Children swimming in a natural swimming pool with waterfalls. Opt for natural healthy water instead of harsh chemicals.

Great Outdoor Living

"Rose" two-tone marble inlay. From the Graffiti Collection by Kreoo. Featured in an outdoor, poolside deck. Also available in 3D bas-relief. For both indoor and outdoor use.

Pacific Palisades Estate

Leyva & Wilde, Inc.

San Pablo Reserve With Fire

Poolside Designs

North Louisiana Pool and Cabana

Chipper Hatter Architectural Photographer

Chipper Hatter

Suburban Oasis

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Lake Travis Retreat

Dick Clark + Associates

Tuscan / California

ARTO

Our Good Looking 4x8 Creme Fraiche set against the blue of the pool and the Gorgeous Valley. While ARTO products are made in Los Angeles County, California, we are happy to ship our product worldwide! We work onsite with concrete, terra-cotta and ceramic. We build brick, tile and architectural elements for residential and commercial environments. We pride ourselves on providing perfectly imperfect product that gives a feel of rustic elegance.

Osborn Exterior

Luxe Design Group

Athens Backyard Pool

Southern Splash Pools Inc

Ski Ranch

The Ranch Mine

Photo by Roehner + Ryan

Gallery House

Craig Steere Architects

A ribbed structure provides wonderful shadow play to the lap pool which hugs the rear lounge. The ribs act as a device to allow light through, while obscuring the views in from the neighbouring properties. Photo by Jack Lovel

Our Work

Emerald Masonry Corp.

Cherokee Park West

SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

The rear outdoor area is comprised of six unique spaces that have been articulated using architectural and landscape elements: a moon garden, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, courtyard, master bedroom garden, and formal lawn.

West Lake Hills Infinity Edge Pool & Decks (Ipe, Cable Railing)

TimberTown

An infinity edge pool with imported tile and a waterfall. The decks are Ipe. Built by Greg Neff of CGN Premier Lonestar

Gerrard Resort Modern

Randy Angell Designs

Photographs by Jimi Smith Photography

Our Project Gallery

Azure Pools and Spas Inc

Large Courtyard 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.