Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Allison Ong Shreffler, Architect / AOS Architect

A So-CAL inspired Pool Pavilion Oasis in Central PA
Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Pool Pavilion

Gregory Thomas, Architect, AKBD, CG&S Design-Build

C-shaped pavilion has an outdoor kitchen at the left, a covered fire pit (with a custom copper hood) in the center, and a game area and bathroom on the right. Tapered slate columns match those at the front entry to the home.

Ruxton, MD

Lothorian Pools

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Baltimore with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Alhambra Valley

Envision Landscape Studio

Photography by Paul Dyer
Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house.

Thornhill Poolscape

Arbordale Landscaping

Unilock Brussels Block upper patio and pool deck transition nicely between the natural Limestone copings steps, and walls. Beautiful 14" high Boxwood hedge remains un-clipped for a more natural look.

NASHVILLE RESIDENCE

Marvin

Architect: Blaine Bonadies, Bonadies Architect Photography By: Jean Allsopp Photography “Just as described, there is an edgy, irreverent vibe here, but the result has an appropriate stature and seriousness. Love the overscale windows. And the outdoor spaces are so great.” Situated atop an old Civil War battle site, this new residence was conceived for a couple with southern values and a rock-and-roll attitude. The project consists of a house, a pool with a pool house and a renovated music studio. A marriage of modern and traditional design, this project used a combination of California redwood siding, stone and a slate roof with flat-seam lead overhangs. Intimate and well planned, there is no space wasted in this home. The execution of the detail work, such as handmade railings, metal awnings and custom windows jambs, made this project mesmerizing. Cues from the client and how they use their space helped inspire and develop the initial floor plan, making it live at a human scale but with dramatic elements. Their varying taste then inspired the theme of traditional with an edge. The lines and rhythm of the house were simplified, and then complemented with some key details that made the house a juxtaposition of styles. The wood Ultimate Casement windows were all standard sizes. However, there was a desire to make the windows have a “deep pocket” look to create a break in the facade and add a dramatic shadow line. Marvin was able to customize the jambs by extruding them to the exterior. They added a very thin exterior profile, which negated the need for exterior casing. The same detail was in the stone veneers and walls, as well as the horizontal siding walls, with no need for any modification. This resulted in a very sleek look. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Casement Window

New stone steps to pool

Everett Garden Designs

©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.
Photo of a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Rancho Santa Fe Swim Up Bar

Jesse York, Landscape Designer

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

Pool Houses

Baystate Outdoor Personia

Custom A frame pool house with a french door, large window, and square posts!
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Boston with a pool house and concrete pavers.

The Pavilion House

Danny Broe Architect

Mark Wilson
Transitional backyard rectangular pool in Sydney with a pool house and decking.

Cool house , Pool House

Maverick LLC

Bryan Stepanian
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in New York with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Pool House Retreat in Lake Geneva

Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC

Geneva Cabinet Company,, Lake Geneva, WI., Authorized Dealer for Medallion Cabinetry., The open plan is outfitted with a stunning galley kitchen spacious seating area by the large format tile fireplace, a bedroom and full bath. Custom built-ins and cabinetry by Medallion keep the look open and clean with great storage for poolside activities. Builder: Lowell Management Services, Lake Geneva, WI Photographer: Victoria McHugh Photography Medallion Cabinetry in open area The Furniture Guild Vanity

Rappahannock River Pool House

SMS Architects

Side of Poolhouse. Photographer: Ansel Olson
Mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular pool in Richmond with a pool house and concrete slab.

Transitional Pool

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a pool house and concrete pavers.

POSH PORCELAIN

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

An inspired mix of ORIJIN STONE’s porcelain paving and custom-crafted natural stone, can be found at this striking “Modern European” Orono, MN home. Bright “sky” colored porcelain, beautifully trimmed with a warm grey Indiana Limestone, is found at the dramatic entrance, around the expansive pool and patio areas, in the luxurious pool house suite and on the rooftop deck. Also featured is ORIJIN's exclusive Alder™Limestone wall stone. Architecture: James McNeal Architecture with Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux Builder: Hendel Homes Landscape Design & Install: Topo Landscape Architecture Interior Design: VIVID Interior Interior Tile Installer: Super Set Tile & Stone Photography: Landmark Photography & Design

Pool House with Accordion Doors

Kimmel Studio Architects

Inspiration for an expansive transitional backyard pool in Baltimore with a pool house.

Fairytale Swim Setting

Shoreline Pools, Inc.

The house and swimming pool were designed to take full advantage of the magnificent and idyllic setting. A custom, Nutmeg Round retaining wall was built to raise and level the property and keep the swimming pool close to the home. A vanishing edge runs over 40ft along the full length of the pool and gives the illusion of dropping into the wetlands below. The pools is surrounded by an expansive, earth color Sahara Granite deck and equipped with an automatic cover. Phil Nelson Imaging

CA to PA Pool House Pavilion

Allison Ong Shreffler, Architect / AOS Architect

A So-CAL inspired Pool Pavilion Oasis in Central PA
Large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Steeplechase Landscape and Pool

Spayd's Landscape and Design

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and concrete pavers.

Transitional Pool Design Ideas with a Pool House

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.