Quick Summary
Selah Pools built a negative edge pool and oversized spa for the Sharp family in Granbury featuring a 9,838-gallon freeform pool, 14-person spa with 6 massage jets, 6-layer tiered spillover, Aquabella Bora Bora 647 glass tile, Buff Lueders stone veneer, water bowls, bubblers, and UV/O3 sanitizer.
Key Takeaways
- The Sharp family’s challenging hillside terrain became the design inspiration rather than an obstacle to overcome
- Negative edge pool with southwestern curves, oversized 14-person spa, and 6-layer tiered spillover spanning 7 feet
- Aquabella Bora Bora glass tile, Buff Lueders stone veneer, and Caribbean Blue Pebble Luster plaster elevate materials
- Engineering expertise creates invisible structural support allowing the pool to appear naturally nestled in the hillside
Instead of fighting Mother Nature, Selah used the lay of the land to their advantage in this Granbury hillside transformation. What could have been a construction obstacle became design inspiration — a multi-tiered outdoor living space that doesn’t just accommodate the slope but makes it shine.
At its heart, a graceful negative edge pool with southwestern freeform curves appears to have always belonged here, nestled into the hillside. The pool’s 9,838-gallon capacity fills organic contours that follow the terrain rather than fighting it, while the oversized spa perched above accommodates 14 guests for lakeside entertaining.
Building on a slope requires serious engineering know-how, combining reinforced concrete and structural support to create a foundation that’s rock-solid yet invisible. All that technical wizardry disappears behind organic shapes — all you see is a beautiful pool that looks like it just belongs there.
“Amazing!!! Love the work and love the finished product! Thanks for the hard work, James!!!”
Aquabella Bora Bora 647 glass tile creates jewel-like waterline definition, extending to the negative edge in precise 1x2 format that emphasizes the pool’s dramatic drop-off. The glass catches and refracts sunlight differently than ceramic — shifting hues throughout the day from deep ocean blue to tropical turquoise.
Buff Lueders stone veneer in chopped finish wraps the structural elements with Hill Country authenticity. The natural limestone speaks to Granbury’s geographic identity while providing the durability Texas weather demands.
Pebble Luster plaster in Caribbean Blue transforms the interior into a shimmering lagoon. Combined with 8.3 cubic yards of reinforced concrete beneath the surface, the finish is as durable as it is beautiful.
The signature 6-layer tiered spillover spans nearly seven feet, creating dramatic water movement between the elevated spa and the main pool. Six massage jets and a dedicated blower system keep the oversized spa’s 571 gallons in constant therapeutic motion.
Dual water bowls and bubblers add kinetic energy throughout the pool, while 4 LED pool lights and a dedicated spa light transform the space after dark. The raised beam columns at +12″ frame the negative edge with architectural presence.
Behind the scenes, a JXI 400k natural gas heater and UV/O3 sanitizer ensure year-round comfort and water quality. The Alpha IQ+ automatic cleaner and variable speed circulation maintain crystal clarity with minimal intervention.
The Sharp family’s backyard didn’t just gain a pool — it gained an entirely new way of living outdoors. The hillside that once limited their options now defines the experience: every tier reveals a new view, every level creates a new gathering space.
The oversized spa becomes the social hub on cool evenings, where 14 guests can gather with the tiered spillover providing background music. The fire pit area, connected by flagstone paths, anchors the upper tier for post-swim conversation. From the pool level, the negative edge creates the illusion that the water stretches all the way to the lake beyond.
What sets this build apart is how invisible the engineering feels. The reinforced concrete, the structural support, the precise grading — none of it announces itself. You don’t see a hillside that was conquered. You see a pool that was always meant to be here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build a pool on a steep slope like this property?
Building pools on challenging hillside terrain requires specialized engineering that combines reinforced concrete and structural support systems. The Sharp project in Granbury demonstrates how slopes become design opportunities — their negative edge pool follows the natural grade while appearing to float above the landscape below.
Our approach uses the terrain’s natural advantages, creating multi-tiered outdoor living spaces that feel organic to the site. What looks effortless actually represents hundreds of hours of precision engineering, but that complexity remains invisible to families enjoying their hillside sanctuary.
How large can you make a custom spa compared to standard?
Standard residential spas typically accommodate 6-7 people, but custom sizing allows for much larger gatherings. The Sharp family’s oversized custom spa measures nearly 14 feet by 5 feet with 571 gallons of capacity, comfortably hosting 14 adults for entertaining or relaxation.
This scale requires 6 massage jets for proper circulation and a dedicated 2 HP blower system. The tiered spillover extends nearly 7 feet across 6 layers, creating dramatic water movement proportional to the spa’s generous size.
What makes a negative edge pool different from infinity edge?
A negative edge pool drops the water level below the pool coping on one or more sides, creating the visual effect of water disappearing into the landscape. This technique works particularly well on sloped properties where the grade naturally supports the illusion.
Construction requires precise engineering to handle water overflow and structural loads, especially on hillsides. Aquabella Bora Bora 647 glass tile in 1x2 format emphasizes the clean edge line, while hidden catch basins manage water circulation.
How do water bowls and bubblers enhance the pool?
Water features like the dual water bowls and bubblers add both visual movement and soothing acoustics to the outdoor living space. These features create kinetic energy that makes still water feel alive, while the gentle sounds provide natural privacy screening.
Combined with the 6-layer tiered spillover, these elements transform a quiet pool into an active water sanctuary. Multiple water sources create layered soundscapes ideal for relaxation or conversation masking.
Why choose glass tile over ceramic for pool waterlines?
Glass tile like Aquabella Bora Bora 647 reflects light differently than ceramic, creating jewel-like waterline definition that shifts throughout the day. The material’s density and smooth surface resist staining and calcium buildup better than porous alternatives.
In the Sharp project, the 1x2 format along the negative edge emphasizes the pool’s dramatic drop-off with precision detailing. Glass tile maintains its color saturation underwater and above, ensuring consistent visual impact.
Your Hillside Vision Deserves Expert Design
Share your slope challenges with us. We’ll show you how terrain becomes opportunity.
(817) 618-5731
