With backyard space taken by stairs down from the kitchen, there was only room for a custom 9.5’ x 17’ vinyl pool. It has a Gold Pebble liner and a 5 1/2’ deep end which allows the kids to jump in, splash around and tread water. The built-in Badu swim jet is used regularly for fitness and perfecting kayak paddling technique.

Wellesley - Contemporary Farm House

Structure Home

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

Small Space Craftsmanship

Shoreline Pools, Inc.

Pool Cottage & Gardens

Reed Axelrod Architects

Lucas Firmin Pools

2231 Springdale Avenue

Ram Construction, Inc./Ram Design-Build

Wilmington Court - Pool Pavilion

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

View of the west side of the garden including a gravel court with central fountain in the foreground and the timber & brick pool pavilion in the distance at the end of the swimming pool.

Grey Oaks - Private Residence - Dahlia Way, Naples

Harwick Homes

Amber Frederiksen Photography

Holmes Residence

Utah Landscaping

Pacific Palisade

Flexi Tech Contracting Inc.

Pool 35'X14' with 6'X6' spa, gray plaster finish, 1''X1'' tile around water line and steps.

Brentwood Property (cover feature in California Homes magazine)

MSH Design, Inc.

Atlanta Sugarloaf Traditional Outdoor Living Space

Susan Currie Design

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

Westford, MA Fire Pit

Connolly Management Group, LLC

New Orleans Estate

Sofia Joelsson Design

Sofia Joelsson Design, Interior Design Services. Backyard Pool, Terrace, two story New Orleans new construction, outdoor Dining, Planters, columns, chandelier,

Backyard Swimming Pool

Forte Building Group, LLC

Modern Exterior Enhances a Classic Home

Betz Pools Limited

The deck of sandblasted Eramosa flagstone features square edge coping to emphasize the modern look. The custom full-width walk-in steps have extra wide 16-inch treads to invite lounging in the shallow end. The elegant Greystone Latham liner runs right up to the coping to simulate the look of a concrete pool.

Pasadena Backyard Remodel

Spazio LA

The backyard features a new freeform pool with quartz pebbles liner; a custom slide and spa with stacked stone matching the barbecue area; custom redwood side gates and wooden fence throughout the property; new barbecue area, stone pavers; matching stairs to the house and new trees and landscaping with irrigation system.

Envision Landscape Studio

Photography by Paul Dyer

Transitional Green 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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.