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.

Cocktail Pool- Cypress, TX

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Beautiful resort-like cocktail pool with a cocktail table. Includes three water features and glass tile. Custom outdoor kitchen with a Big Green Egg and a cozy covered seating area.

Natural Private Residence

Pool Environments, Inc.

A natural pool setting creates a oasis in the midst of a busy neighborhood.
Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Dallas with a hot tub.

Irvington Deck + Patio

Howells Architecture + Design

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Roseville - Plunge Pool

Crystal Pools

This gorgeous Roseville Plunge Pool combo is nestled into an Asian-inspired corner of a small backyard in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Multi-purpose Plunge and Spa pools are a perfect solution in Sydney when you have a smaller backyard. They provide a refreshing break in the height of summer and warm comfort in winter. Fully tiled with Ela Fiji files and surrounded with natural, grey Granite, we’re not surprised this plunge pool won the MBA award for Best Spa in 2017.

Weightman new in raised spool.

JSQ IMPROVEMENTS

James Queen
Photo of a small traditional backyard rectangular pool in Orange County with a water feature and brick pavers.

Highwater Garden

User

A vanishing edge pool and waterfall are focal points for a constraint-driven project governed by a wetlands and associated no-build zone, extensive rock outcrops, steep slopes, and a small, tough-to-access work area. A team of consultants was required in order to obtain variances and other approvals across multiple agencies and meetings. The end result is a beautiful outdoor living space that expresses the architecture and utility of the owner's home into a highwater garden for relaxation and enjoyment.

Gallery - Small Vinyl Pools

Betz Pools Limited

The areas of patio adjoining this pool and outdoor living room are finished with Mega Melville slabs in Scandina Grey which offer a pleasing contrast to the pool’s Indus Grey coping. The four chaise lounges beside the pool are positioned to catch the sun throughout most of the day.

Mountain Modern Lake House

Judd Builders

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard pool in Other with stamped concrete.

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.

Residential New Build - Small Pool

Clear Tech, Inc

Our customer came to us with a bit of an issue.. a small backyard and big dreams. Guess what? Clear Tech took on the challenge and created a space that was enjoyable. We started from grass and turned the space into a relaxing pool area. We completed the look with outdoor furniture that brought the whole project together. Our customer is so excited to enjoy their new and useable outdoor living space.

BEVERLY

DDLA Design Landscape Architecture

Located in the private Cypress Point neighborhood in Plano, this small backyard was transformed from a small garden area to an updated and modern outdoor living area. In addition to the new covered porch and fire place, we have added outdoor seating for chaise lounges, along with a modern plunge pool & spa with raised backdrop fountain feature. The project also features built-in seating, fountain spillways, decorative pool tile, step stones and all new landscaping to provide a lush, private retreat for the owners.

Modern decked pool

Villa Plunge Pools

Concrete fully tiled pool, installed above ground as part of an architecturally designed home by Lurie Concepts. Tiled in Blue Green mosaics 23mm, and a light grey granite coping

West Chicago, IL Custom Raised Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This custom raised hot tub is the perfect antidote to the winter blues! Measuring 8'0" in diameter, it is raised 18" to provide easy ingress and egress for the whole family. Capped with Indiana Limesone coping, and clad with an irregular oakfield flagstone fascia, the spa emanates subdued elegance. Surrounded by ample Yorkstone manufactured paver decking, and collared by a Yorkstone paver block seating wall, this space provides the perfect safe haven for rest and relaxation. outvision photography

Pewaukee Personal Resort

Swimming Pool Services

Close up view of the Pool Area
Photo of a small arts and crafts backyard rectangular pool in Milwaukee with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

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

SoCal Model 4

BLACKHAūS Design

Side by side pool and spa in a thin and narrow back yard.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Phoenix with concrete pavers.

Blue Lagoon | Intimate Backyard

4 Seasons Remodeling & Design Inc.

"Blue Lagoon Intimate Backyard" modern pool in Los Angeles. The pool design embodies a contemporary and luxurious aesthetic. The pool features clean lines and a rectangular shape, exuding a sense of elegance and sophistication. The water appears to be a captivating shade of blue, adding to the overall allure of the space. The surrounding area is thoughtfully designed, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Lush greenery, including palm trees and well-manicured plants, enhances the tropical vibe of the backyard. The use of stone tiles around the pool and the wooden deck area adds a touch of natural warmth to the space. The photo showcases various seating and lounging options, including stylish lounge chairs and outdoor sofas. These provide comfortable spots for sunbathing, socializing, or simply enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the backyard. Additionally, the presence of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit near the pool suggests that this space can be enjoyed during cooler evenings or even year-round. Overall, the "Blue Lagoon Intimate Backyard" modern pool, as depicted in the photo, offers a visually stunning and well-designed outdoor sanctuary. It combines sleek and contemporary elements with lush greenery to create a serene and luxurious retreat in the heart of Los Angeles.

Classic Carolina - Small Yard

Bradford Products

Partially recessed stainless steel spa with tile trim in this compact, San Fransisco backyard. Landscape design by Katharine Webster.
This is an example of a small modern courtyard rectangular aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Small Modern Pool

Geremia Pools

Small, but tasteful: Even in limited space there is always room for a deep end.
Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Sacramento with a hot tub and decking.

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.