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

A Sympathetic In-between Positioned at the edge of the Field of Mars Reserve, Walless Cabana is the heart of family living, where people and nature come together harmoniously and embrace each other. In creating a seamless transition between the existing family home and the distant bushland, Walless Cabana deliberately curates the language of its surroundings through the Japanese concept of 'Shakkei' or borrowed scenery, ensuring its humble and respectful presence in place. Despite being a permanent structure, it is a transient space that adapts and changes dynamically with everchanging nature, personalities and lifestyle.

Yaroomba Delight

Quality First Constructions

The warmth of dark composite decking, coupled with lush greenery and minimalist pool give this outdoor area a tropical jungle vibe.
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard rectangular pool in Sunshine Coast with decking.

Taringa House

Shane Marsh Architects

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular lap pool in Brisbane with with privacy feature and tile.

Compound Q

DSDG Architects

Ryan Gamma Photography
Contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Tampa with a pool house and concrete slab.

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.

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.

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs

User

Photo of a small contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Tampa with a hot tub and decking.

Mission Hills Transformation

RDM Architecture

Photos: Bob Greenspan
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Kansas City with natural stone pavers.

Belvedere CA Historic Renovation Marin County

DANIEL HUNTER AIA Hunter architecture ltd.

Historic Renovation Belvedere CA DANIEL HUNTER AIA DANIEL HUNTER AIA LANDSCAPE DESIGN SUSAN HUNTER INTERIORS
This is an example of a small traditional backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Bay Front Property

Tipton Spires Design|Build

Luxury bay front waterfront property with a geometric contemporary pool, vanishing edge, lower basin, vanishing edge hot tub, custom tile, large format natural stone decking, artificial turf banding and a coastal landscape. A custom koi pond in the front entry creates an elegant entrance to thehome.

Elegance 20x40 Porcelain Pavers

Astro Masonry

This is an example of a modern backyard pool in New York with tile.

Total Serene Scene | Selah Pools

Selah Pools & Spas

Private slice of Heaven in Justin TX, The swimming pool & spa oasis includes a totally private cedar chill spot for secluded vista views.
Mid-sized country backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a hot tub and decking.

The Pandy House

Unique Homestays

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic backyard round aboveground pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Highland

Brookside Landscape Design

This picture shows the Cedar jacuzzi tub and surrounding Ipe deck lit at night. Photography: Brett Hilton
Large contemporary backyard pool in San Diego with decking and a hot tub.

Sofronas Residence

Altera Landscape

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with natural stone pavers.

Smith Pool & Spa

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

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

The Barefoot Bay Cottage

User

http://www.jessieandjones.com/

Southampton Village

Kevin O'Sullivan + Associates

Inspiration for a country backyard rectangular pool in New York with a pool house.

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

Backyard Pool Design Ideas

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.