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

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.

Exclusive Resorts / Buffington Homes - Kiawah Island

Buffington Homes South Carolina

White Caballero

Oak Leaf Custom Homes

Jim Greene

Windsor Parkway

Bonick Landscaping

Pool with Pennsylvania bluestone coping and decks, copper scupper fountains surrounded by a lush landscape. Photo By Sara Donaldson

Red-Bird

User

The Landscape Architects were asked to develop an outdoor setting that would be inspired by the Amanyara resort in Singapore. The owner requested an outdoor environment equipped with specific features and areas for leisure activities such as tennis court, swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, outdoor sauna, changing room, outdoor living room diving area and sound system able to reach any area of the garden.. photo by Heatley

Water and Fire

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Peter Aaron

Mission Hills Transformation

RDM Architecture

Photos: Bob Greenspan

Chic Modern Swimming Pool and Garden

Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design

Happy Valley Modern Home

Holly Bender Interiors

Outdoor fire pit and seating Scott Hargis Photography

Modern Luxury High Above Lake Ontario

Betz Pools Limited

The owners wanted a small 12’ x 20’ pool so it would be easier to maintain. Also, having a shallow depth from 3.5’ to 5’ results in a smaller volume of water to heat, which encourages a longer pool season. The pool’s premium Sky Blue, Pebble Tec interior perfectly complements the Miami South Beach colour palette.

Reflections

Ryan Hughes Design

Relaxation extends beyond the pool from loungers on the sun shelf to a hanging swing in front of a mosaic design wall and ipe wood decks. Photography by Jimi Smith.

Lakeside Modern Luxury

Keith Zars Pools

This beautiful, modern lakefront pool features a negative edge perfectly highlighting gorgeous sunset views over the lake water. An over-sized sun shelf with bubblers, negative edge spa, rain curtain in the gazebo, and two fire bowls create a stunning serene space.

Camelback Hillside Modern Residence

Realm Architecture + Design

Coconut Grove Townhouse

All About the Wow, Inc.

Curvilínea

Bianchi Design

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Bluffview Lap Pool + Cabana Addition

Randy Angell Designs

Bluffview Lap Pool + Cabana Addition

Randy Angell Designs

Smart Pergola System

Majestic Outdoor

Modern Pergola with Concrete Fire Feature - Pool with Perimeter Overflow Spa

Premier Paradise, Inc.

Backyard Infinity 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.