This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Geelong with natural stone pavers.

A Sympathetic In-between Positioned at the edge of the Field of Mars Reserve, Walless Cabana is the heart of family living, where people and nature come together harmoniously and embrace each other. In creating a seamless transition between the existing family home and the distant bushland, Walless Cabana deliberately curates the language of its surroundings through the Japanese concept of 'Shakkei' or borrowed scenery, ensuring its humble and respectful presence in place. Despite being a permanent structure, it is a transient space that adapts and changes dynamically with everchanging nature, personalities and lifestyle.

Yaroomba Delight

Quality First Constructions

The warmth of dark composite decking, coupled with lush greenery and minimalist pool give this outdoor area a tropical jungle vibe.
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard rectangular pool in Sunshine Coast with decking.

Outdoor Pool Cabana

Terra Ferma Landscapes

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house and brick pavers.

Luxury Pool with Modern Cabana

Boyce Design + Build

This stunning pool has an Antigua Pebble finish, tanning ledge and 5 bar seats. The L-shaped, open-air cabana houses an outdoor living room with a custom fire table, a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a sink, refrigerator, wine cooler and grill, a spacious dining and bar area with leathered granite counter tops and a spa like bathroom with an outdoor shower making it perfect for entertaining both small family cookouts and large parties.

Pool Patio & Formal English Gardens

Creative Design Landscapes

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in New York with tile.

Hyde Park Residence

Mezger Homes

Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

Pools & Spas - Elements Landscape

Elements Landscape

custom pool by Elements Landscape
Photo of a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Atlanta with natural stone pavers.

Lively Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Natural Private Residence

Pool Environments, Inc.

A natural pool setting creates a oasis in the midst of a busy neighborhood.
Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub.

Urban Oasis 01 (design by Gillespie Moody Patterson, Inc.)

Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.

This Bradford Spa which are made with stainless steel and tile inlay. The inside dimensions of this tub are 12-ft by 8-ft and 14-ft 8-in x 9.5-ft outside dimension.

Cotswold Pool Cabana

Alison Hall AIA

Photo of a contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Charlotte with a hot tub and a pool house.

Lean On Me House

North Arrow Studio

Pool courtyard featuring cantilevered sky frames to extend the living spaces.
Photo of a modern backyard rectangular pool in Austin with decomposed granite.

Backyard Swimming Pool

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.

Private Estate

Sacha Jacq Interiors LLC

This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular pool in Boston with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Sunny Ridge

Township Pools

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Lansdowne Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Living

Randy Angell Designs

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Property Brothers At Home: Drew's Honeymoon House

Breeze Giannasio Interiors

Gilles Mingassan
Eclectic backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Oakton Estate

SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Farmhouse Pool

Photo of a large country backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Backyard 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.