Custom kidney shaped pool with stone border and jacuzzi.
Mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped pool in Other with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Neil Landino
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

www.DanielKellyPhotography.com
This is an example of a large traditional backyard round pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

It started with vision. Then arrived fresh sight, seeing what was absent, seeing what was possible. Followed quickly by desire and creativity and know-how and communication and collaboration. When the Ramsowers first called Exterior Worlds, all they had in mind was an outdoor fountain. About working with the Ramsowers, Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds says, “The Ramsowers had great vision. While they didn’t know exactly what they wanted, they did push us to create something special for them. I get inspired by my clients who are engaged and focused on design like they were. When you get that kind of inspiration and dialogue, you end up with a project like this one.” For Exterior Worlds, our design process addressed two main features of the original space—the blank surface of the yard surrounded by looming architecture and plain fencing. With the yard, we dug out the center of it to create a one-foot drop in elevation in which to build a sunken pool. At one end, we installed a spa, lining it with a contrasting darker blue glass tile. Pedestals topped with urns anchor the pool and provide a place for spot color. Jets of water emerge from these pedestals. This moving water becomes a shield to block out urban noises and makes the scene lively. (And the children think it’s great fun to play in them.) On the side of the pool, another fountain, an illuminated basin built of limestone, brick and stainless steel, feeds the pool through three slots. The pool is counterbalanced by a large plot of grass. What is inventive about this grassy area is its sub-structure. Before putting down the grass, we installed a French drain using grid pavers that pulls water away, an action that keeps the soil from compacting and the grass from suffocating. The entire sunken area is finished off with a border of ground cover that transitions the eye to the limestone walkway and the retaining wall, where we used the same reclaimed bricks found in architectural features of the house. In the outer border along the fence line, we planted small trees that give the space scale and also hide some unsightly utility infrastructure. Boxwood and limestone gravel were embroidered into a parterre design to underscore the formal shape of the pool. Additionally, we planted a rose garden around the illuminated basin and a color garden for seasonal color at the far end of the yard across from the covered terrace. To address the issue of the house’s prominence, we added a pergola to the main wing of the house. The pergola is made of solid aluminum, chosen for its durability, and painted black. The Ramsowers had used reclaimed ornamental iron around their front yard and so we replicated its pattern in the pergola’s design. “In making this design choice and also by using the reclaimed brick in the pool area, we wanted to honor the architecture of the house,” says Halper. We continued the ornamental pattern by building an aluminum arbor and pool security fence along the covered terrace. The arbor’s supports gently curve out and away from the house. It, plus the pergola, extends the structural aspect of the house into the landscape. At the same time, it softens the hard edges of the house and unifies it with the yard. The softening effect is further enhanced by the wisteria vine that will eventually cover both the arbor and the pergola. From a practical standpoint, the pergola and arbor provide shade, especially when the vine becomes mature, a definite plus for the west-facing main house. This newly-created space is an updated vision for a traditional garden that combines classic lines with the modern sensibility of innovative materials. The family is able to sit in the house or on the covered terrace and look out over the landscaping. To enjoy its pleasing form and practical function. To appreciate its cool, soothing palette, the blues of the water flowing into the greens of the garden with a judicious use of color. And accept its invitation to step out, step down, jump in, enjoy.

This modern rectangular pool has the added touches of the triangular shapes at the corners with the spa incorporated with the pools essence. Spilling into the pool itself the spa feature adds a tranquil and relaxing element to the space. Just a few feet away you can enjoy cooking your dinner as you swim. An outdoor kitchen gives this space another area to entertain guests or ease the tension of the day. The pergola overhead gives the sense of space while defining the area for it's perfect use. Corrugated plastic covers the pergola so the space can be used rain or shine. With the beautiful stone fireplace it becomes a cozy area to talk about the day's adventures.

Design ideas for an expansive mediterranean backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Shane Leblanc
Expansive mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard kidney-shaped pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

This was a complete front and back transformation. We took the dirt from the back yard and used it to level the front yard and made both more useable. The main feature was a large gunite swimming pool, with built in diving board. We also built in the client's trampoline as well and left room for their play set and play house. It was a kids paradise! The kool deck was nice and cool in the summer and allowed for barefoot basketball games. We designed and installed a large Cedar screened in porch with fireplace and grill. Just off the porch was a hot tub. We completed it with lush landscaping, irrigation and lighting. Mark Schisler, Legacy Landscapes, Inc.

@ Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

photo by Design Ecology
Large traditional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Featured on HGTV's "Cool Pools", the "Scuba Pool" was inspired by the homeowner's love for scuba diving, so we created stone tunnels and a deep diving area as well as lazy rivers and two grottos connected by a native Oklahoma boulder waterfall. A large beach entry gives young ones plenty of play space as well. These homeowners can entertain large groups easily with this multi-function outdoor space. Design and Construction by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. photos by KO Rinearson

Historic Renovation Belvedere CA DANIEL HUNTER AIA DANIEL HUNTER AIA LANDSCAPE DESIGN SUSAN HUNTER INTERIORS
This is an example of a small traditional backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Luxury bay front waterfront property with a geometric contemporary pool, vanishing edge, lower basin, vanishing edge hot tub, custom tile, large format natural stone decking, artificial turf banding and a coastal landscape.

Upon entering this outdoor space, the atmosphere of a resort surrounds you and the raised spa makes for a perfect vantage point for taking it all in. The linear fire feature is another stunning and memorable element of this space. Ryan Hughes' custom design beautifully beckons family and friends to relax and enjoy life in the resort-like backyard. From beautiful Travertine tile surfaces, this space produces a major “wow” moment and brings the modern vibe and tranquil beauty that was desired in this northern Virginia backyard.

Texas swimming pool designer Mike Farley takes you to the design of a Colleyville residential Lazy River project that has already won multiple awards and was featured on HGTV "Cool Pools". This pool has it all - outdoor kitchen, multiple waterfalls, rain falls, bridges, an elevated spa on an island surrounded by the river, basketball, luxury cave, underwater speakers, and they converted a stall of the garage to make a bathroom with a dry sauna & walkin dual shower. Project is designed by Mike Farley and constructed by Claffey Pools. Check out Mike's Pool Tour Video series at FarleyPoolDesigns.com. Photo by Laura Farley

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.

This is an example of a small backyard rectangular pool in Birmingham with natural stone pavers.