The client's came to us wanting a design that was going to open up their small backyard and give them somewhere for their family to enjoy and entertain for many years to come. This project presented many technical challenges due to the levels required to comply with various building regulations. Clever adaptations such privacy screens, floating deck entry and hidden pool gate behind the raised feature wall were all design elements that make this project more suitable to the smaller area. The main design feature that was a key to the functionality of this pool was the raised infinity edge, with the pool wall designed to comply with current pool barrier standards. With no pool fence between the pool and house the space appears more open with the noise of the water falling over the edge into a carefully concealed balance tank adding a very tranquil ambience to the outdoor area. With the accompanying fire pit and sitting area, this space not only looks amazing but is functional all year round and the low maintenance fully automated pool cleaning system provides easy operation and maintenance.

Resort-style Backyard in Sky Crossing

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

At night, there is just enough light to enjoy the beauty of this entire property. Delicate lighting on the landscape, dancing flames from the gas fire pits, and a jewel-like glow coming from the pool and spa highlight all that this outdoor space has to offer.

Contemporary Retreat

David Thorne Landscape Architect

This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Modern Straight Line Pool & Spa in Fort Lauderdale

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!

A Poolscape to be Enjoyed Year-Round

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Richmond with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Urban Small Backyard Makeover with Plunge Pool

Soake Pools

Soake Pool project complete! This is one of our favorites. The customer had a super tight space with a walk out patio that was about 4' above ground. Pool was installed above ground and a wood deck was built up to and around it. Great use of space and super appealing!

Compact Backyard, Resort-Style Pool

Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio

This completely custom cocktail pool has plenty of space to lounge, including the glass tiled baja step and pool-length benches. The porcelain plank tile, Radiant Fusion-Regal Blue interior finish, and rain sheer all work together to make the space an absolute oasis.

Hanover Project

Williams Exterior Design

Mid-sized modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Orange County with a pool house and tile.

Twin Peaks

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Modern rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub.

1300 Rodeo Rd., Arcadia, CA

Mur-Sol Builders Inc

Photo of a large mediterranean backyard rectangular infinity pool in Los Angeles with natural stone pavers.

Pool design, light design and garden

Studio Arch-è

This is an example of a large modern front yard rectangular infinity pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

HARFLEUR HOUSE - RAW ARCHITECTURE

Digital Photography Inhouse

Photography: Gerard Warrener, DPI Photography for Raw Architecture
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with a hot tub and decking.

Backyard Entertaining - Livingston, NJ

CLC Landscape Design

This Livingston, New Jersey homeowner contacted CLC Landscape Design looking for a backyard that would function as a space for their young family to relax and play while also being a space to entertain family and friends. Luckily for us, their backyard was a blank slate with little more than overgrown grass and some trees occupying the backyard. To meet both of the client's needs, a space that's functional for the family and for entertaining, we designed a backyard with multiple spaces. First, we designed a deck off the back of the house. The composite deck contains an outdoor gas firepit as well as a built-in outdoor BBQ. As you descend from the deck onto the patio, there is a hot tub near the pool. Techo-Bloc Blu 60 Smooth in shale grey was chosen for the pool patio. To go along with the architectural aesthetic of the home, we designed a rectangular vinyl-liner swimming pool with a pavilion aligned to the center axis of the pool. The pavilion includes a ceiling fan, ceiling lights, an outdoor television, and a bar. At 20' x 14', the pavilion is spacious enough for multiple chairs, outdoor sofas, and a small table. To finish off the pool area, we selected a variety of plants to provide multiple seasons of interest. Some clients are indifferent when it comes to the plant palette. Others, like this client, share our passion for plants. As such, we worked closely with the homeowner on selecting the plants. As you leave the pool area, there is a lawn area behind and next to it. We selected a spot near the pool area for a playset for the homeowner's children. It is close enough to the pool area that the parents can keep an eye on their children, but also far enough away so the adults can relax while their children play. We'd be remiss if we failed to acknowledge the exquisite taste of the homeowner in selecting all the patio and deck furniture. We love everything the homeowner selected and think it all perfectly compliments our landscape design.

Terraza Taradellas

Tinda's Project S.L.

Una increíble terraza en el corazón de Barcelona, un espacio de calma y descanso. Pero también un lugar para disfrutar con los demás. · Proyecto realizado por Tinda's Project.

Project | Triangle House

Eco Outdoor USA

Located in a tight urban pocket, the constraints of this 2150 square foot triangular-shaped site would have deterred many. However, the property owners and architects of Molecule Studio saw the compact site and its restrictions as an opportunity to create a contemporary family home that strongly referenced its environment. Architecture: Molecule Studio Photography: Derek Swalwell

Coastal Clean

Knaak Design Group

Landscape Architecture to include pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, landscaping, driveway design, outdoor furniture.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Miami with a hot tub and tile.

little BIG HOUSE

Suzanne Hunt Architect

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard rectangular lap pool in Perth.

Modern Coastal Stainless Steel Pool and Spa

Bradford Products

This waterfront, stainless steel pool-spa combo overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. The raised spa overflows into the pool creating movement and sound. The spa's short stainless steel skirt creates a beautiful contrast with the wood of the surrounding deck.

North Stamford Pool House

TR Design-Build Firm

This is an example of a traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Shaker Heights

9th Avenue Designs

Photo by Scott Pease
This is an example of a traditional backyard rectangular pool in Cleveland with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Rectangular 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.