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

Fairview Snowy River

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This residential Lazy River is all about activity! It has a big swimming/play area (30' accross & 40'+ length) plus the lazy river. It has a basketball goal, fire pit, and if you go down the Dolphin slide, one of the lazy river pumps sends you accross the pool to the river entrance! The bridge has a tropical feel and takes you to the island where a secret path leads to the dive rock. Designed by Mike Farley - FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, MA

Swenson Granite Works

The swimming pool at this Martha’s Vineyard estate contains custom granite coping and paving. The decking is Woodbury gray granite with a thermal finish. Three retractable fountains along the pool’s west side can be activated for an elegant water feature. Photo Credit: Jonathan Keep Landscape Designer

Keller Custom Home

True Homes Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with a water feature and concrete slab.

Casa Bonita

Domiteaux Garza Architecture

Photo: Charles Davis Smith, AIA
Inspiration for an industrial backyard l-shaped pool in Dallas with concrete pavers.

Brand New Landscape

User

Campbell Landscape Bay Area's Landscape Design, Custom Construction & Management
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with tile.

Deck-able Pool Stands

Aqua Star - On Ground Pools

When most people think of the ideal pool, they think of an in ground swimming pool. Little do they realize, however, that the benefits of the Deck-Pool and Olympic-Eagle on ground pools mean that they are not hindered by the many problems that can plague ordinary cheap above ground pools and in ground swimming pool owners. NO TAX Save $$$ Stays Cleaner Naturally Save $$$ No Heater Required Save $$$ In addition to all of this, on ground pools are not prone to the same effects of terrain and ground water as in ground swimming pools. For example: clay soil, sloping yards, rocky terrain, high water tables, and standing water can all wreak havoc on in ground pools, as can the ground upheaval associated with the winters many of us have come to know all too well. Because they are built-on-the-ground, our Deck-Pool and Olympic Eagle swimming pools are not affected by such factors. http://www.aquastarmi.com/in-ground-vs-above-ground-vs-on-ground/

Privacy Screen & Unique Pool Plantings

Allin Landscaping

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Nashville with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

University Club - Marino

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in New Orleans with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Transitional Interiors in Purchase, NY

Georgio Home

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Portfolio

Sonoran Landscape Design

Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego with a hot tub.

Contemporary Linear

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in Atlanta.

Interiorismo vivienda unifamiliar Son March

felip polar

Large country backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with tile.

Elegance of Simplicity in a Small Backyard

Betz Pools Limited

The 11’ x 23’ dry Gunite pool’s dark grey Armourcoat interior contrasts beautifully with the deck of Wiarton flagstone set on concrete. Across the deep end a series of flagstone slabs are separated by strips of ground cover to help the runoff water the shrubs. The entire backyard is essentially low maintenance.

Masters of Design 2017 Award Winner

Red Rock Pools and Spas and Red Rock Contractors

Amazing Contemporary Home in Scottsdale AZ. Impressive lautner Edge and Negative Edge Entry feature and Gravity Defying, Acrylic Panel Walled, All Bisazza Glass tile Roof top pool and spa is an example of engineering excellence Photo Credit Michael Duerinckx of INCKX Photography

Pools

Fig Tree Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Beach Pool

Splash Pools & Construction

A quick look through the glass front door of this home allows you to see through the house to the paradise that awaits. Toll Brothers desired for this luxurious zero edge, beach entry pool to include a cabana with a spa capable of being closed-off entirely. Expert design and installation left them completely enamored with their outdoor space. The cabana was constructed at pool level, with a zero edge completely around it, requiring the footings to actually be built into the pool. It showcases a large water feature, as well as glass walls that can completely close, providing privacy for the spa. We worked alongside the contractor for the cabana while constructing the pool so that we could properly install the elements for both portions of the project. The beach entry has several colors of mosaic tile, installed by hand to create a gradient of color, as though walking from sand to deeper water. The entire front portion of the pool is a beach entry, allowing guests to walk straight from the outdoor patio into the pool. The back of the pool is a negative edge, creating an expansive, ocean-like feel to the space. The landscape was designed to coordinate perfectly with the pool, featuring a large grassy peninsula that jets into the water. Multi-trunk King Palms were craned over the house and delicately placed into the middle of this oasis. They are surrounded by artificial turf ensuring easy maintenance and a clean line along the zero edge. This luxurious, resort-style pool and spa allows ample space for lounging on the beach, relaxing in the spa and swimming in the colorful lagoon. The owners could not be happier with their beach-themed paradise. Toll Brothers the Enclave at Yorba Linda

Asheville, NC Custom Fiberglass Pool

Waterworks Pool & Spa

san juan fiberglass pool
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with concrete slab.

A unique pool design for a small space

Thrasher Pool and Spa

Kimberly Evans
Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard rectangular pool in Atlanta with natural stone pavers.

Small Yard Pool | West Hollywood

Intex Design and Construction

Inspiration for a small modern backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

Green 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.