Difference:
35 Years of Excellence in Northeast Florida
Full-Service Divisions for design, construction, outdoor living, and ongoing care
Our Trained Pool Design Consultants ensure the highest design standards
Our United Aqua Group (UAG) Membership grants us access to the best equipment and materials. Members are business owners who have been selectively qualified and are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, quality, and service in the industry
Likewise, our Membership & Leadership in the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) means you’re working with an ethical, qualified team
We’ve been named one of the 2025 Top Contractors for Northeast Florida, among all commercial contracting companies
We serve communities across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and beyond with a commitment to quality that’s defined us for generations.
Ready to Create Your Own Oasis?
Whether you’re building from the ground up or refreshing an existing backyard, Clarkson Pools is your partner in creating a space that inspires relaxation, connection, and joy.
Contact us today to schedule a design consultation and let us show you how we combine custom pools, patios, and landscaping to create your dream outdoor space in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and throughout Northeast Florida.
Clarkson Pools — 35 Years of Craftsmanship, Innovation, and the Florida Lifestyle, Built Right in Your Backyard.