Featured Image Source: V.I.Photography & Design
Building a pool in your backyard can be a thrilling experience. It’s every homeowner’s dream to be able to have a sprawling pool of their own, where they can swim and float in the privacy of their yard. When considering the first steps in your pool-building project, there are many things to take into account. What design should your pool be? How much space do you have available? Should you incorporate a pool waterfall? What about the landscaping design around the pool? How do you make your backyard pool your own?
A short outline of the most popular outdoor pool ideas can give you an idea of what features and styles you might like to incorporate moving forward. Keep in mind that there are many designs and specifications to choose from, and what ultimately matters is that you are satisfied with your pool. Check out these backyard pool ideas for inspiration and see which designs you like the most.
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BEACH STYLE
Splash Pools & Construction
This is the view out the glass front door of this home. A zero-edge, beach entry pool. Several colors of mosaic tile were installed by hand to create the effect of walking from sand into different levels of water. Genius!
NASHVILLE RESORT
J. Brownlee Design
This Nashville home is the perfect backyard resort. Tons of wonderful backyard pool ideas all rolled into one. Fun slide, multiple fire pits, fireplace, waterfall and gathering areas.
HOME RESORT OASIS 2
ILT Vignocchi
Another view of this stunning suburban Chicago resort style pool area. (Teamed with Platinum Poolcare)
DALLAS RESORT STYLE
quaTerra Outdoors
This gorgeous resort-style pool is made of travertine stones.
HOME RESORT OASIS
Platinum Poolcare
It’s a shame that this Chicago suburban location isn’t warm all year long, because it looks like you would never have to go on vacation–this backyard pool is stunning and definitely has a resort feel! So many awesome pool ideas. (Teamed with ILT Vignocchi)
POOL LANDSCAPE
Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC
Top backyard pool designs and pool landscapes designs should definitely include this showpiece.
LOUNGE LIGHTING
Darren James Interiors
Backyard pool design that features a cool covered bar/lounge area overlooking the pool that includes pretty color lights and water feature.
CONTEMPORARY RESORT
Brantley Photography
Very cool, comfy & contemporary resort feel. (Designer: Marc Michaels & Affiniti Architects)
COASTAL INFINITY
Bradford Products
Incredible infinity pool overlooking a coastal waterfront location.
BAJA DECK
Bradford Products
Pool tiling design consists of artistic tile and includes steps and a Baja deck.
Resort-Inspired
You can transform your backyard into a resort-inspired pool destination with a deck and lawn chairs surrounding the pool. Add lanterns/lighting, tropical plants and a handful of beach towels, and you’ll feel like you are living a Caribbean dream in no time. The decorations you include around your pool can help give whatever atmosphere you desire.
Elevated Deck Pool
Sometimes you don’t have a lot of space to work with. If your pool is right next to the neighbor’s fence or your garage, you might not enjoy having to see something so unsightly every time you swim. You can combat this issue with an elevated deck, which will block the unsavory sights while you’re in the pool. That way, when you swim, you’ll be looking at a beautiful deck with sprawling lawn chairs.
Backyard Pool Ideas
When it comes to backyard pool designs, there are endless opportunities. Think about the current style and theming of your house. Do you desire a traditional or contemporary feel? Or perhaps you enjoy a rustic Mediterranean look. Depending on your style and space you have to work with, you can develop a backyard pool that’s truly your own.
It’s not just the decorations around the pool, but the shape of the pool as well that can transform your yard into an elegant beach getaway or a rustic Mediterranean oasis. The way your pool is shaped and designed can help you actualize the vision you’ve always dreamed of.
MODERN DECK
PPG PROLUXE Wood Finishes
Cool modern elevated deck overlooks this pool. Fun seating!
COVERED DECK
Matthew Fowler, Architect
This covered deck area is a comfortable space to get out of the direct sunlight and still enjoy the pool.
DECK JETS
Beringer Fine Homes
Love the deck jets and gorgeous location of this Mediterranean resort-style pool in Phoenix.
RESORT INSPIRED
Kern & Co. – Susan Spath
This beautiful pool design is definitely resort-inspired. This home must have some great parties and BBQ’s!
Rectangular Pool Designs
Rectangular pools are by far the most popular designs for most outdoor pools. There are plenty of unique pool ideas that can be incorporated into a rectangular pool through the addition of stark geometric shapes and bold corners that define its structure.
Rectangular pools are timeless, classy, and professional. Most sports stadiums and professional locations across the world use large, rectangular-shaped pools to help swimmers achieve their greatest feats. Not to mention it’s a great way to expand your backyard and utilize its space most efficiently. A rectangle gives the appearance of a larger space, and it can really work to open up your backyard, inviting in the natural space.
Elevated Borders
When building a rectangular pool, you can incorporate an elevated brick border to make it pop and to add a sense of variety to your backyard. Plus, this will give your pool the nested look, making it very dynamic. This is a great way to make a rectangular pool more exciting by emphasizing its geometric points.
LEVELED
llan Mann – Simi Valley Real Estate
Several different levels of decking surround this tucked-away pool.
