Sacramento River waterfront property. Freestanding pool wall with stone veneer. Dedicated planting spaces and area lighting. LED lit bubbling water features at the "Sun shelf" area in the pool.

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

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.

Bellaire Koi Pond

US Koi Ponds

Dedicated Koi Pond. Semi raised with natural stone and Bog Filter.

Pools & Spa

Bay Scenery, Inc.

Custom pool by https://www.diamondspas.com/ , metal fabricated, see through side glass.

PebbleTec Pool Remodel: PebbleSheen Blue Surf, Lightstreams Tile, Fire + Water

Pebble Technology International

Here is an inside look at the backyard of one of our Elite Builders! This two-tier, newly remodeled pool belongs to Dane Palmero, the owner of Overflow Pool Construction & Repair located in Phoenix, AZ. Not only does this pool defy gravity, but it also beautifully blends all three of our PebbleTec product lines: Pool Finishes, Lightstreams Glass Tile and Fire + Water Outdoor Elements. Materials used: PebbleSheen Blue Surf with Luminous Blue Blend, Lightstreams Glass Tile Gold Iridescent Collection Silverado, Fire + Water Cast Stone Fire Bowl and Lava Rock.

Contemporary Garden w/ Bird's Eye View

Conscious Environments Inc.

This spa features an infinity edge, black porcelain tile, and view. Other surrounding features consist of raised hardwood decks, cantilevered umbrella, BBQ island, fire pit, covered patio, and drought tolerant landscaping.

Custom Design - Outdoor Living - The Ridges

Blue Heron

Contemporary Pre-Fab House Overlooks Pool

Tracy A. Stone Architect

This hillside house in Los Angeles uses pre-fabricated steel construction to save on time, reduce construction waste and create a dramatic appearance by exposing the structure on the inside and exterior. The Livingroom overlooks the pool that stretches along the ridge.

327 Nautilus St.

Marengo Morton Architects

Botanica - Pools & Spas

Botanica Landscape Inc.

This spa is set on the top of a deck. We used Bluestone rubble for the stacked stone. The back wall is also a water feature

LX Glass plaster, color Sea Song...a brilliant pop of vivid blue hues that compliment the various textures in the design project. Siggi Ragnar-Photographer

TipTop Haus

SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

The front-facing pool and elevated courtyard becomes the epicenter of the entry experience and the focal point of the living spaces.

Casa Diafana

Taller Estilo Arquitectura

David Cervera / Veronica Gloria

Farmhouse Pool

Complete Remodeling Los Angeles

American Home Improvement Inc.

1044 South Ocean Boulevard | Delray Beach

Judi Lukens & Kim Lekas

Pool

Pool House

Sanderson Construction

Beautiful pool house with large sliding glass doors and windows overlooks a contemporary pool. Pool covers automatically wind down into the bottom of the pool, leaving behind a glassy surface of water. Serenity at it's finest. Professionally landscaped area complements the sharp angles of the pool house.

Mid-sized Aboveground 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.