Nice picture. In 3 years, when the 1gal/5gal plants and small trees grow up it can look like that if you space the plants correctly. While the ISO view is nice, it’s hard to gage depth and overall boundaries of the lot. I think you’ll get more feedback if you link a landscaped topview. Second, do you have shade anywhere else in the yard? That little umbrella is insufficient for gatherings and may shade 2 people depending on sun angle. I would probably build a patio cover over a portion of your left patio, leaving the other half open for sunbathing. It doesn’t look too wide, so footings can be poured into the grass and slope. The elevated rock formation patio looks ideal for a portable firepit surrounded by a few chairs. Regarding the BBQ location, I have the same problem in that the pool is far from the house. I decided to build it by the pool. It’s great for parties, but a pain walking back & forth to the house when grilling for family. A multipurpose bench structure by the spa would be ideal. You can sit there to cool off, build storage underneath, add an adjacent refrigerator, and build an open shower behind it.
Be sure to check your roof tiles before & after Solar installation. I found 2 cracked tiles on mine after install and made the contractor replace them. If you’re going to dig up your yard and don’t have a pool autofill, consider putting one in, they’re worth it. I was too cheap to install one and now I have to manually turn the water on every week. One time I forgot to turn it off and flooded my entire backyard. Anyways, congats on getting your pleasure palace in order. You’re going to make the Pigg renter contingent awfully jealous.
