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.

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.

Water and Fire

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Peter Aaron
Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Mexico City with concrete pavers.

Streamline Elegance

Formation Landscapes Pty Ltd

Inspiration for a modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

R Residence

archer design

This is an example of a large modern rectangular pool in Sydney with with privacy feature and tile.

Reflections

Ryan Hughes Design

Relaxation extends beyond the pool from loungers on the sun shelf to a hanging swing in front of a mosaic design wall and ipe wood decks. Photography by Jimi Smith.

Modern Shingle Style

Brinton Brosius Inc

Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular pool in New York with a pool house.

Custom Home in Belmont Model Park in Gilbert

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

A larger panel of artificial turf provides room for children and pets to play as well as adding to the visual appeal.
Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Bluffview Lap Pool + Cabana Addition

Randy Angell Designs

Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with concrete slab.

Smart Pergola System

Majestic Outdoor

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with a pool house and tile.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Pool

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Photography: Scott Sandler

Rustic Luxury

Aneka Interiors Inc.

This is an example of an expansive country backyard rectangular natural pool in Denver with stamped concrete.

James

User

Photo of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Miami with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Timeless Transitional in Vero Beach, FL

Marc-Michaels Interior Design

M. James Northen - Northen Exposure Photography
This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard rectangular pool in Orlando with a pool house.

Contemporary Classic

Mulvey Custom Builders

Photo of a large mediterranean backyard rectangular natural pool in San Diego with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Parker Pool and Deck Addition

Robert R. Larsen, Architect

A swimming pool covered by a glazed retractable enclosure was added to this existing residence south-east of Parker, CO. A 3000 square foot deck is on the upper level reached by curving steel stairways on each end. The addition and the existing house received cultured stone veneer with limestone trim on the arches. Robert R. Larsen, A.I.A. Photo

Resort Style Back Yard Waterfall Pool in Naperville

MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography

Miller + Miller Real Estate | The home at 928 Hobson in Naperville features a resort-style yard with covered outdoor heated kitchen/grill, hot tub and party space. Enjoy views of the gardens, waterfalls, the swimming pool, and neighboring forest preserve. The in-ground pool with Italian tiles also has a seat bench under the waterfall, a sun shelf with misters, and basketball & volleyball net grommets. 928 Hobson Road Naperville. A private, gated + secluded haven on a spectacular wooded lot bordering 14-acre forest preserve. 800′ of wrought iron fencing surround the home. Woodlands, lush perennial gardens, waterfalls, & tumbled stone paths lead to resort-style backyard with pergolas, hot tub, pool and fireplace offering resort-style living + vacationing at home year round. Rear gazebo/pergola/cabana with grape vines. Tumbled marble and stone floor. Paths around home feature blue-stone sidewalks & stone patios with seat wall in front. Outdoor low-voltage lighting package and outdoor speaker package surround the property. Photographed by MILLER+MILLER Architectural Photography

Wilton Pool House

Michael Smith Architects

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a pool house and tile.

Infinity Edge Elements - Villanova, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Negative Edge Pool and Spa. PA Bluestone Coping with natural stone veneer. Gray marble plaster interior.
Large traditional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

St. Helena Sanctuary

ballonSTUDIO interiors & remodeling

A city couple looking for a place to escape to in St. Helena, in Napa Valley, built this modern home, designed by Butler Armsden Architects. The double height main room of the house is a living room, breakfast room and kitchen. It opens through sliding doors to an outdoor dining room and lounge. We combined their treasured family heirlooms with sleek furniture to create an eclectic and relaxing sanctuary. --- Project designed by ballonSTUDIO. They discreetly tend to the interior design needs of their high-net-worth individuals in the greater Bay Area and to their second home locations. For more about ballonSTUDIO, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.ballonstudio.com/st-helena-sanctuary

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.