Detail of the pools shallow concrete sun deck and staircase.
Photo of a small contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Denver with a water feature.

Cozy Symmetry In The Trees

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

Hicks Residence

Scapes Incorporated

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with a hot tub and tile.

Outside Spaces

StoneWorks, Inc.

Here we have a ground level view of this spectacular pool with a corner fountain. The decking is a practical wood look porcelain tile and the stunning pool surround is a gorgeous 2 x 4 natural cleft Quartzite mosaic, in Carden Gold. To finish off the effect, we have architectural brick travertine pavers for the pool decking. And if this is not beautiful enough, the louvered walls can be folded down, for a better view of the sound!

Easy living

Bayon Gardens

Landscape design & construction by Bayon Gardens // Photography by Tim Turner
This is an example of a small contemporary side yard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Gallery - Geometric Vinyl Pools

Betz Pools Limited

Extending the architectural elegance of the house was the primary objective for this suburban Toronto pool. Special care was taken to retain existing mature trees and a small retaining wall was built to help level the sloping yard. The pool's formal lines are established with the 11' radius Roman steps centred across from a stone feature wall with three bronze fleur-de-lys spitter sconces. A dark vinyl liner surrounded by natural flagstone coping and deck completes the look. (13 x 30, rectangular)

Contemporary Pool

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with a water feature.

Kingsway Cr. 54

Ph.D. Design Inc.

Photography by Joy von Tiedemann Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Toronto with a hot tub and decking.

Wohnhaus

Ladleif Architekten

Photo of a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other.

Shenandoah

Bonick Landscaping

Over flowing pool with Limestone wall, LED lighting and Ipe decking Photo Sara Donaldson
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with a water feature.

Granite / Steel Grey Ice

Indy Custom Stone

This is an example of a small contemporary pool in Indianapolis.

Malone

Wood Duck Pools & Patios

wood duck pools
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Portland with a water feature and concrete slab.

LS-21

Signature Pools Inc.

Signature Pools
Inspiration for a small contemporary pool in Orlando.

Valley Village Residential Pool

Intex Design and Construction

Small Space Pool & Spa Design with adjustable LED lighting for evening swims. www.IntexDandC.com @IntexDandC
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Rouse Hill - Plunge pool

Crystal Pools

This classic plunge pool with spa is designed to take advantage of a small space and stylistically enhance a contemporary home. The result is a fine example of clean lines and symmetrical visual appeal. The use of Merbau timber decking and narrow honed Himalayan sandstone surrounds create a fresh and welcoming space. The pool features blue glass mosaic waterline and step tread tiles, beautiful navy blue pebbled lining and a small spill-over mouth with sandstone coping. The spa component is a reliable and straightforward set-up, with blower and spa jets delivering perfect relaxation at the touch of a button. There is also a deep and shallow end to the pool, a sandstone skimmer box lid and integrated gas heating for both the swimming pool and spa.

Eastern Point Retreat

Flavin Architects

Modern pool and cabana where the granite ledge of Gloucester Harbor meet the manicured grounds of this private residence. The modest-sized building is an overachiever, with its soaring roof and glass walls striking a modern counterpoint to the property’s century-old shingle style home. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Sherwood Project

Popham Interiors

This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard custom-shaped pool in Brisbane with a water feature and tile.

Beton- Folienbecken 6,50 x 2,50 x 1,50 m mit Strukturfolie anthrazit

Pro Pool Schwimmbadtechnik

Beton- Folienbecken 6,50 x 2,50 x 1,50 m mit Alkorplan 3000 Strukturfolie Elegance, Einbauteile in Edelstahl, Wandmassage, Gegenstromanlage, Wasserrschwall, Unterflur- Rollladenabdeckung mit Edelstahl- Sitzbank.

St Pete beach Florida

Islandway Luxury Home and Pool

This project started with removing an older outdated pool and designing a one of a kind backyard. Stainless fire/water bowls with the entire sunself and deep end of pool covered in iridescent glass. There is also a table for eating in the pool. This pool/spa combo automation package is completely operated off your cell phone. Special thanks to Breana Kennedy for bringing Bentley to the photo shoot. Photography taken by Kyle Bennett.

Classic Carolina Spas

Bradford Products

Classic Carolina stainless steel spa finished with 3" x 3" ceramic tile on the benches, stairs and waterline. Features an automatic cover and corner step.

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.