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45 Best Pool Designs - Beautiful Swimming Pool Ideas

Summer, we miss your balmy nights, ice cream delights, and endless light. But most of all, we miss lounging by the pool. So we rounded up 45 striking swimming pool designs to help inspire the summer days ahead. From a Tuscan-style retreat to a rustic farmhouse swimming pool, an indoor lap pool, and adjacent outdoor bars, these design-savvy pools will make you want to dive right in and float the day away. So take a mental vacation and jot down some style notes from these striking swimming pool design ideas.

1

Build Near the Home Bar

Douglas Friedman

With a Baja shelf in the pool, a nearby semi-covered dining area, and an indoor-outdoor home bar, this backyard designed by Ken Fulk is the perfect place to unwind or entertain outside.

2

Optimize It for Laps

Bunkers Hotel

If you're only planning on using your pool for exercising, stick to a rectangular shape. Long and linear is the name of the game and this shape works well in the backyard too because you'll have more pool cover options with the classic shape.

3

Accomodate Bar Hangs

aamir khandwala

Designed by Aamir Khandwala, this swimming pool is optimized for summer relaxation at its finest. The extended Baja shelf accommodates loungers and built-in side tables for all your in-pool bar needs.

4

Connect the Indoor Kitchen

Studio Lifestyle

A large awning window and exterior counter extension connect the poolhouse kitchen to the swimming deck. Los Angeles-based design firm Studio Lifestyle creates visual cohesion with modern matte exterior stains and finishes paired with sleek concrete flooring.

5

Have Fun With Tiles

Trevor Tondro

Designer Madeline Stuart gave the backyard of this Southern California home by architects Wallace Neff and John Byers plenty of personality, from the eclectic tiles lining the pool to the blooming bougainvillea and playful umbrella. It's cheerful and unique without being overly eccentric.

6

Work Around Restrictions

Jenn Feldman Design

Designer Jenn Feldman tells us it was difficult to fit a pool into this backyard given regional restrictions about property lines. So she made it work by planting ficus trees to tighten up greenery (other plants would be too deeply rooted to work with the desired pool depth) and opted for smaller floor cushions instead of loungers. She also installed a swimming jet so the occupant could still do "laps" and also comfortably hang out on the low pool bar with a refreshment in tow.

7

Create an Eye-Catching Passage

Brendon Goldacker

Design a pathway that visually draws the eye to the pool and also provides a clear way for people to approach it. Here, Janice Parker Design opted for an offset stacked bond pattern.

8

Choose Decking Wisely

Studio Robert McKinley

Here, Studio Robert McKinley used different materials to distinguish the separate hangout spots and to optimize their distinct functional purposes. The concrete flooring under the fire pit sitting area is durable, low-maintenance, and affordable while the lawn functions as a nice segue to the pool, where wood decking, though pricier, make pool maintenance much easier.

9

Add a Baja Shelf

Jonathan Jackson

Baja shelves are the perfect pool addition for lounging in the shallow end without having to fully submerge in the water. They're basically just a super-sized version of a top step, where you can dip in and out or relax on loungers.

10

Carve Out Room for Bar Prep

Thomas Loof

You don't have to add a full-blown outdoor kitchen or even any built-in elements to create a special pool-adjacent backyard bar. Here, Caroline Rafferty decked out a small bar prep zone conveniently located right by the cabana.

11

Play With Shapes

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Ike Kligerman Barkley designed this circular pool to play off the wave-like shingles of the pool house's show-stopping roof. The combination feels whimsical yet sophisticated and creates a softness in the landscape design that you don't get from rectangular swimming pools. The yellow-and-white awning over the indoor-outdoor bar enhance that fairytale whimsy even further.

12

Fence It In

Charles Mayer

Whether you opt for a minimalist fence like landscape architect Edmund Hollander did here or go for something a little more classic, such as a stone wall, fencing in your pool area will provide extra privacy and safety.

13

Stack Infinity Teirs

Douglas Friedman

Why have only one infinity pool when you can have several levels of infinity pools stacked together? The raised design can also be a good way to separate a Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Even better if it's overlooking a cool landscape feature, like the life-sized chess board in this backyard designed by Ken Fulk.

