This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Diego with a hot tub and decking.

Glen Iris deck pool

Neptune Swimming Pools

Pool constructed out of ground. stand off glass brackets in side of deck.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Venice Canals

Katie Leede & Company Studio

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard aboveground pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and decking.

Pool Deck

Altereco Design

Timber deck connecting plunge pool with outdoor dining area
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary pool in Melbourne with decking.

Contemporary Pool

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Toronto with decking.

Terraced House

Hufft

Photo of a mid-sized modern rectangular pool in Kansas City with decking.

Pool Night View | Urban Oasis Complete Home Remodel | Studio City, CA

Pure Builders Inc.

Swimming Pool with Trex decking, rooftop deck, outdoor bar, and lounge chairs.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard kidney-shaped pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and decking.

Mulholland Project

Brass Bone Studio

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Los Angeles with decking.

Schwimmteich

ENGLHARDT Galabau GmbH

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard rectangular natural pool in Munich with decking.

Patio Awnings & Shades

Texas Sun & Shade

Exterior solar shades and awning systems are the most efficient solution to protect your windows and patio areas from the sun's damaging heat and UV rays. Blocking up to 99% of UV, motorized retractable shading systems allow you to block the sun and heat or reverse the strategy to allow in natural light and heat as desired.

Lake Travis Treehouse (Composite)

TimberTown

This hot tub and pool can be entered directly from sliding glass windows in the dining room, meaning you're always one step away from cooling off or heating things up. Built by Jenkins Custom Homes.

Stainless Steel Gunite Hybrid

Owens Custom Pools

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Other with a water feature and decking.

Swim Spas

hydropoolswimspas

Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard pool in Toronto with a water feature and decking.

Able & Serene

Hiren Patel Architects

http://www.phxindia.in/
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary rooftop rectangular infinity pool in Ahmedabad with a water feature and decking.

Las Colinas Modern

Randy Angell Designs

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

Woodland Swimming Pool Paradise

Neave Group Outdoor Solutions

Regal Teak fabric-backed dining chairs are the perfect place to relax after a dip in the pool. The homeowners can prepare a lovely meal in the outdoor kitchen, complete with sink, refrigerator, ice maker and gas burners.

Rustic Urban Design Makes a Splash

Betz Pools Limited

The trio of custom-made scuppers not only lend a dramatic focal point but also deliver a practical benefit. The sounds of falling water have a calming effect while at the same time helping to block out neighbourhood noise.

Hot Tub with Ipe Surround Deck

Jeff King & Company

Architect: David Kotzebue / Designer: MODtage Design / Photography: Paul Dyer
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with decking and a hot tub.

Hawthorn, Vic - New pool and landscaping

My Architect

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Melbourne with decking.

Swim & Exercise Spas

Mission Valley Spas

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with a hot tub and decking.

Mid-sized Pool Design Ideas with Decking

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.