In the back of this estate just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, Elite Landscaping designed a custom concrete swimming pool with a covered pool house and 360-degree, negative-edge spa. The pool house features an outdoor kitchen and bar area, which rests on posts that adjoin the raised pool wall. The pool house was built as an exact architectural match to the house, from the stucco, to the cedar decking beams, down to the paint color. This covered outdoor entertaining area provides a shady spot in the afternoons, where guests can lounge on four in-pool, swim up bar stools. The rest of the pool remains in full sun. The sunken swim-up bar is adorned with glass tile accents, and the pool wall features natural stone. Oversized, UniLock bluestone pavers comprise the pool deck and patio. The unique negative-edge spa sits above the pool, and was designed so one half of the spa flows into the pool while the other half flows back into the landscaping. The entire poolscape is automated by a Pentair IntelliTouch system that runs off of a smartphone or other device. With the touch of a button, the homeowners can adjust pool and spa temperatures, change water flow speed, program the FX color-changing LED lights, and even test the pool chemistry.

Farmhouse Traditional

Frankel Design Build

Connie Anderson
This is an example of a country backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston with a pool house.

Residential Swimming Pools - Sudbury MA

SSG Pools & Spas, Inc.

This ultra-luxurious pool in Massachusetts featured a dive rock, waterfall and incredible design selections. The swimming pool is complimented by a pool house, patio seating and an expansive deck that's material came from a mountain range in Maine.

Coastal Virginia Idea House York Lane

Stephen Alexander Homes & Neighborhoods

Jonathan Edwards Media
This is an example of a large modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Hidden Landscape Oasis

Pristine Acres

Pristine Acres. Additional photos of this project to come, please check back soon.
Photo of a transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in DC Metro with natural stone pavers.

Mid Century Modern

Joelle Uzyel

This is an example of a large midcentury backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Los Angeles with 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.

Kroon Backyard

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

This is an example 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 a hot tub and tile.

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.

Roswell Renovation

Yvonne McFadden LLC

Jeff Herr Photography
This is an example of a beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Atlanta with a pool house.

2017 ARDA Best In Show

AIBD - American Institute of Building Design

This home was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that imposes a commanding view of its expansive riverside lot. The wide-span, open wing design provides a feeling of open movement and flow throughout the home. Interior design elements are tightly edited to their most elemental form. Simple yet daring lines simultaneously convey a sense of energy and tranquility. Super-matte, zero sheen finishes are punctuated by brightly polished stainless steel and are further contrasted by thoughtful use of natural textures and materials. The judges said “this home would be like living in a sculpture. It’s sleek and luxurious at the same time.” The award for Best In Show goes to RG Designs Inc. and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Rancho Sante Fe Lakes Residence

LINEAR Landscape Architecture

Linear Photography
This is an example of a mediterranean backyard custom-shaped lap pool in San Diego with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Clean & Cool Pool & Spa

Coastal Aquatic Creations

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool with concrete slab.

Macapa

Dean Larkin Design

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub.

Tioga Pool

Caprock Hardscape Supply

This is an example of an expansive tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Pool House, Outdoor Kitchen & Pool Addition

Grainda Builders, Inc.

www.metropolisiconicshots.com www.metropolisbranding.com
This is an example of a country backyard custom-shaped pool in Charlotte.

Pool with Rock Grotto and Spa

Paradise Oasis Pools

This modern style pool with its geometric shape is a great addition to this home. The spa and grotto offer the best in water features. Travertine coping, Kool Deck decking and 6x6 tile for the water line tile all came together beautifully. They chose different colors of silver and added the Pebble Tech color of Blue Surf to give the added touch.

Infinity Edge Pool with Sun Ledge, Grotto, Waterfall & Floating Steps

Neave Group Outdoor Solutions

Whitewater Imagery
Expansive country backyard custom-shaped infinity pool with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Outdoor Living

Knauf-Koenig Group

Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard custom-shaped pool in Other.

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.