Situated in the summer destination city of Saratoga Springs, New York this 2,600 square foot guest house provides the owners with the ability to entertain and accommodate seasonal guests overnight. On a site first believed to be unbuildable, careful structural and architectural integration allowed the guest house to emerge from this previously vacant hillside, mediating a twenty-five foot grade change. The design of the guest house is intended to reflect the massing and character of the existing 1875 Victorian main residence, while a new pool and shared landscape further integrate the two structures. Considerable effort was made to strip layers of ornamentation until the essential elements that define the building are expressed, with structure and natural materials exposed.

Eclectic Infinity Pool & Spa in Southlake Courtyard

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This Eclectic inspired home centers around the courtyard water feature. This feature was not designed to be subtle. Low profile focal points were required from views coming in all directions. The primary view from the entry provides a view down the center of Cannon jets and fire bowls over the vanishing edge. The reflective vanishing edge spa and led lights added to the visual accents. Floating steps connect the pool deck to the spa as well as floating pads cross the infinity two tiered basin. This allows minimal steps from cabana to porch terraces. The lower terrace captures the view as the water cascades down the copper spill edges. Pool barstools provide additional seating in the water adjacent to the cabana. Access was so difficult the pool shell was completed before the house foundation was started, The home changed owners at the framing stage and the selling point of this home was the courtyard water feature. Project designed by Mike Farley. Check out Mike's Reference Site at FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Chalk Rock 4

Butterfield Custom Homes

Built by Butterfield Custom Homes

Chicago, IL Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Water Feature

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This Urban Naturescape illustrates what can be done in a limited City of Chicago space. The swimming pool measures 9'0" x 31'0" and the hot tub meaures 8'0" x 9'0". The water feature has a 15'6" x 6'0" footprint, and raises 10'0" in the air to provide a beautiful and mellifluous cascase of water. Limestone copings and Natural stone decking along with beautiful stone fascia and wood pergola bring the entire project into focus. Linda Oyama Bryan

Vero to Sixty

Jacobsen Architecture, LLC

Simon Jacobsen

MAYFIELD

OUT-BACK POOLS & SPA

GEORGOUS INGROUND POOL WITH LARGE RADIUS CURVES, NATURAL ROCK GROTTO, WITH ELEVATED SPA AND WALL, TRAVERTINE PAVERS TIE INTO THIS POOL BEAUTIFULLY WITH A SLIGHT CONTRAST WITH NOCHE COPING AND IVORY PAVERS, THIS POOL HAS A CUSTOM PLASTER FINISH, WITH A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE THROUGHOUT

West Vancouver, Montiverdi Estates, Residential Renovation

LCI Design

The owner wanted to enhance the grotto feel of the outdoor hot tub area , greenery was added to natural rock outcropping and gravel at the base. The cedar decking was stained in a rich mahogany colour and cedar slats and canvas 'sails' were added to the ceiling. New lighting was added to feature the rock wall and the canvas ceiling.

Water Features

Premier Outdoor

Sleek three pot fountain creates a nice quit water feature. In ground fountain with a shallow basin the placing of the fountain creates a elegant view from the interior of the home.

Pool House

Passacantando Architects AIA

Simply Modern

Vernon Wentz

This well placed modern pool was designed to fit in a small space and with keeping the area open has a large feel. The use of many types of finishes gives this home a lot of character with even more charm. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery.

Via Media Residence

Matt Fajkus Architecture

Leonid Furmansky

Everything You Want

Pool Tech

In-pool spa is totally encased in stunning iridescent glass Lightstreams tile. Tile trims the steps and bench for a coordinated look. We created lever concrete cast site pavers on the auto cover lid for a coordinated integration with the deck. Control pad near the spa allows for custom use of the environment. Photo by Tim Schoon

Chicago, IL Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Water Feature

Platinum Poolcare

Swimming Pool

Blogger

Seaspray Pools

Courtyard water feature

Noble Custom Pools

高崎・菅谷のプールのある家（コートハウス)

ザウス株式会社（ZAUS Co.,Ltd）

中庭から見る夕景です。

Piscina y Jardin en San Rafel, Ibiza

ELAIA

Eric Montcerisier

Gardens

Sundance® Spas

Photo by Sundance® Spas

Black Courtyard 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.