Photographed by David De Gendt
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Austin with decking.

This gorgeous backyard project covered every square inch of this customer’s backyard and was nestled in to a tight backyard access without disturbing the existing trees or golf course. The customer had very contemporary and modern tastes and wanted that reflected in their pool and backyard design. A stunning 1” blue glass tiled raised planter box* with 5 water features gracefully separates this geometrically perfect Pebble Sheen swimming pool from the golf course it overlooks and green low-maintenance Southwest plants & floral separate the view. A dam wall separates the roomy therapeutic in-ground semi-circle spa from the pool area. The side of the pool closest to the home is a straight parallel line, with the opposing side geometrically rounded with both the raised pattern pavers and the wrought iron fence matching patterns precisely. The ( wireless EZ Touch remote operated ) pool equipment is on the side of the home allowing spacious deck space for those who enjoy this contemporary backyard. Of note, the same 1” glass tiles from the raised planter were used throughout the home’s interior to integrate outdoor & indoor elements.

Pool Area

FK Interior Design

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and a water slide.

Orange County Projects

Alderete Pools & Solar

This beautiful year is in Newport Coast and has all the bels and whistles. This pool has stacked and ledgered stone, all granite BBQ and fire place. The pool is equipped with in floor deep heating and pebble tech finish. The pool is accented with 3 water pots with led lights. This is an entertainers delight.

tuscan, stone, flagstone motorcourt

The Design Build Company

tuscany architecture by Friehauf associates, with all exterior landscape planning and installation by Rob Hill, Hill's landscapes - Cameron Flagstone, italian cypress, pizza oven, vanishing edge pool, olive trees

Bethlehem Pennsylvania Estate

The Outdoor Room, LLC

View southward over the lower fourteen acres taken from the upper lawn show the terraced 2000 square foot custom pool. A ha-ha wall concept was utilized to separate the pool landscape from the pasture below where without would leave the plantings vulnerable to deer-browse.

Pool in Lake Mary, FL with sun shelf, swim up bar, fire bowl, floor lights

American Pools & Spas

Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Orlando with natural stone pavers.

Brick Beauty

Brad Sharpe Pools

Robert Shaw photographer
Small traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Austin with brick pavers and a hot tub.

360 Degree Infinity Spa

Georgia Classic Pool

Step into luxury with our 360-degree infinity spa, where relaxation knows no bounds. This modern masterpiece redefines the spa experience, offering panoramic views and unparalleled comfort. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters while enjoying sweeping vistas of your surroundings. Designed for ultimate tranquility, our infinity spa seamlessly blends into your outdoor oasis, creating a serene retreat like no other. Explore our collection and elevate your relaxation to new heights with our 360-degree infinity spa.

PebbleTec Pool Remodel: PebbleSheen Blue Surf, Lightstreams Tile, Fire + Water

Pebble Technology International

Here is an inside look at the backyard of one of our Elite Builders! This two-tier, newly remodeled pool belongs to Dane Palmero, the owner of Overflow Pool Construction & Repair located in Phoenix, AZ. Not only does this pool defy gravity, but it also beautifully blends all three of our PebbleTec product lines: Pool Finishes, Lightstreams Glass Tile and Fire + Water Outdoor Elements. Materials used: PebbleSheen Blue Surf with Luminous Blue Blend, Lightstreams Glass Tile Gold Iridescent Collection Silverado, Fire + Water Cast Stone Fire Bowl and Lava Rock.

Freeform Pool with Spa and Scuppers in Texas Hill Country

Keith Zars Pools

Hill Country living embodies beautiful scenery and amazing sunsets. This custom freeform pool features a spa with a gorgeous chopped stone spillway, a scupper water feature, lush planter beds and landscaping. This is the perfect retreat for fun, relaxation and evenings with breathtaking sunsets. Combining leuders and a lighter flagstone for the decking helps to marry the style of the home to outdoor space.

Biolago - progettazione e realizzazione Capena - Roma

Lavinia Raccah Architetto Paesaggista

Progettazione e successiva realizzazione di un biolago a Capena - Roma (RM). Opera di impatto sostenibile ed ecologico prendendosi cura dunque dell'ambiente circostante. Si tratta di un bacino ornamentale e balneabile di acqua dolce integrato con l'ecosistema circostante e fitodepurato dalle piante stesse ( venendo quindi a meno del classico utilizzo dell'impianto di depurazione delle acque).

Leys Avenue

Tim Samuel Design

Built: 2018. Type: Design and Construct. Project details: Fully tiled Bisazza interior, cantilevered pool side cabana, custom pool water feature wall, Hardiedeck flooring, bluestone tiling, custom outdoor shower, Enviroswim pool sanitation, electric pool heating, lineal garden planting and LED garden lighting. Another beautiful house built by Baker Developments Pty Ltd - check out their work

Best of Summer 2018

Charleston Home + Design Mag

Photo of a transitional courtyard custom-shaped lap pool in Charleston with a water slide.

Swim Pond by the River - Caledon, Ontario

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

The natural setting to the north, including the Credit River, offers a beautiful and fitting backdrop to this natural swimming pond.
Small country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Toronto 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.

Manchester VT Residence

SSG Pools & Spas, Inc.

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Boston with a water feature and decking.

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.

Pool & Spa- Katy, TX

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Photo of a mid-sized tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston with stamped concrete.

Natural Pools

Phillip Johnson Landscapes

Stunning ariel view of natural pool and waterfall with filtration system, giving chrystal clear water for swimming in. Outdoor hot shower and fire pit with decking. Photo credit Claire Takacs

Green 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.