Photo of a large beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with a water feature and decking.

After
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Miami with a water feature and tile.

Punta Chullera 2

Ana Bejar Interiorismo

Fotografía: masfotogenica fotografia Estilismo: masfotogenica Interiorismo
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard pool in Malaga with a water feature.

Mid Century Modern House

camp_1959

This is an example of a midcentury backyard round lap pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Meadowood Estates

Brad Sharpe Pools

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Austin with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Inground Pools

Fox Pools Consumer Division

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped pool in Baltimore with a water feature and concrete slab.

Sedona Vanishing Edge Glass Tile Pool Spa

Hydroscapes LLC

Hydroscapes
Modern backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Phoenix with a water feature and decking.

Charm to Farm-House

Artesian Custom Pools, INC

This is an example of a country rectangular aboveground pool in Austin with a water feature.

Pool design with Travertine and Bluestone inlay

Sexton’s Landscape Concepts, Inc.

M. Sexton
Photo of a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Chicago with a water feature and tile.

Cannon Hill - Plunge Pool

Majestic Pools & Landscapes

Andrew Jakovac
Photo of a small modern courtyard custom-shaped lap pool in Brisbane with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Picturesque Pool

Southview Design

This infinity pool lights up beautifully at night. Add a few firebowls, dramatic garden beds and an outdoor kitchen and the three tiered paver patio comes to life.

Residential - small patio pool

Rushing Design

Photo of a small arts and crafts courtyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a water feature and concrete pavers.

California Spa Retreat from a No-Tell Motel Pool

Michael Norpell's Wall To Wall

Using the existing shell, we were able to transform the look and feel of the pool and its surroundings. Poured concrete, Trex decks, planters, and a fly-over bridge create an engaging space with intentional poolside social areas. Linda Oyama Bryan Photography

Stratford Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This pool and spa is built in an affluent neighborhood with many new homes that are traditional in design but have modern, clean details. Similar to the homes, this pool takes a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long lap pool that the client desired with plenty of room for a separate spa. The two bodies of water, though separate, are visually linked together by a custom limestone raised water feature wall with 10 custom Bobe water scuppers. Quality workmanship as required throughout the entire build to ensure the automatic pool cover would remain square the entire 50 foot length of the pool. Features of this pool and environment that enhance the aesthetic appeal of this project include: -Glass waterline tile -Glass seat and bench tile -Glass tile swim lane marking on pool floor -Custom limestone coping and deck -PebbleTec pool finish -Synthetic Turf Lawn This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Naples Modern

Rob Bramhall Architects

Rob Bramhall
Photo of a large modern backyard l-shaped lap pool in Miami with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Mountain Mine-Themed Pool With Waterfalls, Slide and More

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

A home on top of a hill with amazing lake views provide the perfect setting for a beautiful "mountain mine" inspired pool with multiple ways to interact with - this active family will never be bored! There is an antique ore cart and rail system that seems to appear from an old mine and gives the homeowner a unique iced-beverage cart. There are boulder steps that lead up to another "mine" entrance that is actually the entrance to the underground slide. This view shows the flagstone beach entry into the pool and the underground slide exit into the pool. In the background you can see the swim-through grotto and natural boulder waterfall with a 14' diving ledge. Hand cut native stone with boulders integrated into the stone retaining wall provides additional patio space with a fire pit above the pool. Landscape/Pool design and construction by Kelly Caviness and Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Photography by KO Rinearson

Private XL hot tub and landscape.

Artisan Landscapes and Pools

Shasta Daisy and Waterfall matt meaney @ Artisan landscapes and pools
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard kidney-shaped pool in New York with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Highlights - Pools

Pristine Acres

Inspiration for an expansive transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Mosman

Harrison's Landscaping

A truly beautiful garden and pool design to complement an incredible architectural designed harbour view home.
Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Sydney with a water feature.

Dallas Backyard Pool & Retreat

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

A backyard retreat in Dallas, Texas that features a wonderful outdoor living area and luxury swimming pool. This private oasis features a custom designed covered outdoor living pavilion with exposed timber beams and stone columns. The pavilion also features an BBQ grill, outdoor kitchen and seating area for entertaining the entire family. The luxury swimming pool features a travertine terrace and limestone coping. A backdrop fountain feature with decorative spouts, urns and tile which provides a focal feature and relaxing background noise.

Pool Design Ideas with a Water Feature

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.