View from back Loggia, looking towards the pool and spa

Prince Residence

Venetian Outdoors

Nancy Creek Guesthouse and Pool

Philip Babb Architect

End view from living space to guest bedroom. Erica George Dines Photography

Cozy Symmetry In The Trees

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

231 11th Ave South, Naples FL 34102

Dante DiSabato

Matt Steeves

Tiny (Pool) House | Modern Farm Style in Pacific Palisades CA

CJ Paone AIA | Archipelago Workshop

kurt jordan photography

Stuart

Simonsen-Hickok Interiors

One can enjoy the beautiful Florida sun while sitting in the McKinnon & Harris patio furniture, overlooking the pool deck & spa. Taylor Architectural Photography

Spanish Wells - Brams Point

Randy Jeffcoat Builders, Inc.

John McManus

Duette Honeycomb Shades

American Buyers Discount Window Coverings, Inc

Cotabush

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas

Waterside Home

Woodford Architecture and Interiors

All Tile Pool & Spa

Austin Pool Designs

The space at the location for the pool was very limited and flat, so creating a design that was grandiose for our client without overwhelming the area required creativity. The all-tile pool utilizes elevations highlighted by multiple negative edges to draw the eye and create aesthetic impact and dimension to the property. The multiple fire bowls, LED laminar jets, and nicheless LED lights create a spectacle for evening entertaining throughout the year. This project won a 2016 GOLD International Design Award.

Plano Perimeter Overflow Modern

Randy Angell Designs

At-Home Getaway Poolhouse

Boston Design Guide

Pool house Photo by Michael Lee

Blauvelt - New Pool House Cabana

ROAM Architecture

A new covered outdoor space for backyard entertaining! This new pool cabana for a young family features new outdoor space for family gatherings and entertaining. The highlight of the structure is the open air living room and expansive outdoor kitchen. The building also features an outdoor shower, as well as a poolside bathroom. Many, many seasons of summer fun are ahead of this family, and their lucky friends!

Pool Pavilion

Crisp Architects

Rob Karosis, photographer

Desert Highlands III

Merit Landworks

Mark Boisclair Photography

Water & Hardscape Features

Signature Pools & Patios

Transitional Outdoor Living

Water's Edge Outdoor Living

Finding the perfect balance between modern and classic architectural design was key to this stunning outdoor living environment in The Woodlands, Texas. The more traditional elements are featured in the dark stained wood beams used for the pergola lining the length of the pool and the covered patio with outdoor kitchen. Contemporary elements were also used to complete this transitional backyard space. These include the half-moon shape of the attached spa and the light colored natural stone pool and patio decking used throughout the space. Even the decorative light fixture from Restoration Hardware was careful selected and effortlessly marries the two design looks. This luxurious lighting element is durable for the humid Houston weather and highlights the tongue-and-groove ceiling detailing of the covered outdoor patio. This ceiling also features a custom blue-gray wash further fusing this transitional space together. Adjacent to the multi-use entertaining and dining area is the outdoor kitchen with grill, Big Green Egg and more to create the perfect smoked brisket or family meal. Encompassing this exquisite covered patio and water shape is immaculate landscaping with stone walkways, rock paths and flower beds.

Rose Garden

Design Focus International

Brown Pool Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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.