Inspiration for a small tropical backyard rectangular lap pool in New Orleans with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Tropical Pool

Alan D. Holt, A.S.L.A., Landscape Architect

An amazing space envisioned by the Client and completed by a great team. An Ipe deck flows to the edge of the pool. The reclaimed brick wall and walkway give a sense that the space is much older. Several varieties of palms and flowering shrubs create an oasis with year-round color.

Nestled in Nature

Pool Tech

Small space with a big impact. Perfect size to make care easy, and to enjoy the view. Photo by Tim Schoon
Photo of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Cedar Rapids with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Aquatic Oasis

McClure Contracting, Inc.

This was a remodel of the homeowners "florida room" - the roofline used to be much lower, and we had to raise the ceiling line to make it taller so that we could have as much of the door be glass and open space to see the great view. We put in travertine tiles in the Florida Room which was then carried out to the new patio, but the existing pool - previously, was much larger, however they were looking for something more along the lines of a "dipping pool" so we replaced the larger pool with a smaller pool with additional levels. The deck was extended and we planted new palm trees and new landscaping. We also incorporated water features alongside the pool to give the feel of a unique aquatic oasis. Photo credit: Peter Obetz

Spas

Vacation Pools

Design ideas for a small tropical round natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and decking.

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.

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.

108 Via Havre, Newport Beach

Jeff Pittman Homes

The living room, kitchen, & family room all open to a large south facing patio courtyard with an in ground spool & BBQ perfect for the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space with limestone flooring throughout downstairs.

Pool Planter Makeover

User

Robb Thiel
Photo of a small tropical pool in Miami.

The Malgeri Phase II Project

LawnDaddy, LLC

Shannon Sherman
Design ideas for a small tropical backyard pool in Miami.

Other work

Seamco of Tampa Bay

This is an example of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Tampa with concrete pavers.

Long Beach Water Escape

Intex Design and Construction

Waterfall feature design and constructed by Intex Design and Construction Long Beach, CA | Southern California
This is an example of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in Los Angeles with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

In-ground pools

Pool Pros, Inc.

Inspiration for a small tropical backyard rectangular pool in Miami with a water feature and brick pavers.

Palmer House

Apidae Building Contractors, Inc

Photos by Mark Gebhardt photography.
Inspiration for a small tropical backyard round natural pool in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Hawaiian Retreat

Ben Trogdon Architects

Design ideas for a small tropical backyard rectangular lap pool in Seattle with concrete slab.

Spas

Vacation Pools

Inspiration for a small tropical backyard round natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and decking.

Some of Our Work

San Diego Pools

Small tropical backyard custom-shaped pool in San Diego with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Before & After - Naturalistic Pool with waterfalls & movie screen in West LA, CA

Ultimate Water Creations Inc.

This is an example of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with concrete slab.

Alderley Courtyard

Define Landscape Architecture

Existing pool re-framed with new decking to enlarge the pool surrounds, glass balustrading to open up views to surrounding vegetation and lower courtyard. Riased planter with columnar shaped Ficus with up-lighting to trunks.

Brazilian ipe Deck & Mahogany Waterfall Feature

Kanga Construction

Photo of a small tropical backyard l-shaped pool in Miami with a water feature and decking.

Small Tropical 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 tropical 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 tropical 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 tropical 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 tropical 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 tropical 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.