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Ideas for backyard pool and landscaping


Pool landscaping ideas: The best materials to use in and around a backyard pool

Good pool landscaping ideas need careful thought, planning and preparation. 

But worry not. We break down all you need to know about the different types of pool landscaping, from pool landscaping with rocks to pool ideas for privacy and shade.

The materials used – from paving, aggregates and decking, to decorative edging and the hard materials employed for in-ground pools – add texture and character to a backyard pool garden, marking out the structure and leading the eye through to the swimming pool and beyond.

The best time to undertake a pool landscape redesign is in winter, when the backyard is dormant. But the summer months are the time to analyze the ways in which you use the space and to understand what you need from your future design. 

These backyard ideas will help you find the best ways to landscape around a pool and explain what you need to consider before you begin.

Pool landscaping ideas

From putting greens to privacy, these landscaping ideas add major value (and fun) to your pool area.

1. Plant on an island

(Image credit: Brittany Farinas, House of One / Lifestyle Production Group)

Your pool landscaping ideas don't have to be relegated to the sides of the pool. For an original idea that evokes a tropical resort, bring the vegetation into the pool by stationing it on an island structure right in the middle of water, like at this Florida home by Brittany Farinas of House of One Interiors . Want to go full paradise vibes? Use palms. 

2. Use lighting to enhance the landscape

(Image credit: Designer: The Fox Group Photographer: Lindsay Salazar)

Lighting is the perfect complement to pool landscaping. It can emphasize certain features (try uplighting shrubs and trees) and enhance the overall ambience of a newly landscaped space.

String lights are a pool lighting idea that's more about form than function, but the ambience a set of bistro lights will add to your pool area is second to none.  

If you're lucky enough to have a pool house, use it as an anchor point for your string lights, and stretch them above the length of the pool, like The Fox Group did, above. No pool house? Try filling the bottom of whisky barrel planters with cement, then inserting a wooden post to create a semi-permanent anchor point for lights. Don't forget to finish off the planters with soil and your favorite annuals. 

3. Use planters to add personal style

(Image credit: Thomas Guy Interiors / Haylei Smith)

Both your planters and the plants you put in them are a chance to add your personal style to your pool patio ideas.

'We like to include banana leaf trees and orchids to add a touch of nature, and high-design planters can be a creative way to show off one’s own personal style,' says Lance Thomas of Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors . Above, Thomas chose organic planters and unstructured ferns to complement the contemporary, minimalist pool design. 

4.

Include a putting green

(Image credit: Breegan Jane)

Your pool landscaping ideas can offer more than just beauty and a bit of shade. Add recreation to the list by installing a putting green adjacent to your pool patio, like interior designer Breegan Jane did at her client's Southern California home, where the goal of the outdoor space was to 'surprise and delight.'

5.  Use landscaping for privacy

(Image credit: Brittany Farinas, House of One Interiors / Lifestyle Production Group)

Looking for a pool fence idea that adds privacy and beauty? Your landscaping can do the job if you plant high trees or bushy shrubs around the perimeter of your pool or property, a la this Florida property. 

Another idea we love from this photo? The cabana. When you're brainstorming your landscaping and pool area ideas, don't forget to include a shady spot to retreat to when you're tired of sunbathing. 

6. Invest in LED lighting around a pool

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

When considering pool landscaping, smart pool lighting ideas certainly have their part to play. A well-planned lighting scheme can do wonders for your backyard pool and shouldn't be an afterthought.

'For small cascades and fountains, direct underwater spotlights onto the plinth of flowing water, or run a color-changing LED strip along the rill from which the water emerges,' suggests Sally Storey, lighting director at John Cullen. 

An impressive backyard pool is hugely enhanced when illuminated at night. Underwater lights can be halogen, LED or fiber optic, but they must be encased in waterproof, IP-rated fixtures. 

Alternatively, solar garden lighting ideas, such as bulbs hidden in between evergreens or in containers create a soft glow.

7. Pick the perfect pool deck landscaping

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton Photography)

Poolside deck ideas provide versatile and cost-effective ways to extend your living area into the outdoors. What's more, decking creates the perfect focal point for a low-maintenance yard, and is cheaper and easier to use than paving.

At its best, a sturdy, water-resistant timber deck is a handsome, hard-wearing pool area idea that complements most backyard pool settings.

But decks don’t only look good: other advantages include being relatively lightweight in comparison to stone, quick and easy to install and forgiving. Plus, timber can be cut to size to fit perfectly round awkward corners – perfect if you don't have a rectangular pool.

