Apollo Beach Contemporary Pool & Spa w/ Traditional Pavilion & Landscape

Photo of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Tampa with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Personal Paradise

Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Phoenix with a water feature and tile.

JULIETTE CIRCLE

CHER HOUSE

Inspiration for a large modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Orange County with tile.

Infinity Edge Pool with Knife Edge Spa and Pool House

Boyce Design + Build

Situated on a private cove of Lake Lanier this stunning project is the essence of Indoor-outdoor living and embraces all the best elements of its natural surroundings. The pool house features an open floor plan with a kitchen, bar and great room combination and panoramic doors that lead to an eye-catching infinity edge pool and negative knife edge spa. The covered pool patio offers a relaxing and intimate setting for a quiet evening or watching sunsets over the lake. The adjacent flagstone patio, grill area and unobstructed water views create the ideal combination for entertaining family and friends while adding a touch of luxury to lakeside living.

Kroon Backyard

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

Photo of a large transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Las Vegas LEED Certified Modern Residence

studio g ARCHITECTURE

This is an example of a large modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Las Vegas with tile and a hot tub.

Brennan Traditions Windows - Southlake

Brennan Enterprises

Window replacement on a Southlake, TX home.
Mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a pool house and gravel.

Paradise Preserve | Atlantic Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This compact space allows for a lot of outdoor living options, without feeling too cramped. The homeowners really wanted a pool and spa, but didn't believe their yard was big enough. Not only did they get both by incorporating a spool, they also have plenty of room for seating and dining, lush landscaping, and a lawn where their child and dogs can play! Photo by Craig O'Neal

Paradise Preserve | Atlantic Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Waterfront Sanctum

Gary Haygood Solutions

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Jackson with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

SoCal Model 4

BLACKHAūS Design

Side by side pool and spa in a thin and narrow back yard.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Grand ARDA - Outdoor Living - RG Designs and K2 Design Group

AIBD - American Institute of Building Design

The outdoor living area utilizes bold radial lines to offer a sense of unobstructed openness along the panoramic riverside views. Special consideration was given to the design and engineering of the outdoor space to allow a massive 60-foot span between columns, resulting in an unparalleled view. Playful geometric shapes speak to an easy livability that belie the bold and glamorous design. The second floor deck provides seamless access from the guest bedrooms, office and exercise rooms. The use of glass railing and zero-edge doors carefully preserve the view. A Grand ARDA for Outdoor Living Design goes to RG Designs and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Beach Style Pool

Mid-sized beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with natural stone pavers.

Franklin Small Space Custom Pool

Swimming Pool Services

Finished Project Photo of Small Space Lap and Play Pool
Design ideas for a small traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Milwaukee with concrete pavers.

Grenvillle

hughesumbanhowar architects

Photo of a tropical backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Los Angeles.

Natural Waterfall & Tropical Gardens

Coastal Gardens Landscape Services, Inc.

Tropical backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Tampa with a water feature and tile.

54" Tall Aluminum Ornamental Pool Fence

Paramount Fencing

Robert LaPlante
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers.

Modern Pool with Artificial Turf & Boxwood

The Easy Gardener

Backyard used to its full potential. Created large entertaining area by pushing pool to one side of the yard. Softened the chain link fence by adding artificial Boxwood on both sides. Built in kitchen with grill. Photo Credit: Deborah Olson

Mestang Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

Wade Griffith
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with concrete slab.

Pool Construction

Home Resort

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with concrete slab.

Backyard Custom-shaped Pool Design Ideas

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.