Modern style pool and spa, small backyard, spillover spa ledge

This above ground pool needed a deck for all of the guests to lounge. Gem built custom benches to allow for more room. Photo Credit: K. Leonard

Deck from the pool

Daniel Contelmo Architects

Photographer: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Small Backyard Big Style

Backyardz Company

Designer’s Cottage

Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors

A cottage in The Hamptons dressed in classic black and white. The large open kitchen features an interesting combination of crisp whites, dark espressos, and black accents. We wanted to contrast traditional cottage design with a more modern aesthetic, including classsic shaker cabinets, wood plank kitchen island, and an apron sink. Contemporary lighting, artwork, and open display shelves add a touch of current trends while optimizing the overall function. We wanted the master bathroom to be chic and timeless, which the custom makeup vanity and uniquely designed Wetstyle tub effortlessly created. A large Merida area rug softens the high contrast color palette while complementing the espresso hardwood floors and Stone Source wall tiles. Project Location: The Hamptons. Project designed by interior design firm, Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors. From their Chelsea base, they serve clients in Manhattan and throughout New York City, as well as across the tri-state area and in The Hamptons. For more about Betty Wasserman, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/spaces/designers-cottage/

Harrisburg -River Front Mansion Project

GoldGlo Landscapes LLC

This natural flagstone patio helps to evoke the original feel of this 19th century home. The vinyl pergola provides a pleasant seating area.

This pool was design partially in the ground with the intention for guest to use the sides of the pool for seating. David Kopfmann, of Yardscapes, has designed many pools and he also liked the idea of the swimmer being at eye level with the person sitting in the chair at the edge of the pool. Mission accomplished, the client loved the idea! The pools exterior is mortared with a limestone to match the house. Travertine was used as the patio surface, along with limestone walls and steps which leads to the upper patio and fire pit area.

Patios and Decks

Sundance® Spas

Photo by Sundance® Spas

Outdoor Kitchen For Swim Spa with Custom Fire Bowls in Cooper City, Florida

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This swim spa with custom fire bowls and outdoor kitchen in Cooper City provides the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

Hollybush Hot Tub Cover

IQ Outdoor Living

Umbris by IQ | Hot Tub Roof creating outdoor living space for Year Round Use. The louvres here are shown closed which creates a fully watertight roof over the garden oasis, meaning that these lucky home owners can use their hot tub year round. Enhance your outdoor living space.

Custom Spa Design Wellington

Liquid Art Custom Pools Inc

Katy Texas

Roland William Landscapes

Pools

Haggerty Pools

Charm to Farm-House

Artesian Custom Pools, INC

Onaga Gardens

Studio Collab

Red oak deck with integrated cedar tub overlooking the vast desert landscape.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

18' Round Above ground pool with deck and pond - Harleysville, PA

Built Right Pools

Backyard Aboveground 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.