Photo of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New Orleans with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Completely Enclosed Courtyard Pool

Marquise Pools

This is an example of a large traditional courtyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Water Features & Ponds

M. M. Moore Construction Company, Inc.

This infinity edge all-tile pool and spa is surrounded by a cut leuders limestone deck. Dallas and Fort Worth architect Ralph Duesing designed the main house, garage and cabana. M. M. Moore managed the construction of the grounds, hardscape and pool.

Tropical Pool

Photo of a large tropical backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with a pool house.

Contemporary Classic

Mulvey Custom Builders

This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard rectangular natural pool in San Diego with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Modern Balinese In Clifton Virginia

Land & Water Design

Tropical living in timeless, luxurious style. ... Modern Balinese, and a blend of Asian influences with Contemporary, Mediterranean architecture. Builder: Professional Grounds, Inc. Photography: George Brown Photography

Swimming Pools

Browne and Associates Custom Landscapes

This Swim Spa with retractable Nana Walls was designed in 2005 and constructed in 2006 in Castle Pines Village. The clients wanted a swim spa that could be open to the patio during the Summer, but closed off during the cooler months. Nana Walls surround 2 walls of the pool house. Patio is bluestone flagstone with concrete "tiles". Mexican pebbles grout the concrete tiles. Design: Courtney McRickard - Threesixty Design Denver Construction: Browne and Associates, llc Photography: Michael Peck

Contemporary Pool House

New Outlooks Construction

Relaxing in the summertime has never looked more beautiful. Whether you're looking to catch some sun, or cool off from a hot day, you will find plenty of amusement with this project. This timeless, contemporary pool house will be the biggest hit among friends and family.

2021 Home-A-Rama Home - Modern Prairie with Indoor Basketball Court & Pool

Duke Homes, Inc.

The home's pool features a wall of fountains and an adjacent pool house which plays double duty with an indoor basketball court.
Inspiration for an expansive backyard rectangular natural pool in Indianapolis with a pool house and concrete slab.

New House Torquay

Baker Drofenik Architects Pty Ltd

New pool area adjacent to outdoor dining space
Expansive contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Geelong with a pool house and concrete pavers.

105 Plain Road, Wayland, MA

Amy Mizner, Benoit Mizner Simon & Co.

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

GRAY SLATE

Elite Pool Design

Gorgeous indoor fiberglass pool water curtain and lighting provides year round fun! Designed and built exclusively by Elite Pool Design.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Toronto with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Renovations

Keller/Eaton Architects

This pool, hot tub and pool house is located in Westchester County, New York. The pool house is constructed of the same stone as the main home but has a more modern feel. The interior has a living room, kitchen, bath and outdoor patio.

Traditional contemporary

Tipton Spires Design|Build

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Steeplechase Landscape and Pool

Spayd's Landscape and Design

This is an example of a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Designed by Parker Ewing Built in Baton Rouge, La. Completed in August 2016
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New Orleans with a pool house and decking.

Texas Hill Country Residence

User

The 5,000 square foot private residence is located in the community of Horseshoe Bay, above the shores of Lake LBJ, and responds to the Texas Hill Country vernacular prescribed by the community: shallow metal roofs, regional materials, sensitive scale massing and water-wise landscaping. The house opens to the scenic north and north-west views and fractures and shifts in order to keep significant oak, mesquite, elm, cedar and persimmon trees, in the process creating lush private patios and limestone terraces. The Owners desired an accessible residence built for flexibility as they age. This led to a single level home, and the challenge to nestle the step-less house into the sloping landscape. Full height glazing opens the house to the very beautiful arid landscape, while porches and overhangs protect interior spaces from the harsh Texas sun. Expansive walls of industrial insulated glazing panels allow soft modulated light to penetrate the interior while providing visual privacy. An integral lap pool with adjacent low fenestration reflects dappled light deep into the house. Chaste stained concrete floors and blackened steel focal elements contrast with islands of mesquite flooring, cherry casework and fir ceilings. Selective areas of exposed limestone walls, some incorporating salvaged timber lintels, and cor-ten steel components further the contrast within the uncomplicated framework. The Owner’s object and art collection is incorporated into the residence’s sequence of connecting galleries creating a choreography of passage that alternates between the lucid expression of simple ranch house architecture and the rich accumulation of their heritage. The general contractor for the project is local custom homebuilder Dauphine Homes. Structural Engineering is provided by Structures Inc. of Austin, Texas, and Landscape Architecture is provided by Prado Design LLC in conjunction with Jill Nokes, also of Austin. Cecil Baker + Partners Photography

Complete Backyard Makeover

Gage Construction

Hattons Photography
Photo of a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with tile and a pool house.

Pool house / man cave

The Other Side Landscapes Pty Ltd

This project located on an acre of land adjoining the fairway of a Sydney golf course was completed in three stages over nearly 5 years. The final stage culminated in the construction of the swimming pool, cabana and man cave (shed). The expansive family pool was installed on a mid-terrace 6 steps up from the home. On this terrace a sun lounging area and fire pit with floating hardwood bench were installed within the pool enclosure. Another six steps up from the pool we constructed a massive (8x5m) pool house fully provisioned with bathroom and kitchen. Behind the cabana our construction continued with the man cave, large enough to house 3 classic cars (14 x 7m). Photography: Peter Brennan

The Run Way

Adan Creative Designs

Mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Sydney with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Pool Design Ideas with a Pool House

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.