Folding glass doors lead from the screen porch to a seating area with a concrete gas fuel fire pit. This overlooks a 40 foot swimming pool and sun terrace. The pool cabana, clad in Freedom Grey metal and cedar provides a respite from the sun and provides privacy to the pool terrace. The outdoor grill area is also clad in Freedom Grey metal with a stone counter. Nat Rea Photography

Spa Design and Construction

Heintz Pool & Spa Co

This is an example of a small transitional backyard rectangular pool in St Louis with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Lucas Firmin Pools

Inspiration for a small transitional courtyard custom-shaped natural pool in New Orleans with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

"Outdoor Living- Redefined"

Ryan Hughes Design

Ultimate Outdoor Living Space: Transitional design blending old world finishes with new age lines and features. Including geometric pool with infinity spa, sunshelf, swimjet, LED lighting, interior finish with French Grey Glass Beadcrete and Abalone. Custom wood trellis with cast stone columns, stunning LED accent lighting. Linear see- through fireplace with LED lighted Onyx panels. Onyx serving bar with LED backlighting, Perlick refridgerator, Fire Magic ice maker and Rohl faucet built into wall. Large Outdoor Kitchen with custom wooden trellis over head. Corradi remote control retractable awnings, Alfreso pizza oven.

Koi Pond

3D Green Planet Architects

Koi pond with bronze statue, Aquarius and Dale Chihuly inspired floating glass spheres, Cleopatra bench, champion koi collection.
Photo of a small transitional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Small Plunge Pool/Spa on a Ravine

Betz Pools Limited

The 6’ x 14’ plunge pool/spa has a depth of 5’ which is perfect for cooling dips, treading water or aqua fitness exercises, and it’s deep enough for the little ones to work on their swimming technique. To discourage running and jumping into the pool, the metal fence was installed next to the surrounding 18” coping.

Postage Stamp Yard Loaded with Features

Betz Pools Limited

The elevated Ipe deck off the kitchen was specially designed with a waterproof membrane and hidden eavestrough drainage system that directs rainwater to downspouts. Glass panel railings ensure an unobstructed view of the pool and help to comply with Toronto’s four-sided fence requirement.

Rectangular Pool + Fire Feature

Parker County Pools

This is an example of a small transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Koi Pond, Pool, & Pergola - Nanuet, NY

CLC Landscape Design

This photo provides a closer look at the pool waterfall.
Small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

North Loop

Peak Design Build

On a compact lot, the pool was placed between the garage apartment and the main house, providing privacy and a courtyard feel.
Small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Bullfrog Hot Tubs & Spas

Tropical Fiberglass Pools

Design ideas for a small transitional rooftop aboveground pool in Salt Lake City with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

New Orleans Estate

Sofia Joelsson Design

Sofia Joelsson Design, Interior Design Services. Backyard Pool, Terrace, two story New Orleans new construction, outdoor Dining, Planters, columns, chandelier,

Pools - Geo Metric

Artistry Outdoors (Custom Pools & Outdoor Living)

Small transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a water feature and tile.

Needham Residence

SSG Pools & Spas, Inc.

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

Råbygatan, Limhamn

Fotograf Jonas Norén

Small transitional backyard round pool in Malmo with decking.

Ashton Woods Outdoor Spaces

Ashton Woods

Make the most of your scenery with an infinity pool. Seen in Greys Landing, a Raleigh community.
Small transitional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Raleigh with natural stone pavers.

Minimal Design for Maximum Appeal

Betz Pools Limited

The pool has a small 3’ 6” shallow portion along one side with a wider 6’ 6”-deep ‘plunge’ section along the other. On hot summer days jumping in is a favourite pastime. The walkway extends from the pool past the glass-walled family room rising up to a larger patio beside the main floor walkout.

North Loop

Peak Design Build

On a compact lot, the pool was placed between the garage apartment and the main house, providing privacy and a courtyard feel.
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Austin with natural stone pavers.

Small vinyl pool

CA Pools

David Noel
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Vancouver with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Overhead

The Pool Shoppe

12x24 Gemini Inground Pool with Exposed Aggregate deck, Stamped Concrete border and bullnose, and cozy outdoor entertaining area. Thanks to David Charles Media for the photos.

Small Transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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.