Photography by William Psolka, psolka-photo.com
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in New York with a pool house and tile.

Indoor Outdoor Living

OMNIA Group Architects

What happens when everything and everyone comes together? This project, an outdoor living and entertainment environment anchored by an OMNIA Group Architects designed poolhouse, is a perfect example of synergy of client and a team of skilled and talented professionals and craftsman. It started with a sophisticated client looking to put in a pool - but they wanted something special and the form they decided on was a beautiful shape which blended the shapes of their land, the sun and the existing house structure (also designed by OMNIA Group Architects.) The client had toyed with the idea of a cabana / pool house of some sort and contacted us to design it. We worked together to create an indoor - outdoor experience of infinite flexibility. Featuring folding walls of glass (www.nanawall.com) this wood and stone and stucco structure seamlessly blends formality and a sleek nature inspired modern character. This essence is enhanced by neutral hues which reflect the colors of the home and the pool decking. These neutrals are punctuated by natural wood browns and subtle greens on the cabinetry. The poolhouse is comprised of an encloseable dining space, an arbor capped living space which features a fireplace for cooler fall nights, a dressing area with washer dryer and ingenious OMNIA Group Architects designed cabinetry for towels and storage and finally a cool simple powder room. A typical example of the melding of features is how the vertical grain of the grass colored bamboo bar cabinet doors mimic the tall modern grasses specified by the landscape designer, Landscape Design Group. The pool was designed and built by Armond Pools. THe project is located in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

Custom Pool

Big Rock Landscaping

Luxury doesn't have to equal tons of space. In fact, the inherent parameters of a small yard are a fun design challenge for the team at Big Rock Landscaping. Using neutral tones, clean lines, and a simple design, this small contemporary pool has lots of impact with ease.

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

This modern rectangular pool incorporates both a spa and beach style shallow lounge area. A waterfall wall offers soothing sounds to relax to while lounging poolside. Built in plaster planter boxes and white plaster walls surround the luxe backyard escape.

Strelska/Swanson Residence

One Source Outdoors/One Landscape

Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular pool in Las Vegas with a water feature and tile.

R Residence

archer design

This is an example of a large modern rectangular pool in Sydney with with privacy feature and tile.

Reflections

Ryan Hughes Design

Relaxation extends beyond the pool from loungers on the sun shelf to a hanging swing in front of a mosaic design wall and ipe wood decks. Photography by Jimi Smith.

Italian Villa Home

Passarelli Custom Homes

Photo of a mediterranean pool in Charlotte with a hot tub and tile.

Hyde Park Modern

Allan Edwards Builder Inc.

This is an example of a contemporary rectangular pool in Houston with a water feature and tile.

Best of Summer 2018

Charleston Home + Design Mag

Inspiration for a beach style custom-shaped infinity pool in Charleston with tile.

Pool Areas

ModularWalls

Pool wall for dream outdoor space
This is an example of a modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Sydney with tile.

Smart Pergola System

Majestic Outdoor

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with a pool house and tile.

Pacific Palisades Residence

Shigetomi Pratt Architects, Inc.

Mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and tile.

House with attitude

Sydväst Inspiration

James Silverman
Large tropical backyard rectangular pool in Malmo with tile.

Austin Road

Stone Concepts Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Santa Barbara with a hot tub and tile.

Complete Outdoor Living Space with Pool

Antonelli Landscape Pool & Spa

Expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Detroit with a hot tub and tile.

Rettangalore

Bianchi Design

Kirk Bianchi created this resort like setting for a couple from Mexico City. They were looking for a contemporary twist on traditional themes, and Luis Barragán was the inspiration. The outer walls were painted a darker color to recede, while floating panels of color and varying heights provided sculptural interest and opportunities for lighting and shadow.

Hardscapes

RTK Design Group

Small contemporary indoor rectangular lap pool in San Diego with a hot tub and tile.

Hilltop Estate

Alan Smith Pool Plastering & Construction

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Orange County with a water feature and tile.

Mediterranean Elegance by Custom Design Pools

Ledge Lounger

This project, by Houston based pool builder and authorized Ledge Lounger Dealer, Custom Design Pools, features multiple seating areas, both in pool and out of pool, making it ideal for entertaining and socializing.

Pool Design Ideas with Gravel and Tile

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.