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

Modern Plunge Pool & Outdoor Living In Atlanta

Boyce Design + Build

Our clients approached us to transform their urban backyard into an outdoor living space that would provide them with plenty of options for outdoor dining, entertaining, and soaking up the sun while complementing the modern architectural style of their Virginia Highlands home. Challenged with a small “in-town” lot and strict city zoning requirements, we maximized the space by creating a custom, sleek, geometric swimming pool and flush spa with decorative concrete coping, a large tanning ledge with loungers and a seating bench that runs the entire width of the pool. The raised beam features a dramatic wall of sheer descent waterfalls and adds a spectacular design element to this contemporary pool and backyard retreat. An outdoor kitchen, complete with streamlined aluminum outdoor cabinets, gray concrete countertops, custom vent hood, built in grill, sink, storage and Big Green Egg sits at one end of the covered patio and a lounge area with an outdoor fireplace, TV, and casual seating sits at the other end. A custom built in bar and beverage station with matching raw concrete countertops provides additional entertainment space and storage when hosting larger parties and get togethers. The bluestone patio and cedar tongue and groove ceiling add a luxurious feel to the space. Overlooking the pool is a stylish and comfortable outdoor dining area that is the perfect gathering spot for al fresco dining and a welcome respite from city living. The minimalist landscape design and natural looking artificial grass is modern and low maintenance and blends in beautifully with this artfully designed outdoor sanctuary.

Lively Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Manhattan Beach Modern

SoCal Contractor

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Spanish Revival

Rollins Andrew Interiors

Poolhouse
Large mediterranean backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Holley House

Oza Sabbeth Architects

Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Backyard Escape

Intex Design and Construction

Small space pool and spa design with turf landscape. www.IntexDandC.com @IntexDandC
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Pool House

Joseph Sepot Architects

The roofline, reminiscent of an Asian farmhouse, is clad with yellow cedar shingles. The gable ends feature triangular windows which permit natural light to enter the loft space within. Jim Fiora Photography LLC

Mountain View Residence

aARts William Dale Brantley Architects

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

AVIVA Pools Ovation 23

Aquamarine Pools of Texas

12' x 23' - Seychelles Sand Color
Small modern backyard rectangular natural pool in Austin with with a pool and concrete pavers.

Urban Oasis Backyard

Kelley Design Group

Black and white home exterior with a plunge pool in the backyard.
Photo of a country backyard rectangular pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

Contemporary Garden w/ Bird's Eye View

Conscious Environments Inc.

This spa features an infinity edge, black porcelain tile, and view. Other surrounding features consist of raised hardwood decks, cantilevered umbrella, BBQ island, fire pit, covered patio, and drought tolerant landscaping.

Hinsdale, IL Compact Rectilinear Swimming Pool with Automatic Pool Cover

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This compact pool in Hinsdale, IL measures 10’0” x 20’0” with a depth of 3’6” to 5’0”. The pool features a “U” shaped bench with jets attached. There is also a 6’0” underwater bench. The pool features LED color changing lighting. There is an automatic hydraulic pool cover with a custom stone walk-on lid system. The pool coping is Ledgestone. The pool finish is Ceramaquartz. Photography by e3.

Poplar - Modern MCM

Melinamade - Residential Design + Interiors

A Mid Century modern home built by a student of Eichler. This Eichler inspired home was completely renovated and restored to meet current structural, electrical, and energy efficiency codes as it was in serious disrepair when purchased as well as numerous and various design elements that were inconsistent with the original architectural intent. The Pool and backyard was redesigned to accommodate for wheelchair accessibility.

Woking Way Residence

Hsu McCullough

Rear yard patio with hillside swimming pool and pool house
Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with concrete pavers and a pool house.

Hilltop Dream

TRG Architecture + Interior Design

Large contemporary rectangular pool in San Francisco with a water slide and concrete pavers.

Sophisticated Simplicity

Calumma Creative Landscapes

Small modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Toronto with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Modern Marvel

Donald Joseph Inc.

Design ideas for a large modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Sacramento with concrete pavers.

Cape Cod Residence in San Marino

JAMES V. COANE & ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTS

Large transitional backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Southern NH Pool Makeover

Soake Pools

Soake Pool installed in location of old above ground vinyl pool. Construction is almost done in this photo.
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Rectangular Pool Design Ideas with Concrete 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.