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

Freeform Salt Water Pool with Raised Spa

Monogram Custom Builders
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Outdoor Living

Georgio Home

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

BBQ Outdoor Kitchen

Golden Touch Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Verona Model @ The Concession

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES

Photo of a large traditional backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Tampa with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Jerusalem Rd Cohasset

Fabrizio Construction llc

Custom built negative edge pool, granite pavers with custom granite coping complete with outdoor kitchen, red cedar pergola, custom stonework
Design ideas for a large traditional side yard custom-shaped infinity pool in Boston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Two Story Deck with Fireplace, Pool & Spa

Boyce Design + Build

Ideal for parties or simply relaxing with the family, this backyard transformation brings style and functionality to a home. Total Project features pool, patio, spa, two-story outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen, deck, and landscaping. Photo courtesy of Micah Rogers.

All Photos

Landscaping By Gaffney, Inc.

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Arlington Residence

Land & Water Design

Mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Safety Harbor Oasis

Hyde Park Renovations

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

Sunny Ridge

Township Pools

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Traditional Elements - Paoli, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Photo Credit: Q Stern Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Designed to the Detail

Vernon Wentz

This pool is proof that even in small spaces a magnificent backyard can be created. The design uses the space well and gives so many dedicated spaces and yet is so easy to entertain in. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery.

Lake View Cottage

Michael Rouchell Architect

Mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in New Orleans with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Brittany Pool

Gasper Landscape Design and Construction

This pool has an automatic safety cover which allows the homeowner to close up the pool at a touch of a button. Photo by Rob Cardillo.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Gavelston Pool

Fig Tree Construction

This is an example of a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Lake Nona Project 2

In and Out Creative Ambient Style

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Orlando with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Maher

Beautify (Landscape Design and Installation)

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Las Vegas with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Nyack Home

SteveGriggsDesign.com

Design ideas for a traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Back yard retreat

Hartman Landscape

This is an example of a large traditional backyard kidney-shaped pool in Chicago with concrete slab and a hot tub.

Traditional Pool Design Ideas with a Hot Tub

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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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.