A client approached Rockwater Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes with a unique request: design a luxury backyard pool and spa that incorporated an autocover system. For many designers, that detail might have been a limitation, but for Todd Thomasson, owner of Rockwater Farm, it became the spark for something original. Rather than compromise the spa design, he treated the challenge as an opportunity to elevate the overall aesthetic. The result is a one-of-a-kind “Pac-Man” style spa that delivers both functionality and a striking focal point for the backyard.
A Philosophy of Unique Design
For Thomasson, every project begins with the belief that no two backyards should ever look the same. “We simply don’t build the same thing twice,” he explained. “Even if it’s another 20 by 40 pool, the backyard, the access, the elevations—all of it is different. Every time is the first time for us, and that’s what makes design exciting”.
This philosophy extends beyond pools. Founded nearly two decades ago, Rockwater Farm began as a landscaping company rooted in Thomasson’s background as a trained stonemason. Over the years, the company evolved to specialize in complete outdoor environments—pools, pavilions, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and landscape integration. That holistic approach ensures projects flow seamlessly, with one point of accountability and a vision that unifies all elements of the backyard.
Setting the Stage for Something Different
Like many of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects, this one began with a relationship. The homeowners had been long-time maintenance clients, trusting the company with their property care for years. When they purchased a new home in a growing neighborhood, they wanted more than just a functional backyard — they envisioned a place to entertain, gather, and enjoy with family.
The project unfolded in phases. First came a patio, outdoor kitchen, and pergola connected to the house — all designed and built by Thomasson’s team. But those elements were only part of a bigger dream. From the start, the homeowners knew a pool and spa would eventually complete the space. The question wasn’t if, but how.
The “Pac-Man” Spa
When it came time to plan the pool and reconcile the client’s desire for an autocover, Thomasson faced a design puzzle. The cover system required uninterrupted space at one end of the pool, which conflicted with traditional spa placement. Rather than forcing a compromise, he cut a quarter out of the spa and turned it into a design opportunity.
“I didn’t want the typical spa on the side of the pool that spills in. Those are dime a dozen,” said Thomasson. “We’re always asking: what haven’t we done, or what can we pull from different projects to create something unique? This became what we call a crow’s nest of a spa, perched up on the corner of the pool. Because of the shape, it ended up looking like Pac-Man”.
The cut-out serves multiple purposes. It creates a clean line for the autocover to function, ensures no one has their back to the pool—a safety consideration—and frames the water in a striking way. “By taking out that piece, we kept visibility of the water as a priority. Everyone in the spa is still looking across the pool, not away from it,” he explained.
A Balance of Safety and Style
Safety wasn’t an afterthought. For Thomasson, it was ingrained in the design process. He recalled his own childhood experiences as part of the inspiration: “I grew up with a pool. My mom was a school teacher, sitting on the deck with a whistle. That always stuck with me—the importance of seeing the water. It’s something I think about in every project”.
In this way, the spa design became both functional and symbolic. It respected the client’s need for safety, maintained visual oversight of the water, and at the same time became a distinctive element that elevated the project’s sophistication.
Material Selections That Complement the Design
The pool’s elegance extends beyond its shape. Every material was selected with care. Around the pool, Thomasson used marble decking with a sandblasted finish, chosen for its comfort and practicality. “It doesn’t get hot underfoot like flagstone, pavers, or even concrete. At the same time, it provides grip, so it’s safe as well as beautiful”.
The pavilion, angled to enhance views from the house, introduces a rustic counterpoint with Pennsylvania flagstone underfoot and heavy timber framing overhead. “Everything on this project is natural stone. We don’t really do pavers. I’m biased as a former stonemason, but I believe it’s a better product. It holds up, and it looks timeless,” Thomasson said.
The interior finish of the pool is a darker blue plaster, selected for both aesthetic and practical reasons. It reflects light beautifully and helps maintain water temperature, creating shimmering, reflective tones that change with the sky.
Transitioning Spaces Through Stone
Another intentional design detail was the use of contrasting materials at transitions. “I like step treads to be a contrasting material so they stand out. If you run travertine everywhere, bright sunlight can wash out those changes and someone could trip. By mixing materials, you get safety and visual definition, while also creating a sense of arriving in a new space,” Thomasson explained.
Bringing the Backyard to Life at Night
While the spa steals the show during the day, the backyard transforms into something even more dramatic after sunset. Thomasson integrated extensive lighting throughout the landscape, pavilion, and pool features. Solid granite fire bowls, gas-powered and glowing after dark, punctuate the scene. The pavilion’s fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, while deck jets and bubblers with LED lighting create playful movement and vibrant accents.
“There’s just a lot of different activity that can happen out here. It’s not just a backyard—it’s a resort,” Thomasson said.
The Moment It All Came Together
For Thomasson, the true impact of the design hit during the project’s first photo shoot. “It really sank in when I was there at night. The lights were on, it was warm, everything came together. I just walked around and thought, ‘We actually built this. This looks awesome.’ It was one of those moments where you stop, take it in, and appreciate what you created”.
That moment of reflection underscores what makes Rockwater Farm distinctive: a blend of design ingenuity, craftsmanship, and respect for the client’s trust.
Beyond the Expected
What could have been a design obstacle—the integration of an autocover—became the genesis of one of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects. By embracing the challenge, Thomasson and his team produced something that is not only functional but also a signature piece of design. The Pac-Man spa represents more than a clever workaround; it reflects a philosophy of turning limitations into opportunities.
In Thomasson’s words, “Ultimately, you want something different in your portfolio. That’s how we approach design. It’s about pushing creativity while still serving the client’s needs”.
For Rockwater Farm, thinking around covers and corners has become second nature—and it shows in every detail of this unique backyard retreat.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Todd Thomasson of Rockwater Farm on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
The post Thinking Around Covers & Corners: A Pac-Man Style Spa appeared first on PoolMagazine.com – Get The Latest Pool News.