14

Match Your Home's Style

Nicole Hollis Studio

Whether you're starting a project from the ground up or you're renovating your existing swimming pool, make sure the design is consistent with the style of your home's architecture so that everything flows and works together. On this property designed by Nicole Hollis Studio, the modern, dark pool tiles and clean lines reflect the open-air structure beyond.

15

Swap a Jacuzzi for an Outdoor Fire Pit

Peti Lau

The patio in this backyard designed by Peti Lau cozies right up to the pool. With a built-in fireplace, you can stay warm after a cool swim. Beyond the lounge area, there's an outdoor bar and grill area.

16

Set the Scene

Nicole Franzen

An all-white sitting area off to the side is a sleek background for a pool party. A raffia roof hanging over the deck makes it feel nice and private.

17

Chanel Your Favorite Destination

Thomas Loof

Turn your pool into Tuscan retreat with burnt orange umbrellas, cypress trees, and terra cotta tiles and planters. Instead of a full roof over the patio, add a pergola to create a nice geometric look while also letting the sun dapple through. And then go pour yourself a glass of red wine.

18

Invest in an Island

@bontraveler

This in-ground swimming pool is sleek and clean in its design. The standout feature is the built-in island, which breaks up the simple shape and offers a surface to rest your drink or layout in the sunshine. Perfect for pool bar design!

19

Play With Shape

Nicole Franzen

This uniquely designed pool is the perfect place for a quick dip and is also a prime blueprint for swim-up pool bar design. If your outdoor area is built into a hill and your pool needs to be below the deck, consider this your blueprint. Round pools are a great way to deviate from the standard rectangular look and we love how the patio above reflects the circular motif.

20

Enhance the Surroundings

Nicole Franzen

With a light stone tile border and gravel walkway, this pool seamlessly blends into its surrounding environment. Even the shutters on the château in the distance pick up on the light blue water. To create a pool area that feels straight out of the French countryside, take notes from this lovely swimming pool.

21

Go Rustic

House Beautiful

Barn doors open onto the patio from the pool house at the pool of our farmhouse-filled dreams. We love the how the pool leads our eyes straight to into the charming space. Now if only we actually owned a farmhouse.

22

Never Underestimate Décor

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

Hello, indoor pool of our dreams. With white painted wood panelling on the walls, a brushed cement floor, stone accents, and lantern installations as lighting and artwork, this basement swimming pool space is bursting with style. The kidney bean shape is also a nod to architect Thomas Church's midcentury masterpiece.

23

Add Greenery

Victoria Pearson

You don't need a lot of landscaping to make your pool look impressive. A few Italian cypresses can transform a plain pool area into a relaxing retreat.

24

Don't Let Size Stop You

@bontraveler

If you have a smaller space but are set on building a show-stopping pool, you can still pack a lot of punch with colorful tiles. The green hues in this in-ground swimming pool mimic the courtyard's lush greenery, while the floor cushions provide a spot to lounge.

25

Add Pops of Color

House Beautiful

Gas lanterns on the double porch add a Bahamian vibe to this pool. We love how the pastel blue hue of the house is picked up in the bolster cushions on the lounge chairs. Now we're dreaming of the Caribbean!

26

Bring the Outside In

@bontraveler

This indoor to outdoor swimming pool is about as unique as it gets. Architecturally striking, this pool also offers up some practical perks. Now you can swim from indoors or outdoors depending on your mood or the season. the glass wall helps ease the transition.

27

Consider Landscaping

Nicole Franzen

Instead of a traditional rectangular swimming pool, build yours around the landscaping design.If you want space for palm trees and other lush plants or even just an adjacent fire pit, take that into consideration when settling on a design. The shift in shape also signifies the start of deeper water, so it's a great way to keep kids in the shallow end.

28

Focus on the View

Nicole Franzen

The minimalist deck and sleek infinity pool design set the scene and allow our eyes to focus on the gorgeous, expansive vineyard view ahead. Opt for this kind of design if you're drawn to the visual illusion of a never-ending edge.

