Country front yard rectangular pool in San Francisco with gravel.

Atkinson

California Pools & Landscape

This is an example of a custom-shaped pool in Phoenix with gravel.

The Meadows

Unique Homestays

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard round aboveground pool in Cornwall with a hot tub and gravel.

Écrin au coeur des Alpilles

Agence MORVANT & MOINGEON Paysagistes Concepteurs

Photographe : Gabrielle Voinot
Large mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Other with with a pool and gravel.

Compact Backyard Pool | Swimming Pools

Southview Design

Even small backyards can fit a swimming pool.
Small backyard kidney-shaped pool in Minneapolis with gravel.

SC 3

Jon Eric Christner ARCHITECT INC.

Entry Courtyard - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes
This is an example of a mediterranean courtyard rectangular pool in Orange County with gravel and a water feature.

Natural Swimming Pool

Gary McDonald and Son Inc.

Gary McDonald and Katy Boggs
Inspiration for a large beach style backyard custom-shaped natural pool in San Francisco with gravel.

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Meadow Hill

Cdc Pools Inc

So many wonderful elements to this backyard oasis. Natural stones, pavers, travertine, and desert landscaping. A generous outdoor multilevel dining and seating areas. Dan Sorensen Photography

Spa

Lake Guntersville Pool & Patio

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular pool in Other with a hot tub and gravel.

American Craftsman

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Grand Rapids with a pool house and gravel.

Lands End

D'Asign Source

Enjoy a sunset dinner at the edge of the ocean in this cozy dining alcove.
Large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature and gravel.

Arwoods backyard pool area

Garden Of Eden Landscaping Services

When planting, look for more than blooms.
This is an example of a mid-sized backyard aboveground pool in Columbus with gravel.

Laura's Barn

Hobbs' Ink, LLC

outside living with sunset
Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a pool house and gravel.

Our above ground spas

User

Design ideas for a side yard round aboveground pool in Providence with a water feature and gravel.

Built-In Hot Tubs

Colley's Pools & Spas

Inspiration for a small round pool in New York with a hot tub and gravel.

Arwoods backyard pool area

Garden Of Eden Landscaping Services

Preping for fire pit and natural stone benches
Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard aboveground pool in Columbus with gravel.

Brown Pool Design Ideas with Gravel

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.