Located in the heart of a 1920’s urban neighborhood, this classically designed home went through a dramatic transformation. Several updates over the years had rendered the space dated and feeling disjointed. The main level received cosmetic updates to the kitchen, dining, formal living and family room to bring the decor out of the 90’s and into the 21st century. Space from a coat closet and laundry room was reallocated to the transformation of a storage closet into a stylish powder room. Upstairs, custom cabinetry, built-ins, along with fixture and material updates revamped the look and feel of the bedrooms and bathrooms. But the most striking alterations occurred on the home’s exterior, with the addition of a 24′ x 52′ pool complete with built-in tanning shelf, programmable LED lights and bubblers as well as an elevated spa with waterfall feature. A custom pool house was added to compliment the original architecture of the main home while adding a kitchenette, changing facilities and storage space to enhance the functionality of the pool area. The landscaping received a complete overhaul and Oaks Rialto pavers were added surrounding the pool, along with a lounge space shaded by a custom-built pergola. These renovations and additions converted this residence from well-worn to a stunning, urban oasis.

Mediterranean Elegance by Custom Design Pools

Ledge Lounger

This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.

Park Lane

SDG Architecture, Inc.

Bernard Andre'
This is an example of a large modern backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house and stamped concrete.

Contemporary Pool

Large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers.

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

Euclid Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This infinity edge spa with water feature is designed to be a visual work of art. The wall has custom Bobe water scuppers, is veneered with ledgestone and a lueders limestone cap and ends.

Sonoma Residence

Turnbull Griffin Haesloop

Matthew Millman
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco.

Modern New Home Build

Grove Custom Homes

Large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Portland with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Contemporary Pool with Infinity Edge Spa

Premier Paradise, Inc.

Photo of a large backyard rectangular infinity pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Lake Lanier Infinity Edge

Boyce Design + Build

This custom pool and spa features an infinity edge with a tile spillover and beautiful cascading water feature. The open air gable roof cabana houses an outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances, raised bar area and a large custom stacked stone fireplace and seating area making it the ideal place for relaxing or entertaining.

Landscape Design & Installation

Foster's Inc. Landscape Design & Installation

A new granite walkway with stone piers and landscaped planting beckons you to the backyard for some fun.
This is an example of a large traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in New York with concrete pavers.

The Joy of Plants!

Allin Landscaping

Instant privacy screening for swimming pool with Emerald Green Arborvitae hedge!
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Nashville with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Southlake Modern

Randy Angell Designs

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and decking.

Hawthorn Infinity Lap Pool and Spa

Neptune Swimming Pools

Stunning charcoal fully tiled lap pool and spa with bluestone coping and granite feature spillway. Photos by Patrick Redmond
This is an example of a mid-sized asian backyard rectangular pool in Melbourne with tile.

Chic Modern Swimming Pool and Garden

Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.

Pusch Ridge View

Prideaux Design

Matt Vacca
Photo of a mid-sized backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and tile.

Villanova Project 2

Leslie Hayes Interiors

Expansive traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers.

Wood Fences

VIKING FENCE CO

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Fibreglass Plunge Pool, Swim Spa, Spa Combo

CA Pools

David Noel
Small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Vancouver with a hot tub and decking.

Bel Air Residence

User

Jim Bartsch
This is an example of a mediterranean backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Backyard Rectangular 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.