29

Have Fun With Color

We the People Style

Make a splash with a bold tiles in your pool, then balance things out with a clean-lined, classic rectangular pool design. If red isn't your color of choice, try something unexpected but softer, such as Millennial pink.

30

Find Natural Shade

Julian Wass

If you have a lot of foliage or tree cover in your backyard, build your pool and hot tub around it to create some natural shade. It looks thoroughly enchanting.

31

Swap Out Umbrellas

Nicole Franzen

Get creative with your poolside umbrellas. Instead of the classic route, opt for a vertical round sunshades like these. And no matter where you live, you can make your yard feel like paradise with sky-piercing palm tress. Keep the coconut cocktails coming.

32

Go For a Grid

Luca Trovato

To create easy water access without having to walk on the grass, add an arrangement of stone pavers. They're functional, and they have a nice grid-like aesthetic.

33

Make It Kid-Friendly

Studio Lifestyle

A sleek, modern swimming pool will age with the house as your kids grow up. But while they're still young, build a water slide and play house structure. It's the ultimate backdrop for making summer memories.

34

Build In a Seating Area

@bontraveler

Al fresco dining and drinking, upgraded. The stepping stones make it easy to access when you're not swimming. If you entertain a lot, this unique design is sure to impress guests.

35

Set the Mood

We the People Style

Chose a darker stone tile in your pool area for a moodier environment. Opt for daybeds and cabanas instead of basic lounge chairs to make it feel like a swanky pool club.

36

Add a Spa

Studio Lifestyle

Build a custom spa into your pool for the best of both worlds (read: temperatures. ) Integrate it into the pool, or take a cue from this raised spa and place it beside the swimming pool so you can relax while the kids splash away.

37

Make It Match

James Merrell

Match your guesthouse to your pool with a cool-hued exterior. It adds a pop of color to your yard, and the pastels feel tranquil, as a poolside setting should.

38

Add Drama With Stones

William Abranowicz

This beach house has a serious wow factor — the living room opens to the pool. If that isn't enough, coral stepping stones at one end let you walk on water.

39

Incorporate Underwater Seating

Victoria Pearson

This ranch house has an underwater bench that runs the length of the 45-foot pool. It's ideal for dogs to get in and out, or for people to lounge.

40

Break Out The Boxwoods

Jonny Valiant

Clipped boxwood and a tall privet hedge dress up a pool. Blue lounges with striped pillows complete the classic look.

41

Look for Inspiration

Anne Schlechter

Add boxwood parterres and you'll feel like you're living in a palace. Versailles's got nothing on your backyard when it looks like this.

42

Say Yes to Hedges

Francesco Lagnese

We may not be able to have an infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean, but we can probably handle recreating this living wall. Added perk: It's the perfect photo backdrop for summer parties.

43

Build an Adjacent Gazebo

Eric Piasecki

A gazebo is the perfect addition to an upscale yet quaint backyard. The easy way to update your pool area? Upholstery. Yellow cushions make a pool feel even more summery, and you can swap them out for darker colors in the fall/winter.

44

Hang Sheer Curtains

Simon Upton

A vacation is as close as your backyard. Gauzy curtains give the pool area a breezy, tropical feel and add privacy.

45

Construct a Raised Deck

Pieter Estersohn

If your pool area is next to your garage or another less than beautiful area, construct an elevated deck. Rise above those functional spaces for a retreat that feels anything but ordinary.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

75 Beautiful Swimming Pool Designs

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

and

Melissa Epifano

Melissa Epifano

Melissa is a news writer for The Spruce. She covers a wide range of topics including trends, decor ideas, and design tips.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 07/13/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

There's a swimming pool type for every outdoor space–even long, narrow side yards or smack-dab-in-the-middle courtyards. From sleek, modern masterpieces to Mediterranean escapes to private waterparks to natural pools, we've found every size, style, design, and type of pool you can imagine. Dive in and be dazzled.

