At the center of this oasis is a 1,000 square foot pool with multiple levels including walk-in steps and a cooling sun shelf. Totally encased in glistening glass tiles, the pool is highlighted with fire pots illuminating the area by Grand Effects. Photo by Jimi Smith Photography.

Idyllic Modern

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Marion Brenner Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with decking.

Details

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

Inspiration for a large midcentury backyard rectangular infinity pool in San Diego with a pool house and concrete slab.

Infinity Edge Custom Shaped Pool with Sun Shelf in Stuart, Florida

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This one of a kind shaped pool with infinity edge and custom sun shelf is a true masterpiece. This size and shape of the pool was utilized in an incredible way as to make the most out of the backyard and it really shows!

Legacy

A. Perry Homes

Custom pool and cabana with fountain-like jets and spa
Expansive traditional backyard rectangular pool in Chicago with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Spectacular New Pool and Landscape Project in Gilbert

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

The two lounge chairs on the Baja step are the perfect place to relax on a hot day and enjoy the beauty of this lush yard.
Large contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Clear as glass

Lowcountry Custom Pool and Spa

Glass raised waterfall wall Sheer fountains Shellstone coping Acrylic viewing panel Bench seating Putting green Privacy wall
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Charleston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Country Farmhouse

Reece McIver Homes

Steve Lara and Kallie McIver
This is an example of an expansive country backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

River's End

Pineapple House Interior Design

The rear patio’s limestone columns have electric roll-down screens & allow outdoor living without pests, when preferred. We project the fire pit into the lap pool so from most angles, it appears to be floating, as does the house.

Contemporary Modern

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

This is an example of a large contemporary pool in Atlanta.

Contemporary Modern

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

Inspiration for a large contemporary pool in Atlanta.

Colleyville HGTV Cool Pools/ Ultimate Pools Residential Lazy River

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

Texas swimming pool designer Mike Farley takes you to the design of a Colleyville residential Lazy River project that has already won multiple awards and was featured on HGTV "Cool Pools". This pool has it all - outdoor kitchen, multiple waterfalls, rain falls, bridges, an elevated spa on an island surrounded by the river, basketball, luxury cave, underwater speakers, and they converted a stall of the garage to make a bathroom with a dry sauna & walkin dual shower. Project is designed by Mike Farley and constructed by Claffey Pools. Check out Mike's Pool Tour Video series at FarleyPoolDesigns.com. Photo by Laura Farley

Steeplechase Landscape and Pool

Spayd's Landscape and Design

Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and concrete pavers.

The Victoria by John Cannon Homes

John Cannon Homes

Muted colors lead you to The Victoria, a 5,193 SF model home where architectural elements, features and details delight you in every room. This estate-sized home is located in The Concession, an exclusive, gated community off University Parkway at 8341 Lindrick Lane. John Cannon Homes, newest model offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, great room, dining room and kitchen with separate dining area. Completing the home is a separate executive-sized suite, bonus room, her studio and his study and 3-car garage. Gene Pollux Photography

Custom Rock Waterfall Pool with Stone Grotto, Stream and Tiki Hut

Lucas Lagoons Inc.

Beyond the grand stone veneer entrance, a breezeway opens to a stunning outdoor living space with views of Sarasota bay. Over 1,000 square feet of flagstone decking lays right up to the edge of the rock waterfall pool, the stonework continues around to an outdoor shower made with three large boulders and massive stone steps to a secret tropical pathway behind the pool grotto. From here you can climb the grotto rocks and jump into the swimming pool, or meander on to the tiki hut. Once in the pool, the swim up ledge in the grotto can be accessed from the pool’s sun shelf and is large enough to stand in. If the walk-through grotto doesn’t make this one of the best lagoons in Florida, there is a fire pit peninsula between the lounge chairs on the sun shelf and the in-pool seating cove next to the oversize spa to maximize the space. Photo: Geza Darrah

Valley Ridge Modern Pool & Spa

Randy Angell Designs

Design by Randy Angell Designs Pool & spa build by Pool Environments Patio build out by Key Residential Landscaping by Jason Osterberger Designs
Mid-sized modern backyard l-shaped pool in Dallas with concrete slab.

Hotel California swimming pool paving

Oltco Resin Bound Flooring

Oltco's own custom blend of permeable resin bound gravel
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern indoor rectangular aboveground pool in Cornwall with a pool house.

Carlisle Pool Enclosure

Sunspace Design, Inc.

Although less common than projects from our other product lines, a Sunspace Design pool enclosure is one of the most visually impressive products we offer. This custom pool enclosure was constructed on a beautiful four acre parcel in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It is the third major project Sunspace Design has designed and constructed on this property. We had previously designed and built an orangery as a dining area off the kitchen in the main house. Our use of a mahogany wood frame and insulated glass ceiling became a focal point and ultimately a beloved space for the owners and their children to enjoy. This positive experience led to an ongoing relationship with Sunspace. We were called in some years later as the clients were considering building an indoor swimming pool on their property. They wanted to include wood and glass in the ceiling in the same fashion as the orangery we had completed for them years earlier. Working closely with the clients, their structural engineer, and their mechanical engineer, we developed the elevations and glass roof system, steel superstructure, and a very sophisticated environment control system to properly heat, cool, and regulate humidity within the enclosure. Further enhancements included a full bath, laundry area, and a sitting area adjacent to the pool complete with a fireplace and wall-mounted television. The magnificent interior finishes included a bluestone floor. We were especially happy to deliver this project to the client, and we believe that many years of enjoyment will be had by their friends and family in this new space.

Beach Front Mansion

Bravas Boca Raton

Expansive bodies of water connect the pool to the ocean with infinity edges and dramatic fire bowls.
Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Miami with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Rustic Pool

Photo of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

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.