You can have a pool in your yard even if you don't have acres of property. This small pool is perfect for a quick dip or long summer afternoons- and because of the design of the space, the pool doesn't overwhelm the yard or feel too small.

Geometric - Jimmy Jacobs - San Antonio

Cody Pools, Inc.

Geometric pool with copper scuppers, large raised spa with spillway and inpool barstools.

Cannon Hill - Plunge Pool

Majestic Pools & Landscapes

Andrew Jakovac

North Upland Interior/Exterior Renovation

Rob Clark Construction Inc.

SAN CLEMENTE Residence -outdoor

Dupuis Design

This sideyard is a what they see from their kitchen, informal and formal dining windows. It is just heaven to see instead of the railings and walls. Photo Credit: Coy Gutierrez

Purpleville

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

The clients contacted Pro-Land shortly after purchasing the home, providing us with a bare landscape ready for construction. In the front yard the clients wanted a simple and elegant flagstone walkway, with some planting for pleasing street presence. To differentiate from other homes in the subdivision, custom aluminum planters were placed on either side of the porch steps, adding a contemporary flare. This client was realistic about their smaller backyard and what they would be able to fit within it. They brought to us the idea of a swim spa, rather than a pool, to allow space to accommodate the other items on their wish list. However, large grade changes between the back door and the ground required a special casing to be built around the spa, allowing it to be flush with the turf. A raised flagstone patio overlooking the spa was built due to the grades as well. It is complimented by a raised ipe deck and privacy screen off the back door of the house, which brings some warmth to the yard.

Federal Heights Renovation

DFS Construction Inc.

Urban Backyard in Historic Greenfield District

Fiano Landscapes

This awesome fiberglass pool features interior seating ledges and a tanning ledge for family activities. This pool features a darker finish which gives this pool a really unique and classy look. There are also bubbler jets in the tanning ledge and laminar jets for the kids to have a little extra fun,.

Custom Pool & Spa With Water and Fire Bowls in Pompano Beach

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This custom pool & spa in Pompano Beach is the perfect outdoor setting for tranquility and peace. With beautiful custom made fire and water bowls by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas, sunshelf for lounging, and custom decking, this backyard is ready for fun!

Los Altos, CA - Portola Ave.

M. Designs Architects

Semi circle dining room overlooking the lap pool downstairs. The aqua backsplash in contrast with the dark wood and the aqua pool adding dramatic elegance, while the open space combines the two great rooms together.

Pool Remodel with Modern Water Features

Pool City Inc.

SWIM

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

For more photos of this project see: LEBLANC

Modern Pool Retreat

Vernon Wentz

This is a wonderful lap pool that has a taste of modern with the clean lines and cement cabana that also has a flair of the rustic with wood beams and a hill country stone bench. It also has a simple grass lawn that has very large planters as signature statements to once again give it a modern feel. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

Exterior - Walls

ERA STONE & TILE

Idlewild Contemporary

DW Distinctive Properties

North Upland Interior/Exterior Renovation

Rob Clark Construction Inc.

Camino Real Residence

April Balliette

Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Modern Transitional Lap Pool and Glass Tile Spa - Scottsdale, Arcadia

Hydroscapes LLC

Lap pool 40' in length with perimeter overflow spa with Sicis Glass tile exterior, edge of spa and water line tile of pool and spa. Coping/decking is commercial grade porcelain tile. Tile on pool is a stone porcelain look and on decking is wood look.

Modern Lap 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.