When the client first approached us, they had one dream: a recreational pond that felt less like a pool and more like a living, breathing aquatic retreat. Not just water in the backyard, but an experience: A backyard oasis like no other. They wanted a place to relax, recharge, and share a lifestyle built around the beauty of nature.
At the heart of their vision was family. A place where their grandchildren could step into a mini paradise, splashing in clear water, exploring edges alive with plants, and making the kind of memories that stick for a lifetime. But it wasn’t only about family. They also wanted a space for entertaining, a natural gathering place that would draw people in, whether for quiet evenings under the stars or lively weekends with friends.
What began as a dream soon unfolded into a vision beyond the page and Vegas East was born. We worked closely with the architect, Professional Engineering Group, as well as the homeowner to plan and design a retreat style backyard that included a recreational pond that balances beauty, function, and fun. Our team was able to bring the designs on the page to life, resulting in a place where water, stone, and plants all come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. We saw the chance to create not just a pond, but a destination, an oasis where time slows and every detail feels deliberate.
Designing the Dream
The finished design stretches an impressive 80′ by 100′ feet, plunging 10.5′ feet at its deepest point, a scale that invites both awe and exploration. At its heart, a 30′ by 40′ foot wetland filter breathes life into the water, keeping it crystal clear while doubling as a lush backdrop of native plantings. On the far side, a 16′ by 20′ foot intake bay works quietly behind the scenes, maintaining balance without breaking the spell of serenity. Hidden beneath the surface, a 5′ by 8′ foot swim cave offers a sense of adventure, where the bold can dive below to test their underwater skills.
Regulatory Roadblocks and Weather Setbacks
the glass window in the sunken seating area.
As with many projects, phase 1 was determining the layout of the pond and mass excavation. For a project this size, this is no small feat. Phase 2 came to a halt when the town shut down the project for two months due to concerns over a non-permanent structure and a retaining wall used for construction parking. This triggered additional inspections and raised unrelated issues, such as silt fencing, which ultimately resulted in a Stop Work Order.
The shutdown caused major logistical challenges. Months of planning were derailed, the pond excavation was left exposed, and heavy rains led to cave-ins, creating a serious mess on site. To make matters worse, this delay occurred just before our out-of-town collaboration crew was scheduled to arrive, forcing them to reschedule their entire season. Ultimately, we lost two months of progress leading up to Thanksgiving, shut down again until April, and had to complete the remainder of the project under pressure—finishing just before July 4th.
Collaboration at Its Core
A project of this scale came with challenges, but that’s where the magic happened. From day one, we knew this build required more than muscle—it called for collaboration. By teaming up with fellow Certified Aquascape Contractors, we combined decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving grit.
The pond team united Sunrise Aquatics, Aqua-Springs of Texas, and 4D Exteriorscapes, while Real Rock delivered hardscape precision. Together, we created a jobsite that was as seamless as it was fun. Sunrise, 4D and Aqua-Springs brought their expertise in design and filtration, stream and waterfall artistry, wetlands and intake bays. We all were able to learn unique hacks from each other throughout this process. Damian, the human pond calculator, from 4D is a numbers geek that earned the name “Numbers” or “Numbs” for short. Real Rock brought their expertise in hardscapes and stonework and contributed with the stone stacked walls, fire pits and fabricating the unique grotto.
Powerhouse Performance
Balancing fun and function on a pond of this scale demanded precision at every step. Achieving crystal-clear water while carving out dedicated recreational zones wasn’t just a challenge, it was an engineering art form. The wetland filter and intake bay had to be seamlessly integrated without choking flow, a puzzle solved through in-field tweaks and custom adjustments.
From the architect’s vision to the decades of hands-on expertise from our team, the coordination with Superior Plumbing Service, and direct collaboration with the Aquascape Tech Department, the solution came together in the form of a powerhouse pumphouse. Outfitted with five 18,000-gph custom external Aquascape pumps feeding the wetland and waterfall wall, plus two 21,300-gph pumps driving the jets to the intake bay, the system ensures flawless circulation, balanced flow and water clarity that is practically transparent.
Engineering a Flow
Four pumps drive more than 40,000 gallons per hour down a stream into a natural boulder split waterfall. From there, the water cascades over a dramatic dive rock and a scalloped grotto with stepping stones.
The design also includes spaces for gathering and relaxation. A Timber Frame custom design covers the sunken seating area with a window into the pond connecting visitors to the aquatic life below, while an in-pond seating zone framed by a stacked stone waterfall wall immerses guests in the sights and sounds of flowing water. One of the owner’s favorite ways to enjoy the pond is to settle into this area with a cigar and his favorite beverage.
A Backyard Oasis that‘s a Living Showcase
The pond’s living jewels bring the Vegas East property to life. 44 imported Japanese koi, hand-selected by SideKoi, form the heart of the ecosystem. These vibrant fish are the owners’ true pride and joy, swimming beneath tropical and hardy waterlilies and a rich selection of marginals. Water Becomes a Garden provided expertise in the artistry of plant selection and design.
Carefully positioned lighting highlights the grotto, swim cave, and seating areas, while paver path lights and accent fixtures make the pond glow both day and night.
An Experience, Not Just a Pond
The name “Vegas East”, which was coined by the homeowner, captures the essence of this space perfectly—a nod to the glamour and energy of Las Vegas, but reimagined with refinement and ease. It’s a place where elegance meets entertainment, where guests aren’t just visitors, they’re part of an experience.
Here, sophistication is effortless. Evenings might begin with a casual gathering after the golf league, the warm glow of fire pits welcoming friends as music drifts through the air. The poker table comes out for the home league, a stylish nod to classic Vegas nights, yet tempered by the comfort of a private retreat. Grills fire up for weekend cookouts, conversations flow, and laughter echoes across the water as koi glide beneath.
Vegas East isn’t about spectacle—it’s about ambiance, connection, and curated fun. Every element, from seating areas to fire features, from the pond’s reflection to the carefully designed lighting, sets the stage for moments that are memorable without being ostentatious. It’s a retreat where luxury is lived, not flaunted, and where entertaining friends feels as natural as relaxing with a cigar and a favorite drink, the night stretching on in perfect rhythm.
Vegas East isn’t just a pond—it’s an experience. Every detail, from waterfalls and jets to koi and plantings, was designed to maximize beauty, function, and enjoyment. This project proves that with vision, collaboration, and technical expertise, a backyard can be transformed into an aquatic paradise.
