Photographer: Ryan Gamma

A very small South Tampa backyard (typical) turned into a very usable space. Approx. 265 sq. ft. this small pool or spool (spa pool) has everything one needs to enjoy outdoor living life. Offset to one side of the yard, it allows for max use of the space. The approx. 330 sq. ft. french pattern silver travertine pool deck and straight edge pool coping gives this backyard a clean, simple, modern feel. With the soft zoyisa grass expanding almost to pool edges it gives the small space a vast, clean feel. The sunshelf in the pool adds a place of pause before entering the pool which has a max depth of 6 feet. No matter what time of year the spool is equiped with a pool heater that will have this oasis to 87 plus degrees within several hrs or less. Landscape Fusion

Treehouse Landscape Design

Small Oasis

June Scott Design

The owners of this charming Spanish-style home wanted an oasis in their small backyard. In just 1,400 square feet, not only did we give them a pool and spa, but also an inviting area for lounging and eating, created from repurposed vintage brick. Their love of Mexican design is seen in a new Talavera-tiled outdoor shower area. Softly billowing California native plants mingle with a growing collection of cacti and succulents.

In-Town Pool

Platinum Design Build

Poolside Artists Studio Shed

User

Poolside artists studio 10'x12'

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.

Brazilian ipe Decking & Mahogany Waterfall Feature

Kanga Construction

Mumford Pool House

SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

This project in Sarasota, Florida centered on creating an elegant backyard living space in which the Owners could live and entertain. Both design professionals, they requested a new pool house, pool and landscape layout that embraced modern design but had a sensitivity to the adjacent 1926 historic home that would share the site.

Outdoor Living

Van Esch Enterprises

Open Photography

Parsonage Point

Mitchell Wilk Architecture

The owners of this pool house wanted a bright, airy and modern structure. It features a bathroom and a large space for entertaining and relaxing. A vaulted ceiling and oversized sliding glass doors bring the outdoors inside. Ceramic tile flooring is durable and enhances the contemporary, minimalistic vibe of the space.

Lawler Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

This compact pool maximizes the small backyard with all the features of a larger backyard. Photography: Wade Griffith

Tranquil Pool Design

Albatross Pools

Located at the rear of the property in Moonee Ponds, the 6 metre long rectangle pool design featuring a fully tiled spa creates a tranquil space to be admired and enjoyed year round.

Seacoast Southern Maine Plunge Pool Project

Soake Pools

Soake Pool in a private backyard setting. Interesting and beautiful mix of materials and texture was used on wood deck and stone surround. Stone work by Kittery Point Landscaping and Stoneworks

My Projects

H2O Pools & Custom Design LLC

Spa with a View

Southern Splash Pools Inc

Hinsdale, IL Compact Rectilinear Swimming Pool with Automatic Pool Cover

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This compact pool in Hinsdale, IL measures 10’0” x 20’0” with a depth of 3’6” to 5’0”. The pool features a “U” shaped bench with jets attached. There is also a 6’0” underwater bench. The pool features LED color changing lighting. There is an automatic hydraulic pool cover with a custom stone walk-on lid system. The pool coping is Ledgestone. The pool finish is Ceramaquartz. Photography by e3.

12th #2

Fazoli Brothers Inc.

JWK

Small 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.