Photography by Chipper Hatter
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Lake Front Country Estate

Markalunas Architecture Group

Lake Front Country Estate Pool Terrace, designed by Tom Markalunas and JDP Design, built by Resort Custom Homes, The Collins Group and Signature Pools. Photography by Rachael Boling

Contemporary in Cohasset

The Gardeners

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Hunters Hill Duplex

Tobola Architects

Large contemporary rectangular pool in Sydney with decking.

Hale Ku Mana

JM Design

Large tropical backyard rectangular infinity pool in Hawaii with decking.

Inspiration

Solarlux

Inspiration for a large modern custom-shaped natural pool in Malmo with decking.

Sam's Creek

Bates Masi Architects LLC

Bates Masi Architects
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in New York with natural stone pavers and a pool house.

portfolio

Bernard Andre Photography

Architect & developer- Pacific Peninsula www.pacificpeninsula.com Bernard Andre Photography
Inspiration for a large traditional pool in San Francisco.

Piscine miroir

Diffazur Piscines Toulouse

Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Toulouse with natural stone pavers.

traditional

Pool Environments, Inc.

Randy Angell, Designer The beautiful estate already had a well-designed backyard by a prominent landscape architect. This included the upper spa area, which we had built for the previous owner. The challenge presented by the new homeowner was to create a seamless design that integrated the new with the existing, remained true to the original architects vision, and created a space to be enjoyed by the family's children, as well as the many business and charity event guests that would be frequenting the home.

PMR Residence

Dutta and Kannan Architects

Large tropical backyard rectangular pool in Other.

Nancy Creek Guesthouse and Pool

Philip Babb Architect

South view of pool and guest house. Erica George Dines Photography
Large modern backyard rectangular natural pool in Atlanta with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Middlebury CT House

Demetriades + Walker

Peter Peirce
Photo of a large traditional rectangular pool in Bridgeport with decking.

Tropical Pool

This is an example of a large tropical side yard rectangular pool in Sydney with decking.

Carlton Shores - Contemporary Arts & Crafts

Visbeen Architects

A fresh take on a time-tested favorite can be risky, but the Carlton Shores design is an example of a risk worth taking. This sprawling cottage harkens back to the Arts & Crafts revival, while still managing to exude contemporary appeal. The home sits on the property like a great hunting lodge with its use of exposed wood trim and brackets. A striking array of windows gives the exterior an inviting look, as if to defy the elements and welcome nature right in. Simplicity rules the interior of the home, leaving the dramatic decorating to the outside views. A creative use of natural materials, such as wood and marble, compliment the flora-and-fauna focus of the home’s aesthetic. Every wall is dominated by glass. Windows of every shape and size allow residents to take in their surroundings, while creating a spacious, open atmosphere. The curving wooden staircase with its high ceilings gives the impression you are climbing into the trees. A soaring two-story vaulted ceiling covers the indoor pool area, which includes a kitchenette and sitting room. Glass doors open out to a vanishing pool and sundeck. All of this has been designed with the stunning lake vistas in mind. A beautiful deck and boardwalk lead from the house down to the shore, giving homeowners beach access.

Shailender House

Architecture Paradigm

Photographer: Anand Jaju
Photo of a large contemporary indoor custom-shaped pool in Bengaluru.

Ferntree Gully Project

Apex Landscapes & Pools

Tim Turner
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Melbourne with decking.

Pollença 115 house

Miquel Lacomba Architects

Miquel Lacomba
Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Other with decking.

Berwick Lap Pool

Aloha Pools Pty Ltd

As this property is situated on the side of a steep hill, the backyard has been tiered to maximise the amount of useable space. In order to integrate the bottom two tiers, the pool was built partially above ground, with a spillover wet-edge constructed along the front face.

Country Swimming Pool

Shoreline Pools, Inc.

The modern farmhouse porch set the tone for the open concept swimming pool and outdoor living space. A gourmet kitchen and custom stone fireplace built into the side of home create a year-round gathering area and the clean, simple lines of the expansive rectangular pool allow the home’s architecture to take center stage. Phil Nelson Imaging

Large 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.