8. Add shade and privacy with ivy

(Image credit: Future / Armelle Habib)

In an ideal world our pool areas would be private sanctuaries where we could swim, entertain and relax away from prying eyes. 

Yet, for many pool owners, the reality is quite different. Spending time outdoors can be like living in a goldfish bowl because there is nothing to screen their backyard pool from neighboring windows. 

Smart garden shade ideas are great if you want to shield your pool area from the neighborhood and create shady coverage at the same time. A good place to start is with your pool fence or property boundary.

If you have an existing fence or trellis, plant ivy near the base to create a living privacy wall. No fence? Plant a deciduous hedge, or trail ivy up a wall using a trellis.

9. Landscape with rocks, trees and overgrown grasses

(Image credit: Future / © Roy Westwood)

If you are not one for a traditional pool area, then consider a more natural landscape for your outdoor swim. 

Today’s natural pools – or swimming ponds as they are often known – are welcomed into the border garden, whether in a formal setting of lawns, surrounded by flowers and grasses, or even made to look like a natural garden pond. 

For a rugged appearance, take inspiration from creative rock garden ideas and lay down plenty of misshapen rocks, pebbles and limestone. The main highlight of a rock garden is the quiet, zen-like aesthetic they add to your backyard. 

10. Highlight a rectangular pool with flower beds and borders

(Image credit: Future / Alistair Nicholls)

Whether you like raised garden bed ideas or you prefer planting straight into the ground, flower beds can make exceptional dividers for a garden path around a backyard pool.  

This is especially the case when you bring tall, architectural plants into the mix. This smart garden path idea is a beautiful way to establish the boundary of a walkway and to zone off your pool area from the rest of the garden. 

What's more, it will continue to offer color and structure throughout the seasons, even when the pool is not in use.

11. Set up a seating area around the pool

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

When considering pool patio ideas and other hard landscaping materials for a pool, your first priority will be to establish the functional spaces, from terraces and patios, to paths and borders around the swimming pool. 

The expanse of an area and its use will dictate which materials are most suitable.

For instance, a hard standing for a table and chairs needs to be flat and stable, and you might want to keep granular aggregates, such as gravel or bark, away from the pool so they are not carried into the water. 

12.

Install a non-slip surface 

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

While a pebble-dashed floor isn't entirely non-slip, it is certainly a less slippery option in comparison to stone slabs, pavers and decking. 

Opt for an entirely smooth surface to avoid any nasty cuts on the feet and if your pool is indoors, be sure to include a professional drainage system. 

Proper drainage will ensure that the water in your in-ground pool remains clean and protects your surrounding yard, deck, patio, landscaping, and home from possible water damage, erosion, and debris. 

Plus, no one wants to be constantly mopping up water. 

13. Landscape around a pool with grass

(Image credit: Kimberley Harrison / Kathryn MacDonald)

Your lawn serves as a huge source of air conditioning for your garden and also releases oxygen and simultaneously captures dust, keeping you and your family healthy, so it's a perfect option for near a pool area. 

To reap the many benefits to the full, keep your lawn as healthy as possible and your lawn pays you back for all the work you put into it.  

What’s more, your lawn needs plenty of water to encourage the roots to grow deep into the ground, and the best way to achieve this is to water deep. Try to water heavily, on an infrequent basis. 

Plus, you’ll want to make sure the chlorine from the pool doesn’t sit on top for too long. 

14. Use concrete as a modern alternative to stone slabs

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Lusting after a modern industrial landscape? Durable, easy to clean and heat-retaining, there’s a lot to love about concrete flooring in a modern backyard. 

Perfect for nailing the urban trend, it works best in contemporary spaces, but can also be mixed with plenty of greenery and colored foliage for a striking contrast.   

While the use of concrete has become commonplace, it was once seen as an inferior material in comparison to stone. But if we can forget about it as a cheap substitute we discover that it has its own intrinsic qualities, as interesting as natural materials and very much more versatile.  

Concrete is quite simply a blend of aggregates – sand and gravel or crushed stone – bonded together in a dense, stone-like mass by hardened cement. 

This material has made possible incredible structures and surfaces. It is the cement that gives concrete its dull-gray appearance, and so the secret with in-situ garden paving is to remove the cement from the surface before it sets. 

15. Mix materials around a pool

(Image credit: Belgard)

Large patio pavers have been gaining popularity in California in recent years, and it is easy to see why. 

If you're wondering how to make your garden feel more modern without embarking on an overly expensive redesign, then you should seriously consider employing oversized patio pavers for the landscaping around your pool. 

As far as backyard landscaping ideas go, large pavers are the opposite of discreet and that's exactly why we're seeing more of them in outdoor paving designs. 

