These days, the backyard is doing a lot more than growing grass. It’s where families gather, friends linger, and life’s everyday moments unfold.
For more than two decades, Donnie and Amy Powell have helped homeowners create outdoor spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional through their Loveland-based company, Finer Lawn & Landscaping. As demand for custom pools continued to grow, the couple recently launched Grand Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living, a sister company dedicated exclusively to pool design and installation while working seamlessly alongside Finer Lawn & Landscaping.
If there was ever a project that showcased what’s possible when the two companies work together, it’s the backyard they created for Jon and Jennifer Haines of South Lebanon.
The Haines family came to Donnie with a simple goal: transform their backyard into a place where family and friends could gather. Before construction even began, they knew they had found the right team.
“Donnie’s team showed us a 3D rendering of the project, and it surpassed our expectations of what we imagined was possible,” Jennifer recalls.
What followed became the largest project Donnie and his team have completed to date. The transformation included a custom in-ground pool with a diving board, waterslide and tanning ledge, more than 3,000 square feet of custom pavers and coping, retaining walls, a pergola, a covered outdoor living space with custom cabinetry, an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, lighting, fencing, raised landscape beds, and multiple entertainment areas.
But the biggest challenge wasn’t the wish list, it was the property itself.
“The backyard had a significant slope all the way down to the creek,” Donnie explains. “Everything had to be done with precision. The retaining walls had to be beautiful, but they also had to be structurally sound. Just getting materials from the road to the backyard was a challenge.”
Watching the transformation take shape made every obstacle worthwhile.
“My favorite part of every project is seeing it all come together,” Donnie shares with a smile. “On this one, I really love the waterfalls, the lighting at night, and the covered structure with the fireplace. The pool speaks for itself. It’s large, it’s fun, and I know the kids won’t be able to stay out of it.”
For Jennifer, the finished backyard was everything the family had hoped for.
“We love using the outdoor kitchen, and the fireplace lets us enjoy the space well into the fall. My favorite spot is the hanging swing where I can relax with a good book.”
But they didn’t stop there. Jennifer shares how the transformation extended beyond the backyard.
“Donnie also completed our driveway and refreshed the landscaping in the front yard. Our entire property was transformed.”
Projects like the Haines‘ are exactly why the Powells decided it was time to launch Grand Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living.
“We knew it was time to create this company when we were doing more than 10 to 15 pools a year,” Donnie explains. “Finer Lawn & Landscaping just didn’t sound like a pool company anymore. We wanted to separate the pool business while still allowing the two companies to work together.”
And work together they do. That partnership gives homeowners something Donnie believes is increasingly valuable: one experienced team from concept to completion.
“Our goal is to be a one-stop shop,” he says. “From design to installation, we develop a plan that fits the customer’s needs and budget. Our pool team handles everything from excavation through installation, then our landscaping and hardscape division completes the retaining walls, pool deck, and special features. We’re a turnkey, white-glove service from start to finish.”
While Grand Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living is on pace to complete 25 pools this year, Donnie says the company’s foundation was built long before the first pool was installed. After graduating from Warren County Career Center’s horticulture program, he launched Finer Lawn & Landscaping in 2002. As projects became more ambitious, so did the company’s expertise.
“We quickly evolved into a hardscape business, and it was off to the races,” he says. “We didn’t just learn new skills — we mastered them.”
Today’s homeowners, he says, are embracing clean, rectangular pool designs, tanning ledges, and sport pools that invite families to spend more time together outdoors.
“We’re always looking for the next challenge and the next opportunity to grow,” Donnie shares. “We want to continue transforming backyards one project at a time, but never lose sight that it’s not just about the work ... it’s about the relationships we build along the way.”