Small modern rectangular pool in Melbourne with tile.

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.

Contemporary pool and spa

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.

Backyard Escape

Intex Design and Construction

Small space, outdoor living in West Hollywood, CA
Photo of a small modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Soake Plunge Pool

Soake Pools

Serene afternoon by a Soake Plunge Pool
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Hollister Ranch

Holly Lepere - Lepere Studio, Photographer

Cedar spa and flagstone deck look out over tranquil ocean view. The small weekend home on the flank of the rolling grassy coastal plain in Hollister Ranch (near Gaviota, CA) faces breath-taking panoramic views of ocean, islands, coastal plain, foothills and mountains.

Laguna Beach Portola Road Project

Ancient Surfaces

A small but cozy stone covered outdoor pool patio and wall fountain by Ancient Surfaces. A seating area overlooks a lovely small pool fountain covered with our antique Arcane Limestone surrounded by a lovely flower trough walled in by a basket weaved teak wood ivy wall. At the front end of the pool stands a gorgeous hand carved antique limestone wall fountain that is hundreds of years old.

AVIVA Pools Ovation 23

Aquamarine Pools of Texas

12' x 23' - Seychelles Sand Color
This is an example of a small modern backyard rectangular natural pool in Austin with with a pool and concrete slab.

Plunge Pool Backyard Getaway

Easton Pool & Spa - Where great backyards begin!

This is an example of a small backyard rectangular pool in Boston with with a pool.

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.

Atlanta, GA Project (1)

Peach State Pool

Inspiration for a small arts and crafts backyard kidney-shaped pool in Atlanta.

Paradise Preserve | Atlantic Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This compact space allows for a lot of outdoor living options, without feeling too cramped. The homeowners really wanted a pool and spa, but didn't believe their yard was big enough. Not only did they get both by incorporating a spool, they also have plenty of room for seating and dining, lush landscaping, and a lawn where their child and dogs can play! Photo by Craig O'Neal

SPASA Awards of Excellence 2017 - Courtyard/Plunge Pool

spasaaustralia

GOLD Laguna Pools
This is an example of a small modern rectangular pool in Melbourne with decking.

Easy living

Bayon Gardens

Landscape design & construction by Bayon Gardens // Photography by Tim Turner
Inspiration for a small contemporary side yard rectangular lap pool in Melbourne with decking.

Skyline Springs

Prideaux Design

Matt Vacca
Small backyard rectangular pool in Phoenix with concrete slab.

Private Hot Tub

Paragon Custom Builders

A romantic space is created by the privacy walls around this Hot Tub area connected to the Master Bathroom.
This is an example of a small country side yard pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Kool Haus

sw-architects

David Sievers Photography
Small contemporary side yard rectangular lap pool in Adelaide with decking.

Latest Collection

Trend Group Australasia

Inspiration for a small contemporary rectangular pool in Sydney.

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs

Adventure Hot Tubs & Pools

This is an example of a small traditional backyard rectangular aboveground pool in Tampa with a hot tub and gravel.

Pool Projects

McKinney Custom Pools

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard rectangular natural pool in Houston with a hot tub and concrete slab.

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.