Cypress Area Geometric Pool with Raised Beam Wall

Geometric pool with raised beam water feature wall and square spa with rolled comfort edge and stacked stone corner spillway. Pool material is travertine coping, 2x4 splitface travertine and 1x1 travertine mosaic tile. Decking is SprayDeck and pool finish is PebbleSheen.

Lely - 6656 Roma Way

Michelle Thomas

This is an example of a transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Other with a hot tub and brick pavers.

Lake Forest, IL Hot Tub with Pergola

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This stand-alone raised spa in Lake Forest, IL packs alot of features into a limited space, and yet feels spacious. Measuring 8'0" x 8'0", the raised spa has an automatic safety cover with stone lid system. Covered by a beautiful custom Pergola, the outdoor space features a fire pit and ample seating space. Photos by Larry Huene

Vasari Pool Lanai

User

An arrangement of ceramic pots with custom designed plantings of outdoor artificial plants. This Florida pool lanai will always look good, as outdoor permanent botanicals will not look ratty, need water, or drop any petals or leaves. Photo by Robb Thiel.

Southwest Contemporary at Desert Mountain

Urban Design Associates

Southwest contemporary patio with infinity pool, hot tub, and flagstone flooring. Architect: Urban Design Associates Builder: Manship Builders Interior Designer: Bess Jones Interiors Photographer: Thompson Photographic

Atlanta Metro Custom Pool Renovations - Blue Granite PebbleSheen

Precision Pool Renovations

Pennsylvania bluestone deck and custom radius coping
Inspiration for a transitional backyard rectangular pool in Atlanta with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Tibbs - Preston Hollow

AquaTerra Outdoors

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Dallas with a hot tub and concrete slab.

Balcones Canyon Overlook

Botanical Concerns LLC

Clean lines with pops of color. This rectangular pool, built by Austintatious Pools, features an automatic cover and funky, multicolored waterline tile.

January 2016 Southwest Florida Edition

HOME & DESIGN MAGAZINE NAPLES

This home was featured in the January 2016 edition of HOME & DESIGN Magazine. To see the rest of the home tour as well as other luxury homes featured, visit http://www.homeanddesign.net/downtown-oasis-mangrove-bay/

Shade Structures

Dian Barnes Landscape Design, LLC

Large traditional backyard rectangular pool in Bridgeport with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Traditional Style Beachfront Custom Home. Seaside Park, NJ

Monetti Custom Homes

Custom 10,000 square foot beach house built immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Outdoor living area. Pool, Cabana, pergola, outdoor living.
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

Straight Line Pool in Boerne Texas

Keith Zars Pools

This more contemporary pool has a large waterfall, two fire features, and an infinity spa with all glass tiles. Photographer: Siggi Ragnar
Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped pool in Austin with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Peacock Pavers by Josh Moates

Peacock Pavers

Josh Moates
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with concrete pavers.

Grey Stone Remodel

European Granite & Marble

This is an example of a large modern backyard rectangular pool in New York with tile.

Maison KS1

Atelier d'Architecture Baobab

Photo of a small contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Bordeaux with decking.

Backyard Pool Patio with Concrete Slabs

Techo-Bloc

Audacious in its massive size, the look of this bold beauty is polished yet casual. With its elegant veining, Aberdeen makes a statement at once luxuriant and eminently livable.

Concrete Pool and Spa - Markham

Solda Pools Ltd.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in Toronto with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Burton Home

Landscape Contractors

Infinity Edge Pool
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Houston with natural stone pavers and a water feature.

View from spa to water feature

Waterscapes Pools & Spas

You can see the way the glass tiles reflect different colors based on the angle where you're looking at them. photo credit: Larry Taylor
Photo of a large transitional backyard l-shaped infinity pool in Tampa with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Suburban Oasis

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Turquoise Backyard 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 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 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 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 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 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.