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.

Heidelberg

Protech Systems

Small modern rectangular pool in Melbourne with tile.

Architectural Photography - Port Douglas

COCO + PALM PRODUCTIONS

This is an example of an expansive contemporary rectangular pool in Cairns with tile.

Pool 9548, Infinity Pool, Hampton

Neptune Swimming Pools

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.

Glen Ellyn, IL Raised Stone Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.

A Compact Retirement Retreat

Betz Pools Limited

This backyard leisure retreat is the highlight of a new retirement residence for a couple in Aurora. They pursued an outdoor living lifestyle and asked Betz to include features they could enjoy throughout the day, from morning to evening. The yard may be compact, but it is brimming with aesthetic appeal and practicality.

Original Endless Pools®

Endless Pools

Play, workout, relax, or swim in place -- this Endless Pools® Performance model is versatile for the whole family. These homeowners created a lush garden for quiet times and for celebration. The pool is installed partially in-ground for easier access, perimeter seating, and a lower profile.

Nautical Themed Rooftop Pool

Bradford Products

Rooftop stainless steel pool finished in gray tile. The pool features an acrylic viewing window, fire feature, infinity edge and bench seating.
Design ideas for a small beach style rooftop rectangular aboveground pool in Other with decking.

Albury Street

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Stephen Dunn
Photo of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Miami with a water feature and tile.

Pools

Firlit Landscape Design, Inc

Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone 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.

Parsonage Point

Mitchell Wilk Architecture

The owners of this pool house wanted a bright, airy and modern structure. It features a bathroom and a large space for entertaining and relaxing. A vaulted ceiling and oversized sliding glass doors bring the outdoors inside. Ceramic tile flooring is durable and enhances the contemporary, minimalistic vibe of the space.

Clean lines and contemporary style

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.

Small Urban Pools

BonaVista Pools

Custom small urban pool, Endless Pool, star-light floor lights, shared system with spillover spa, custom spout water features, automatic cover, custom integrated fire feature. Richmond Hill, ON.

Villa mit Pool am Zürichsee-Schweiz

FritzGlock GmbH® Fenster. Türen. Fassaden.

Fotograf: Tomek Kwiatosz Architekt: Dr. Eric Schmitz- Riol
Small contemporary side yard rectangular lap pool in Other with decking.

Glasshouse custom tiled salt-water spa

Linden L.A.N.D. Group

The spa is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A very energy efficient design, the salt-water spa holds 1200 gallons, is heated with solar electricity from the house PV, and the tub is insulated with a 6" cover in winter. photo: Rebecca Lindenmeyr

Above Ground Pools

Ohio Pools & Spas

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard round pool in Cleveland with gravel.

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.

Spas

Litchfield County Pools Inc.

Small modern backyard rectangular aboveground pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Pool Deck

Distinctive Design / Build / Remodel, LLC.

Erin Dougherty
Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Charlotte with decking.

Expansive and Small 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.