Photo of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Miami with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and a pool house.

Kaihani Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

Wilton Pool House

Michael Smith Architects

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a pool house and tile.

Laura's Barn

Hobbs' Ink, LLC

outside living area
This is an example of a large eclectic backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Rancho Santa Fe Swim Up Bar

Jesse York, Landscape Designer

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

Below Ground Pool with Patio and Pool House Project

ALL Renovation & Design LLC

For this project, we were asked to create an outdoor living area around a newly-constructed pool. We worked with the customer on the design, layout, and material selections. We constructed two decks: one with a vinyl pergola, and the other with a roof and screened-in porch. We installed Cambridge pavers around pool and walkways. We built custom seating walls and fire pit. Our team helped with selecting and installing planting beds and plants. Closer to the pool we constructed a custom 16’x28’ pool house with a storage area, powder room, and finished entertaining area and loft area. The interior of finished area was lined with tongue-and-groove pine boards and custom trim. To complete the project, we installed aluminum fencing and designed and installed an outdoor kitchen. In the end, we helped this Berks County homeowner completely transform their backyard into a stunning outdoor living space.

Lutherville, MD

Lothorian Pools

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Baltimore with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Golf & Putting Greens

Advanced Grass

The natural grass seen on golf and putting greens might make people green with envy, since it’s so close cropped yet lush. But grass on putting greens needs an amazing amount of work to keep it healthy and manicured. Our golf and putting greens don’t.

Country French Estate

Traditional Concepts Inc.

Photo of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Gartenteich und Sonnedeck aus Massivholz

Garten- und Landschaftsbau Strenger GmbH

Mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and decking.

Pool House

J. Costantin Architecture, LLC.

Hamptons pool house
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Lanai Bifolding Doors in Santa Rosa, CA

Lanai Doors

Bifolding Doors, stacking to each side letting our customer open their entire wall. Lanai doors give a comfortable sunroom a sense of high end luxury.

Ilkley, Sunshine Coast QLD

Fluid Design

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Sunshine Coast with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Carlisle Pool Enclosure

Sunspace Design, Inc.

Although less common than projects from our other product lines, a Sunspace Design pool enclosure is one of the most visually impressive products we offer. This custom pool enclosure was constructed on a beautiful four acre parcel in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It is the third major project Sunspace Design has designed and constructed on this property. We had previously designed and built an orangery as a dining area off the kitchen in the main house. Our use of a mahogany wood frame and insulated glass ceiling became a focal point and ultimately a beloved space for the owners and their children to enjoy. This positive experience led to an ongoing relationship with Sunspace. We were called in some years later as the clients were considering building an indoor swimming pool on their property. They wanted to include wood and glass in the ceiling in the same fashion as the orangery we had completed for them years earlier. Working closely with the clients, their structural engineer, and their mechanical engineer, we developed the elevations and glass roof system, steel superstructure, and a very sophisticated environment control system to properly heat, cool, and regulate humidity within the enclosure. Further enhancements included a full bath, laundry area, and a sitting area adjacent to the pool complete with a fireplace and wall-mounted television. The magnificent interior finishes included a bluestone floor. We were especially happy to deliver this project to the client, and we believe that many years of enjoyment will be had by their friends and family in this new space.

Russell Home

SteveGriggsDesign.com

Design ideas for an arts and crafts backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with a pool house.

Rectilinear Pool with Elevated Spa

Brad Sharpe Pools

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with natural stone pavers and a pool house.

Las Alturas, Santa Barbara

RRM Design Group

Michelle Torres-grant Photography
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in Santa Barbara with concrete slab and a pool house.

Olivo. Las Colinas. Marjal

Gestec

Inspiration for a large contemporary front yard custom-shaped lap pool in Other with a pool house.

Private Residence

AVI Windows & Doors

Photo of a large country indoor custom-shaped lap pool in Nashville with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Custom-shaped Pool Design Ideas with a Pool House

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.