Photography by Juliana Franco
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard l-shaped lap pool in Houston with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Anthony Residence

DesignARC

Inspired by DesignARC's Greenworth House, the owners of this 1960's single-story ranch house desired a fresh take on their out-dated, well-worn Montecito residence. Hailing from Toronto Canada, the couple is at ease in urban, loft-like spaces and looked to create a pared-down dwelling that could become their home. Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch Photography

Coral Ridge Mid-Century Renovation

debora caruso kolb

Rectangular pool edged with travertine
Mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular pool in Miami with natural stone pavers.

Trenholme

Twenty Creek Landscaping

Inspiration for a large midcentury backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with with a pool and concrete pavers.

Palm Springs Mid Century Modern

Abode Image

Photography by ABODE IMAGE
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Other with concrete slab.

Palm Springs Mid Century

Scott Basile Photography

Scott Basile
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular pool in San Diego.

Midcentury Pool

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury pool in Los Angeles.

Lawrence Park Hot Tub

BonaVista LeisureScapes

This is an example of a small midcentury backyard rectangular pool in Toronto with a hot tub and tile.

Art Moderne 1930s House

Scott Mehaffey, landscape architect

Michael Wislek photo
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular pool in Chicago with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Palm Springs Mid Century

Scott Basile Photography

Scott Basile
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular pool in San Diego.

New Pool - Gulf Breeze Proper

Blue Haven Pools On The Gulf

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury rectangular lap pool in Other with natural stone pavers.

Westlake village complete backyard remodel

We Build Green Inc.

Almost any addition or change you make to a home will have an impact on its resale value, but that is not to say that any change will bring you the best return on investment. Proper planning and choosing the right renovations and upgrades will pay off the most. So, where should you start? For your convenience, we take care of all the aspects involved in increasing your property’s value. Bathrooms and kitchens always bring a great return on investment, as it does not only increase value but also attracts more eyes to your property, even if you only choose to do some small improvements. Increasing interior spaces or making room additions are another great to achieve your reselling goals. For outdoor spaces, beautiful landscapes and living spaces where people can spend their days with friends and family are great selling points.

Toluca Lake Home

dp environments

Dominic Masiello
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Nos principales réalisations depuis 2005

Vincent Vallée Paysages

baignade naturelle au crépuscule
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury custom-shaped natural pool in Le Havre with a water feature.

Color Theory

Modern Nest

Here is a view from the other direction. We added a hot tub to the pool and some contemporary outdoor furniture, so it doesn't feel like time travel.

#3 Meadows Del Mar Occupied Home Staging

Shelley Sass Designs

Photo of a large midcentury backyard kidney-shaped pool in San Diego with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

222 NE 5th Court

Marc Julien Homes

Vintage architecture meets modern-day charm with this Mission Style home in the Del Ida Historic District, only two blocks from downtown Delray Beach. The exterior features intricate details such as the stucco coated adobe architecture, a clay barrel roof and a warm oak paver driveway. Once inside this 3,515 square foot home, the intricate design and detail are evident with dark wood floors, shaker style cabinetry, a Estatuario Silk Neolith countertop & waterfall edge island. The remarkable downstairs Master Wing is complete with wood grain cabinetry & Pompeii Quartz Calacatta Supreme countertops, a 6′ freestanding tub & frameless shower. The Kitchen and Great Room are seamlessly integrated with luxurious Coffered ceilings, wood beams, and large sliders leading out to the pool and patio. Robert Stevens Photography

Ridgeway Drive

Creative Noodle

Creative Noodle
Mid-sized midcentury backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Orange County with a water slide.

Vista Vespero Project

Shields Residential Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Balboa Cove

Garden Studio

Nick Gingold
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Orange County.

Midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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.