Sometimes utilizing the swimming pool to deal with grades is a great way to add layers, seating, and planting areas. A raised bond beam is used to cut into the hill, while a reverse bond beam keeps the grade lower than the pool water. Both ways are an economical way to handle different grades that your yard may have without having to build a retaining wall.

Due to the severity of the grade and the limited space the pool was used as a retaining wall. A reverse beam was used to keep the grade lower than the pool and dressed with stone.