Small Backyard Transformation

Exscape Designs

Calming Pool Haven in Hauppage, NY

Above All Masonry Design, Inc

Evoking a sense of calm and equilibrium for all who visit, this symmetrical poolscape provides a haven in a Hauppauge, NY backyard. Unilock Beacon Hill Smooth pavers, with custom-made 2'x2' slabs, provide a smooth transition from the side walkway and up the stairs to the elevated, geometric pool. As guests and family gather on the expansive poolside patio, they can take in plenty of sun while listening to the calming rush of three nearby waterfalls. The stone-like design weaves its way around the property, leading right up to the front door for ultimate curb appeal and elegance. From the front yard to the back patio, clean lines and a delicate balance encompass both the paver and pool design, while incorporating lush gardens and symmetrical hedges.

Deep Blue Backyard Bliss

Marmiro Stones, Inc

Safety Harbor Oasis

Hyde Park Renovations

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

Swimming Pool w/ built in spa - Darien, CT

Swimm Pools Inc.

Pool & spa with a sunshelf surrounded by bluestone patio.

Oyster Bay Cove, NY- Full renovation, Additon, New cabana, new garage, Pool

My Boys Contracting

Thisis looking at the rear of the house from the cabana. This infinity edge pool, hot tub area looks a four star resort.

Winnetka, IL Hot Tub with Automatic Cover and Fire Pit

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This inground hot tub in Winnetka, IL measures 8'0" square, and is flush with the decking. Featuring an automatic pool cover with hidden stone safety lid, bluestone coping and decking, and multi-colored LED lighting, this hot tub is the perfect complement to the lovely outoor living space. Photos by Larry Huene.

West Conway Residence

Joe A. Gayle & Associates

Synthetic turf breaks up the limestone pool deck.

Bluebell

Newton Landscape Group

Glen Ellyn, IL Raised Stone Hot Tub

Platinum Poolcare

Request Free Quote This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.

Tulsa Charmer

Austin Bean Design Studio

Photo // Alyssa Rosenheck Design // Austin Bean Design Studio

Pottery on pool and spa with sheer descents.

Elemental Construction Inc. - Pools and Landscape

Jason Warren

Freeform Salt Water Pool with Raised Spa

Monogram Custom Pools (610)282-0235

Monogram Custom Builders

Small Urban Pools

BonaVista Pools

Custom small urban pool, dolphin gray marbelite. Toronto, ON.

Soake Plunge Pool

Soake Pools

This concrete plunge pool installation and finish work involved a collaboration between Soake Pools and Woodburn and Company. Photo credit Vicky Martel, Woodburn and Company

Outdoor Living

Georgio Home

Urban Oasis

Scott Christopher Homes

Located in the heart of a 1920’s urban neighborhood, this classically designed home went through a dramatic transformation. Several updates over the years had rendered the space dated and feeling disjointed. The main level received cosmetic updates to the kitchen, dining, formal living and family room to bring the decor out of the 90’s and into the 21st century. Space from a coat closet and laundry room was reallocated to the transformation of a storage closet into a stylish powder room. Upstairs, custom cabinetry, built-ins, along with fixture and material updates revamped the look and feel of the bedrooms and bathrooms. But the most striking alterations occurred on the home’s exterior, with the addition of a 24′ x 52′ pool complete with built-in tanning shelf, programmable LED lights and bubblers as well as an elevated spa with waterfall feature. A custom pool house was added to compliment the original architecture of the main home while adding a kitchenette, changing facilities and storage space to enhance the functionality of the pool area. The landscaping received a complete overhaul and Oaks Rialto pavers were added surrounding the pool, along with a lounge space shaded by a custom-built pergola. These renovations and additions converted this residence from well-worn to a stunning, urban oasis.

Traditional Backyard 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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.