Bold and immediately noticeable, oversized paving slabs create an instant indoor-outdoor effect, because they emit the luxury look of indoor tiles – just outdoors.

What is best to put around a pool?

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Paving slabs are one of the most common garden materials for landscaping around a pool. Paving or pavers are readily available as individual blocks, in a wide range of shapes, colors and sizes that can be laid in several pattern configurations. You can also buy specialist kits, such as circles, for patios. 

Mostly made from pre-cast concrete or reconstituted stone, pavers can also be used for garden paths, terraces, steps and patios. They are also ideal for adding a large expanse in the same color/material. A matching path and patio area can be used to lead the eye through the garden or to an adjacent pool house. 

What's more, pavers are mostly affordable, readily available and fairly straightforward to lay. Small pavers can be teased into curves, tight corners and organic shapes, and there are a good selection of edgings and borders available to complete the look. 

Be aware that large pavers will need cutting. Tailor your design to limit the number of cuts at planning stage, and hire a slab and walling block splitter to ensure a neat job.

11 Pool Landscaping Ideas - Bob Vila

Refreshing Backyard Pool Makeovers

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A backyard pool offers the perfect place to cool down in those hot summer months. With the right landscaping, backyard pools can be so much more than just a cool place to take a quick dip. They can convert the space to a true outdoor haven. Whether you’re looking to add a new pool or to upgrade the landscaping around your existing one, use these pool landscaping ideas to gain some inspiration to create a truly breathtaking space in your own backyard.

Related: 7 Easy Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers

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Lush and Luxurious

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Adding some gorgeous greenery around the pool can enhance the look of the deep blue water and make it even more inviting. Consider placing lush bushes around the perimeter of the pool to frame it and draw attention to the space, while also offsetting and softening the hard look of stone or concrete around the pool. Bushes, trees, flowers, and other plants can also provide a haven for songbirds and provide a truly natural feel around the pool.

Related: 7 Easy Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeovers

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Elegant Evening Entertaining

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Think about how the space will look in the evenings as well. Floating pool lights (available on Amazon ) can help set the right mood and create an inviting, or even romantic, environment. Even more than that, though, they can highlight landscape and design elements that would disappear in the dark. Or add a few solar lights near landscaping around the pool. Many modern outdoor light fixtures offer remote control for easy lighting and color-changing bulbs that can enhance the mood and atmosphere to match any event.

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Simple and Sophisticated

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You don’t have to “go big” to make a big impact. Keeping things simple by using both dark- and light-colored geometric pavers around the pool can transform even the smallest of pools into a modern and refined space. Add some touches of green and string patio lights (available on Amazon) to complete the look.

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Peaceful Privacy

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Adding bushes and trees around a pool can serve a dual purpose. In addition to creating an appealing and inviting space, trees and shrubs can function as a natural privacy wall. When choosing trees or bushes to place around a pool, look for plants that are easy to maintain and have the appropriate shape and proportions for your space—when they mature! It is also critical to select plants that are suitable for the local climate. Also consider the color, texture, and scent that they will add to the outdoor area.

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Stairway to Cool

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Add stunning wooden steps spanning the length and/or width of an above-ground pool to bring dimension to the space, while also making it easier to access the pool or lounge along its side. Consider placing a few large decorative planters (available on Amazon) to add vibrant flowers or other color vegetation along the steps. Planting lush green bushes or trees along the other sides of the pool can tie the look together.

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Symmetrical Serenity

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For a truly peaceful and breathtaking transformation, create a symmetrical design using the pool shape, pavers, and greenery. Rather than sticking with a traditional rectangular or oval pool, allow each side to jut out with a subtle design mirroring one another. Continue the symmetrical theme by adding the same number of palm trees or other tropical plants to each side of the pool.

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A Pool with a View

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Imagine being able to swim or relax in a pool while enjoying an unobstructed view of the mountains, trees, or landscaping in the area. An infinity pool can make this all possible, while also doubling as an artistic addition to the space. Carefully place some tropical trees, plants, filled containers, or other greenery around the pool to enhance the view and complete the picture perfect image.

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Entrancing Embers

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The soft flickering glow of flames can bring a level of tranquility to any outdoor space. Adding one or two fire pots (available at The Home Depot) around the pool will create an oasis perfect for relaxation. Consider placing some glass fire beads (available on Amazon) in the fire pits to reflect the flames’ dancing lights on the water’s surface.

