A Palm Springs inspired, arid garden provides a beautiful backdrop to this stunning modern home by Latitude 37 Homes. The courtyard swimming pool is wrapped on all sides by the home with large window walls providing views at every angle. Succulents provide accent against the pavement and boundary walls.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

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

Kerdon Home Resort

Majestic Pools & Landscapes

Glenn Weiss
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Brisbane with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Rivertowne Pool and Spa

Josh Atkinson - Atkinson Pools and Spas

Karson Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Charleston with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Glen Ellyn, IL Raised Stone Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.

Modern Zen

Jodi G. Designs

Design ideas for a modern backyard rectangular pool in Santa Barbara with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Mountain Lake Steel Vinyl Liner

Aqua Pools, Inc.

This is a pool we built in Frankfort, IL. This pool is a 22 x 37 Mountain Lake with Steel walls and a vinyl liner. This pool also features a Grey Granite Thermoplastic stair as well as a Grey Granite Spillover Spa. The pool surround and muitlevel patio is done with Belguard Pavers. The custom Bar area has a Wooden Chevrolet Emblem built in it. The bar is topped with Granite and covered with a Redwood Cedar Pergola. Photos By Jim Eiler

Desert Mountain Gambel Area

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Phoenix with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

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

Oakville - Custom Vinyl Lined Pool

Solda Pools Ltd.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Toronto with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Pool & Spa Waterfall Design and Installation Bergen County Northern NJ

Cipriano Landscape Design & Custom Swimming Pools

This natural pool and spa waterfall design & installation in Bergen County, Northern NJ, is a perfect retreat. Natural stone coping and patio with an enormous waterfall, tranquil to the eyes as well as the ears.

Fire Pit & Pool

Terra Ferma Landscapes

Bird's eye view of the fire pit seating area and the pool
This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Wentworth Residence

Hillrise Design

New pool with automatic cover and flagstone decking around existing olive trees.
Mediterranean pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

Atlantic Avenue

St. Pierre Construction

Exterior poolside showcasing a custom pool with built-in spa, cabana seating by the fireplace and natural stone pavers.
Photo of a beach style backyard rectangular lap pool in Charleston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Natural Rock Feature Pool

POOLSCAPES QLD

Natural rock water feature constructed on a freeform lagoon shaped pool. Inspired by natural landscapes to blend with the clients backyard.
Photo of a large tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Brisbane with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

Lean On Me House

North Arrow Studio

Pool courtyard featuring cantilevered sky frames to extend the living spaces.
Photo of a modern backyard rectangular pool in Austin with decomposed granite.

New Pool House

Gaskill Architecture

Inspiration for an expansive transitional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Saguaro Grove

AFT Construction

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Quintessential Texas Blue & White

Weisz Selection Outdoor Living Specialists

Quintessential Texas blue and white exudes modern luxury in this backyard transformation from ordinary to extraordinary by Weisz Selection! Every angle excites the viewer and beckons them to enjoy what this project has to offer. From gathering around the fire pit, jumping in the pool, soaking in the infinity edge spa framed by mesmerizing twin fire bowls, lounging on the tanning ledge, relaxing pool side on the platinum marble deck, sipping on your favorite beverage while sitting at the swim-up bar stools, savoring some delicious fare prepared in the outdoor kitchen, to watching a favorite event or show on the tv, all while listening to the Zen like trickling of water down the glass tile water feature, this project has it ALL!! One would think they need an expansive space to encompass all those wonderful features; however, our designers accomplished this in a backyard that is less than 90’ X 30’. Showcasing the expertise of our design team, we created a concept for our lucky clients that is an excellent utilization of space and encompasses all the items on their wish list! This gorgeous custom pool, spa, outdoor fire pit, and outdoor kitchen looks more like something you’d find at a luxury hotel instead of in your neighbor’s backyard. Maybe you’d like something similar in your backyard. Don’t let our next project be in your other neighbor’s yard. What is on your wish list? Contact Weisz Selection today to get started building your own dream staycation worthy backyard!

Rancho Palos Verdes - Pool Design

Ultimate Water Creations Inc.

Transitional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Pool Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite and Natural Stone Pavers

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.