The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

Cocktail Pool- Richmond, TX

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Paradise Preserve | Atlantic Beach Contemporary Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This compact space allows for a lot of outdoor living options, without feeling too cramped. The homeowners really wanted a pool and spa, but didn't believe their yard was big enough. Not only did they get both by incorporating a spool, they also have plenty of room for seating and dining, lush landscaping, and a lawn where their child and dogs can play! Photo by Craig O'Neal

Natural Pools

Phillip Johnson Landscapes

Stunning ariel view of natural pool and waterfall with filtration system, giving chrystal clear water for swimming in. Outdoor hot shower and fire pit with decking. Photo credit Claire Takacs

Hillside Ellegence

Big Daddy Construction and Design

Mestang Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

Wade Griffith

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.

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.

The Modern California Beach Home

Lunada Consulting & Design, Inc.

This courtyard provides an oasis for outdoor living with its built-in seating, fire pit, and pool.

MICROESTIL CEMENT, S.L.

Pools

Signature Custom Pools

small pool that conforms to the small lot. Oklahoma flagstone is used for the coping and spa.

Residencial Nuvila

ARS Fotografía

Fotografía: Nacho Gutiérrez

Outdoor Swimming pool and Patio area

Hurricane Herbert

This project was a 7,000 square foot refurbishment of a traditional French villa. Here, we aimed to blend heritage luxury with cutting edge design for the Cannes’ high end rental market. The property features five unique bedrooms including a separate outdoor guest house. The brief for this design package was to work with the layouts on the ground and first floor but to re-distribute space in the basement and gardens whilst lifting the tired internal aesthetics of the whole villa to bring it tastefully and respectfully into the 21st Century, creating a chic French flavour to client and luxury rental market demands. The flow of design from indoor to outdoor has allowed the villa to transcend the seasons, featuring a basement that now holds a bar, cinema room, games room and party area. For outdoor relaxation, it features a barbeque and outdoor bar area; infinity pool with Jacuzzi; tiered gardens providing a refreshing outdoor setting surrounded by tropical palms and grasses all designed to be enclosed in natural bamboo fencing creating lots of natural shade in this large half acre plot complemented by outdoor beds and loungers. Images courtesy of Brickhouse Productions

Basson Family Home

Big Wolf Projects

Peter B

Modern Infinity Edge Pool & Spa

Vollmer Custom Pools LLC

Timbertech

Gabarró Hermanos, S.A

Kentwood Pool

Sears Smith & Associates, Inc.

Small Custom-shaped Pool Design Ideas

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.