With our vision of transforming their former look into a clean, fresh “Santa Barbara” style, the clients gave us permission to proceed with a new pool and outdoor kitchen design, as well as a new fire pit, additional landscaping and enhanced lighting. Additionally, Aquaterra updated the outdoor appliances, fans, security light fixtures and re-routed some ugly electrical lines. Wade Griffith Photography

Houston Pools | Small Spaces

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Small space, but big impact in this gorgeous custom pool & spa combo!

Beautiful Carlton Woods Pool

Township Pools

Old Greenwich Waterfront Custom Home

Karp Associates Inc.

The limited amount of usable outdoor space available at this Old Greenwich waterfront home challenged us to make the best use of the space. The client decided to create this 8’6” x 7’ saltwater spa/pool with a stone veneer wall with a built in waterfall and fire feature. The raised Chinese granite and bluestone patio was custom built on a steel substructure that needed to be structurally engineered to support this unique custom design. In addition, the water feature, spa and pool equipment itself was designed for cold weather and 12 months of usage. The stone for the wall was hand selected to match the exterior walls of the residence. The custom 6 ft linear fire feature was set in a sea of cobalt blue and bright white glass on top of the stone wall. To cap the custom fire feature, a hand cut piece of bluestone was used. A sheer decent razor thin waterfall flows from the face of the stone wall into the body of water below. Atop the feature wall sits a stainless steel sculpture by the French artist, Guillaume Roche. The sculpture is part of his Exclos series, which seeks to contrast through concepts such as mass and void. Each piece is unique, designed and realized in his workshop in Etrechy en Essonne, France and compliments the unique design of the water feature. The interior of the pool is finished in a French Gray quartzite accented by a linear Ceramic Waterline Tile. The Custom Saltwater Spa is fitted with 16 Hydro Therapy Jet Inlets and special spa bench seating. The pool utilizes green technology to sanitize the pool with a Jandy saltwater chlorinating system. The Jandy Pro Series WaterColors LED color pool and spa lights with RGBW bring a palate of colors to this backyard paradise for a truly unique atmosphere. The spa lights offer energy efficiency and the colors enhance the brilliance of the nighttime pool experience. The automatic spa safety cover is concealed below a bluestone tread, which blends in with the rest of the spa coping. The Jandy I Aqualink automated pool control system is operated by the Control4 in-house smart system, which allows the client to use a smart phone or computer to control the pool. Kelly Marshall Photographer

Traditional Pool House

KohlMark Architects and Builders

The clients wanted a small, simple pool house to compliment their historic farmhouse and provide abundant capabilities for outdoor entertaining. They settled on a small, open structure with a vaulted cedar ceiling and task/ambient lighting. An outdoor kitchen, a covered seating area, a storage/changing room and an all-weather Azek pergola with party-lighting were included. A structural retaining wall was needed to provide level ground for both the in-ground pool and pool house, along with strategically planted ornamental grasses for privacy. The green standing seam roof, sliding barn door, board & batten siding and period-correct trim all mirror details from the residence and detached barn.

French Country Retreat

Vernon Wentz

This pool has been designed around the French country theme. There is something to be said about coming home to a tranquil garden with a water fountain relaxation area and a pool to cool off from the day. So whether you want to soak in the water, on the deck or just drift off on the bench swing this garden setting has you covered. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery.

PKC Guest house | MQ. 98

Filotico and partners architetti

Full renovation, Additon, New cabana, new garage, Pool

My Boys Contracting

The Cabana and pool. Why vacation? Keep scolling to see more!

Winnetka, IL Hot Tub with Automatic Cover and Fire Pit

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This inground hot tub in Winnetka, IL measures 8'0" square, and is flush with the decking. Featuring an automatic pool cover with hidden stone safety lid, bluestone coping and decking, and multi-colored LED lighting, this hot tub is the perfect complement to the lovely outoor living space. Photos by Larry Huene.

On The Rocks

Laura Manchee Designs

Succulents and astroturf allow this cliff side home to be enjoyed all year round with minimal maintenance. Various types of seating and dining options are available throughout the outdoor space.

Private Hot Tub

Paragon Custom Builders

A romantic space is created by the privacy walls around this Hot Tub area connected to the Master Bathroom.

Glen Ellyn, IL Raised Hot Tub with fireplace and TV

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.

A small Modern Marvel

Zier Pools

Viking Pools, Superior, Granite - Concord Pools and Spas

Latham Pool Products Inc.

This humble Viking Fiberglass Pool completes this beautiful backyard oasis in Latham, NY. Perfect for a few people to take a dip and relax, this pool was installed by Concord Pools and Spas.

In-Town Backyard

authenTEAK Outdoor Living

This beautiful outdoor space in Atlanta's Virginia Highland neighborhood was designed by Land Plus Associates and constructed by Okun Tech. Outdoor kitchen featuring Kingsley-Bate Valhalla table and Sag Harbor chairs. Appliances by Lynx.

Naturpools

Peter Gelhart - Garten- und Landschaftsbau

der Schwimmbereich 6x 4 x 2 m wird mit Polygonalen Natursteinplatten und einem Holzdeck eingerahmt . Die Filterzone ist frei modelliert .

Fountain Hills Contemporary

Artful Design Interiors

New contemporary pool and patio space now blend with the remodeled house. A sun shelf offers a way for sunbathers to stay cool while catching rays. Sandler Photographic

Clean lines and contemporary style

User

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Pool Design Ideas with 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.