In this pirates themed backyard there is so much to do for kids of all ages! Details include a rope swing from an artificial tree, large slide that takes you underground before you enter the pool, an enormous grotto to stay cool under, a rope bridge over the pool, spa and tanning ledge. For those less adventurous, there are two covered deck area as well as a large covered outdoor living area. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Unique Nature Integrated Spa

Vollmer Custom Pools LLC

Backyard Luxury

FHP Builders LLC

New England Lakeside Retreat

Richardson & Associates, Landscape Architects

The siting and design of the spa was centered on the concept of water filling a void where a boulder may once have been located. By painstakingly preserving the adjacent boulder during construction, integrating site boulders within the spa and using native stone around the spa this concept is achieved. Plants surrounding the spa further integrated it into its context. Richardson & Associates, Landscape Architects

Troon Residence

Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)

the design offers generous, flowing open spaces on the main level, which overlooks a small courtyard. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

Laguna Beach Portola Road Project

Ancient Surfaces

A small but cozy stone covered outdoor pool patio and wall fountain by Ancient Surfaces. A seating area overlooks a lovely small pool fountain covered with our antique Arcane Limestone surrounded by a lovely flower trough walled in by a basket weaved teak wood ivy wall. At the front end of the pool stands a gorgeous hand carved antique limestone wall fountain that is hundreds of years old.

Lucas Firmin Pools

Experience

Sundance® Spas

Photo by Sundance® Spas

Gallery – Small Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

A little 'oasis' was created in this compact urban yard as a 'mini pool' for a family with young children. The plunge-pool/spa with black slate interior and integrated rock feature, has a waterfall surrounded by the lush plantings. The deck is natural square-cut flagstone set on a concrete base. A natural cedar hedge and custom cedar side screens provide privacy. With equipment in the garage, insulated plumbing lines and a custom cover allow for year round use. (8 x 13, kidney shape)

Refined

Pool Environments, Inc.

This classic formal design focuses on the rear wall. The wall is a beautifully proportioned multi-height wall, faced in Leuder limestone. As the stonewalls gracefully stair step down, shorter columns serve as the base to four Frank Lloyd Wright inspired cast stone bowls.

Hunters Creek

Brad Sharpe Pools

Pools & Spas - Elements Landscape

Elements Landscape

custom pool by Elements Landscape

Water Fountains & Water Features

User

Miami Beach flair on a true Canadian concrete spa. Our client was looking for the ultimate entertaining spot with seating for 10 people. The spa is 7 x 12 ft with a custom mosaic in the client's favourite colours. The steps and coping are actually hand finished imported stone called "rainbow". The addition of the acrylic glass wall gives this spa a WOW factor! This spa has the added benefit of a custom spa cover that will help to keep heating costs down.

Chappaqua - Shingle - New Construction

Gatehouse Partners

Exterior shot detailing the pool, granite pool deck, and the pool house.

Lush, Private Gardens

Trademark Landscape

Modern Pool

Semi-Inground Pools

Mermaid Pools & Hot Tubs

Indoor Pool

Karp Associates Inc.

The Vanilla Ice Project Season 4 Pool/Spa Built by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

The Vanilla Ice Project Season 4 Pool/Spa Built by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas is a true masterpiece with basically everything a pool needs. The custom tile, bar area with sunken stools, spa with bubblers, state of the art LED lighting, fire bowls that ad a sophisticated touch as well as infinity edge.

Kaihani Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

Pool Design Ideas with Gravel and Natural Stone Pavers

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.