The warmth of dark composite decking, coupled with lush greenery and minimalist pool give this outdoor area a tropical jungle vibe.

Spicewood Outpost

Olson Defendorf Custom Homes

This steel and wood covered patio makes for a great outdoor living and dining area overlooking the pool There is also a pool cabana with a fireplace and a TV for lounging poolside.

1221 Mohawk

3rd Street Custom Homes

John Prouty

The homeowner of this traditional home requested a traditional pool and spa with a resort-like style and finishes. AquaTerra was able to create this wonderful outdoor environment with all they could have asked for. While the pool and spa may be simple on the surface, extensive planning went into this environment to incorporate the intricate deck pattern. During site layout and during construction, extreme attention to detail was required to make sure nothing compromised the precise deck layout. The pool is 42'x19' and includes a custom water feature wall, glass waterline tile and a fully tiled lounge with bubblers. The separate spa is fully glass tiled and is designed to be a water feature with custom spillways when not in use. LED lighting is used in both the pool and spa to create dramatic lighting that can be enjoyed at night. The pool/spa deck is made of 2'x2' travertine stones, four to a square, creating a 4'x4' grid that is rotated 45 degrees in relation to the pool. In between all of the stones is synthetic turf that ties into the synthetic turf putting green that is adjacent to the deck. Underneath all of this decking and turf is a concrete sub-deck to support and drain the entire system. Finishes and details that increase the aesthetic appeal for project include: -All glass tile spa and spa basin -Travertine deck -Tiled sun lounge with bubblers -Custom water feature wall -LED lighting -Synthetic turf This traditional pool and all the intricate details make it a perfect environment for the homeowners to live, relax and play! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Contemporary Linear

Atlantis Pools & Spas, LLC

Pools & Spas

OC WEST Landscape

Rivertowne Pool and Spa

Josh Atkinson - Atkinson Pools and Spas

Karson Photography

Modern TranquilityUpon entering this outdoor space, the atmosphere of a resort s

Ryan Hughes Design

Upon entering this outdoor space, the atmosphere of a resort surrounds you and the raised spa makes for a perfect vantage point for taking it all in. The linear fire feature is another stunning and memorable element of this space. Ryan Hughes' custom design beautifully beckons family and friends to relax and enjoy life in the resort-like backyard. From beautiful Travertine tile surfaces, this space produces a major “wow” moment and brings the modern vibe and tranquil beauty that was desired in this northern Virginia backyard.

Swimming pool & spa

Haver & Skolnick LLC Architects

The pool features a submerged spa and gradual entry platforms. Robert Benson Photography.

Extension de maison

Mary Reille

Lansdowne Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Living

Randy Angell Designs

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"

Mediterranean Outdoor Living

JRP Design & Remodel

Every day is a vacation in this Thousand Oaks Mediterranean-style outdoor living paradise. This transitional space is anchored by a serene pool framed by flagstone and elegant landscaping. The outdoor living space emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding area while offering all the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities, including stainless-steel appliances, custom beverage fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. The dark stain and raised panel detail of the cabinets pair perfectly with the El Dorado stone pulled throughout this design; and the airy combination of chandeliers and natural lighting produce a charming, relaxed environment. Flooring: Kitchen and Pool Areas: Concrete Pool Surround: Flagstone Deck: Fiberon deck material Light Fixtures: Chandelier Stone/Masonry: El Dorado Photographer: Tom Clary

OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN IDEAS

Outdoor Kitchen, Pool & Pavers

Pool

User

Taking advantage of a long and narrow backyard, this pool design fits perfectly, while allowing for outdoor seating, a barbecue area and a shaded patio. Scottsdale, AZ

Pool & Patio Design - Exeter, NH

Mandeville Canyon Designs

This family friendly shape lends itself toward games and relaxation. The fiberglass pool ranges in depth from 3.6' to 6'. Aberdeen pavers from Techo-bloc mimic natural stone but do not retain the heat, therefore staying cool to the touch. Photo Credit: Nat Rea

Highland Park, IL Swimming Pool and Raised Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This pool is perfect for swimming laps or for diving. Both the swimming pool and raised hot tub have Indiana Limestone coping, and the deck is brussels block pavers. The pool has an automatic safety cover with custom stone walk-on lid system, and the hot tub has a waterfall spillover feature. Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan

Transitional Outdoor Living, Pool and Dining

Matthew Murrey Design

Designed to entertain, this site was maximized to create an extension of the home. The project boasts a complete outdoor kitchen, multiple covered seating areas, a gas fireplace, outdoor TV's and state-of-the-art sound system, a pool, spa, and putting green. From daytime swimming to an intimate evening dinner party, followed by a late night game on the putting green, this backyard has something for the whole family to enjoy.

Green Oaks Atherton

Dennis Mayer - Photographer

Dennis Mayer Photographer

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.

Mid-sized Backyard 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.