Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard kidney-shaped natural pool in Oklahoma City with a water feature and stamped concrete.

A Big Splash for A Little Backyard

Plantenance Landscape Group

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Montreal with a water feature and concrete pavers.

West Sac Waterfall

Geremia Pools

This free form pool with a rock waterfall was custom designed for this smaller backyard. The hand-formed waterfall fits perfectly into the setting, as all the larger rocks were handpicked by our designer. Not only did we design the pool area, but also the entire landscaping of the backyard.

Tanner Lake Project

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

This is an example of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Atlanta with a water slide and decking.

Extravagance on the River

Baine Contracting, Inc.

In ground pool over looks the river and out on the island.
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Mountain Paradise with Access for All!

The Pool & Spa Place

Here you can see the barn wood stamped concrete under the gazebo to define this entertaining space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Nos principales réalisations depuis 2005

Vincent Vallée Paysages

baignade naturelle, jardin jardin 2013
Inspiration for a large traditional rectangular natural pool in Le Havre with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Extravagance on the River

Baine Contracting, Inc.

In ground pool over looks the river and out on the island.
Inspiration for an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Mountain Paradise with Access for All!

The Pool & Spa Place

Lots of curves, in-pool bench, in-pool umbrella table, waterfalls, sling lift for handicap access, boulder wall, gazebo, mini pool house, weather stone wall, elevator lift to deck, and more!

Calming Outdoor Pool

ARTO

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

West Sac Waterfall

Geremia Pools

Special formed stones were created to make numerous paths in this backyard landscape.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Sacramento with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Preston's Trail

Extreme Exteriors

Anchoring Hope Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub and brick pavers.

Mountain Paradise with Access for All!

The Pool & Spa Place

This angle is before the project completion, but shows the custom bench under the in-pool umbrella table.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Nos principales réalisations depuis 2005

Vincent Vallée Paysages

baignade naturelle dans le bocage normand
Photo of a large traditional custom-shaped natural pool in Le Havre with a water feature.

Pool and Outdoor Living Spaces

MOD Construction, LLC

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Salt Lake City with a water slide and stamped concrete.

North York Elegance

New Nature Landscaping

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard natural pool in Toronto with a water slide and brick pavers.

Calming Outdoor Pool

ARTO

This is an example of a large traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Extravagance on the River

Baine Contracting, Inc.

In ground pool over looks the river and out on the island.
Inspiration for an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

North Brookhaven

Spartan Pools and Ponds

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional side yard kidney-shaped natural pool in Oklahoma City with a water feature and stamped concrete.

North Brookhaven

Spartan Pools and Ponds

Photo of a mid-sized traditional side yard kidney-shaped natural pool in Oklahoma City with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Shabby-Chic Style Natural 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 shabby-chic style 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 shabby-chic style 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 shabby-chic style 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 shabby-chic style 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 shabby-chic style 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.