Bonaventure

Lindon Homes Pty Ltd

Rear External Elevation with Outdoor Living and Tiled Swimming Pool.

Contemporary pool and spa

User

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Sofronas Residence

Altera Landscape

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel

Spicewood Outpost

Olson Defendorf Custom Homes

This steel and wood covered patio makes for a great outdoor living and dining area overlooking the pool There is also a pool cabana with a fireplace and a TV for lounging poolside.

Bayfront Beauty

April Balliette

Woodforest Waterfalls

Township Pools

Sunset

Currin Outdoor Living

The Pool

Conscious Environments Inc.

A simple, but elegant pool creates a relaxing environment. Concrete pads w/ turf accent the perimeter of the pool.

Poolside at backyard Landscape design by Meg Rushing Coffee Photo by Dan Arnold

Brighton Road Residence

William Guidero Planning and Design

Realtor: Casey Lesher, Contractor: Robert McCarthy, Interior Designer: White Design

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.

Small, but tasteful: Even in limited space there is always room for a deep end.

Hilltop Estate

Alan Smith Pool Plastering & Construction

University Club - Marino

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Lantana Luxury Geometric Pool

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This pool project has some cool elements all combined together to create an outdoor playground. The main focal point from the house is the raised wall that contains a fire bar with stainless steel spill edges and flower pots. The spa seats 8 people comfortably, is raised 18" and has rolled glass tile with spill edges that match the pool spill edges. There is a nice cozy seating area around the sunken fireplace made for cushions and comfort. Right next to it is space for a table and chairs. Artificial grass was used to give a really lush feel to the project along with low maintence. The PebbleSheen color is Aqua Blue. We used Austin stone and Leuder's limestone (bullnozed on the chair backings and spa). The bar area has a overhang for the barstools. The large tanning ledge centers on the main door. On the far side away from the fireplace is a really cool bed swing area inspired by the owners' trip to the Carribean. It's a queen size mattress hanging from the cedar arbor that has an acrylic panel to keep the rain out. Curtains are for privacy & to help keep the sun out when wanted. Project designed by Mike Farley - FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Custom Spa with Slope Landscape

Tranquility Pools Inc.

Spa, retaining walls, landscape design, slope property

Geometric Relaxation

Water's Edge Outdoor Living

Contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.