A 25 ton moss rock waterfall provides a dramatic backdrop for this natural beauty. Several unique features are found within this design. A reverse vanishing edge spa flows into the open pool. Another unique feature of the spa is that it is surrounded by the pool’s water on all sides. It is like a pool inside of a pool. A large rectangle stone ledge provides access from the deck to the spa. Located around the left side of the spa, three plastered and tiled bar stools provide seating along the ledge. A huge beach entrance was designed with several ideas in mind, small children at play, tanning, and cooling off area without getting into the deep water. This feature also creates a feeling of natural existence among the backdrop of landscape and moss rocks.

Living Outside

Malibu West Interiors

A renovation of a lack luster courtyard ~ added the pop and sizzle, for a truly unique entertaining area Ed Chappell Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary custom-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature and tile.

Edgewater - Nature Inspired Waterfall & Swimming Pool

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

The homeowner had purchased the home which was exactly what they wanted but they did not like the style of the existing pool, and hired us to come up with a design that would compliment the surrounding woods and style of the home. We removed the existing pool and reconfigured the design to accomodate the entertaining needs of the family. Award winning pool and spa design. An L-Shaped backyard provides the perfect setting for a spa - pool combination. Natural boulder waterfall and a small stream connecting the spa and pool areas give a peaceful environment for the homeowner. Design and Construction by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. J. Orthwein Photography

Private Residence_003

THE OHIO VALLEY GROUP, INC.

This is an overview of the expanisve, free-form pool and grotto/waterfall. Note the mature trees that were saved during contruction [photo by Ian Adams Photography].

Key West Deck and Pool

John F. Heltzel AIA, PC Architects

Poolside of residence in Florida, USA.
Design ideas for a large tropical backyard kidney-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature.

Spacious Outdoor Living

Betz Pools Limited

This young Kleinberg family wanted their backyard to become their “cottage at home” with a Betz custom shape 16' x 38' pool to occupy the kids and a cabana with full kitchen, outdoor lounge and dining areas to satisfy adult entertainment needs. A massive “Muskoka-look” rock feature with waterfall provides a focal point while the spacious deck area of architectural stamped concrete is surrounded by lush plantings featuring a selection of native species.

Blue Lagoon

Green Scene Landscaping & Pools

Fire pit with fiber optic lighting, recycled glass chips, and built in seating
Design ideas for a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

A Los Angeles Custom Home by Mega Builders

Mega Builders

Mega Builders
Mid-sized mediterranean backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Natural Water Feature

Legacy Landscape Design, LLC

This was a complete front and back transformation. We took the dirt from the back yard and used it to level the front yard and made both more useable. The main feature was a large gunite swimming pool, with built in diving board. We also built in the client's trampoline as well and left room for their play set and play house. It was a kids paradise! The kool deck was nice and cool in the summer and allowed for barefoot basketball games. We designed and installed a large Cedar screened in porch with fireplace and grill. Just off the porch was a hot tub. We completed it with lush landscaping, irrigation and lighting. Mark Schisler, Legacy Landscapes, Inc.

Ause

California Pools & Landscape

Mediterranean custom-shaped pool in Phoenix.

San Andreas

Blackbird Interiors

Inspiration for a tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego.

In-Ground Swimming Pool Features Limestone Coping and Concrete Surround

Orren Pickell Building Group

Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan. http://pickellbuilders.com. In-Ground Swimming Pool features limestone coping and concrete surround overlooks cedar screened porch with stone seat wall.

A Small Oklahoma Backyard Receives A Private Pool and Oasis

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

A small backyard that required privacy gets a dramatic makeover that includes a pergola sitting area, stone fire pit and a natural boulder waterfall that cascades into the pool area. A spa and mature landscape material finish the space, The mature landscape material and waterfall provide a buffer to the traffic noise that is behind the property, as well as privacy. Design and Installation by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Photography by J Orthwein

Award-winning projects

Jenkins Custom Homes

Tuscan custom home outdoor living with outdoor kitchen features an infinity edge spa and pool with fire pots.
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with tile.

Private Estate #7

Shehan Pools

Shehan Pools
Inspiration for a tropical custom-shaped natural pool in Cincinnati.

Tropical pool with fire features

Cameo Pools

Design ideas for an expansive tropical custom-shaped pool in Phoenix with a water feature.

Zabaldo

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Outdoor Kithchen, Paver patio, Landscaping on a hillside, sloped landscaping, play structure, fire pit, play ground, in ground spa, hot tub, privacy screens, stone pathway, outdoor bar, Exterior landscaping, outdoor decorating.

Ewing Aquatech

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Melissa Ovianki photo
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New Orleans with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Midnight Blue

Pool Environments, Inc.

Randy Angell, Designer
Design ideas for a mediterranean custom-shaped pool in Dallas with stamped concrete.

Water Features

Poole's Stone and Garden, Inc.

Add rock or a water fall to your pool to give it a more natural look!
This is an example of a traditional custom-shaped infinity pool in DC Metro.

Kidney-shaped and 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.