Casey Dunn
Pool in Austin.

Matt Meaney @ Artisan Landscapes and Pools
Large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

European Granduer

The Refined Group

Werner Segarra
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Phoenix with a hot tub.

Saratoga Extreme Backyard Make over

Creative Environments

This picture was taken by Master photographer, Alex Johnson. The yard design was done by Peter Koenig Designs in Alamo, the Hardscape and Soft scape were build and designed by Michael Tebb Landscape in Alamo and the Swimming Pool construction was done by Creative Environments in Alamo. What a great team effort by all that helped to create this wonder outdoor living space for our clients.

Traditional Pool

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with a pool house.

Bedford home

J. Brandon Jones

Bill Black
Design ideas for a large modern backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Lively Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Maison Cap-ferret

Eponyme Architecture

Inspiration for a contemporary pool in Bordeaux.

Pool structures

Glen Gate Company

The cabana and adjacent changing area create just the right about of built environment around an elegant pool.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Kildeer, IL Custom Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This hot tub is 8'0" round and 3'0" in depth. Raised 18", the hot tub features Bluestone double bullnose coping, an exposed aggregate finish, and stone cladding on the exterior. Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan

Westside Road

Riptide Construction

Riptide - Ed Aiona
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard rectangular infinity pool in San Francisco with concrete slab and a hot tub.

Indian River Retreat

Pineapple House Interior Design

Outdoor living in Florida demands shaded spaces. The tanning ledge in the pool also assists in cooling efforts, as does the sitting edge along the lap pool. The hot tub is located on the far right. Daniel Newcomb Photography

Westchester Estate

Segerson Builders

Custom kidney shaped pool with stone border and jacuzzi.
Mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped pool in Other with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

LaurelRock Company: Back Country Manor

LaurelRock

Neil Landino
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

Transitional Infinity Edge Pool & Outdoor Firewall

Selective Designs by Shane LeBlanc

Ben Hilliard
Transitional infinity pool in Other.

Pool House

Murray Legge Architecture

Photo Whit Preston
Photo of a contemporary pool in Austin.

S. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA

GardenWise

Michael K. Wilkinson
Design ideas for a traditional pool in DC Metro.

Longfellow Drive

KAA Design

Image Sharon Risedorph
Contemporary lap pool in Los Angeles.

Modern: Beverly Drive

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Completed in the summer of 2013, this modern garden is located in Highland Park, Texas just north of Dallas. This garden features a modern edge with a swimming pool, concrete terraces, Ipe wood decks, a unique wood fence an outdoor shade structure with fireplace. The garden also includes and outdoor cooking area with Kalamazoo appliances.

Sunwashed Mediterranean Garden

Sage Outdoor Designs

Karen Reinecke
Design ideas for a mediterranean rectangular pool in San Diego.

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.