David Czerniecki
Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with gravel.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Déambulation bucolique dans le Luberon

Agence MORVANT & MOINGEON Paysagistes Concepteurs

Photographe : Gabrielle Voinot
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Other with gravel.

Stearns Residence

Inchoate Architecture, LLC

Designed by Inchoate, Photos by Anthony DeSantis
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard pool in Los Angeles with gravel.

Backyard Improvement Project, Fence, Die Tables, Hot Tub Installation

Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Sanitization project and cleaning, took 3 hours, limited tools.
Design ideas for a small country backyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and gravel.

Bodega convertida en dos apartamentos dúplex. Arq.: Ramón Gómez

Pablo Cousinou

Fot.: Pablo Cousinou; Arq.: Ramón Gómez
Inspiration for a mediterranean courtyard rectangular pool in Seville with gravel.

Brennan Traditions Windows - Southlake

Brennan Enterprises

Window replacement on a Southlake, TX home.
Mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a pool house and gravel.

Lands End

D'Asign Source

Enjoy a sunset dinner at the edge of the ocean in this cozy dining alcove.
Large tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature and gravel.

Modern pool with custom glass mosaic mix

Simple Steps

This modern pool uses a custom recycled glass mosaic mix. The colors used are from the Vitreo and Brillante collections that come in 3/4"x 3/4" and some are available in 3/8"x3/8", rectangle and hexangon. There are many mosaic mixes that are available or you can make a custom mix to fit your style.

Starwood,Frisco Modern

LandMark Design Company

Photo of a modern backyard custom-shaped aboveground pool in Dallas with gravel.

Realisation piscine

Eaux et Piscines ( Ozéo Piscines)

Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard infinity pool in Marseille with gravel.

Aménagement d'un jardin avec piscine

Arbo Paysages

Aménagement d’un jardin avec piscine à Bordeaux, - Plantation des massifs - Mise en place de graviers et roches décoratives - Mise en place d’un arrosage automatique - Pose de gazon de plaquage

Water Features

Broward Landscape, Inc.

Broward Landscape Rock Waterfall, water features, outdoor water feature
Inspiration for a large tropical natural pool in Miami with gravel.

Spanish Contemporary Remodel in Hollywood

Dream Design Construct

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

1411 Cometa B Pool

Paradisa

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Austin with with privacy feature and gravel.

Mangold Circle Residence

William S. Briggs Architect p.l.l.c.

Photo of a large transitional backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and gravel.

Contemporary Lap Pool (New Braunfels)

Cityview Pools

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with a water feature and gravel.

Modern Garten

Inspiration for a mid-sized country custom-shaped natural pool in Hamburg with a water feature and gravel.

Plant Filter Bog in Natural Swimming Pool

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

Plant filter adjacent to the natural swimming pool. Photo by Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Toronto with a water feature and gravel.

Landscape Yard Projects

Integrity Landscape Services LLC.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Austin with a water feature and gravel.

Pool Design Ideas with Gravel

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.