This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Geelong with natural stone pavers.

John Prouty
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Phoenix with a water slide and concrete pavers.

Negative Edge Spa on Modern Pool in San Antonio, Tx

Keith Zars Pools

Featured in the 2020 Parade of Homes in Cantera Hills, San Antonio, Tx, this gorgeous modern pool exudes simple elegance with a dramatic flair. The use of glass tiles for the scupper wall, tile line and negative edge spa adds a splendid touch of subtle luxury and richness to the simplistic design. The negative edge spa takes advantage of the beautiful views and skyline.

Beach Entry Pool

Artisan Landscapes and Pools

Matt Meaney @ Artisan Landscapes and Pools
Large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Lively Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Belclaire

AquaTerra Outdoors

One of the design challenges of this project was creating a contemporary pool in a courtyard space all while ensuring an existing multi-trunk live oak tree stays. This custom pool has three custom Bobe water features, full automation though the homeowners iPhone, LED lighting and natural limestone decking.

Fletcher St. Residence

Root Architecture

outdoor pool leads into bbq area and livingroom
Small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

The Villa

CK Landscape

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Latimer Road Project

Campion Walker Landscapes

Campion Walker designed and built the pool as an inner courtyard and intimate transition from inside to outside living for a dynamic young family. Peaceful pathways shaded by native oaks, sequoias and soft, elegant drought tolerant plants accent the cool, crisp lines of home and poolside.

Raised Stone Spa w/ Infinity Edge

Conscious Environments Inc.

This is an example of a large transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Orange County with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Mid-Century Reinvention

cutlerschulze

This meticulously restored Gregory Ain home in Los Angeles is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. The home's clean lines, expansive windows, and open floor plan create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The restoration process has carefully preserved the original character of the home, while incorporating modern updates for comfort and sustainability. The exterior of the home features a low-pitched roof, white stucco walls, and a harmonious blend of wood and glass elements. Lush landscaping surrounds the house, creating a private and serene oasis. A large wooden deck extends from the living area, offering an inviting space for outdoor dining and relaxation. The deck overlooks a sparkling swimming pool, which is surrounded by greenery and reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the home is equally impressive, with high ceilings, exposed beams, and an abundance of natural light. The living spaces are furnished with a mix of mid-century modern classics and contemporary pieces, creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. The kitchen has been updated with state-of-the-art appliances and finishes, while still maintaining its original character. This stunning home is a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design and the timeless beauty of Gregory Ain's architecture.

765 studio/residence, a modern residence in Atlanta, Georgia

TaC studios, architects

Pool oasis in Atlanta with large deck. The pool finish is Pebble Sheen by Pebble Tec, the dimensions are 8' wide x 50' long. The deck is Dasso XTR bamboo decking.

Dulwich Natural Pool

Ellicar Pools & Gardens

Set in a beautiful part of Dulwich, the garden is surrounded by mature trees with preservation orders, which made finding the perfect spot for the pool a challenge. After carefully mapping the trees' root zones, we designed the pool to fit precisely between them, avoiding any disruption to the roots and staying clear of the tree canopies. Positioning the pool so that the shallow regeneration zones fringe the root areas was a key challenge, but we found the ideal balance. The pool, measuring 10 meters long by 4 meters wide, is perfect for swimming lengths and for the entire family to enjoy together. It features a child-friendly beach on one side, allowing younger family members to safely wade into the water at their own pace. The beach leads gently from the shallow end into deeper water, and water mint along the edges releases a lovely aroma as you enter the pool. A bubbling boulder at the beach creates soothing ripples and also helps mask nearby traffic sounds, enhancing the tranquil setting. We carefully considered how our clients would move around and use the pool. The jetty aligns with the house, creating a visual invitation to step onto the jetty and dive in. A walkway along the pool’s side connects two wider decked areas—a sunny deck for lounging and a larger outdoor living space near the pool house, perfect for family gatherings and dining.

New City - New Pool House

ROAM Architecture

A new pool house structure for a young family, featuring a space for family gatherings and entertaining. The highlight of the structure is the featured 2 sliding glass walls, which opens the structure directly to the adjacent pool deck. The space also features a fireplace, indoor kitchen, and bar seating with additional flip-up windows.

MID CENTURY MODERN - TAMPA, FL

Debra Ackerbloom, Inc.

Charming Mid Century Modern with a Palm Springs Vibe ~Interiors by Debra Ackerbloom ~Architectural Design by Tommy Lamb ~Architectural Photography by Bill Horne

Taylor & Suan Residence

Venetian Outdoors

Design ideas for a large country backyard rectangular pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Hilltop Estate

Alan Smith Pool Plastering & Construction

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Orange County with a water feature and tile.

Urban Oasis 01 (design by Gillespie Moody Patterson, Inc.)

Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.

This Bradford Spa which are made with stainless steel and tile inlay. The inside dimensions of this tub are 12-ft by 8-ft and 14-ft 8-in x 9.5-ft outside dimension.

2015 Swimming Pools

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Atlanta with brick pavers and a water feature.

Maison Cap-ferret

Eponyme Architecture

Photo of a large contemporary rectangular lap pool in Bordeaux with decking.

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.