Backyard Pools - 135 Best Pool Design Ideas for Homes and Backyards

Backyard Fun

On Site Landscape

John Prouty
Pictured: Medium sized modern backyard pool with waterslide and Paving

San Antonio

William W. Stubbs and Associates

Home Inspiration: Large rectangular Mediterranean-style backyard pool with pool house and stone paving

SOLITUDE 4500 Model

Sonora West Development, Inc.

Stylish Design Medium Rectangular Fusion Backyard Infinity Pool with Fountain and Tile Covering - Latest Trend

Lakeside Modern Luxury

Keith Zars Pools

This beautiful, modern lakefront pool features a negative edge perfectly highlighting gorgeous sunset views over the lake water. An over-sized sun shelf with bubblers, negative edge spa, rain curtain in the gazebo, and two fire bowls create a stunning serene space. nine0003

Gary McDonald and Katy Boggs
Original design example of a large, natural, free-form, marine-style backyard gravel pool

Pool house

Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design

We were contacted by a family named Pesek who lived near Memorial Drive on the West side of Houston. They lived in a stately home built in the late 1950's. Many years back, they had contracted a local pool company to install an old lagoon-style pool, which they had since grown tired of. When they initially called us, they wanted to know if we could build them an outdoor room at the far end of the swimming pool. We scheduled a free consultation at a time convenient to them, and we drove out to their residence to take a look at the property. After a quick survey of the back yard, rear of the home, and the swimming pool, we determined that building an outdoor room as an addition to their existing landscaping design would not bring them the results they expected. The pool was visibly dated with an early “70’s” look, which not only clashed with the late 50’s style of home architecture, but guaranteed an even greater clash with any modern-style outdoor room we constructed. Luckily for the Peseks, we offered an even better landscaping plan than the one they had hoped for. We proposed the construction of a new outdoor room and an entirely new swimming pool. Both of these new structures would be built around the classical geometry of proportional right angles. This would allow a very modern design to compliment an older home, because basic geometric patterns are universal in many architectural designs used throughout history. In this case, both the swimming pool and the outdoor rooms were designed as interrelated quadrilateral forms with proportional right angles that created the illusion of lengthened distance and a sense of Classical elegance. This proved a perfect complement to a house that had originally been built as a symbolic emblem of a simpler, more rugged and absolute era. Though reminiscent of classical design and complimentary to the conservative design of the home, the interior of the outdoor room was ultra-modern in its array of comfort and convenience. The Peseks felt this would be a great place to hold birthday parties for their child. With this new outdoor room, the Peseks could take the party outside at any time of day or night, and at any time of year. We also built the structure to be fully functional as an outdoor kitchen as well as an outdoor entertainment area. There was a smoker, a refrigerator, an ice maker, and a water heater—all intended to eliminate any need to return to the house once the party began. Seating and entertainment systems were also added to provide state of the art fun for adults and children alike. We installed a flat-screen plasma TV, and we wired it for cable. The swimming pool was built between the outdoor room and the rear entrance to the house. We got rid of the old lagoon-pool design which geometrically clashed with the right angles of the house and outdoor room. We then had a completely new pool built, in the shape of a rectangle, with a rather innovative coping design. We showcased the pool with a coping that rose perpendicular to the ground out of the stone patio surface. This reinforced our blend of contemporary look with classical right angles. We saved the client an enormous amount of money on travertine by setting the coping so that it does not overhang with the tile. Because the ground between the house and the outdoor room gradually dropped in grade, we used the natural slope of the ground to create another perpendicular right angle at the end of the pool. Here, we installed a waterfall which spilled over into a heated spa. Although the spa was fed from within itself, it was built to look as though water was coming from within the pool. The ultimate result of all of this is a new sense of visual “ebb and flow,” so to speak. When Mr. Pesek sits in his couch facing his house, the earth appears to rise up first into an illuminated pool which leads the way up the steps to his home. When he sits in his spa facing the other direction, the earth rises up like a doorway to his outdoor room, where he can comfortably relax in the water while he watches TV. For more the 20 years Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's fine neighborhoods. nine0007

Hanover Project

Williams Exterior Design

Pictured: Medium sized rectangular infinity pool in modernist backyard with tiling and pool house

Woods Cove

Hill Construction Company Example of original design

90 : Sporty, Rectangular Retro Style Backyard Pool with Deck and Jacuzzi

Amazing design for a small backyard pool.

| Brownie

Small pool design ideas are ideal for people with a small backyard. This type of build will give you a real experience even if you have a small backyard and you can take advantage of the modest advantage of a small pool. We have provided you with some pool projects, the pros and cons of which are described below in the article. How can you fit a small pool in your small backyard if the space seems small?