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Add a Touch of Greenery

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If you have a spacious wood or stone deck around the pool, break up the space with some thoughtfully placed greenery. Adding patches of grass with small shrubs or flowers on either side of the pool and in a few other areas around the deck can define the space and add visual appeal. Plus, grass feels good on those wet, bare toes!

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Deck the Destination

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Extending a deck to the side of an above-ground pool makes it easier to access the pool, plus it can give the illusion that the pool is built into the space. Incorporate some color and make the area more inviting by adding a mosaic side table (available on Amazon) with some flower pots or large planters (available on Amazon) on the deck area. 

Related: Planning Guide: Above-Ground Swimming Pools

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Take Inspiration from Nature

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Create your own backyard lagoon by placing lush, tall trees and bushes right up to the edges of the pool around its perimeter. Adding other natural elements, such as large rocks along the bottom of the pool or a cascading waterfall, can help convert the space into a private tropical retreat.

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

Concrete House

CARLESSI Studio

Design Idea: Large Contemporary Style Corner Landscaped Backyard Pool with Deck

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

The water wall and pergola create a visual pause at the end of the axis.
Inspiration for home comfort: large rectangular landscaped backyard pool in neoclassical (modern classic) style with stone paving

Oak Crest

Austin Lighting & Drainage

Pictured: Sporty, Rectangular Landscaped Modernist Backyard Paving Pool

Gallery - Geometric Concrete Pools

The0002 Limited

Betz02 Limited

Betz02 Limited for this creation was a collaboration between the owner's architect, his landscaper and Betz Pools. The concept creates a north woods quarry feel with massive boulders punctuating expansive decks reminiscent of weathered docks.

Pool 9548, Infinity Pool, Hampton

Neptune Swimming Pools

The client's came to us wanting a design that was going to open up their small backyard and give them somewhere for their family to enjoy and entertain for many years to come . This project presented many technical challenges due to the levels required to comply with various building regulations. Clever adaptations such privacy screens, floating deck entry and hidden pool gate behind the raised feature wall were all design elements that make this project more suitable to the smaller area. The main design feature that was a key to the functionality of this pool was the raised infinity edge, with the pool wall designed to comply with current pool barrier standards. With no pool fence between the pool and house the space appears more open with the noise of the water falling over the edge into a carefully concealed balance tank adding a very tranquil ambience to the outdoor area. With the accompanying fire pit and sitting area, this space not only looks amazing but is functional all year round and the low maintenance fully automated pool cleaning system provides easy operation and maintenance.

Vanishing Edge Pool in Parkland

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This project really utilizes backyard space because of its creativeness and ingenuity in design and construction. Some of the pool tucks into the back of the house flawlessly so that the pool doesn't extend too far out. With bubblers, stepping stones leading to the outdoor kitchen, and parallel deck level fire feature, it’s the perfect introduction to it’s vanishing edge feel. Custom tile and lighting accentuates the pool and backyard perfectly while the house is custom lit as well.

HACIENDA DE LAS PALMAS

Broward Landscape, Inc.

travertine pool deck with a border of synthetic turf surrounds a bed of landscape plants and polished stone.
Design Idea: Large Natural Landscaped Backyard Pool with Stone Paving

Franklin Park Pool

WINN Design+Build

Fresh Design Idea: Large Rectangular Landscaped Backyard Pool with Paving Paving - Great interior photo

Checkerboard Pool

yardscapes Inc.

New vinyl swimming pool with custom gray and white checkerboard patio. Addition of outdoor shower and changing room with custom cedar wood surround.
Design ideas for a sporty, mid-sized rectangular shabby chic landscaped backyard pool with paving

Bold and striking pool design in Devon.

TFQ Architects

Striking pool design by TFQ architects. Contrasting natural finishes such as water, planting and stone, with a manmade, linear design to create a real juxtaposition. The monolithic slab acts as a break between the natural, freshwater pool and the small pond. With filtration and infinite end to the pool, this space is perfect for cooling off on those hot summers days in the South west.

Gallery – Small Concrete Pools

Betz Pools Limited

With the custom Gunite pool limited to 12’ x 24’, Betz recommended a visual negative edge. Infinity pools are often designed so the surface appears to merge with the background in the distance. This time it was to make the pool seem larger, especially when you are in it, by creating a spacious open feeling along one side.

Mount Hawthorn Plunge Pool

Naturesque

Photo of a small, above ground, round landscaped pool in the backyard in the style of modernism with stone paving

Keystone Falls

Ryan Hughes Design/Build

This coastal house offers tremendously outdoor living areas with the pool surrounded by lounging areas, a raised spa, lounging portico, and a sunken fire lounge. All engineered by the Ryan Hughes Design Build team to follow exacting sight lines and featured placement in this Tampa backyard. Photography by Jimi Smith Photography.

