Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Orlando with tile.

Ledge Lounger in-pool Chaise

Ledge Lounger

This is an example of a contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.

Swimming pools

Lazar Landscape Design and Construction

Karen DeJager: Spectrum Photography
Mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with tile.

Kishkinda Water Park | Hampi

Rays Pools & Chemicals

Water park at Kishkinda Heritage Resort
Design ideas for an expansive traditional courtyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a water slide and tile.

Firescapes

Aloha Pools, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Charlotte with a water feature and tile.

Rye NH Mansion - Bathroom, Breakfast Solarium and Indoor Pool

Peter Luciani, Jr.

Photo of an expansive eclectic rectangular lap pool in Boston with tile.

Private Residence - Eaton Terrace

Keystone Restoration Ltd

Keystone were one of a few selected specialist trades credited with the stunning transformation of this 5 floor private residence in Belgravia. We supplied and installed cut to size honed Volakas marble slabs to walls and floors to various bath and shower rooms. Tumbled Carrara and Nero Marquina tiles were used in a chequerboard pattern to the front lightwell and rear courtyard. We fabricated and installed Nero Assoluto granite treads and risers to form a new staircase at the rear of the property, and precast copings to the roof parapet. Several bespoke architectural features were prominent, including worktops, vanity tops and fireplaces. Italian porcelain tiles were installed throughout the lower two floors of the property, including basement staircase and pool surround. We also installed tiles to the mechanically lifted pool floor, which in the fully raised position is also used as part of the gym. Photo credit - Keystone Restoration Ltd

Modern contemporary Hillside Terrace Pool and Spa

PROJECT: automate

Infinity pool and spa perched atop the West Hollywood hills overlooking the Los Angeles basin below to the Pacific coast.
Large modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and tile.

511 Marina

Flagg Coastal Homes

Enjoy the backyard spa and fountain
This is an example of a mid-sized beach style backyard rectangular natural pool in San Diego with with a pool and tile.

Piscine

Geni Group srl

piscina esterna villetta
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Milan with tile.

Architect New Build Project

Tiles & Baths

This is an example of an expansive modern rectangular pool in Other with tile.

Exterior Custom Shutters

Shutters Toronto

Mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Toronto with tile.

Back yards: Pools, Patios, Pergolas, and Fire Pits

Trevor Ward Photography

The beautiful pool with spa in Colina Bay has a beautiful view of the lake below. The screened in porch allows for enjoyment at all times of the year, bug free. The two fire pit bowls on either side of the spa add a touch of class. Below the fire bowls, are water fall spills that illuminate with LED lighting. The spa also has a water spill fall that empties into the symmetrically shaped pool. The deck of the pool is covered with a travertine stone tile, making you feel as if you're in Italy. And the spa and the columns for the fire bowls are surrounded with blue mosaic tiles.

Custom Swimming Pools

Splash Pools & Construction

This is a very elegant looking swimming pool and has a little bit of a Greco-Roman style to it with the pillars, tiered water features and fire feature bowls. The backyard was design for ultimate entertaining and a luxurious relaxing experience. Along the very back is a spa with a raised waterfall and overhead patio cover with two seating areas nearby. Water flows down to tiers from the spa around stepping stones and into the pool. The pool has water features on either side that arch into the pool. A custom outdoor living area with mini kitchen provides a wonderful shaded area right next to the pool.

McEwan Parade of Homes #25

Old World Stone Imports Flooring & Design

Transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Salt Lake City with a water slide and tile.

Beach Style Home & Pool House Doors

AG Millworks

Pool house bi-fold passthrough window
Photo of a large beach style backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with tile.

Goldsberry Residence

Altera Landscape

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Orange County with a hot tub and tile.

Private Betonhausvilla

FALKO WÜBBECKE | FOTODESIGN

© Falko Wübbecke | falko-wuebbecke.de
Inspiration for a large contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Dortmund with tile.

Pukenui Residence

Arcline Architecture

Photo of a large modern backyard pool in Other with tile.

McEwan Parade of Homes #25

Old World Stone Imports Flooring & Design

Design ideas for a transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Salt Lake City with a water slide and tile.

Grey Pool Design Ideas with Tile

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.