LORI HANDBERG / Studio M Interiors, Plymouth, MN.

Wilmington Court - Pool, Spa, & Pavilion

Axial view of the rectangular swimming pool with a raised square, infinity edge spa in the foreground and the timber framed pool pavilion beyond. The spa features uncut black glass tile & a solid block bluestone entry step. The pool contains twin tanning ledges & facing benches along each of its long edges.

Smooth Pavers

FireRock Building Materials

Needham Residence

SSG Pools & Spas, Inc.

Mark Wilson

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

mise en oeuvre de la piscine au fond du jardin

Duval&Bossennec - Paysagiste concepteur

Alexandre Duval

Light Fantastic

London Swimming Pool Company

This chic ground-floor integrated pool and spa gets brilliant natural light from the surrounding windows and looks out onto expansive grounds. The lighting is a key feature in this elegant pool hall, from the daylight to the 3x3w Wibre underwater lighting in the pool to the grand ceiling illumination, which can be adjusted to create different moods. The client has an inviting space where the family can exercise, have fun and relax. The pool is 13.5m x 4.20m. The shallow end is 1.5m in depth falling to 2m at the deep-end. The pool sports an Astral neck-jet water cannon on each side of the pool – these create strong waterfalls which are visually striking and fun to swim under. Steps on both sides of the spa lead into the pool. The 2.1m diameter spa accommodates five bathers, has an extended seatback and footwell – at seating level, the water depth is approximately 0.5 metres. Multiple jets deliver stimulating and soothing massages via standard air/water mix jets. The same bespoke tiling design runs throughout the spa and pool. Large format porcelain tiles in a travertine design were cut to mosaic size and affixed to a backing sheet. To give the tiling extra pizzazz, different shades of beige and brown tiles were combined. Completing the pool is an Ocea automatic slatted pool cover installed in a recess floor. The pool cover mechanism is hidden under a structural false floor panel, which is completely blended into the pool finish. The pool cover is a light beige colour, matching the client-designed pool surround which is made of bespoke porcelain tiles. The pool cover helps to minimise running and maintenance costs as well as providing added safety by closing-off the pool when it is not in use. When not in use, the spa is also closed-off using a Certikin Thermalux foam throw-on cover. There is an equally impressive plant room located directly beneath the pool. Awards: SPATA Gold Award – Inground Residential Spas & Wellness Category & SPATA Bronze Award – Residential Indoor Pool 2018 Partners: Architect: Studio Indigo. Main Contractor: Knightbuild. Photographer: Peter Northall

Mainsail Model - Outdoor Entertaining

Emcy Interior Design

Pool With Landscaping

Big Rock Landscaping

Pools are a great addition to your backyard, but just plopping a pool into your backyard without any design or landscaping will make an ugly yard. That's why flower beds, trees, and other landscape elements make this pool a beautiful backyard.

Beautiful Carlton Woods Pool

Small pool for swimming laps or cooling off. Tanning shelf in the water for staying cool.

New Transitional Custom Home Overlooking the First Green in Bay Hill

Element Home Builders

Pools, Spas, Water Features & Fountains

Knapp and Associates, Inc.

Mission Hills Transformation

RDM Architecture

Photos: Bob Greenspan

Urban Oasis

Texas Pools

A gorgeous retreat in the heart of Houston. The softly trickling fountain and enclosed courtyard makes it easy to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

Pool House Retreat in Lake Geneva

Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC

Geneva Cabinet Company,, Lake Geneva, WI., Authorized Dealer for Medallion Cabinetry., The open plan is outfitted with a stunning galley kitchen spacious seating area by the large format tile fireplace, a bedroom and full bath. Custom built-ins and cabinetry by Medallion keep the look open and clean with great storage for poolside activities. Builder: Lowell Management Services, Lake Geneva, WI Photographer: Victoria McHugh Photography Medallion Cabinetry in open area The Furniture Guild Vanity

Rappahannock River Pool House

SMS Architects

Side of Poolhouse. Photographer: Ansel Olson

Transitional Rectangular 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.