23 options for small patios

Fire and water - the perfect combination for a comfortable stay at home. Design: Studio H Landscape Architecture

We have always believed that size is a relative concept, because what some people consider a luxurious house, others see as an ordinary, unremarkable building. The pool in the backyard is no exception in this case either, because those who do not have one dream of at least a small one in which they could cool off on a hot summer day.

I must say that it is not such a difficult thing to complete the design of your backyard in this way, and the result will not leave you indifferent. Even more than that - it will turn into a completely new zone of comfortable rest and gatherings with friends just a couple of steps from your living room!

Small space is not a problem if you look at things creatively! Design: Hunter Architecture

There can be an infinite number of ideas - the main thing is not to limit the flight of fancy!

As part of the "holiday at home" concept that has become increasingly popular in recent years, small-format backyard pools in the city are becoming more and more relevant.

All it takes to bring this idea to life is an out-of-the-box approach, a well-thought-out project and a small area of ​​​​area that could fit such a water design element - and it, among other things, can give you a great opportunity to support yourself in good physical shape.

Very soon you will be able to appreciate all the positive aspects of this little miracle, which will definitely change your usual way of life for the better.

Simple and modern

All ingenious is simple: the right concise forms are the key to solving the difficult task of creating modern design

your choice on the landscape design of the local area in the same vein.

It is possible to build a small swimming pool as an extension to the house with a platform that will act as a transition zone between it and the house itself. Even if you can't do big swims, you'll still benefit from having this multifunctional water and landscape design element that will never lose its relevance. You can start with a small project measuring 2.75 x 5.5 m.

Turn your patio into a masterpiece with a classically shaped small pool. Design: Apex landscapes

This small garden simply captivates with its modern design, kept in line with the latest trends. Design: Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design

With a narrow pool, you can redefine the shape and size of your modern home. Design: Anthony Wilder Design

Backyard Lounge Ideas

Nothing complements any landscaping quite like an exquisite swimming pool

Everything you need to escape the heat on a hot summer day. Design: Molly Wood Garden Design

An unusual element of water design will give the project a special aesthetic appeal. Design: The Pool Craft Company

The simple and understated style is perfect for a small backyard. Design: Wettling Architects

Crazy about luxurious shapes!

A custom-made concrete pool deck with an embossed geometric pattern to match the house's color scheme. (Design: Betz Pools Limited)

Even if the traditional style is not to your liking, there is no reason to worry, as there are a number of alternative solutions that go far beyond the standard rectangular shapes.

Pools with unusual curved shapes and lines are becoming increasingly popular. Lacking the clean, straight lines of modern design and devoid of any imagination, they (combined with natural stone finishes and the right canopies) will help you recreate the magical atmosphere of an exotic resort holiday right in your backyard!

Exotic design and impressive lighting can work wonders even from a small project. Excitingly curved lines and shapes can make a splash not only in the world of fashion, but also in the world of small format water design elements!

An unusual solution with elements of water design and a fire pit. Design: Bluewater Construction Group

Spa with water design elements. Design: The Matheson Team RE/MAX Fine Properties

Emphasis on a small pool with Jacuzzi. Photo: Andrea Calo

Amazing harmony of size and style! Design: Lewis Aquatech

Fresh hot weather backyard solution. Design: Alka Pool Construction

Dig deeper!

This project really takes up very little space! Design: Clayton&Little Architects

This beach style solution is the perfect complement to the opening landscape! Design: Design: Randy Thueme Design

The platform's compact and well-thought-out design makes efficient use of the available floor space. Design: Blazemakoid-Architecture

Ideal solution for a small backyard. Design: Kirk Wood Homes

The deep-water pool is a real aesthetic pleasure, in perfect harmony with the modern landscaping. Designed by: BLADE Landscape Design

Vacation Home

This cozy, quiet backyard can be seen in front of a home in San Francisco, the fourth most populated city in California (USA)!

When designing your backyard, don't focus on the small pool area. Think about how harmoniously it will fit into the overall style, how much platform you will need in case of garden parties during the summer-autumn season, and how this element of landscape design will be in harmony with the design of your home.

Even a small swimming pool should fit harmoniously into the main style of the adjacent area. Think in detail how the platform will look like (it can, if desired, turn into a kind of open-air dining room, and into a barbecue place where you and your family will enjoy spending time in the evenings, and even into an indoor pool if you you can afford that luxury). But in any case, even a small pool can turn the backyard of any city house into the most popular place to relax.

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