Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with a hot tub and tile.

Formal, luxury style vanishing edge pool with tile deck, custom raised coping, built-in tanning ledge, and grass/tile patio.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with a water feature and tile.

Speller Residence

Venetian Outdoors

Large backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Phoenix with natural stone pavers.

Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

Photo of a large midcentury backyard rectangular infinity pool in Other with a hot tub.

Cozy Symmetry In The Trees

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

Mediterranean Outdoor Living

JRP Design & Remodel

Every day is a vacation in this Thousand Oaks Mediterranean-style outdoor living paradise. This transitional space is anchored by a serene pool framed by flagstone and elegant landscaping. The outdoor living space emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding area while offering all the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities, including stainless-steel appliances, custom beverage fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. The dark stain and raised panel detail of the cabinets pair perfectly with the El Dorado stone pulled throughout this design; and the airy combination of chandeliers and natural lighting produce a charming, relaxed environment. Flooring: Kitchen and Pool Areas: Concrete Pool Surround: Flagstone Light Fixtures: Chandelier Stone/Masonry: El Dorado Photographer: Tom Clary

Mckinney Stonebridge Ranch Modern Outdoor Escape

Randy Angell Designs

Large modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with a hot tub.

Houston Pools | Small Spaces

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Small space, but big impact in this gorgeous custom pool & spa combo!
Photo of a small modern backyard rectangular pool in Houston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

All Tile Pool & Spa

Austin Pool Designs

The space at the location for the pool was very limited and flat, so creating a design that was grandiose for our client without overwhelming the area required creativity. The all-tile pool utilizes elevations highlighted by multiple negative edges to draw the eye and create aesthetic impact and dimension to the property. The multiple fire bowls, LED laminar jets, and nicheless LED lights create a spectacle for evening entertaining throughout the year. This project won a 2016 GOLD International Design Award.

Modern Hot Tub & Cabana Space

Arbordale Landscaping

Our client wanted to add a hot tub and new cabana to their poolscape. The cabana was designed with a bar in the front and pool equipment and storage in the back. The bar has a roll up door for winterising. A lounge area in front allows the home owners to enjoy a drink while watching the kids play in the pool. Flagstone patios, steps, and hot tub surround give this backyard a luxurious feel. The fence is built from custom milled Cedar horizontal boards. The fence is backed with black painted plywood for full privacy. A custom hot tub pit was built in order to use what is normally an above ground hot tub. The hot tub was supplied by Bonavista Pools. Composite lumber was used to build an access hatch for hot tub controls. Boxwood hedging frame the garden spaces. There are two Hydrangea Standard trees which are underplanted with begonias for a pop of colour. The existing Cedar hedge created a great backdrop and contrast for our Japanese Maple hedge. The existing Beech tree was stunning! Lawn area was necessary for the family pets.

Oakland Park Lot 69

J&J Building

Inspiration for a small arts and crafts backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Orlando with a hot tub and brick pavers.

Pools and Patios

Stone Avenue

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

West Norman

Spartan Pools and Ponds

Photo of a large modern backyard rectangular natural pool in Oklahoma City with a water feature.

Gallery - Geometric Vinyl Pools

Betz Pools Limited

The first challenge to the design was the owner's request to retain a large weeping cypress tree which was inconveniently located at the middle of the yard. The aesthetic solution was to build a semi-circular stone wall around the tree which would provide a raised structure for the three sheer descent waterfalls and end up as the focal point of the design. (15 x 18 custom rectangular)

Phoenix - Scottsdale Sanctuary

Hydroscapes LLC

Pool with White Diamonds Pebble Sheen from Pebble Technology. Waterline tile is Sicis Colibri glass tile. Custom copper water feature with acrylic panels from 3form. Travertine decking. Color LED lighting. Photos by Scott Sandler

Mountain Mine-Themed Pool With Waterfalls, Slide and More

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

A home on top of a hill with amazing lake views provide the perfect setting for a beautiful "mountain mine" inspired pool with multiple ways to interact with - this active family will never be bored! There is an antique ore cart and rail system that seems to appear from an old mine and gives the homeowner a unique iced-beverage cart. There are boulder steps that lead up to another "mine" entrance that is actually the entrance to the underground slide. This view shows the slide exit into the pool. In the background you can see the swim-through grotto and natural boulder waterfall with a 14' diving ledge. Hand cut native stone with boulders integrated into the stone retaining wall provides additional patio space with a fire pit above the pool. Landscape/Pool design and construction by Kelly Caviness and Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Photography by KO Rinearson

Tropical Pool

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Pools

Scapes Incorporated

Mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Glass Mosaic Tiles Pool

Fireclay Tile

Longe in the lap of luxury by using our neutral glossy glass pool tile. DESIGN Becki Owens PHOTOS Rebekah Westover Photography Tile Shown: 1x1 Mosaic in Dove Gloss

Alamo Hillside Modern Home and Pool

Creative Environments

Peter Koenig Landscape Designer, Gene Radding General Contracting, Creative Environments Swimming Pool Construction
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in San Francisco with concrete pavers.

Brown Backyard 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.