This Doylestown, PA pool has a unique Tiki Bar. In addition it has all the water features an in ground pool can have, a huge paver patio pool deck, a fire feature, and to top it all off a low voltage lighting system that really brings the party to life at night. Lets not forget the pool house, and matching paver stone driveway entrance. This outdoor living space has it all and then some. A very impressive space. The water features include a raised heated spa, a large sun-shelf, a cozy corner, a boulder waterfall, water jet streams, and colored led night lights. The fire feature includes a natural boulder fire pit which is both elemental and essential to make this space a well rounded outdoor experience. A unique feature is the Tiki bar hut which just makes such a cool element for entertaining guests during parties. Lastly, a convenient pool house makes this place stand out as an awesome pool project.

Floating Stainless Steel Sculpture

Terry Design, Inc.

Commissioned uplit sculpture appears to float above its iridescent glass tiled perimeter overflow base. Photographer: Christian Terry
Design ideas for a large modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and concrete slab.

Desert Highlands III

Merit Landworks

Mark Boisclair Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Phoenix with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Burton Home

Landscape Contractors

Infinity Edge Pool
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Houston with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Multi-Level Patios, Waterfalls & Pool Utilizing The Native Oklahoma Terrain

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

Elaborate swimming pool with dry-laid stone retaining walls, flagstone patios and beach entry, with a natural boulder waterfall. Photo by KO Rinearson

Barrington Hills Indoor/Outdoor Estate Project

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This amazing estate project has so many features it is quite difficult to list all of them. Set on 150 Acres, this sprawling project features an Indoor Oval Pool that connects to an outdoor swimming pool with a 65'0" lap lane. The pools are connected by a moveable swimming pool door that actuates with the turn of a key. The indoor pool house also features an indoor spa and baby pool, and is crowned at one end by a custom Oyster Shell. The Indoor sauna is connected to both main pool sections, and is accessible from the outdoor pool underneath the swim-up grotto and waterfall. The 25'0" vanishind edge is complemented by the hand-made ceramic tiles and fire features on the outdoor pools. Outdoor baby pool and spa complete the vessel count. Photos by Outvision Photography

Rogers - Custom Swimming Pool, Spa & Waterfall Design

Signature Pools of Texas

Luxury spa, waterfall and swimming pool
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Stonelake Haven

Ryan Hughes Design

As night falls, pool lights by Pal Lighting and landscape lights by FX Lighting illuminate Stonelake Haven's cohesive, complex and private outdoor living area based around custom spaces entertainment and relaxation. Custom designed by Ryan Hughes Design Build. Photography by Jimi Smith.

Pool 9470, Pool, Spa, Pond, Toorak

Neptune Swimming Pools

This project was highly innovative because of its use of steel as a stepping-stone framework rather than traditional concrete. As a fully functioning fishpond, the concrete slabs generally used to suspend the stones would not provide enough room for fish to inhabit comfortably, therefore a steel frame was constructed so that the fish can swim freely underneath the stones and around the pond. The ‘Koi Pond’ is 7.9m x 2.6m and 0.9m deep and was created with specific details that would help the fish species thrive in the pond’s environment, including the use of a dark tile and a filtration system that was carefully selected to accommodate the fish. Along with being a functioning fishpond, this space doubles as a standout water feature. With black glass mosaic tiles and Tundra Marble stone coping, the features are highlighted by the surrounding greenery and a pedestal for a feature pot adds dimension and detail.

House of Three Courtyards

Winn Wittman Architecture A.I.A.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

My Projects

H2O Pools & Custom Design LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Other with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Corten Steel Pool Fountain

Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Detroit with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Gastonia Face Lift

The Stone Man

Mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Charlotte with a water feature and concrete slab.

Tropical Oasis-As Seen On Animal Planet-The Pool Master

Pool Environments, Inc.

Complete natural stone outdoor oasis featuring pool, separate 10 person spa, koi pond, grotto, waterfalls, island and cabana. Featured on Discovery Animal Planets show The Pool Master.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Sal's Nursery & Landscaping Inc

infinity style pool with waterfall., modern side patio with white pergola
Expansive modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers.

New Projects

Ultimate Water Creations Inc.

Expansive modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with concrete slab.

Luxury Backyards

Cody Pools, Inc.

Cody Pools - Atherton
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Austin with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Oasis

Total Pool + Patio, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Natural Swimming Pool by the Forest

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

Natural Swimming Pool with custom diving dock and shoreline shelter. Photo by Anthony Chung
Small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Toronto with natural stone pavers.

Custom Spa - Muskoka

Solda Pools Ltd.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Toronto with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Black 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.