Matthew Millman Photography http://www.matthewmillman.com/

Dolans Road Woolooware - Nash/Wardrop Residence

BK Cavanagh Constructions Pty Ltd

Plunge pool with spa jets at each end.

Stowe, Vermont Pool House

Patterson and Smith Construction, Inc.

Westphalen Photography

Kerdon Home Resort

Majestic Pools & Landscapes

Glenn Weiss

All in the details

L A Custom Pools and Spas, Inc.

Residential - small patio pool

Rushing Design

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Ocean Front

TMS Architects

Outdoor Family Retreat

Arbordale Landscaping

Standing in the garden bed we look back at the back entrance framed by two beautiful mature Ginko trees. Natural stone steps take you to the upper patio and sideyard walkway. Family dinners are common out here with a convenient barbecuing spot.

Bungalow Pool & Pool House

Shoreline Pools, Inc.

The long, lean swimming pool and raised spa were set perpendicular to the home to take full advantage of the rectangular property. Extra-wide limestone coping provides a stunning frame, hides the skimmers with custom stone lids, and seamlessly blends with the random-rectangular limestone deck running the full width of the home. A custom pool house and mature, layered hedges add complete privacy to this beautiful backyard. Phil Nelson Imaging

Manolo Langis

Lap Pool with Sheer Descent Waterfalls and Retaining Walls

Land Art Design, Inc.

This lap pool maximizes the space in a Bethesda backyard with fieldstone retaining walls that offer privacy and structure. Three sheer descent waterfalls add sound and movement to the swimming pool.

Bowling Green Residence

Hsu McCullough

Back yard with swimming pool, spa, raised concrete deck seating area with lawn. Photo by Clark Dugger

Hollywood Hills

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

All Photos

Landscaping By Gaffney, Inc.

Daniel Driensky

Patrick Ahearn Architect

Greg Premru

Natural Swimming Pool in Alamo, Ca

Creative Environments

Swim a lap, dive a rock, soak in a hot spa, walk across a foot bridge in the water fall, listen to the water tumble out of the spa or the water fall or the vertical jets. Led lights transforms this pool to a colorful delight at nighttime.

Aboveground, Lap 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.