BUILD BRIDGES
Coronado Stone Products
Breathtaking stone bridge over this pool area.
MINIMAL MODERN
Frameless Impressions
This gorgeous and lustrous modern pool features a frameless pool fence and glass doors.
SLEEK & MODERN
Neptune Swimming Pools
Another world-class modern pool area.
Descending Stairs
Adding stairs as part of your rectangular pool designs can give guests a safe and easy way to enter and exit the pool. Plus, it will give the appearance of multiple layers of depth, contributing once more to that sense of dynamism. Stairs can take up the entirety of one of the ends of the rectangle, or they can stem out from a corner and expand from there. Be sure to add grip rails or poles for added safety.
Infinity Pool
A rectangle is the perfect shape to use to your advantage when transforming your outdoor pool into an infinity pool. You can recreate the image of a pool that looks over a cliff and spills out into the sea, seemingly connecting as one. This is a beautiful way to make the most out of your beach or lake house as well. The rectangle can stretch forever by installing infinity pool technology at one of the ends.
MULTI-LEVEL POOL
Aqua Pools, Inc.
This 20′ x 50′ rectangle pool is multi-level and is equipped with an automatic pool cover. Pool slide definitely adds to the fun. Love the wood beach lounge chairs & aqua/white umbrellas!
PERFECT DESIGN
Mondo Exclusive Homes
Backyard pool design at its best. Beautiful pool area that has just want you need to relax.
SNUG FIT
Pinnacle Custom Homes Inc.
Just goes to show you don’t need a ton of space to have an incredible backyard pool area.
CLEAN CONTEMPORARY
West Valentine Design
Cool, clean & contemporary.
WITH A TWIST
quaTerra Outdoors
These homeowners wanted to take a traditional pool and give it a modern twist. They did it and it is spectacular! Also note the stairs that lead into this stunning pool.
STEP BY STEP
Neptune Swimming Pools
Nice stairs/steps into this cool pool. Also note beam feature, lighting and pretty tile.
Pool Waterfall Ideas
Pool waterfalls have been popular additions to pools large and small for many years. In fact, they are one of the most sought-after pool decorations in the industry today. There are many different ways that you can build a pool waterfall, and it can often become a functional piece that adds new layers of water and fun to your backyard pool.
Infinity Waterfall
An infinity waterfall connects two levels of pool into one. This is a great way to split your pool areas in half, separating the two while still keeping them together with the waterfall. It will look as if the upper layer of the pool is spilling down into the lower layer, which can be lots of fun for guests and friends. Plus, building up instead of out is a great way to make the most out of a smaller space, giving your backyard a lush and full appearance.
Natural Rocky Waterfall
Many homeowners love to build rocky structures around the side of the pool, with water trickling over the spaces and grooves in the rocks to ultimately coalesce into a waterfall that ends in the pool. The rocks can be designed in an assortment of different ways, from natural to geometric. People love the way the water mimics natural rivers and waterfalls, and you can decorate your rocky formations to give your pool the appearance of a tropical hideaway retreat.
Plus, you can use this as an opportunity to amp up your landscaping skills. Planting tropical trees and shrubs around the rocks will make it look like a true island cove, and with a few comfortable chairs stretched around it, you can make it a great space to relax all day and all night long.
CALIFORNIA COOL
Paul Brant Williger Architect
Is it just me or does this pool area scream CALIFORNIA?
LEVELS OF EXPERTISE
lka Pool Construction Ltd
Level of expertise = Infinity!
STUNNING VIEW
lpentile
A true perimeter overflow in which the water spills over an”infinity” knife edge. Includes a stunning Phoenix view.
BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL
IBD
Love how bright and fresh this pool area is. Breathtaking tile (love the colors) and that bar area is so cool.
STEP IT UP
qua Pools, Inc.
Another terrific stair/step idea. Plus a fountain feature!
HAWAIIAN STYLE
RQUITECTURA
Hawaiian relaxation at its best.
Pool Tiling Designs
The art of pool tiling has fascinated homeowners for decades, and there continue to be new trends in pool tiling that can offer a splash of color and geometric design to the inside of a pool. Whether you’re looking for ceramic tile or natural rock surfaces, there are plenty of pool tiling designs to suit your fancy.
Square Tiling
Small square tiles have been traditional pool components for many years, and continue to be one of the hottest tiling trends on the market. Small square tiles can be placed in many rows, all sporting the same color or different colors depending on the color scheme. You can line the edges of the pool with a dark color, keeping the rest of it light. Or, you can interchange the colors like puzzle pieces, giving your guests and family members something to look at each time they go for a swim.
Create your own mosaic for something truly unique!
Natural Stone Tiling
You can use natural stones or bricks to make a natural tiling display. This is a great idea for when you have a rounded pool with dark, rich waters. If you want to maintain the natural rocky island look, you can use stone tiles shaped as squares, rectangles, or natural shapes to complete the look of your pool.
The beauty of pool tiling designs is that you can make something spectacular and beautiful out of any pool of any size, no matter your constraints or restrictions.
PARADISE
Ike Kligerman Barkley
Paradise–right?
