A sunny exterior view of the swimming pool and OUTbuilding. Sun sails provide a shaded respite for tired parents and create a transition from patio to building interior. Tim Wilkes Photography

Hybridpool

Spürck Pool und Garten

Inspiration for a small contemporary rectangular lap pool in Cologne with decking.

Piscine Citadine au coeur d'Orléans

ADH Piscines & Paysages

Piscine citadine au coeur d'Orléans Dimension 4.5x2.2m Margelles en pierres naturelles Coffre volet Teck et Inox Nage à contre courant Marches et banquette Gazon synthétique Réalisation Adh Piscines & Paysages Crédit Photo : Sophie CARLS

Belclaire

AquaTerra Outdoors

One of the design challenges of this project was creating a contemporary pool in a courtyard space all while ensuring an existing multi-trunk live oak tree stays. This custom pool has three custom Bobe water features, full automation though the homeowners iPhone, LED lighting and natural limestone decking.

A Small Backyard Magically Transformed

Betz Pools Limited

Thanks to the new spacious patio there is now a perfect spot available for outdoor dining. It’s conveniently situated just steps from the kitchen walkout and BBQ. Everyone’s appetite seems to be better too, especially after an afternoon of vigorous fun in the pool.

Geometric Elements - Merion, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Q Stern Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

cliffside vanishing edge pool with raised spa + surge current

Drakeley Pool Company

Photo of a small contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with a water feature.

Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch Model Homes

Nick Gage

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Phoenix with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Fletcher St. Residence

Root Architecture

outdoor movie screen
Small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

Spas & Hot Tubs

User

This inviting spa is accentuated by a rare slot edge on one side and raised sundeck on the other. The slot edge is supplied by a large 700 gallon underground reservoir. Stunning quartz plaster, ceramic tile and polished concrete decking complete this rate and unique installation.

New Canaan

Odd Job Landscaping

The fire pit is just steps from the pool, a welcoming spot to dry off after a late night swim.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in New York.

Parkland Estates Pool Cabana

Jones Architecture

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Tampa with natural stone pavers.

SeaThru

Josh Wynne Construction

SeaThru is a new, waterfront, modern home. SeaThru was inspired by the mid-century modern homes from our area, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. This homes designed to offer more than the standard, ubiquitous rear-yard waterfront outdoor space. A central courtyard offer the residents a respite from the heat that accompanies west sun, and creates a gorgeous intermediate view fro guest staying in the semi-attached guest suite, who can actually SEE THROUGH the main living space and enjoy the bay views. Noble materials such as stone cladding, oak floors, composite wood louver screens and generous amounts of glass lend to a relaxed, warm-contemporary feeling not typically common to these types of homes. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

Piscine du jardin

Terrasses des Oliviers - Paysagiste Paris

Design ideas for a small contemporary front yard rectangular aboveground pool in Paris with with a pool and decking.

Castello

23bassi | Studio di architettura

Photo of a small contemporary indoor rectangular pool in Milan with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Gallery – Small Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

With eye-pleasing symmetry, this small pool and accompanying spa fit easily into a small backyard. A deck in tumbled pavers, with subtle colouration, frames the pool to create an inviting retreat. The pool interior is finished in white Armorcoat with green slate tile edging and decoration on steps and spa seats. A corner privacy screen hides pool equipment and maintains the tranquil mood. (16 x 32, Roman shape)

Pebble Sheen

Ocean Blue Pools

Pebble Sheen Desert Gold
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Houston with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Residential Property, Newmarket

Futari Design

Futari Design
Photo of a small contemporary backyard l-shaped pool in Brisbane with decking.

Randall Mars

Randall Mars Architects

The Pool House was pushed against the pool, preserving the lot and creating a dynamic relationship between the 2 elements. A glass garage door was used to open the interior onto the pool.

Lake Ontario Residence

9x30 Design, Architecture

Photo of a small contemporary indoor rectangular pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

Small Contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.