Inspiration for a modern custom-shaped pool in Wollongong with gravel.

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

Modern Farmhouse Pool

Bri Lehman

Photo of an expansive country backyard rectangular lap pool in Denver with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Custom Pool

DBR Designs

Even inside city limits, the Designs by Robin team maximized yard space by designing custom pool layout. Additional accessorizing helped create a fun backyard that fits into the culture of downtown Lafayette.

Pool im Wintergarten - RIvieraPool Kara 675

Löchte GmbH

Pool im Wintergarten Foto: Tom Bendix
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Dortmund with concrete pavers.

Fairfax Station Luxury Estate in Virginia

Land & Water Design

Our client lives on nine acres in Fairfax Station, VA; he requested our firm to create a master plan to include the following; Custom 3-car garage with apartment above, custom paver motor court for easier egress and ingress, more inviting front door entrance with the new smaller motor court with accent stone walls. The backyard was transformed into the ultimate outdoor living and entertaining area, which includes a large custom swimming pool with four gas fire bowl/water feature combo on stone pedestals, custom spa with Ipe pavilion, rain curtain water feature, wood burning stone fireplace as focal point. One of the most impressive features is the pool/guest house with an underground garage to store equipment, two custom Ipe pergolas flank both sides of the pool house, one side with an outdoor shower, and another sidebar area. With six feet of grade change, we incorporated multiple Fieldstone retaining walls, stairs, outdoor lighting, sprinkler irrigation, and a full landscape plan.

Franklin Park Pool

WINN Design+Build

Large backyard rectangular pool in DC Metro with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Urban Oasis Backyard

Kelley Design Group

Black and white home exterior with a plunge pool in the backyard.
Photo of a country backyard rectangular pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

Simply + Modern - Sunnylands Las Vegas

Byron Mason Photography

Inspiration for a midcentury rectangular pool in Las Vegas with gravel.

Masterfully Designed Outdoor Living Space in Arcadia

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

The clean lines of this pool and spa combination are very pleasing to the eye. The huge Baja step is an excellent place for children to play or to relax in the shallow water.

Backyard Poolside Design in Long Island, NY

Techo-Bloc

This backyard poolside design is inspired by our Blu 60 Slate patio slab. The best-selling Blu slate patio slab was inspired by natural slate stone. This traditional patio stone comes in multiple sizes for your backyard pool decks, patios & walkways. The same lines and rugged texture as our thicker Blu paver, the same opulent colors and traditional look, Blu 60 Slate slab is the choice for pedestrian areas such as on walkways and patios. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/blu-60-slate/

Waterfall from Spa

Conscious Environments Inc.

An aboveground spa is finished with natural ledger stone and has an opening with cascading water into a dry creek bed. Boulders, cobble, and grasses surround it to give it a natural feel.

CA to PA Pool House Pavilion

Allison Ong Shreffler, Architect / AOS Architect

A So-CAL inspired Pool Pavilion Oasis in Central PA
Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Poolside Portable Lanterns

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

Bevolo Governor Pool House Lanterns add ambiance to this contemporary poolside oasis. Shop the Series: http://ow.ly/cdP330nCkPm Photo: Chad Chenier

Complete Remodeling Los Angeles

American Home Improvement Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard l-shaped aboveground pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Gerlach Renovation

Ecoworkz Inc.

Gerlach Residence complete renovation. Interlocking Paver Driveway, Entry, Walkways, and Pool Deck along with Stone Veneer. Fire Pit and BBQ Island. Artificial Grass in Front Yard and Natural Sod in Backyard along with landscape lighting and landscaping.

Greenwich

CRC Builders Inc.

Inspiration for a large country backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house and concrete pavers.

154 Andrews Avenue 5B | Delray Beach, FL | Beach Area Townhome

Pascal Liguori & Son

Small contemporary rectangular pool in Miami with concrete pavers.

Paradise Preserve | Atlantic Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This compact space allows for a lot of outdoor living options, without feeling too cramped. The homeowners really wanted a pool and spa, but didn't believe their yard was big enough. Not only did they get both by incorporating a spool, they also have plenty of room for seating and dining, lush landscaping, and a lawn where their child and dogs can play! Photo by Craig O'Neal

Harbor Drive Delray Beach

Aremac Photography

Aremac Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Miami with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Pool Design Ideas with Gravel and Concrete 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.