Pool Design Ideas
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.
In a unique location on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, an existing pool and rear garden was transformed inline with the ‘Hamptons’ style interiors of the home. The shape of an existing pool was changed to allow for more lawn and usable space. New tiling, rendered walls, planters and salt tolerant planting brought the garden up to date.
The existing undercover alfresco area in this Dover Heights family garden was opened up by lowering the tiling level to create internal height and a sense of spaciousness. The colour palette was purposely limited to match the house with white light greys, green plantings and blue in the furnishings and pool. The addition of a built in BBQ with shaker profile cupboards and marble bench top references the interior styling and brings sophistication to the outdoor space. Baby blue pool lounges and wicker furniture add to the ‘Hamptons’ feel.
Contemporary planters with Bougainvillea has been used to provide a splash of colour along the roof line for most of the year. In a side courtyard synthetic lawn was added to create a children’s play area, complete with elevated fort, cubby house and climbing wall.
Architecture: MMJ Architects
Photo: Julie Crespel
Popular Filters to Try:
Balinese Inspired,
Deck - webuser_349828390
backyard, bird of paradise, coastal, coffs harbour, korora, landscaping, palm trees,
A Neptune Pools Original design
House by Latitude 37
Interesting pool - webuser_279994402
Stunning contemporary coastal home which saw native emotive plants soften the homes masculine form and help connect it to it's laid back beachside setting. We designed everything externally including the outdoor kitchen, pool & spa.
Architecture by Planned Living Architects
Construction by Powda Constructions
Photography by Derek Swalwell
Timber & black, stacker doors plus raised spa in pool! - jude_bignell
Design, Construction & Interiors by A & K Designer Build
Photography by Anastasia Kariofyllidis