Private Courtyard Plunge Pool in New England

This photo was taken by the homeowner about a year after the pool was installed. They did the plantings themselves. The combination of the whimsical gardens with the beautiful pool and stonework is a truly charming look.

Mestang Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

Wade Griffith
This is an example of a small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Dallas with concrete slab.

Falls Church Modern

Joseph Richardson, Landscape Architect

Photo of a small modern backyard rectangular pool in DC Metro with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Glen Ellyn, IL Raised Hot Tub with automatic cover

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.

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.

Hardscapes

RTK Design Group

Small contemporary indoor rectangular lap pool in San Diego with a hot tub and tile.

Country Club of Louisiana - Savoie

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Small contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New Orleans with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Mediterranean Pool

This is an example of a small mediterranean indoor round aboveground pool in Austin with a hot tub and tile.

Euclid Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This infinity edge spa with water feature is designed to be a visual work of art. The wall has custom Bobe water scuppers, is veneered with ledgestone and a lueders limestone cap and ends.

Blueline Architects Contemporary Mountain Residence

Blueline Architects p.c.

Inspiration for a small contemporary pool in Denver with a hot tub and decking.

Rosamond

Water's Edge Outdoor Living

© Javier Guillen Photo
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Houston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

A Backyard Where Small is Beautiful

Betz Pools Limited

The backyard’s low maintenance deck of architectural stamped concrete is beautifully complemented by the curving lines of the Wiarton pebble top stone coping. The soothing sounds of the spillover spa and sheer descent waterfall help to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Custom South Tampa Home 2937

Blake Building

Casual and beachy courtyard, with natural materials and pavers. Ceilings are wood beadboard, stained. Fastpix, LLC
Photo of a small beach style courtyard rectangular lap pool in Tampa with concrete pavers.

Sydney Garden Show 2014

Australian Plunge Pools

Inspiration for a small contemporary round aboveground pool in Sydney.

Carlton Plunge Pool

Momentum Pools

Small contemporary side yard rectangular pool in Melbourne with decking.

Custom Design & Build | Melrose Ave.

Intex Design and Construction

Pool & Spa Custom Design & Build
Small modern backyard rectangular lap pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Gallery – Small Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

The pool is the epitome of simplicity with the walls on the spa and ravine sides acting as perimeter overflow surfaces for smooth sheets of water falling into troughs and recirculating back to the spa and pool. The sound of falling water is soothing while the zero edge profiles create the effect of an infinity horizon.

Pool House

Joseph Sepot Architects

The roofline, reminiscent of an Asian farmhouse, is clad with yellow cedar shingles. The gable ends feature triangular windows which permit natural light to enter the loft space within. Jim Fiora Photography LLC

Liberty Park, Vestavia, AL - Dipping Pool & Spa

User

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

Hydrotherapy Plunge Pool

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This oakbrook plunge pool doubles as a hydrotherapy pool. The vessel measures 12'0" x 15'0" and has 2 LED colored lights. There is an automatic pool cover with stone lid system. There is also a 15'0" underwater bench. The raised water feature has three scuppers spilling into the pool. The Limestone coping and capstone has a sealed, modified edge.

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.