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.

Sofronas Residence

Altera Landscape

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Contemporary pool and spa

User

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Twin Lakes Outdoor Living

Canin Associates' Architecture Studio

Jeremy Flowers Photography
This is an example of a small mediterranean backyard rectangular pool in Orlando with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Nancy Creek Guesthouse and Pool

Philip Babb Architect

South view of pool and guest house. Erica George Dines Photography
Large modern backyard rectangular natural pool in Atlanta with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Fools Paradise

Polhemus Savery DaSilva

Brian Vanden Brink
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Davis Park

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Toronto with with a pool and brick pavers.

Bayfront Beauty

April Balliette

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Tampa with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Saucon Valley Homestead

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

Photo: Halkin Mason Photography
This is an example of a traditional backyard rectangular pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers.

Hinsdale, IL Swimming Pool with attached hot tub

Platinum Poolcare

This sleek rectilinear pool measures 10'0" x 27'0", and the hot tub is 10'0" x 6'0". The coping is Valders Wisconsin Limestone. Both the pool and hot tub have their own automatic pool safety covers with custom stone lid systems. A large top step serves as a sunshelf for the pool-width steps. Adorned by lush turf on several sides, the hardscapes consist of New York Bluestone. Photos by Larry Huene.

Safety Harbor Oasis

Hyde Park Renovations

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

California Beach House Remodel

Builder Boy

This backyard features a jacuzzi, grilling station and fire pit for outdoor entertaining that's sure to impress. We partnered with Jennifer Allison Design on this project. Her design firm contacted us to paint the entire house - inside and out. Images are used with permission. You can contact her at (310) 488-0331 for more information.

Woodforest Waterfalls

Township Pools

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Private Hot Tub

Paragon Custom Builders

A romantic space is created by the privacy walls around this Hot Tub area connected to the Master Bathroom.
This is an example of a small country side yard pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Mondrian Inspired

Studio H2O

Full backyard and frontyard remodel. Custom designed driveway with grass inlays and drought tolerant plant selections.
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers.

Windsor Parkway

Bonick Landscaping

Pool with Pennsylvania bluestone coping and decks, copper scupper fountains surrounded by a lush landscape. Photo By Sara Donaldson
Large traditional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Raised deck with LED ribbon lighting at steps.

clemente design studio, llc

12x12-inch pavers on solid concrete base. Pavers can be installed over existing pool decking, or on newly poured concrete slab. Color is enhanced by using a mild acid wash. Surface is clear-sealed to protect it from food stains. Ribbon lighting comes in 4-colors with 5 variations of white. Lights have their own transformer and timer.

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

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

Pool Design Ideas with Brick Pavers 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.