Photos by Meagan Hancock

Contemporary Hammered Steel Fire and Water Bowls

Inspired by the contemporary architecture and vibrant lights and colors of the Las Vegas Strip, this previously designed, more traditional project, was transformed into a contemporary environment — built for entertaining. The transformation included removing an existing pool and paving, and working around existing palm trees. The project includes a pool, zero edge spa, fire pit seating area, fire and water features, outdoor televisions, sunken outdoor kitchen, poolside bar, underwater barstools, and a USGA specified putting surface as the lawn.

AquaTerra Outdoors transformed the entire environment at this country side estate from a blank slate to a luxurious destination for outdoor living, playing and relaxing. Features of this project include all new pool, spa, fire feature, outdoor kitchen, travertine paver decks and patios, and landscaping. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky

Rowlett Oasis

Weisz Selection Outdoor Living Specialists

Custom freeform pool with beach entry, rock grotto and rock waterfalls surrounded by tropical landscape and travertine patio.

Campbell Family

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Toes in the sand, a good book in your hands! Your Staycation Destination is just a few footsteps away. Check out this Staycation Pool Special + Spa combination, which is a 70 perimeter pool with a raised spa. Key features of this pool include: - 70 perimeter freeform pool + raised spa - Comfort decking around the pool with sand & rocks behind the pool for the tumbled paver travertine pathway - Silver Travertine coping - Pool plaster called "Bluestone"

South Tampa Outdoor Kitchen/Pool

Landscape-Fusion

South Tampa Pool Home, modern, bohemian, beautiful and functional space.

Dunedin Indoor Pool

Mayfair Pools NZ

Indoor Swimming pool, Custom made and built by Mayfair Pools Central Otago, this stunning Dunedin swimming pool is made to fit the indoor space and features insulation and a pool cover, a great space for the family to enjoy.

Meadow Crossing Modern Farmhouse

42 North - Architecture + Design

Downtown Tampa, Contemporary Industrial Style Family Home

Alair Homes South Tampa

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

Hanover Project

Williams Exterior Design

Custom Pools & Spas in Las Vegas, Poolscapes LLC

Poolscapes, LLC

Pool with Creative Tile Designs

Alan Smith Pool Plastering & Construction

Above Ground Pools

Cavanaugh Pool, Spa & Patio, Inc.

Landscaping Work

Southshore Group Inc.

Starnes Family

Poolside Designs, Inc.

Evening Picture of Pavilion

Rhine Landscaping

Royce Court

Cari Berg Interior Design

Inground Spa

Ottawa Swimming Pools .com

Ottawa Swimming Pools

Mid-sized Custom-shaped 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.