Kate Yoklavich Photo credit Inlay creates interest and breaks up large expanse of concrete and aggregate patio. Raised spa offers overview of entire backyard

Bellaire Pool

Downunda Pools

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Houston with with a pool and natural stone pavers.

Small Lap Pool

Empie Residential

Small pool for swimming laps or cooling off. Tanning shelf in the water for staying cool.
Photo of a small transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Dallas with a water feature and concrete pavers.

Maximizing SQFT In This Small Space

Zier Pools

Small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego with natural stone pavers.

Virginia St Townhome

Fratelli Designs

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Houston with natural stone pavers.

Postage Stamp Yard Loaded with Features

Betz Pools Limited

With backyard space taken by stairs down from the kitchen, there was only room for a custom 9.5’ x 17’ vinyl pool. It has a Gold Pebble liner and a 5 1/2’ deep end which allows the kids to jump in, splash around and tread water. The built-in Badu swim jet is used regularly for fitness and perfecting kayak paddling technique.

Encino

Lauren Shadid Architecture + Interiors

Pool house / guest house
Inspiration for a small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Los Angeles with a water feature.

Mosman Park

Tim Davies Landscaping | Perth

GRAB Photography his project was inspired by its East Fremantle location. An eclectic mix of convict chiseled limestone, contrasting old and new architecture, crisp white sandy beaches and native coastal planting combined to create a theme for a robust family orientated landscape. The landscape design revolved around a large plunge pool creating multiple usable spaces for a family of six. Given the size of the backyard and a need for openness, an off-form concrete pool was proposed utilizing two walls of the pool as part of the isolation barrier. A ‘moat’ of layered planting was introduced between the pool and the alfresco decking creating the illusion of no isolation fence.

VIDÉO - Aménagement sur mesure de plusieurs terrasses et d'un bassin

Home extérieur - Bureau d'étude

Small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Lille with a water feature and decking.

Racetrack Ln

Scarlet Home Design

Flowing fountains and waterfalls are complimentary features of the gorgeous pool, including a tanning deck.
Small transitional side yard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Petite Pool Garden - Westport, CT

Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

An old moss grill island compliments this petite pool house and patio, as well as the existing stone wall and raised garden, with emerald green arborvitea hedge.

Best Custom House Under 3000 Sq. Ft. 2014 Fairfield County

Lin Daniels Design

Photo of a small transitional side yard rectangular pool in New York with concrete slab.

Pool restoration and in-ground spa

Elite Pool Design

Gorgeous transitional backyard includes swimming pool restoration, masonry wall with waterfalls, natural stone patio, in ground spa with fire feature, curved modern pergola, outdoor kitchen, low maintenance planting, and landscape lighting. Designed and installed exclusively by Elite Pool Design.

New Home

Focus Homes

Design ideas for a small transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Tampa with brick pavers and a hot tub.

Pools

Artistry Outdoors (Custom Pools & Outdoor Living)

Inspiration for a small transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.

Lake in the Hills, IL

Tod Brown with Florida Aquatics Custom Pools

Free form natural lagoon style pool with Jump Rock.
This is an example of a small transitional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Orlando with concrete slab.

Small vinyl pool

CA Pools

David Noel
Small transitional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Vancouver with a water feature and stamped concrete.

Tanglewood Modern Pool and Cabana

Flavin Architects

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

My Sample Projects

Heritage Brick and Stone

Photo of a small transitional backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Gallery – Small Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

With the backyard being overhauled, it made sense to excavate around the house and waterproof the foundation before beginning the pool. The entire backyard was landscaped with low maintenance plantings to reduce outdoor chores and leave more time for leisure activities.

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.