This Appaloosa Drive backyard in Queen Creek was designed as a resort-style retreat built around one idea: a pool the whole family actually uses, framed by spaces that stay comfortable from morning to well after dark.

The geometric pool anchors the yard with a full-length bench, a wide tanning ledge for in-water loungers, and a raised spa finished in deep navy glass tile that spills back into the main body of water. At the far end, a custom water slide sits on a raised platform clad in light stacked stone, its face doubling as a wide sheer descent waterfall into the pool.

The surrounding spaces were built for entertaining. A cantilevered 4K aluminum pergola with a warm wood-look ceiling, recessed lighting, and a mounted TV shades a full outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and stone-clad island. A linear fire table sits at the center of the lounge seating, with a second gas fire pit tucked along the house for quieter evenings.

Finishes were selected for contrast and cohesion: light limestone paver decking against deep blue water, dark tile accents for depth, artificial turf and stepping pads for soft transitions, and layered LED lighting that carries the yard through sunset.