This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Paskoski

Pool Tech of Miami

Jonah Gouin - Vizual Concepts

Above Ground Pools

Ohio Pools & Spas

765 studio/residence, a modern residence in Atlanta, Georgia

TaC studios, architects

Michael Tavel Photographer Pool oasis in Atlanta with large deck. The pool finish is Pebble Sheen by Pebble Tec, the dimensions are 8' wide x 50' long. The deck is Dasso XTR bamboo decking.

Troon Residence

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

the design offers generous, flowing open spaces on the main level, which overlooks a small courtyard. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

Caruth

Bonick Landscaping

The challenge with this residence was to seamlessly bridge the home and pool house in a confined space. A casual, outdoor environment utilizes straight forward materials of gravel, concrete and limestone, and a central Corten fire pit provides evening enjoyment. Upholstery materials are carefully considered to create rhythm through the space.

Abbenante Residence

Open Envelope Studio

OES | Courtyard with pool, limestone pavers, turf grass, steel retaining walls, and native plants. Photo credit: Casey Dunn

Casa Miró Rivera

Miró Rivera Architects

Paul Finkel | Piston Design

Exterior Landscaping & Lighting

C&L Landscape Lighting

Modern - Brentwood, CA

John Tennant General Building Contractor, Inc.

Above Ground Pools

Ohio Pools & Spas

Piscine géométrique

Diffazur Piscines Avignon

Diffazur Piscines

Schwimmteich

Garten- und Landschaftsbau Pohl GmbH

AIX - Piscine et Studio de jardin

VAIREO SARL - Aménagements Piscines et Jardins

J. Courcoux

Spanish Contemporary Remodel in Hollywood

Dream Design Construct

Pebble Sheen

Ocean Blue Pools

Pebble Sheen Aqua Blue

Largovista Pool

SBW Pools

Kinnaman

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas

Before and After: Troon Residence

Baldridge Landscape

Troon Residence

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

Contemporary Pool Design Ideas with Gravel

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.