Jackie Syvertsen ~ Windermere Real Estate/BI, Inc.

Heidt Pool

Catalina Pools and Design

New Braunfels Ranch

Brad Sharpe Pools

All of the rock used on this pool was repurposed from an old rock wall that was on the property.

Free Form Elements - Kennet Square, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Photo Credit: Q Stern Photography

Paradise Cove Canton Georgia

Georgia Classic Pool

Joshua Dover

An Outdoor Oasis with Rustic Charm

Braen Supply

Rollingwood Slide House

Oliver Custom Homes

Architect: Tim Brown Architecture. Photographer: Casey Fry

Our Custom Pools

Edwards Pool Construction

Rustic Poolscape

MEDEA LANDSCAPE STUDIO, LLC

Natural pool with boulder waterfall and lush perennials and ornamental grasses.

Timber Ridge

Earthscape - Landscape Design & Build

Dallas Natural Freeform Oasis

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This is a beautiful natural freeform pool and spa located in Dallas, TX. The big thing about this project that was unique was the trees. We were required to save all the trees. There are a lot of areas where the paving is not mortared together to allow moisture and air through to help the trees. There is a 6' elevation change that helps incorporate the boulders and waterfall into the hillside for a more natural look. There was an existing green house that was removed and the existing garage was turned it into a cabana/pool house with a covered area to relax in with furniture by the deep end of the pool. There is a big deep end for lots of activity along with a nice size shallow end for water sports, including basketball. The clients' wish list included a cave, slide, and waterfalls along with a firepit. The cave can comfortably sit 6 people and is cool in the hot Texas weather. We used pockets of plants around to soften things and break up all the rock to create a more natural look with the overall setting. A bridge was built between the pool and the spa to look like an illusion that the water is running from the pool down into the spa. 2013 APSP Region3 Bronze Award - Designed by Mike Farley. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Elegant by Nature

Ryan Hughes Design

A natural large stone walkway creates interest as one enters the spa area as well provides a close up vista for taking in the entire outdoor design. The raised spa is nestled within the stone surround. Calming sight, sound and textures all come together to create a picture of natural elegance.

Resort Style Pool in Fredericksburg, TX

Keith Zars Pools

Here is another photo showing the bridge that goes over the pool and man-made creek.

Award Winning Designs

Forest City Pool & Patio Inc.

Forest City Pools

Hallbrook Rustic

Nature's Touch

Mossy boulders accent the edge of this two level pool and jacuzzi in a natural and rustic design. Flagstone coping borders the swimming pool. Huge rocks cantilever over the main swimming pool allowing a sheet of water to cascade down. You can swim through the wide waterfall to a seat bench for shade from the sun. A six foot infinity edge separates the upper toddler pool from the main lower pool. Adding to the entertainment area is an outdoor kitchen which sits in a lanai (a covered porch design originating in Hawaii). The lanai pulls the elements of outside closer to the home. Along the back side of the lower level pool sits a rare stone retaining wall. The type of stone used for this wall is not typically found in this region. The retaining wall contains a built in plant pocket.

Loch Lloyd Tropical Oasis

Liquify Pools & Spas

Travis Bechtel Photography

The Kaplan Residence

Pro Care Horticultural Services

San Antonio Multi-Level Pool/Spa/Landscape

Land Design | Swimming Pools & Landscape Designs

Dallas Natural Freeform Oasis

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This is a beautiful natural freeform pool and spa recently on HGTV Ultimate Pools, located in Dallas, TX. The big thing about this project that was unique was the trees. We were required to save all the trees. There are a lot of areas where the paving is not mortared together to allow moisture and air through to help the trees. There is a 6' elevation change that helps incorporate the boulders and waterfall into the hillside for a more natural look. There was an existing green house that was removed and the existing garage was turned it into a cabana/pool house with a covered area to relax in with furniture by the deep end of the pool. There is a big deep end for lots of activity along with a nice size shallow end for water sports, including basketball. The clients' wish list included a cave, slide, and waterfalls along with a firepit. The cave can comfortably sit 6 people and is cool in the hot Texas weather. We used pockets of plants around to soften things and break up all the rock to create a more natural look with the overall setting. A bridge was built between the pool and the spa to look like an illusion that the water is running from the pool down into the spa. 2013 APSP Region3 Bronze Award - Designed by Mike Farley. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Double Sun-shelf Freeform Pool/Spa

Fossil Creek Pools

Country 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 country 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 country 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 country 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 country 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 country 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.