Inspiration for a modern custom-shaped pool in Wollongong with gravel.

A Sympathetic In-between Positioned at the edge of the Field of Mars Reserve, Walless Cabana is the heart of family living, where people and nature come together harmoniously and embrace each other. In creating a seamless transition between the existing family home and the distant bushland, Walless Cabana deliberately curates the language of its surroundings through the Japanese concept of 'Shakkei' or borrowed scenery, ensuring its humble and respectful presence in place. Despite being a permanent structure, it is a transient space that adapts and changes dynamically with everchanging nature, personalities and lifestyle.

Coastal garden

Cultivart Landscape Design

Design ideas for a small beach style custom-shaped pool in Perth with brick pavers.

Backyard & Barn

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.

Infinity Edge Pool With Sunken Seating Area In Fort Lauderdale

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This amazing infinity-edge pool with sunken seating area, stepping stones, and firebar feature overlooks the Fort Lauderdale intracoastal and is a beautiful spectacle during the evening!

Beautiful Modern Southern Farmhouse by Steve Powell Homes

David Cannon Photography

Amazing front porch of a modern farmhouse built by Steve Powell Homes (www.stevepowellhomes.com). Photo Credit: David Cannon Photography (www.davidcannonphotography.com)

Natural Private Residence

Pool Environments, Inc.

A natural pool setting creates a oasis in the midst of a busy neighborhood.
Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub.

Room To Spare

Mauricio Nava Design, LLC

This is an example of an expansive modern backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Houston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Specialty Seating

Seating Innovations

Pool house with swivel barstools.
Inspiration for a large tropical indoor custom-shaped infinity pool in Salt Lake City with a pool house and concrete slab.

Modern Hillside Pool with Fire and Water Features

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

Beautiful modern pool project in Southlake, TX designed by Mike Farley. It has a large cabana with a outdoor kitchen and fireplace. The hillside was terraced to create different gathering areas. The desire for great water features resulted in the back of the fire feature creating an awesome sound with a water wall and the cabana bench back created a spot for the sheer descents. The lush tropical plantings accented with raised planters and synthetic grass provide privacy with the neighbors and will grow into paradise. Constructed by Claffey Pools & landscape by Joey Designs. Photo by Mike Farley.

The Sanctuary | Fall 2020

Tim Perry Photography

This is an example of a traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Omaha with a water slide and concrete pavers.

Vaquero Renovation

Randy Angell Designs

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with decking.

Modern Villa in Spain

Oksana Vladi

Inspiration for a tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other.

Modern pool with stone look porcelain tile throughout

Simple Steps

This modern pool has a stone look porcelain tile called Stoneone Silver Prestige Brown on the floors and Stoneone Dark and Stoneone Silver Muretto on the walls.

Modern Farmhouse

Old Hillsboro Building Company

Photo of an expansive country backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Nashville with a water slide and concrete pavers.

Villa Park - Modern Renovation

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Photos by Jeri Koegel Installation by: Altera Landscape
This is an example of a contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Orange County with tile.

Las Vegas LEED Certified Modern Residence

studio g ARCHITECTURE

This is an example of a large modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Las Vegas with tile and a hot tub.

Grand ARDA - Outdoor Living - RG Designs and K2 Design Group

AIBD - American Institute of Building Design

The outdoor living area utilizes bold radial lines to offer a sense of unobstructed openness along the panoramic riverside views. Special consideration was given to the design and engineering of the outdoor space to allow a massive 60-foot span between columns, resulting in an unparalleled view. Playful geometric shapes speak to an easy livability that belie the bold and glamorous design. The second floor deck provides seamless access from the guest bedrooms, office and exercise rooms. The use of glass railing and zero-edge doors carefully preserve the view. A Grand ARDA for Outdoor Living Design goes to RG Designs and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Small Modern Pool

Geremia Pools

This is a clever way to hide equipment and other yard items. A second box was built on the other side of the yard.
Photo of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Sacramento with a hot tub and decking.

Agoura Hills, CA

Blu Crew

Inspiration for a country backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers.

Custom-shaped 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.