Custom made Cabana made by Decor-Team. using Sunbrella fabrics.
Photo of a modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Phoenix.

Run of the Knolls

Tracy Lynn Studio

Ryan Garvin
Design ideas for an expansive mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego with a pool house.

Legacy Estate

Elite Landscaping Omaha

his premier hardscape and design-build project offers an escape from the city within the city. For the backyard retreat, Elite Landscaping installed natural stone pathways that lead through the wooded hillside to a secluded backyard. A custom concrete swimming pool and outdoor tennis court allow for taking full advantage of the summer sun. When the air turns cooler, flickering flames in the outdoor fireplace and remote controlled gas torches make the nights feel cozy warm. As a high-end, design-build company, Elite Landscaping created an architecturally stunning screened-in room that flaunts a custom stone fire wall and rustic beam wood ceiling. The room is designed to connect seamlessly with the beauty of nature, letting in the sounds of a tranquil waterfall just steps away.

Redbud Renovation

Blue Horse Building & Design

Mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Travertine Pools with Raised Beam Walls

Great Escapes Custom Pools

Travertine tile table with bench & bar stool seating. split face travertine raised beam wall with sheer descents & columns with fire bowls.
Inspiration for a backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston.

Kroon Backyard

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

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

Modern Farmhouse

Old Hillsboro Building Company

Photo of an expansive country backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Nashville with a water slide and concrete pavers.

Casual Luxe St. Martin II

Norris Furniture & Interiors

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Miami with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Calming Pool Haven in Hauppage, NY

Above All Masonry Design, Inc

Evoking a sense of calm and equilibrium for all who visit, this symmetrical poolscape provides a haven in a Hauppauge, NY backyard. Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth pavers, with custom-made 2'x2' slabs, provide a smooth transition from the side walkway and up the stairs to the elevated, geometric pool. As guests and family gather on the expansive poolside patio, they can take in plenty of sun while listening to the calming rush of three nearby waterfalls. The stone-like design weaves its way around the property, leading right up to the front door for ultimate curb appeal and elegance. From the front yard to the back patio, clean lines and a delicate balance encompass both the paver and pool design, while incorporating lush gardens and symmetrical hedges.

SPANISH ARCHITECTURE 2

South Coast Architects, Inc.

Photo of a mediterranean backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Orange County with concrete slab and a water feature.

Pool Pavilion

Gregory Thomas, Architect, AKBD, CG&S Design-Build

Pavilion at night. I designed this outdoor living project when at CG&S, and it was beautifully built by their team. Photo: Paul Finkel 2012
Photo of an expansive transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Austin with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Gold river extensive pool and landscape remodel

Majestic Builders Inc.

At night, this project is lit by a beautiful soft glow of landscape and pool lighting. The travertine is able to reflect the ambient light, giving the yard a stunning look at night. This project involved an extensive renovation of the client's exiting free form pool. The renovation involved growing the pool to create a larger deep end, and adding a large Caribbean shelf. The extension had to match and compliment the existing form of the pool and natural rock waterfall. The entire back and side yard were renovated to include an extensive travertine deck, integral color light broom concrete band, and new landscaping. There are various destinations around this project, including this sundeck lounge area next to the pool.

Tioga Pool

Caprock Hardscape Supply

Design ideas for an expansive tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Greatwater Retreat

Brianna Michelle Interior Design

Photo of a mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in Orlando.

Ledge Lounger in-pool Chaise

Ledge Lounger

Small contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Houston with a hot tub.

Sunrise Peak View

Supreme Pools

Mark Boisclair
Mid-sized backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Phoenix with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Ultimate Trophy Club Pool Transformation

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This beautiful geometric project designed by Mike Farley has a lot of elevation changes with a stunning view of the golfcourse. The flush spa was kept near the house for easy access and blended with the contemporary style of the home. Both the outdoor kitchen and fire pit area are used as retaining walls with the elevation change. It also gives lots of seating along with the bar stools - inside and outside the pool. The water feature is a sheer rain fall that is kept low so that the golf course view isn't blocked. There is a nice sized tanning ledge to hang out on. The outdoor kitchen has a grill, trash can, drop in cooler and lots of seating. The cabana has cam lights for evening fun. We used ceramic on the patio that looks like wood and has greys and browns in it. The concrete is grey with a heavy texture. The channels have Mexican Pebble to blend with the grey tones.

Decks & Patios

Atlanta Basements & Decks

Mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Atlanta with natural stone pavers.

River Club Residence

The Cottage Door Interiors

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Custom Freeform Vinyl Liner Pool

Grecian Pools International

Photo of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with concrete pavers.

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.