RUSTIC VIEW
lka Pool
Incredible woodsy Vancouver view.
TROPICAL FUN
California Pools – Austin
Take me away!
ROCKSCAPE CHIC
ndrea Calo
This pool area’s rockscape feels so relaxing.
WATERFALL LANDSCAPE
ndrea Calo
Superb pool waterfall idea! Pool landscape design, lighting, and rockscape all spot on.
SOUTHWESTERN SWIM
Thunderbird Pools And Spas
Unique Phoenix pool area–pretty lighting.
Contemporary Pools
You can’t go wrong with straight lines and a cleaned-up design. If you’re into cubic, geometric landscaping, your pool needs to be no different. You can find a place to fit a pool in a rectangular fashion among your natural and manmade pool landscapes designs. Whether you want to surround it with brick tiling, a reclaimed wood fence, or artificial turf, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it clean cut.
Small Pool Designs
Small pools can make huge additions to your backyard. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, or if you only want to dedicate a small part of your yard to the construction of a new pool, there is plenty you can do to make it a functional and beautiful piece. Whether you want a natural look, or you want to incorporate your swimming area as part of your heavy landscaping ideas, you can find ways to make it work. Adding a petite pool to your backyard should not be challenging, but will be incredibly rewarding. Remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and you by no means need anything large and lavish in order to have the elegant private pool of your dreams.
Curvy is In
If you don’t want to go geometric, then you’ll find a lot of great ideas in the opposite direction as well. Curving, twisting pools can make a lot out of a little bit of space. You can transform even the most modern or contemporary of backyards into a tropical retreat with a curvy pool and dark waters. Surround it with stone and build a fire pit or a seating area to carve out a little bit of private space for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish!
Whether you like having heavy amounts of landscape, or you want to keep things minimalistic, you can appreciate that the beauty of water is in its flexibility. You’ll find a design that works for you no matter what your style and space requirements are.
GLASS MOSAIC
lpentile
Close up of custom glass mosaic tile. Photography: Michael Woodall
RETRO STYLE
Urban Angles
Feels “retro”– definitely an eye-catching contemporary design.
STONE INFINITY
Neptune Swimming Pools
This infinity pool features a beautiful natural stone accent wall. Landscape lighting is an added bonus.
VEGAS STYLE
Sabina Vavra Design
Stunning stone pool wall and water feature.
PHOENIX RETREAT
lpentile
This top of the line backyard retreat features a mix of glass spa tiles and stone. Adding this variety of textures and colors make this a dreamy backyard pool area. This beauty even includes a swim-up bar! Photography: Michael Woodall Design: Wendy Lesueur
MOSAIC FOUNTAIN
Bonick Landscaping Inc.
The custom-made blend of Hakatai mosaic tile really makes this pool pop. The fountain is a nice complement to this pool area.
ROCKY
Southernwind Pools Inc.
Overhead view of a fountain that pours into the pool. Another consideration for backyard pool designs.
RELAX IN DALLAS
Pool Environments, Inc.
This relaxing pool area that features beautiful stone and foliage is a nice escape from the bustling city of Dallas.
RUSTIC & COZY
RMT Architects
Magnificent, rustic and cozy.
HILLSIDE POOL
Soul Space
This hillside residence features a cool elevated pool that overlooks the ocean.
UNIQUELY SHAPED
Rolling Stone Landscapes
Unique contemporary pool shape. Love the balance of water, tile, and pool landscaping.
NICE FIT
Betz Pools Limited
Another distinctive contemporary pool shape. Fits nicely in the small backyard.
SMALL AND SWEET
Molly Wood Garden Design
This tiny pool measures 12′ x 5′ — that’s it — so cute!
CHARMING COURTYARD
Randy Angell Designs
These homeowners packed tons of charm into this limited courtyard pool area.
LITTLE & LUSH
Luigi Rosselli Architects
Lush plants surround this lovely little pool.
CURVACEOUS
JB Pool Construction
Very curvy pool shape. Gorgeous landscaping and lighting.
LAGOON STYLE
Mondo Landscapes
Resort-inspired lagoon style pool. Beautiful soft curves to the pool and perfect tropical plants, stone water wall and feature lighting.
GUITAR SHAPED
Lewis Aquatech
Just WOW!
PICTURE PERFECT
Neptune Swimming Pools
The perfect pool for entertaining.
USTRALIAN STYLE
Narellan Pools – Sydney
Spectacular Symphony Pool, Harmony wading area, and Neptune Spa.
VIOLIN POOL
Cipriano’s NJ Landscape Architecture
Definitely not your average shaped pool. Fiber optic pool & landscape lighting were used to highlight all the unique details of this luxurious violin pool.
Build the Outdoor Pool of Your Dreams!
The beauty of outdoor pool ideas is that there are so many ways to make your landscaping dreams come true. Whether you love the classy rectangular pool, or you want a curvy, circular stone island retreat, you’ll find that there’s way more to work with than you’ve ever imagined. From small pools to large, sprawling expanses, you can enjoy anything from the exotic to the tame. Build the pool of your dreams with a variety of outdoor ideas at your disposal.
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