august 2025 pool of the month winner: the illusion 35′

This creative Imagine Pools Illusion 35 installation by Backyard Blues Pools transforms a challenging Murfreesboro, TN, site into a luxurious outdoor oasis featuring innovative spa entry design and comprehensive recreational amenities.

When Backyard Blues Pools first arrived at this Murfreesboro, Tennessee, property in an upscale community, they found a blank canvas: literally just a grassy backyard with an existing retaining wall. What has emerged is a stunning testament to thoughtful design and meticulous execution that has become a neighborhood showpiece.

The centerpiece is The Illusion 35 in Ice Silver from Imagine Pools perfectly positioned within the constraints of the existing retaining wall. This unique challenge actually became an opportunity, as Backyard Blues Pools’ owner Jordan Kiss explained, “We actually had to drop the pool inside of the retaining wall, and that’s what made it fun.” The excavation required more work than initially anticipated, and the logistics weren’t typical, but the result is a beautifully integrated design that feels naturally carved into the landscape rather than imposed upon it.

The property sits on substantial acreage, with the pool area occupying the upper level while an additional half-acre extends beyond the retaining wall down to a creek. This expansive setting in a neighborhood of high-end homes provided the perfect backdrop for creating something truly special.

What truly sets this installation apart is the attention to creative details that the homeowner specifically requested. The two-tier spa entry system showcases the kind of custom thinking that transforms a standard pool into something extraordinary. This innovative approach allows swimmers to enter the spa gradually, creating both visual interest and functional appeal.

Paired with dual shear descents that create a seamless spillover from The Mystique Spa, the water features provide both visual drama and soothing sounds that enhance the entire outdoor experience. The spillover design creates a cohesive water flow that ties the spa and pool together as one unified feature rather than separate elements.

The pool features three color LED lights in the main body plus one in the spa, creating a spectacular nighttime ambiance that transforms the space after dark. The lighting design ensures the entire water feature becomes a glowing centerpiece that can be enjoyed from both the pool deck and the house.

The pool features three color LED lights in the main body plus one in the spa, creating a spectacular nighttime ambiance that transforms the space after dark. The lighting design ensures the entire water feature becomes a glowing centerpiece that can be enjoyed from both the pool deck and the house.

This isn’t just about the pool itself, however; it’s also about creating a complete outdoor lifestyle. The surrounding hardscape features brushed concrete with decorative scoring and a stamped color border in a smoke gray color, creating elegant pathways and lounging areas that complement the water features beautifully. The concrete work was completed after the pool installation and adds sophisticated finishing touches throughout the space.

A sunken fire pit on the opposite side of the pool provides the perfect gathering spot for cooler evenings, extending the usability of the outdoor space well beyond swimming season. The sunken design creates an intimate conversation area while maintaining clear sight lines across the entire backyard.

One of the most impressive aspects of this installation is its year-round usability. The homeowner keeps the pool open all twelve months, made possible by the strategic absence of overhanging trees and the quality of the installation. The spa becomes especially popular during winter months, providing a warm retreat even when outdoor temperatures drop.

The heating system’s efficiency and the dual-system design mean the family can enjoy their spa whenever they want without having to heat the entire pool. This flexibility makes the installation practical for Tennessee’s varied climate while keeping operating costs reasonable.

Backyard Blues Pools brings a unique approach to the industry with their complete turnkey service model. They provide ongoing support through their two Murfreesboro retail locations. From initial design through ongoing maintenance, water testing, pool opening and closing services and comprehensive warranty support, they provide complete care that keeps this beautiful installation looking and performing perfectly year after year.

The homeowner has become a regular at one of their retail locations, stopping by weekly for water testing, a testament to the long-term relationships this company builds with their clients. This ongoing connection ensures any issues are addressed quickly and that the pool continues to operate at peak performance.

Kiss started Backyard Blues Pools in 2011 and has grown it into a full-service operation that handles everything from construction to long-term maintenance. Their philosophy of being a true one-stop shop means customers have a single point of contact for all their pool needs, whether that’s a warranty issue, routine maintenance or planning future upgrades.

This Illusion 35 installation proves that with creative vision and expert execution, even challenging sites can become extraordinary outdoor retreats that families will enjoy for decades to come. The combination of thoughtful design, quality construction and ongoing support creates value that extends far beyond the initial installation.

The project demonstrates how the right pool builder can work with site constraints to create opportunities for unique design elements. What could have been a limitation – the existing retaining wall – became the foundation for a distinctive installation that stands out in a neighborhood full of luxury homes.

For homeowners considering their own backyard transformation, this installation showcases the importance of working with a pool builder who thinks creatively about design challenges and provides comprehensive support throughout the ownership experience.
For guidance on creating your backyard retreat, reach out to your local Imagine Pools dealer to see what you can bring to life.