Although the natural rise along the back was perfectly suited to the design, special precautions had to be taken to avoid encroaching on the roots of the massive trees. The landscape architect is also an arborist so that issue was expertly handled, as was the addition of mature trees and shrubs to enhance privacy.

DeRosa Residence, Orange,Ca.

Influence Outdoors Landscape Design & Build

Mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Orange County with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Lola Place Hills

Racing Green

Inspiration for a large contemporary custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with concrete slab.

A Lasting Impression

Mauricio Nava Design, LLC

Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean courtyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a hot tub.

Branksome

Weststyle

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary front yard custom-shaped lap pool in Perth with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Rustic freeform with Boulder Wall Waterfalls and Spa

Keith Zars Pools

A gorgeous freeform pool with beautiful boulder work and flagstone decking seamlessly tie in with the natural landscape creating a tranquil oasis. Lush landscaping accents the raised spa with its layered stone spillway and stunning weeping rock wall. The over-sized sun shelf adds another space to relax in and enjoy the views.

Dallas Small Yard - Spectacular Pool/Fountain

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

Dallas Small Yard - Spectacular Fountain/Pool. This one of a kind fountain blends with this traditional home and is inspired by Italy's Villa D' Este Walk of 100 Fountains. To create a lush garden feel and still have lots of room for gatherings generally is a challenge but we were able to strike the right balance. The center fountain provides a focal point from the home. The brick patterns and color was an exact match to the home brick details and was carried to the brick surround of the fountain sconces. Also, the center water feature provides some seating with the raised basin and tied in with the raised planters which created maximum privacy with the plantings. The lower basin provided a wrap around feature to enjoy throughout the space and lengthen the line of sight. Black Granite was used inside the feature for more reflection and contrast. Lush plantings, pots, a living green wall and the synthetic grass create a definite garden feel, but still allow plenty of space to entertain all day or all night under the string lights. So come on over and enjoy this small but sensational backyard. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

New Pool & Spa with Custom Landscaping in Cooper City

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This amazing custom pool with stepping pavers leading to an outdoor pergola, vanishing edge spa, sun shelf with LED bubblers and custom landscaping pattern is truly a backyard oasis!

Central Avenue

Kukk Architecture & Design P.A.

Design ideas for a large beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with a hot tub and tile.

Kelli small pool build

JSQ IMPROVEMENTS

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Orange County with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Custom Pool & Spa

Foxterra Design

Design ideas for a small modern backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Orange County with a hot tub.

Jupiter Beach House - Modern Bali Makeover

Island Time Renovation & Design

Mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool with a hot tub and concrete slab.

New Swimming Pool and Spa with Water and Fire Features in Parkland, Florida

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This amazing pool and spa in Parkland, Florida is the ultimate backyard style retreat with pergola that features an incredibly soothing rain curtain, sunshelf for sun lounging, fire bowl fountains, and custom fireplace for those crisp winter nights in Florida!

Geometric Pool Gem

Alka Pool Construction Ltd

This contemporary patio features ironwood decking and pewter colored cement accents that offsets the crisp white plaster of the centerpiece swimming pool. Photo credit: Amir Hamzehali of Royal LePage Sussex

Transitional Pool

This is an example of a large transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Pool House

Sanderson Construction

Beautiful pool house with large sliding glass doors and windows overlooks a contemporary pool. Pool covers automatically wind down into the bottom of the pool, leaving behind a glassy surface of water. Serenity at it's finest. Professionally landscaped area complements the sharp angles of the pool house.

Contemporary Craftsman Cozy Outdoor Living Space

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

Cottage charm with transitional, custom details complete with glowing gas lanterns. Featured Lighting: http://ow.ly/bnIM30nCrWv

Hollywood Residence

CODA Industries

Mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Coastal Virginia Idea House York Lane

Stephen Alexander Homes & Neighborhoods

Jonathan Edwards Media
This is an example of a large modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Stratton Woods Residence

Smelek Design

Design ideas for a small modern backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston with a hot tub and 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.