Fire Pit & Pool

Terra Ferma Landscapes

Bird's eye view of the fire pit seating area and the pool

The sunny pool area has plenty of space for swimming, lounging, and dining. Photo by Peter Vanderwarker Photographer http://www.vanderwarker.com/

Mountain Modern

Home Matters LLC

Gibeon Photography

Water Features & Fountains

Pool Stop

Lake Forest Reflecting Pool & Spa

Rosebrook Pools, Inc.

Pool and Spa Designed and Built by Rosebrook Pools: 847-362-0400 Reflective rectangular pool with onyx plaster and high gloss black tile. Spa tiled in high gloss black tile, has four side perimeter overflow.

Traditional Elements - Ambler, PA

Armond Aquatech Pools

Plunge Pool

Integrated Diving Board

Legacy Landscape Design, LLC

This was a complete front and back transformation. We took the dirt from the back yard and used it to level the front yard and made both more useable. The main feature was a large gunite swimming pool, with built in diving board. We also built in the client's trampoline as well and left room for their play set and play house. It was a kids paradise! The kool deck was nice and cool in the summer and allowed for barefoot basketball games. We designed and installed a large Cedar screened in porch with fireplace and grill. Just off the porch was a hot tub. We completed it with lush landscaping, irrigation and lighting. Mark Schisler, Legacy Landscapes, Inc.

Design Build: Del Mar Estate

The Design Build Company

Honolua Ridge, Maui, Residence

Rick Ryniak Architects

Mark Ammen

Belleair Whole-House Remodel and Addition

J. S. Perry & Co., Inc.

Located in one of Belleair's most exclusive gated neighborhoods, this spectacular sprawling estate was completely renovated and remodeled from top to bottom with no detail overlooked. With over 6000 feet the home still needed an addition to accommodate an exercise room and pool bath. The large patio with the pool and spa was also added to make the home inviting and deluxe.

Elegant

Pool Environments, Inc.

Randy Angell, Designer The main focal point of this project is the 7' limestone and cast stone wall, with a laser cut steel sculpture, created by Randy Angell. The cast stone columns and center arch echo the architecture of the home and create the perfect backdrop for the raised spa.

HGTV's "Cool Pools - SCUBA POOL"

CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC.

Featured on HGTV's "Cool Pools", the "Scuba Pool" was inspired by the homeowner's love for scuba diving, so we created stone tunnels and a deep diving area as well as lazy rivers and two grottos connected by a native Oklahoma boulder waterfall. A large beach entry gives young ones plenty of play space as well. These homeowners can entertain large groups easily with this multi-function outdoor space. Design and Construction by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. photos by KO Rinearson

Relax on the sunny side of the pool deck and enjoy the roses

Home & Garden Design, Atlanta - Danna Cain, ASLA

This view from upper deck shows the pool as the centerpiece of this large back yard. Due to the vastness of the yard and the towering trees, a very colorful rose and perennial garden was used to draw the viewers eye down to the pool level. In this photo you can more clearly see the colored and patterned pool deck as well as the flagstone coping. The lounge chair area was carefully sited to catch the most sun for tanning. The steps to the immediate right of steps lead down to a play lawn and native woodland. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

Great Outdoor Living

Jenkins Custom Homes

Great Outdoor Living

Deerfield Residence

Arrow. Land + Structures

Kennett Square Pool House

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

E.S. Templeton Signature Landscapes

Backyard Swimming Pool

Forte Building Group, LLC

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.