Detail of a pool house designed to match the main home. Exterior spaces should be treated just as well as the interior spaces of a home. A planter box below the window brings the landscaping directly into the outdoor dining area.

Pebble Bottom Pool - StoneScape Tropic Blue with Blue Glass

Pool Time Pool & Spa

Piscine contemporaine sur Toulouse

Beogarden - Créateur d'espace Piscine et Spa

Fibreglass Plunge Pool, Swim Spa, Spa Combo

CA Pools

David Noel

Forest Lodge House

Stephen Rofail Architect

Katherine Lu

Modernity on University (sneak peek)

Masa Studio Architects

modern west University

Renovation - St Lucia

Aqua Vista Glass

This traditional Queenslander underwent a renovation to give it a fresh modern feel. One of the design features is the stunning timber deck sounding the pool complete with Frameless Glass Pool Fencing.

Comstock Hills - Total Renovation, Spanish Transitional

Dana Benson Construction

Interior Design by Grace Benson Photography by Bethany Nauert

DOHENY ESTATES - 9150 Oriole Way

Riviera Pools & Spas

Zero-Edge Pool and Spa Architecture by McClean Design Photography by Nick Springett

Ranch Reinvented

RD Architecture, LLC

Photography by Juliana Franco

Rouse Hill - Plunge pool

Crystal Pools

This classic plunge pool with spa is designed to take advantage of a small space and stylistically enhance a contemporary home. The result is a fine example of clean lines and symmetrical visual appeal. The use of Merbau timber decking and narrow honed Himalayan sandstone surrounds create a fresh and welcoming space. The pool features blue glass mosaic waterline and step tread tiles, beautiful navy blue pebbled lining and a small spill-over mouth with sandstone coping. The spa component is a reliable and straightforward set-up, with blower and spa jets delivering perfect relaxation at the touch of a button. There is also a deep and shallow end to the pool, a sandstone skimmer box lid and integrated gas heating for both the swimming pool and spa.

Monroe Georgia Oasis by White's Pools

Bloodfire Studios LLC

Heather Fritz

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

Photographer: Alex Hayden

Los Alamos Home

Drammer Construction, Inc.

This is the Kitchen for a residence built on a vineyard in Los Alamos. Architect: Rudolph Ortega & Associates Contractor: Drammer Construction, Inc Photographer: Gaszton Photography

Bermuda Colonial Residence

Village Architects AIA, Inc.

Photo by Ron Rosenzweig

Zen Pool and Garden

Howard Design Studio

photographer: John Howard

DuChateau Floors - Terra Collection in Zimbabwe / Horwitz Residence by Minarc

DUCHATEAU Floors

Horwitz Residence designed by Minarc *The house is oriented so that all of the rooms can enjoy the outdoor living area which includes Pool, outdoor dinning / bbq and play court. • The flooring used in this residence is by DuChateau Floors - Terra Collection in Zimbabwe. The modern dark colors of the collection match both contemporary & traditional interior design • It’s orientation is thought out to maximize passive solar design and natural ventilations, with solar chimney escaping hot air during summer and heating cold air during winter eliminated the need for mechanical air handling. • Simple Eco-conscious design that is focused on functionality and creating a healthy breathing family environment. • The design elements are oriented to take optimum advantage of natural light and cross ventilation. • Maximum use of natural light to cut down electrical cost. • Interior/exterior courtyards allows for natural ventilation as do the master sliding window and living room sliders. • Conscious effort in using only materials in their most organic form. • Solar thermal radiant floor heating through-out the house • Heated patio and fireplace for outdoor dining maximizes indoor/outdoor living. The entry living room has glass to both sides to further connect the indoors and outdoors. • Floor and ceiling materials connected in an unobtrusive and whimsical manner to increase floor plan flow and space. • Magnetic chalkboard sliders in the play area and paperboard sliders in the kids' rooms transform the house itself into a medium for children's artistic expression. • Material contrasts (stone, steal, wood etc.) makes this modern home warm and family

Azure | Paradise Valley | Residence One

Shea Homes - Arizona

Christopher Mayer

Pool Design Ideas with Stamped Concrete and Decking

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.