Swimming pool renovation with outdoor sunning area, covered seating area, gazebo, and outdoor fireplace
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped lap pool in Toronto with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Eel Point

Chip Webster Architecture

Daniel Sutherland - Photography
Photo of a large beach style backyard pool in Boston with stamped concrete.

Modern Pool

Modern backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

Waterfront Shingle Style in Darien

Thompson Raissis Architects

Photo of a large country backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Capri - Limestone Pavers

StoneHardscapes, LLC

Mid-sized tropical backyard pool in Miami with natural stone pavers.

Working Ranch Pool and Landscape | Ventura County

CJ Paone AIA | Archipelago Workshop

kurt jordan photography
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Santa Barbara with a pool house and decking.

Bear Creek Residence

Cornerstone Architects

Ann Hiner Photography
Contemporary pool in Austin.

Mansfield PermaCrete Vinyl Liner - Hot Tub

Easton Pool & Spa - Where great backyards begin!

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

Tranquil Pool House

W Design Interiors

Tricia Shay Photography
Photo of a contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Cleveland with a water feature and decking.

Freeform Pool and Spa with Pool House

Boyce Design + Build

This gorgeous multi-level pool and flag stone patio houses a spa and water slide on the terrace level with stacked stone steps leading down to the pool house which features an open air cabana, outdoor fireplace, custom pizza oven, dining area, bathroom and storage room. The lower level includes a custom wood burning fire pit and manicured lawn.

Piscine contemporaine sur Toulouse

Beogarden - Créateur d'espace Piscine et Spa

Inspiration for a small contemporary custom-shaped aboveground pool in Toulouse with decking.

Luxury Backyard

Crystal Pools LLC

Swimming Pool is on a slope with drainage issues from all sides, Crystal Pools LLC designed to incorporate and resolve all the drainage issues and transform the yard into a luxurious backyard experience. Crystal pools patented Cleaning system, glass tile, Ozone system make this pool enjoyed everyday! with use of very little chlorine/salt.

St. Helena Addition & Remodel

AVCO Design

Inspiration for a country rectangular pool in San Francisco with a pool house and gravel.

spa waterfall

Linden L.A.N.D. Group

The heated waterfall provides a relaxing head massage after a long day. Photo: Rebecca Lindenmeyr
Inspiration for a small modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Burlington with a water feature and decking.

Kapalua Textures

Rick Ryniak Architects

Large tropical backyard rectangular infinity pool in Hawaii with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Beach House No. 9 -Isle of Palms, SC

Amy Trowman Design

This is an example of a beach style backyard rectangular infinity pool in Charleston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Masonry Chimney Work & Pavers around pool

Ocean Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard kidney-shaped lap pool in Philadelphia with concrete pavers.

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.

Choptank River Estate

Becker Morgan Group, Inc.

Ronal Fenstermacher Interiors
This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard rectangular lap pool in Baltimore with a pool house and concrete slab.

Back Country

Peter Cadoux Architects, P.C.

This is an example of a large traditional backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Brown, 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.