Christian Spires
Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Raleigh with a water slide and natural stone pavers.

Secluded Stonebridge Paradis

Morehead Pools

This is an example of an expansive tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New Orleans with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Outdoor Living

Wesley Design Inc.

Coto De Caza - Re-do of Lush Landscaping - Patio Furnishings and Accessories
Large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Orange County with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Resort Style Backyard - Tribal Waters

Tribal Waters Custom Pools

Loaded backyard with swimming pool, multiple grotto slides, waterfall, and lazy river, firepits and more! By Tribal Waters Custom pools
Design ideas for a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Phoenix with a water slide and natural stone pavers.

On Outdoor Oasis

Braen Supply

This steeply sloped property was converted into a backyard retreat through the use of natural and man-made stone. The natural gunite swimming pool includes a sundeck and waterfall and is surrounded by a generous paver patio, seat walls and a sunken bar. A Koi pond, bocce court and night-lighting provided add to the interest and enjoyment of this landscape. This beautiful redesign was also featured in the Interlock Design Magazine. Explained perfectly in ICPI, “Some spa owners might be jealous of the newly revamped backyard of Wayne, NJ family: 5,000 square feet of outdoor living space, complete with an elevated patio area, pool and hot tub lined with natural rock, a waterfall bubbling gently down from a walkway above, and a cozy fire pit tucked off to the side. The era of kiddie pools, Coleman grills and fold-up lawn chairs may be officially over.”

Spa spillway into river

Fossil Creek Pools

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a water feature and brick pavers.

Hillside Pool Chevy Chase MD

Land & Water Design

A custom pool in a narrow backyard with a pergola attached to the house and supported with boxed columns defines a cozy dining space at the poolside. Three sheer descent waterfalls pour from the face of the wall behind the pool, adding beauty to what would otherwise be a strictly functional retaining wall. We even found a room at one end of the pool for a small outdoor grill island.

Portfolio

D-CRAIN Design and Construction

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Austin with a hot tub and decking.

Mansfield PermaCrete Vinyl Liner - Hot Tub

Easton Pool & Spa - Where great backyards begin!

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped lap pool in Providence with a pool house and stamped concrete.

Prince Residence

Venetian Outdoors

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in Phoenix with natural stone pavers.

Beautiful Mesa, Arizona Backyard

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

As you follow the path to the left, the waterfall and spa grab your attention. Only then do you see that the waterfall also incorporates a slide.
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard natural pool in Phoenix with natural stone pavers.

Project Outdoor Sauna Combi

Ambient Elements

Alpha Wellness Sensations is a global leader in sauna manufacturing, indoor and outdoor design for traditional saunas, infrared cabins, steam baths, salt caves and tanning beds. Our company runs its own research offices and production plant in order to provide a wide range of innovative and individually designed wellness solutions.

Custom Pool

Evening Star Homes

This is an example of a small traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Pool House

brwarchitects

A pool and pool house are located along a walking path that leads to the surrounding farm. Photo credit: Virginia Hamrick
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a pool house and concrete slab.

Outdoor heated shower adjoins hot tub and sauna area

Charlie Dresen, SteamboatsMyHome

This is an example of a country backyard pool in Denver.

Multi-Level Pool with Rope Swing, Sunken Fire Pit, Waterfalls & Swim Up Bar

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

A swim through grotto, natural boulder waterfall and a giant rope swing made from large cedar trees on the property provide endless entertainment for this family and their friends. Design and construction by Caviness Landscape Design Photography by KO Rinearson

Onaway - Narrow Lakefront Bluff

Visbeen Architects

Designed with an open floor plan and layered outdoor spaces, the Onaway is a perfect cottage for narrow lakefront lots. The exterior features elements from both the Shingle and Craftsman architectural movements, creating a warm cottage feel. An open main level skillfully disguises this narrow home by using furniture arrangements and low built-ins to define each spaces’ perimeter. Every room has a view to each other as well as a view of the lake. The cottage feel of this home’s exterior is carried inside with a neutral, crisp white, and blue nautical themed palette. The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry and a long island capped by a pub height table with chairs. Above the garage, and separate from the main house, is a series of spaces for plenty of guests to spend the night. The symmetrical bunk room features custom staircases to the top bunks with drawers built in. The best views of the lakefront are found on the master bedrooms private deck, to the rear of the main house. The open floor plan continues downstairs with two large gathering spaces opening up to an outdoor covered patio complete with custom grill pit.

Custom Roman End Pool

Grecian Pools International

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with a water feature and concrete slab.

Wagner Residence

Urban Landscape

Jeri Koegel
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with concrete pavers and a hot tub.

Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment

Sunfish Pools

Pool house with rock fireplace, outdoor bar and seating and outdoor kitchen.
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with tile and a pool house.

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.