Russell Abraham Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Hill Country Farmhouse - exterior

Vanguard Studio Inc.

Photo of a country pool in Austin.

Palm Springs Outdoor Oasis

AdvantageLumber.com

This Palm Springs home is a beautiful example of integrating modern materials with the warm hues of Ipe wood and blending it with the native environment. Designed by: Stephen Strugula Design

Bali-Inspired Modern

Western Window Systems

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

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.

Lambeth Road

Frameless Impressions

Frameless Pool fence and glass doors designed and installed by Frameless Impressions
Photo of a small modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Backyard Pool Patio with Concrete Slabs

Techo-Bloc

Audacious in its massive size, the look of this bold beauty is polished yet casual. With its elegant veining, Aberdeen makes a statement at once luxuriant and eminently livable.

Swimming Pool and Spa Combination - Belle Hall Subdivision of Mt. Pleasant, SC

AquaBluePools

Classic Remodeling and Jason Temple Photographer
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in Charleston with decking.

Contemporary Pool

Small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with a water feature and stamped concrete.

2014 Fall and Winter World's Greatest Pools submissions

Pebble Technology International

Indoor Pebble Tec® Tahoe Blue pool constructed by Aquatech Pools GC, Inc. The design goals of this pool were to incorporate natural materials with unique color, lighting, water and fire in a family setting geared for entertaining. A pool, spa, swim up bar with accent lighting, an outdoor kitchen, fire pit and 2 fire features were requested by the customer which all had to be fit into a very limited amount of space with restrictive site conditions. The pool is located seaward of the CCL line. Due to elevations of the existing ground, an elevated stemwall was required to be constructed around the entire pool project. We used travertine on the deck, Pebble Tec® Caribbean Blue, ColorLogic Lights, and 2 fire bowls from Grand Effects. The fire pit and chairs we formed in place and constructed out of gunite, tile and granite. The spa bar top was a custom piece of granite with under mounted color lighting. SPECIAL FEATURES: • (4) Underwater Bar Stools in pool around spa bar top with Pebble Tech Level 1 & Custom Granite Tops to match bar top • 16” Raised Spa with 3 spillways and a custom granite, curved bar top with under mounted color lighting • Swim up bar with accent lighting • Fire pit and benches we formed in place and constructed out of gunite, tile and granite • (2) Fire Bowls from Grand Effects with manually operated lava rock • 2-Level Travertine Deck in a French Pattern • Solar Panels: (9) 4’ x 12’ Panels with Auto Control • Tanning Shelf • Upgraded waterline tile • 2-Door Cage with Mansard Roof, 7” Super Gutter and Stainless Steel Screws • (2) Pool area landscape features • Outdoor kitchen area with custom granite countertops to match spa and (3) fire pit benches

Modern Pool w/ Water Feature

Conscious Environments Inc.

Large modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Orange County with a water feature and concrete slab.

Modern Small Space-GOLD International Awards of Excellence Winner

Pool Environments, Inc.

Randy Angell, Designer GOLD International Award of Excellence winner - The transitional modern home was designed with large amounts of glass opening into the courtyard, creating an indoor-outdoor feel, and a visual connection among the spaces that could not be ignored. The neighboring wall, however, was not only rather imposing, but also of a style completely disconnected from our clients home. Our goal was to create a layering effect, with features of varying heights, both to add depth and dimension to the space, and to take the focus of the viewer off of the neighbor's wall.

Waverley Street

Klopper and Davis Architects

Photography - Jody D'Arcy
Contemporary pool in Perth.

Fairfield County Landscape

Sean Jancski Landscape Architects LLC

Sean Jancski
Inspiration for a traditional rectangular pool in New York with a pool house.

Gates Bluff Poolside Retreat Chesterfield

Commonwealth Curb Appeal

Kidney shaped pool with custom steps and in pool seating. Beautiful Eagle Bay "EB" Kingsland Traditional pavers in James River Color Bordered with EB Cottagestone 6"x6" Textured Shenandoah pavers. EB Copingstone, James River. EB Highland Retaining wall in Shenandoah.

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.

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. We were hired to create the entire outdoor environemnt including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers, Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish, Lightstreams glass tile, spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers, water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers, Fully automated with Pentair Equipment, LED lighting throughout the pool and spa, gathering space with automated fire pit, lounge deck area, synthetic turf between step pads and deck and a fully loaded Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Oakbrook, IL Raised Stone Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This inground swimming pool and hot tub in Oakbrook, IL measures 20'0" x 45'0", and the hot tub measures 8'0" x 8'0". The Thermal Shelf is 6'0" x 20'0". Valder's Wisconsin Limestone coping caps the swimming pool and hot tub. In-floor cleaning system and automatic swimming pool safety cover with custom walk-on stone lid system provide efficiency and safety. Photos by Larry Huene

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Pool Landscape Designs

Spaces Landscape Architecture

This is an example of a mid-sized asian backyard rectangular pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

Blue 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.