Architectural Photography - Port Douglas

This is an example of an expansive contemporary rectangular pool in Cairns with tile.

Circa 2021. This stunning garden is in New Jersey and one knows it's not Houston because of the hydrangeas. Can you say staycation?
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Houston with with a pool and 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!

Modern Outdoor Escape

Traci Connell Interiors

An expansive patio remodel turned modern and unique. With separate sitting areas for lounging, dining, and entertainment, this space will host any party this client may ever need!

10979 Chalon

The House Group

Modern patio with interesting designer solution - mosaic infinity pool with water fountain. Outdoor fireplace next to them is for cold and cozy evenings.

Resort Modern in Frisco TX

Pool Environments, Inc.

Resort Modern in Frisco Texas Photography by Jimi Smith
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary rectangular pool in Dallas.

North Ocean Way | Classic Estate

Woolems Luxury Builders

New 2-story residence with additional 9-car garage, exercise room, enoteca and wine cellar below grade. Detached 2-story guest house and 2 swimming pools.

Sunset Residence

Hoke Ley

Blake Worthington, Rebecca Duke
Photo of an expansive country backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Nokomis Bayfront Residence

BORDEN Landscape Design

Ryan Gamma
Inspiration for an expansive beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in Tampa with concrete slab.

Provence on the North Shore

Mariani Landscape

Linda Oyama Bryan
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard rectangular pool in Chicago with brick pavers and a pool house.

Amarula Sun

Ryan Hughes Design/Build

The glamour of the outdoor space continues by day with multiple cushioned chaise lounges on a decorative grasses patio. The calming lap pool provides a centerpiece for the lounge area. Photos by Joe Traina.

Contemporary Masterpiece

Noel Cross+Architects

Interior Designer Jacques Saint Dizier Landscape Architect Dustin Moore of Strata while with Suzman Cole Design Associates Frank Paul Perez, Red Lily Studios

Pinnacle Peak Modern | Infinity Edge Pool

Greey Pickett

Nestled perfectly along a mountainside in the North Scottsdale Estancia Community, with views of Pinnacle Peak, and the Valley below, this landscape design honors the surrounding desert and the contemporary architecture of the home. A meandering driveway ascends the hillside to an auto court area where we placed mature cactus and yucca specimens. In the back, terracing was used to create interest and support from the intense hillside. We brought in mass boulders to retain the slope, while adding to the existing terrain. A succulent garden was placed in the terraced hillside using unique and rare species to enhance the surrounding native desert. A vertical fence of well casing rods was installed to preserve the view, while still securing the property. An infinity edge, glass tile pool is the perfect extension of the contemporary home. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Drewett Works Contractor: Manship Builders Interior Designer: David Michael Miller Associates Photography: Dino Tonn

Naples Beachfront Custom Residence

BCB Homes, Inc.

Lori Hamilton Photography
Photo of an expansive tropical backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Miami with a water slide and natural stone pavers.

The Estates at Del Sur Plan 2 by Standard Pacific Homes

Pacific Dimensions, Inc.

AG Photography
Expansive mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Infinity Edge Pool with LED Lighting Green

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This amazing home features a backyard patio and pool area with a spectacular custom pool with many features including island which feature sitting areas and fire pit a spa as well as incredible slide which goes into the swimming pool. The pool measures roughly 2300 square feet, and has a deep end of 10'0". The spa is raised and has 12 therapy heads. There is LED colored lighting throughout the project. There is a 300 square foot zero depth beach entry into the pool with agitator jets to keep the water moving. There is also a sunshelf within the pool. The lazy river wraps around the sunken island, and the current in the lazy river is propelled by a commercial waterpark quality pumping system. The sunken island has lighting, a fire pit, and a bridge connecting it to the decking area. There is an infinity edge on one edge of the pool. The pool also has an in-floor cleaning system to keep it clean and sanitary. The swimming pool also has the ability to change colors at night utilizing the amazing LED lighting system. The pool and spa exposed aggregate finish is French Gray color. The slide that cascades down the grotto is custom built. The waterfall grotto also provide a thrilling jump off point into the deepest part of the pool. This amazing backyard was designed and built for a home in Bull Valley Illinois.

Pool and Spa with Island Fire Pit

Platinum Poolcare

This amazing home features a backyard patio and pool area with a spectacular custom pool with many features including island which feature sitting areas and fire pit a spa as well as incredible slide which goes into the swimming pool. The pool measures roughly 2300 square feet, and has a deep end of 10'0". The spa is raised and has 12 therapy heads. There is LED colored lighting throughout the project. There is a 300 square foot zero depth beach entry into the pool with agitator jets to keep the water moving. There is also a sunshelf within the pool. The lazy river wraps around the sunken island, and the current in the lazy river is propelled by a commercial waterpark quality pumping system. The sunken island has lighting, a fire pit, and a bridge connecting it to the decking area. There is an infinity edge on one edge of the pool. The pool also has an in-floor cleaning system to keep it clean and sanitary. The swimming pool also has the ability to change colors at night utilizing the amazing LED lighting system. The pool and spa exposed aggregate finish is French Gray color. The slide that cascades down the grotto is custom built. The waterfall grotto also provide a thrilling jump off point into the deepest part of the pool. This amazing backyard was designed and built for a home in Bull Valley Illinois.

Miami Beach Residence 2

Overmyer Architects

Pool Cabana Photo Credit: Maxwell Mackenzie
Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean round pool in Miami with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Tropical Pool

This is an example of an expansive tropical backyard rectangular infinity pool in Miami with tile.

Naples Modern

Rob Bramhall Architects

Rob Bramhall
Photo of an expansive modern courtyard l-shaped lap pool in Miami with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Expansive 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.