Article content:

  1. Gardening of the swimming pool.
  2. Pros and cons of small pools.
  3. Disadvantages.
  4. Dignity.
  5. Tropical interior.

Contents

  1. Small swimming pool, modern dream house landscape ideas.
  2. Greenery ideas for small pools.
  3. Pros and cons of small pools.
  4. Unique ideas for interesting pools - flaws.
  5. Why choose a small pool - advantages. nine0083
  6. Small pool design, tropical interior.
  7. Ideas for small pools.

Many property owners know that there is nothing more relaxing on a summer day than diving into the backyard pool after a day at work, spending a couple of hours with the kids on the weekends and enjoying a game of pool or just lying on the lawn with a cold drink and a good book. Many people love to have a pool in their backyard, but having one seems impossible due to the small open space. What will work best in your small backyard? There are many ways to enjoy amazing time on the yard, and a pool is a good idea as it can be installed almost anywhere, just a little bit of imagination. What's more, you can do it at a minimal cost. Sounds great, doesn't it! nine0003

Swimming pools are one of the best ideas to save space and give your home an exotic look. They are limited in size, they can be customized with water features such as waterfalls, water jets, lighting, an attractive fence that can be installed to make the patio or backyard look welcoming and protected at the same time.

Planting ideas for small pools.

Small design ideas for small pools look intriguing despite their small size. If you haven't heard of this interior, you may be wondering what it is? This is a swimming pool or small pool, usually filled with cold water and often used after a sauna or hot tub. A typical small pool designed for relaxation, not swimming. You won't play volleyball or swim comfortably in a pool, but if you want to relax on a hot day and take a dip in cool water, this type of pool is a good option. nine0003 Pools and sun lounger ideas.

There is some confusion between the small pool and the hot tub, probably due to the small size. However, the main difference between a pool and a hot tub is the temperature of the water. Hot tubs, as we all know, are filled with hot water while submerged pools are filled with cold water. Sometimes both are designed and built together if the available space allows it and if the homeowner wants to use both hot and cold water. nine0007

Pros and cons of small pools.

The growing demand for plunge pools is leading to an increase in the number of creative and original small pools that are perfectly matched in small backyards and create a fantastic atmosphere. These pools offer a number of benefits and the biggest one is space saving as they don't take up much space. In terms of health benefits, immersion in cold water after a workout or after a sauna is practiced by many athletes, and the cooling effect of water has been valued since ancient times. Another important advantage of these pools is that they require less water due to their small size. This means you will have less water consumption and lower operating costs overall. In terms of design, the options are plentiful and vary in shape, size and style, so every homeowner will find the perfect pool for their small backyard. The low cost is advantageous as the small size does not require a significant investment. The classic plunge pool does not require a pool water heating system, another savings in maintenance costs. nine0007

Unique ideas for interesting pools - disadvantages.

On the other hand, this is the type of pool where the whole family can't enjoy pool games and activities together. In the small pool you can't swim or play water volleyball. Mounting the springboard is almost impossible.

Why choose a small pool - advantages.

There are many reasons why people choose a small pool, and each has a different motivation. They are very suitable for long and narrow areas and are a great way to use the available space in a small garden. nine0007

Small pool design, tropical interior.

A small pool can take up all the available space in the courtyard. Small diameter pools are certainly not suitable for entertainment, but they provide a refreshing cool down on a hot day or meeting place. Not convinced? Let's weigh the benefits of small pools. Affordable price and low maintenance costs. Pools can be heated quickly, and due to their small size, the cost of heating will be significantly less than heating a full size pool.

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