Photo of a large country indoor rectangular pool in Moscow.

Wellfleet Mid Century Modern Home Remodel

Augustus Construction

Inspiration for a modern indoor pool in Boston.

LaDuke Custom Construction

LookingGlass Photography

This is an example of a beach style indoor rectangular lap pool in Detroit with a pool house and tile.

m house

Arch4

Inspiration for a large modern indoor rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and decking.

Light Fantastic

London Swimming Pool Company

This chic ground-floor integrated pool and spa gets brilliant natural light from the surrounding windows and looks out onto expansive grounds. The lighting is a key feature in this elegant pool hall, from the daylight to the 3x3w Wibre underwater lighting in the pool to the grand ceiling illumination, which can be adjusted to create different moods. The client has an inviting space where the family can exercise, have fun and relax. The pool is 13.5m x 4.20m. The shallow end is 1.5m in depth falling to 2m at the deep-end. The pool sports an Astral neck-jet water cannon on each side of the pool – these create strong waterfalls which are visually striking and fun to swim under. Steps on both sides of the spa lead into the pool. The 2.1m diameter spa accommodates five bathers, has an extended seatback and footwell – at seating level, the water depth is approximately 0.5 metres. Multiple jets deliver stimulating and soothing massages via standard air/water mix jets. The same bespoke tiling design runs throughout the spa and pool. Large format porcelain tiles in a travertine design were cut to mosaic size and affixed to a backing sheet. To give the tiling extra pizzazz, different shades of beige and brown tiles were combined. Completing the pool is an Ocea automatic slatted pool cover installed in a recess floor. The pool cover mechanism is hidden under a structural false floor panel, which is completely blended into the pool finish. The pool cover is a light beige colour, matching the client-designed pool surround which is made of bespoke porcelain tiles. The pool cover helps to minimise running and maintenance costs as well as providing added safety by closing-off the pool when it is not in use. When not in use, the spa is also closed-off using a Certikin Thermalux foam throw-on cover. There is an equally impressive plant room located directly beneath the pool. Awards: SPATA Gold Award – Inground Residential Spas & Wellness Category & SPATA Bronze Award – Residential Indoor Pool 2018 Partners: Architect: Studio Indigo. Main Contractor: Knightbuild. Photographer: Peter Northall

Fishhawk Ranch

Ryan Hughes Design/Build

A seating area for casual relaxation atop the waterfall wall provides views of the calming pool area.
Design ideas for a large contemporary indoor l-shaped lap pool in Tampa with a hot tub and tile.

Kensington Town House

Joanna Wood International Interior Design Practice

This is an example of a contemporary indoor pool in London with a pool house.

Existing Cape and Ell Renovation and Additions

Dominic Paul Mercadante Architecture

Brian Vanden Brink Photographer Spa Room with Pool beyond
This is an example of a large country indoor rectangular pool in Portland Maine with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Custom Library & Home Remodel

AMP Design Studio / MILLER & more

This is an example of a large traditional indoor custom-shaped lap pool in Tampa with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

The Lodge, Rutland Gardens

Originate Architects

Underground pool / built in TV Photo: David Churchill
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary indoor rectangular pool in London with natural stone pavers.

Silicon Valley Pool House

Framestudio

This project began as a design-build proposal to build an addition for an indoor swim spa and exercise room to a ranch style house. The Clients were seeking a functional and inviting space reminiscent of the luxury resorts and space they have visited during their international travels. One of the biggest challenges was to fit the program within the site and buildable area constraints. In order to maximize floor area, the exterior walls of the addition were located parallel to the property lines along the required setbacks, which resulted in a non-orthagonal geometry in plan. The volume of the addition began to take shape with large floor to ceiling openings strengthening the connection to the outdoors with roof line that rises northward to capture daylight. A series of operable skylights ventilate the room and allow more daylight to penetrate into the adjacent existing den. Inspired by modern additions made to historic structures in Europe, we made a conscious decision to not try to blend the addition into the language of the existing ranch house, choosing instead to juxtapose a structure that was layered and felt light next to the cement tile roof and framed picture windows. The interior walls were finished with a marine grade plywood to withstand a humid environment, and the exteriors were clad with a cedar rainscreen to give privacy where needed and gradually reduced to allow for more glass and visibility. The Clients are immersed in the technological environment of Silicon Valley and appreciated the simple geometries and aesthetics of modern design. david wakely

Pool and Patio Fair Haven NJ

Elite Landscapes & Pavers INC

Elite Landscapes and Pavers INC Pool Patio, Custom Pool, Gunite Pool, Concrete Pool, Modern Pool, Pool Spa, Travertina, Techo Bloc, Fire Pit, Borealis, Pool Coping, Pool Tile, Pool Builders, Pool Design

Private House London

Lighting Design International

Layered lighting design adds impact to the side of this swimming pool. Columns are uplit to create a focus and the units beyond are lit both above and below with linear LED strips to create a floating effect. The stairs are also lit to provide an interesting approach to the pool.

pool enclosure

Rasmussen / Su Architects

Halkin Mason Photography
Photo of a contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Philadelphia with a pool house.

Timber-framed stone Pool House

Purple Cherry Architects

The timber-framed stone pool house with kitchen and full bath provides year round activity and entertainment, features a six-foot masonry fireplace, and visually connects to a timber-framed barn accessory structure. Mounted above the stone fireplace designed by Purple Cherry Architects, are Indonesian Medan masks. The unique African sculpture in the right corner was crafted from a hollowed tree trunk and uses natural materials to create the facial features. This indoor pool is truly a stunning space.

Hillside Slope

E. B. Mahoney Builders, Inc.

Jay Greene Architectural Photography
This is an example of a transitional indoor pool in Philadelphia.

Dibros Design & Construction - Geneva

Dibros Design & Construction

Screened in backyard pool & hot tub with travertine pavers deck. FireOrb next to tub and outdoor kitchen/grill. Main house to the left with Garage and 2nd floor Guest Suite to the left. Photo by Aaron Bailey Photography - awbailey.com

Fishhawk Ranch

Ryan Hughes Design/Build

This Ryan Hughes Design Build screened pool with baja shelf and square infinity spa allow for all-weather enjoyment. Colorado Travertine tile in soothing elegant tones wraps around the pool and spa and encases tropical plantings.

Porcelain - Swimming Pool

Naos Floors Ltd.

Swimming pool with stone effect porcelain tiles and matching copings. Wall clad with natural stone split-face mosaic.
Contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Kent.

Beach House Branford

Nelson Edwards Company Architects, LLC

Photo: Robert Benson
This is an example of a beach style indoor rectangular pool in Bridgeport.

Indoor 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.