Lap pool addition. Photographer:Reid Dalland
This is an example of a traditional indoor pool in New York.

This blue ice sandstone terrace has a cooling effect to this comfortable outdoor living space that offers a wide-open area to lounge next to the custom-designed pool. The loggia exterior of limed brick connects to the main house right off the hearth room and is embellished with mahogany shutters flanking the French doors with a bleaching oil finish.

Misc.

Reid Dalland Photography

Indoor Lap Pool. Client: Crisp Architects.
This is an example of a traditional indoor pool in New York.

Traditional Pool

Inspiration for a traditional indoor rectangular pool in Other with tile.

Chapel Hill Custom Home

Will Johnson Building Company

A pool almost enclosed by the house itself makes it feel both welcoming and private.
Mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Raleigh with tile.

Edgartown Vinyl Liner

Easton Pool & Spa - Where great backyards begin!

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard rectangular lap pool in Boston with stamped concrete.

Artichoke Acres

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

Large traditional backyard rectangular natural pool in Vancouver with with privacy feature and concrete slab.

Legacy

A. Perry Homes

Cabana with living space, fireplace, tv, and outdoor kitchen
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Chicago with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Classic Informality

Daniel Contelmo Architects

Photo by: Daniel Contelmo Jr.
Photo of a large traditional backyard rectangular pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Traditional Paver Pool Decks

Triad Associates Inc.

all photos property of Triad Associates, Inc.
Design ideas for a traditional pool in Boston.

south live oak back yard

PBC Design + Build

brown, french windows, grass, lounge chair, patio, pool, umbrella, white,
Large traditional backyard custom-shaped pool in Other with concrete pavers.

Pool Decks

Decorative Concrete Resurfacing

Sundek Classic Texture
Traditional pool in St Louis.

Pool and Spa

The Schumacher Companies

Photo Credit: Scharper Photography
Photo of an expansive traditional backyard rectangular pool in Boston with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Backyard Resort in Middletown, NY

Landworx of New York

This stone poolscape is part of a backyard resort with endless hours of entertainment in Middletown, NY. This hosting sanctuary welcomes guests for long days in the sun by the pool and warm nights by the rustic, expansive outdoor bar and kitchen. When guests enter this outdoor oasis, they can travel in and out of the water with ease using the bluestone beach entry, even lounging directly in the water if they choose to use the sun ledge. A curated collection of Unilock pavers and Bluestone work their way through the space, blending it with the rural surrounding property. For more excitement in the day, two waterslides weave through the natural rock structures, surrounded by rushing waterfalls and a one-of-a-kind stone diving rock. To complete the day's experience, this resort includes a full-service kitchen and bar just off the lounging and pool areas, providing everything a guest desires for a total escape from life's rhythm.

Brick Colonial Pool House, Greenwich, Connecticut

Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.

Sarah Dorio
This is an example of a traditional pool in New York.

Pool

Decorative Concrete and Resurfacing, LLC

Sprayed Concrete Pool
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard l-shaped lap pool in Cincinnati with a water slide and stamped concrete.

Oakton Outdoor Living

A.HICKMAN Design

Towel hooks perfect for those big backyard pool parties! Design: Andrea Hickman of A.HICKMAN Design; Construction: Greg Deans of Decks with Style; Photography: Andrea Hickman

Calming Pool Haven in Hauppage, NY

Above All Masonry Design, Inc

Evoking a sense of calm and equilibrium for all who visit, this symmetrical poolscape provides a haven in a Hauppauge, NY backyard. Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth pavers, with custom-made 2'x2' slabs, provide a smooth transition from the side walkway and up the stairs to the elevated, geometric pool. As guests and family gather on the expansive poolside patio, they can take in plenty of sun while listening to the calming rush of three nearby waterfalls. The stone-like design weaves its way around the property, leading right up to the front door for ultimate curb appeal and elegance. From the front yard to the back patio, clean lines and a delicate balance encompass both the paver and pool design, while incorporating lush gardens and symmetrical hedges.

Pool Fountains

Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.

20x40 rectangular in-ground swimming pool. Pool finish is Hydrazzo Maui Midnight. Pool includes diving stone, 8 fountains and automated pool cover. Architectural design by Helman Sechrist Architecture; interior design by Jill Henner; general contracting by Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc.; photography by Marie 'Martin' Kinney

Herts New Build Mansion

Real Focus

A traditional Kidney Shaped Pool. Jacuzzi in a pool area bathed with natural light. Murray Russell-Langton - Real Focus
Large traditional indoor kidney-shaped pool in Hertfordshire.

Traditional White 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 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.