Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
Design ideas for a small contemporary side yard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Pool 9546, Freeform pool, Warrandyte North

Neptune Swimming Pools

Our client had a large property in Warrandyte with Yarra frontage and wanted a pool for relaxation and entertaining that would reflect the natural beauty of their land. There was an existing mud brick hut with character that was being used as a woodshed. The hut provided an opportunity to design the pool around, with it being transformed into a studio/pool house. A natural billabong style pool was designed to complement the existing landscape. Finished were all selected to blend with the natural colour palette. The pool is tiled with Bizassa Dehli glass mosaics that creates a natural dark green coloured water that provides a brilliant mirror to reflect the surrounding trees. Bluestone paving was hand cut and bull nosed on site to suit the unique shape. Natural rocks were used in between the coping to add dimension and enhance the rugged look of the landscape. One of the rocks included a feature that incorporates the sound of water running over the rock to add a tranquil ambience. The pool has a large shallow ledge area at one end, the perfect spot for lazing in the sun, with several ledges scattered throughout the pool creating spots to sit and relax. The mud hut and paving are connected by a timber decking that has a lounging and outdoor dining area, making this space not only look amazing, but highly functional for the client. Further outlining the level of detail undertaken the pool fence was hand crafted from natural timber and wire mesh to create a farm style fence. The pool is fully automated with an infloor cleaning system added to reduce maintenance for the client. It features and automatic salt chlorinator with chlorine and pH control to keep the water in balance. One of the main challenges that presented itself with this project was due to its location there was a high volume of protected trees. Although a unique challenge, the team knew this project would look its best with the original landscape preserved, therefore gaining construction access required town planning permits and careful research and consideration of the trees root zones determined the shape and location of the pool.

105 Plain Road, Wayland, MA

Amy Mizner, Benoit Mizner Simon & Co.

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

Cozy Symmetry In The Trees

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

Techo-Bloc Design Gallery

Thomas Lee Fisher Landscaping

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Pools

Firlit Landscape Design, Inc

Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Wonglepong Project

JB Pool Construction

Beach style backyard custom-shaped pool in Gold Coast - Tweed with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Redwood City Whole Home Remodel

Livingston Interiors, Inc.

Design ideas for a large country backyard custom-shaped lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Custom Spa with Slope Landscape

Tranquility Pools Inc.

Compact custom spa design
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Rucker Pool

Catalina Pools and Design

Mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Atlanta with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Pools

Oasis Pools and Spas, LLC

Mike Stanton
This is an example of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New Orleans with natural stone pavers.

Fiberglass Pool Jobs

SHOALS POOLS AND SPAS INC

Shoals Pools
Photo of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Opulence with Large Format Travertine

Platinum Swimming Pools

Mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Melbourne with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Comal County Ranch House

Dibello Architects, PLLC

The 3,400 SF, 3 – bedroom, 3 ½ bath main house feels larger than it is because we pulled the kids’ bedroom wing and master suite wing out from the public spaces and connected all three with a TV Den. Convenient ranch house features include a porte cochere at the side entrance to the mud room, a utility/sewing room near the kitchen, and covered porches that wrap two sides of the pool terrace. We designed a separate icehouse to showcase the owner’s unique collection of Texas memorabilia. The building includes a guest suite and a comfortable porch overlooking the pool. The main house and icehouse utilize reclaimed wood siding, brick, stone, tie, tin, and timbers alongside appropriate new materials to add a feeling of age.

Pool Grottos/Wine Caves

Creative Rock Formations

Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Charlotte with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Pool Patio

Steve's Lawn & Landscaping

Cambridge Bluestone XL Steven k Lienhardt Metro Supply
Large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Freeform Pool- Richmond, Texas

Bratton Pools

Design ideas for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Gallery - Small Vinyl Pools

Betz Pools Limited

Built to maximize the space available in a small backyard, this custom-designed curvilinear pool provides an appealing contrast to the geometric lines of the house and fencing. Overlooked by an impressive raised spa, the pool features radius steps off the patio door and is bordered by Wiarton flagstone coping and decking. (18 x 22, Betz custom shape)

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.

Pools & Spas - Elements Landscape

Elements Landscape

Design ideas for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Atlanta with natural stone pavers.

Custom-shaped Pool Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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.