www.besthottubs.com Keeping a spa separate and functioning with its own controls, allows it to run late into the season -- and, in the Northeast, perhaps all winter long!

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.

Travertine pool deck Melbourne

Concrete Designs of Florida

Concrete stained to look like travertine tile
Photo of a tropical pool in Orlando.

Weisenberg Township pool with sheer descent waterfall

B&B Custom Pools

New pool built by www.custompoolsbybarry.com with raised wall & sheer descent waterfall in Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County, PA
Design ideas for a traditional backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Philadelphia with decking.

Palm Springs 4 bedroom Mid Century Modern Oasis

Equity Residences

Equity Residences' Palm Springs 4 bedroom mid century modern Villa. photo: Jimmy Cheng styling: Meesh Pierce
Midcentury pool in San Diego.

Pool Projects

Elements Landscape

Elements Landscape LLC
This is an example of a traditional pool in Atlanta.

French: St. Johns

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Piassick Photography, Jazon Oleniczak
This is an example of a traditional rectangular pool in Dallas with a water feature.

West Village Townhouse

Revamp Interior Design

Eric Laignel
Inspiration for a contemporary indoor pool in New York.

Niantic-D

American Frameless Glass Enclosures

David Sloane Photography
Inspiration for a traditional pool in New York.

Inground Swimming Pool Deck around Gunite Pool in White Lake

Potoroka Concrete Decorative Surfaces

Exposed aggregate concrete is the most durable surface for concrete in Michigan. It's natural beauty and versatility makes it a winner around any inground swimming pool taking a custom look to an entirely different level. The aggregate finish is very popular with custom pool builders throughout the state today. Exposed aggregate concrete can also be used as a coping border, accent or as the solid surface it can be colored and stained to match any design specifications. It mixes and matches well with every lanscape product on the market and goes well with stamps and textures.

Windsor Parkway

Bonick Landscaping

Pool with Pennsylvania bluestone coping and decks, copper scupper fountains surrounded by a lush landscape. Photo By Sara Donaldson
Large traditional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Dallas with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Private Residence at The Estuary at Grey Oaks

London Bay Homes

This is a London Bay Homes one-of-a-kind custom home built at The Estuary at Grey Oaks. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists
Traditional custom-shaped pool in Miami.

Modern Pool

Design ideas for a modern infinity pool in Miami.

Eclectic Lake House

Pillar Custom Homes, Inc.

Builder: Pillar Custom Homes, Inc.
Traditional custom-shaped infinity pool in Austin with a hot tub.

Project 2

J.A. Smith Construction & Design Studio

Photo of a traditional lap pool in Cincinnati.

masons Ave renovation

Jessop Architects Ltd

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Auckland.

Pool Slide on hillside

Timothy Sheehan, ASLA

Timothy Sheehan, ASLA designed while at Gregory Lombardi Design Incorporated
This is an example of a contemporary pool in Boston with a water slide.

Total Serene Scene | Selah Pools

Selah Pools & Spas

Private slice of Heaven in Justin TX, The swimming pool & spa oasis includes a totally private cedar chill spot for secluded vista views.
Mid-sized country backyard rectangular pool in Dallas with a hot tub and decking.

Smith Pool & Spa

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Chic Modern Swimming Pool and Garden

Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.

Turquoise 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.