Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Angers with decking.

Pacific Palisades Paradise

Scrafano Architects

Photography by Catherine Tighe
Inspiration for a transitional rectangular pool in Los Angeles with decking.

4540

Pure Design

Challenge: sometimes second time’s a charm Solved: Most remodels are baby steps. Upgrades. Not, this one. This was clearly a giant step. The deck, made of architectural concrete and Ipe wood—twice as dense as most woods and five times harder—features a cantilevered fire pit and floating barbeque. While these provide ample touches of wow factor, some of the most game-changing and appreciated enhancements are hidden from view: like the re-engineered, energy-efficient power plant and pipes that keep crystal clear water flowing silently and effortlessly space to space. In this case, it would seem, the second time’s a charm.

Southwestern

AquaTerra Outdoors

Daniel Driensky
Small transitional backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature and decking.

Lakeside Cottage

Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Expansive transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Minneapolis with a pool house and decking.

Oakville Backyard Delight

User

This is a small but well designed backyard to make every square foot count! The concrete pool is surrounded by fabulous landscaping that will only mature over time and create a more intimate lush backdrop. The ipe decking allows for a warm transition into the pool area and the perfect spot to lounge poolside!

Creating outdoor living space - After

AMIDONIAN llc

The transformation begins with a recessed above ground pool, faux stone surround to match the house foundation, massaranduba hardwood decking, cement pavers in grey, and teak furniture. A fireplace and outside kitchen are being added in April 2015.

Private Poolside Overlooking Wetlands

Spaces Landscape Architecture

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular infinity pool in New York with decking.

Transitional Pool

Transitional rectangular pool in Los Angeles with decking.

Postage Stamp Yard Loaded with Features

Betz Pools Limited

To hide the pool equipment, Betz built a ledgerock feature wall with a 6’ sheer descent waterfall. It can be set at full strength or to a ‘wet wall’ trickle of water. Each end has a ledge with a dramatic gas fire torch. The pool features custom vinyl over steel walk-in steps, plus an underwater bench, complete with spa jets.

Toll Brothers at Hidden Canyon

Toll Brothers, Inc.

Design ideas for a transitional backyard l-shaped pool in Philadelphia with a hot tub and decking.

Elegant

Randy Angell Designs

Our clients wish list was fairly simple: a small, traditional pool with a raised spa. They wanted enough deck space for light entertaining around the pool, but due to their generous covered veranda, they did not require much more than that. Oh--and a little yard space for the dog! The entire design was really driven by a very strong central sight line through the house, all the way from the front door. Using this as the center-line for the pool, we pushed the pool as far toward the rear property line as code would allow and then created the main focal feature of the project: a seven-foot-tall limestone and cast stone wall, with a laser-cut steel sculpture, created the project designer. The cast stone columns and center arch echo the architecture of the home and create the perfect backdrop for the raised spa. The same wrought-iron gas lanterns used at the front entry of the home are repeated on columns here. The color palette is subtle and classic, much like the interior of the home and the decor within the grand veranda directly adjacent the pool. 18"x30" blocks of limestone were used to create the wall at the rear of the property, and harmonizing with the veneer on the home. The pool is finished with Pennsylvania Premier coping, with a bull-nosed edge, shadowed by a 2" band of black granite. The surrounding decks are Travertine pavers in a 'Versailles' pattern, bordered by a 12" band of Pennsylvania stone. The pool utilizes three different glass tiles for a highly customized style. The glass mosaic on the wet deck and in the spa is a custom blend created by the homeowner and the designer. A grey/green Diamondbrite interior finish completes the soft hues that make this project aesthetically soothing to the eye. The homeowner had been through 4 different home builders during the construction of their dream home. Understandably, when it came to the pool, they wanted to be certain they didn't go through the same difficulties and sought out a company with the reputation and the creativity that would exceed their expectations. After seeing our detailed design study for their admittedly "compact space", they knew they had found just the right company.

Pearl Marble Pavers Pool Deck

StoneHardscapes, LLC

Photo of a transitional backyard pool in Miami with decking.

Goldenberg Renovation / Addition

Julia Chuslo Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular pool in Boston with decking.

Mink Meadows Home

Interiors Studio Martha's Vineyard

A vacation home designed for a family, to relax in an amazing setting in a home that was created by our sister company Breese Architects (www.breesearchitects.com). Having the Interiors and Architecture studios work together on this project created a sense of connectedness for this home. Working together meant every detail was thought of by our talented teams. All images by Brian VandenBrink

Wild Cat

Parker Homes

One story stone house on a corner lot.
Mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular natural pool in Austin with a hot tub and decking.

Gallery - Geometric Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

The design for this creation was a collaboration between the owner’s architect, his landscaper and Betz Pools. The concept creates a north woods quarry feel with massive boulders punctuating expansive decks reminiscent of weathered docks.

Villa Sans Souci

Studio Sans Souci

Photo of a transitional pool in Bordeaux with decking.

Townhouse New York

ANNIE CLAIRE ❁ Arredamenti su misura

Design ideas for a transitional rooftop rectangular lap pool in New York with decking.

Le contour de piscine Kebony® Terre 2 Creation

Grad

Projet : Terrasse / Essence : Kebony® / Architecte : Terre 2 création / Photographe : Terre 2 création / Lieux : France
This is an example of a transitional backyard rectangular pool in Lyon with with a pool and decking.

Transitional Pool Design Ideas with Decking

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.