- Office: 12090 Shale Ridge Lane Auburn, CA 95602
Natural Design Swimming Holes builds breathtaking, resort-style pools in Cool that look like they were carved by nature itself. Based in Auburn, and serving Northern California and the Greater Sacramento Area, we specialize in custom swimming pools that replicate the beauty of lakes, waterfalls, and mountain streams—right in your own backyard.
Since 1978, our team of in-house artisans has led the industry in designing and building naturalistic swimming holes using sculpted structural concrete, hand-crafted rock features, and stunning water elements like cascading waterfalls, shallow beach entries, and natural boulder seating.
If you’re dreaming of a backyard in Cool, California that feels like a private vacation destination, you’re in the right place.
Why fly? We build vacation destinations.


















Our custom-built Swimming Holes in Cool, California go far beyond traditional pools. Designed to look like natural bodies of water, each project features sculpted rock formations, cascading waterfalls, shallow beaches, and integrated seating—creating a serene, resort-like escape right at home. Every detail is crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape for a look that’s as breathtaking as it is functional.
Swimming Holes from Natural Design are engineered with the beauty of nature in mind. Using structural concrete and hand-sculpted rock, we create custom pools in Cool that resemble mountain springs, desert oases, or tropical lagoons. The result is a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience—complete with diving rocks, beach entries, and waterfall features—built for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Many homeowners in Cool, California dream of adding a fishpond to enhance their outdoor space, but often hesitate, believing it will be too complicated or high maintenance. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. While koi ponds, with their large, costly fish and complex filtration systems, can be challenging, a simpler option such as a goldfish pond can be just as enjoyable and far easier to manage.
Goldfish ponds offer a budget-friendly solution that is both low-maintenance and highly rewarding for Cool homeowners. Unlike koi, feeder goldfish are affordable, resilient, and easy to replace if predators become an issue. These active, colorful fish bring movement, charm, and life to any garden, creating a relaxing and visually appealing outdoor environment.
Sculpted flagstone is an exceptionally attractive and practical choice for driveways, patios, and walkways in Cool, California. At Natural Design Swimming Holes, sculpted flagstone has been our trusted, signature finish for all faux rock flatwork for over 50 years.
It’s also the preferred finish for our custom swimming pool decks in Cool, as it seamlessly blends into the natural landscape while remaining both stylish and highly functional.
Waterfalls into swimming pools in Cool, California come in a variety of styles, each offering a unique beauty and atmosphere. Faux rock waterfalls, crafted with sculpted structural concrete, often look even more natural than real rock that is stacked and mortared to build a waterfall. This is because skilled sculptors can design these features to resemble organic rock formations as they might occur in nature.
At Natural Design Swimming Holes, our signature waterfall element is the cantilever rock. This design creates the illusion of a massive, flat boulder extending dramatically over the pool’s surface. As water cascades over this rock and drops directly into the pool from heights of 4 to 5 feet, the visual effect is stunning.
Beyond its striking appearance, the cantilever rock also serves as a practical feature by forming an excellent ledge for diving or jumping into the pool. Additionally, with a submerged bench placed beneath the waterfall, swimmers can sit under the flowing water and enjoy the exhilarating sensation of water splashing over their heads, creating a thrilling experience for both kids and adults alike.
An advantage of in-house construction in Cool, California is that we do not outsource our work to subcontractors, so we maintain full control of and responsibility for the construction schedule from beginning to end. This level of oversight ensures faster project timelines, consistent communication, and superior quality control for every custom swimming pool we build.
Another advantage is that our method of sculpting structural concrete into realistic faux rock for Natural Design Swimming Holes was developed in-house over 40 years ago. Many of our team members have been with us since the early years, so you can be confident that a highly experienced and skilled crew is in your yard in Cool building your new swimming pool with precision, craftsmanship, and long-term durability.
At Natural Design Swimming Holes, we take pride in using the existing terrain in Cool to full advantage when designing and building custom swimming holes.
Working with hillsides or flat properties, on very large or very small lots, our custom swimming pools in Cool are designed to enhance your landscape and elevate your lifestyle.
We’re excited to connect with you and help turn your backyard dreams into a reality. Whether you have questions about our services, want to discuss your project ideas, or simply want to reach out, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.