This is an example of a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Boston with concrete pavers.

Request Free Quote This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.

White Oak Timber Framed Pool Cabana

Carolina Timberworks

© Carolina Timberworks
This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular infinity pool in Charlotte with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Enmore - Plunge Pool + Entertaining Deck

GOODMANORS Pool + Garden

Contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Sydney.

Soake Plunge Pool

Soake Pools

This concrete plunge pool installation and finish work involved a collaboration between Soake Pools and Woodburn and Company. Photo credit Vicky Martel, Woodburn and Company

Hill Street

Jeffrey P. Gibbons Architect, PC

Design ideas for a large beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a pool house and stamped concrete.

Backyard Escape

Intex Design and Construction

Small space pool and spa design with turf landscape. www.IntexDandC.com @IntexDandC
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Key Biscayne Pool & Kitchen

Somar Pools

The existing pool was way too large for the space, it took up the entire back yard.
Small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with tile.

Pool & Pool House

Wagner Hodgson

Pool & Pool House Stowe, Vermont This mountain top residential site offers spectacular 180 degree views towards adjacent hillsides. The client desired to replace an existing pond with a pool and pool house to be used for both entertaining and family use. The open site is adjacent to the driveway to the north but offered spectacular mountain views to the south. The challenge was to provide privacy at the pool without obstructing the beautiful vista from the entry drive. Working closely with the architect we designed the pool and pool house as one modern element closely linked by proximity, detailing & geometry. In so doing, we used precise placement, careful choice of building & site materials, and minimalist planting. Existing trees were edited to open up selected views to the south. Rows of ornamental grasses provide architectural delineation of outdoor space. Understated stone steps in the lawn loosely connect the pool to the main house. Architect: Michael Minadeo + Partners Image Credit: Westphalen Photography

Tropical backyard pool waterfall into jacuzzi

Matthew Giampietro Garden Design

This tropical backyard pool waterfall and jacuzzi is the theme in this tropical outdoor living space in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Planting installation by Ultimate Landscaping Waterfalls, Fountains & Gardens designed and installed this tropical backyard pool waterfall.

Olmos Park Rectangular Pool

Brad Sharpe Pools

Robert Shaw photographer
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Private Residences - Mediterranean

Fusch Architects, Inc.

Private Residence - Mediterranean
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and concrete 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

fresh and clean

Molly Wood Garden Design

photos by Trina Roberts 949.395.8341 trina@grinphotography.com www.grinphotography.com
Small traditional backyard pool in Los Angeles.

Old World Natural

John Pack Custom Pools

This beautiful natural oasis is enhanced with a beach entry pool created from Oklahoma stone. A sheer decent curved waterfall adds drama to this gorgeous space. Bubblers in the beach area give the children hours of fun as bar stools in the water at the deeper end give the adults a place of their own. The swim up bar overlooks a curved outdoor kitchen that houses a grill, egg, drawers, side burner and sink. A pergola at the end of the kitchen with a stunning stone fireplace gives the perfect destination for dinner and conversation. Hemispheres fine furniture adorns this space for the perfect addition to all of its ambiance.

Black Reflective Infinity Edge Contemporary Pool

Selective Designs by Shane LeBlanc

Shane LeBlanc
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Traditional Elements - Ambler, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Philadelphia with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

2012 Home of the Year - Best Outdoor Space

SmartHouse Integration LLC

Custom Home of the Year 2012 Electronic House magazine Sarasota, FL Longboat Key, FL Casey Key, FL Siesta Key, FL Venice, FL Lakewood Ranch, FL
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Tampa with concrete slab.

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Applewood

ROYAL Decks and Landscapes

This modern backyard features a ICF tiled pool, cabana, shed, hot tub area, roof overhang from the house. All in same style to match the house
Photo of a large modern backyard rectangular pool in Toronto with with a pool.

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.