Bernard Andre'

The spa is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A very energy efficient design, the salt-water spa holds 1200 gallons, is heated with solar electricity from the house PV, and the tub is insulated with a 6" cover in winter. photo: Rebecca Lindenmeyr

CABANA

Decosimo Architects

Dramatic night view of pool & cabana. Note linear gas fireplace at living area

Country French Estate

Traditional Concepts Inc.

Recent Projects

Landscaping By Anthony, Inc.

Above Ground Pools

Ohio Pools & Spas

The Winnifred in Fawn Lake VA

Mendleson Homes

Freeform Pool and Spa with Pool House

Boyce Design + Build

This gorgeous multi-level pool and flag stone patio houses a spa and water slide on the terrace level with stacked stone steps leading down to the pool house which features an open air cabana, custom pizza oven, dining area, bathroom and storage room. The lower level includes a custom fire pit and manicured lawn.

South Baton Rouge

EcoRegions

What a striking home! This home in South Baton Rouge was designed by Cockfield-Jackson and the clients wanted a complete landscape design that would accompany the architecture of this A. Hays Town inspired home. Featured in this design are a substantial entertainment area in the rear, complete with an outdoor kitchen (built by Joffrion Construction) expansive pool with water feature wall, and a bluestone courtyard. Additionally, this home features a quaint side yard complete with brick steps leading to a bluestone courtyard with an antique sugar kettle fountain. The clients also needed options for guests to park. A circular driveway in the front provided a grand entrance, as well as ample parking for plenty of guests.

Modern Infinity Pool

Coral Pool's

Dallas Natural Freeform Oasis

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

This is a beautiful natural freeform pool and spa receltly on HGTV 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

Hill Street

Jeffrey P. Gibbons Architect, PC

Bonita Springs Beach House

design styles architecture

Situated on a double-lot of beach front property, this 5600 SF home is a beautiful example of seaside architectural detailing and luxury. The home is actually more than 15,000 SF when including all of the outdoor spaces and balconies. Spread across its 4 levels are 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, his and her office, gym, living, dining, & family rooms. It is all topped off with a large deck with wet bar on the top floor for watching the sunsets. It also includes garage space for 6 vehicles, a beach access garage for water sports equipment, and over 1000 SF of additional storage space. The home is equipped with integrated smart-home technology to control lighting, air conditioning, security systems, entertainment and multimedia, and is backed up by a whole house generator.

Birmingham Poolhouse

Phoebe Howard

Custom South Tampa Home 2937

Blake Building

Casual and beachy courtyard, with natural materials and pavers. Ceilings are wood beadboard, stained. Fastpix, LLC

Luxury Traditional Home

Campagna Homes

Trilogy Spas

DesRochers Backyard Pools, Inc.

Heights Farmhouse

Kensington Smith Design, LLC

Top Award Winning Project-A Spa Overlook - Residence in Aurora, Ohio

LWB Design Landscape Architecture

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

Alhambra Valley

Envision Landscape Studio

Photography by Paul Dyer

Large and Small 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.