This modern mediterranean pool is well placed in to the backyard. It has a spa that is part of a water feature wall as the focal point. The pool has two seating areas from ledge loungers on a tanning shelf to bench seating underneath an umbrella. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

Hale Palekaiko

Peter Vincent Architects

Andy Landgraf

Point Clear Cottage with pool and patio

User

Private pool and patio area nestled in back yard. Photo by Tom Aiken

Recent Jobs

Baystone Tile

Bridgewater - New Jersey

The POOL ARTIST | Brian T. Stratton

Rettangalore

Bianchi Design

Kirk Bianchi created this resort like setting for a couple from Mexico City. They were looking for a contemporary twist on traditional themes, and Luis Barragán was the inspiration. The outer walls were painted a darker color to recede, while floating panels of color and varying heights provided sculptural interest and opportunities for lighting and shadow.

Eclectic Mediterranean Estate

The Accidental Decorator

Contemporary Pool

Ledge Lounger in-pool Chaise

Ledge Lounger

Custom French Style

J.A. Long, Inc

Built by: J.A. Long, Inc Design Builders

West Side Beauty

Supreme Pools

Haus R

kuon + reinhardt gmbh freie architekten

Swimming Pool

Home Exterior Systems, LLC

Kenny Manchester

Encore Pool

Ceramic Tile Design

[Encore Mosaic Pool & Waterline] Escape to a luxurious retreat that is right in your backyard with beautiful tile from Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.

Pool, Spa, Outdoor Living

Hobert Pools and Spas

Beautiful Hobert pool and raised spa with outdoor fire pit and arbor, sheer descent water features, and LED lights. An outdoor oasis!!

Kensington Residence

PostModern Landscape Architecture, LLC

Equisite Backyard Getaway | Multiple Entry Pool

Vollmer Custom Pools LLC

Grey Stone Remodel

European Granite & Marble

2014 Fall and Winter World's Greatest Pools submissions

Pebble Technology International

Indoor Pebble Tec® Tahoe Blue pool constructed by Aquatech Pools GC, Inc. The design goals of this pool were to incorporate natural materials with unique color, lighting, water and fire in a family setting geared for entertaining. A pool, spa, swim up bar with accent lighting, an outdoor kitchen, fire pit and 2 fire features were requested by the customer which all had to be fit into a very limited amount of space with restrictive site conditions. The pool is located seaward of the CCL line. Due to elevations of the existing ground, an elevated stemwall was required to be constructed around the entire pool project. We used travertine on the deck, Pebble Tec® Caribbean Blue, ColorLogic Lights, and 2 fire bowls from Grand Effects. The fire pit and chairs we formed in place and constructed out of gunite, tile and granite. The spa bar top was a custom piece of granite with under mounted color lighting. SPECIAL FEATURES: • (4) Underwater Bar Stools in pool around spa bar top with Pebble Tech Level 1 & Custom Granite Tops to match bar top • 16” Raised Spa with 3 spillways and a custom granite, curved bar top with under mounted color lighting • Swim up bar with accent lighting • Fire pit and benches we formed in place and constructed out of gunite, tile and granite • (2) Fire Bowls from Grand Effects with manually operated lava rock • 2-Level Travertine Deck in a French Pattern • Solar Panels: (9) 4’ x 12’ Panels with Auto Control • Tanning Shelf • Upgraded waterline tile • 2-Door Cage with Mansard Roof, 7” Super Gutter and Stainless Steel Screws • (2) Pool area landscape features • Outdoor kitchen area with custom granite countertops to match spa and (3) fire pit benches

Pool Design Ideas with Tile

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.