Having a pool in your backyard can transform your outdoor space into a luxurious personal resort.
With so many options for pool designs, you’re sure to find one that matches your style and fits your yard.
Today there are backyard pool designs to spark your imagination.
For each design, we’ll go into details about the shape, features, materials, and things to consider if you want to recreate it.
We’ll also provide tips and advice to help you design the ultimate backyard pool oasis.
Let’s dive in!
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Freeform Pool
One of the most popular backyard pool shapes is the freeform design.
These pools have an organic, flowing shape with soft, rounded edges.
Freeform pools range from simple kidney shapes to more elaborate tropical lagoons with built-in sun shelves, coves, and peninsulas.
The freeform shape works well for backyards with landscaping you want to showcase.
It can be customized to fit the yard naturally.
When designing a freeform pool, consider adding rock waterfalls, boulders, or plants around the perimeter.
This helps the pool blend into the landscape.
Freeform pools work well with materials like tile, stone, pebble, or plaster.
Opt for a saltwater pool system if you want the water to be crystal clear blue to complement the shape.
Install LED lighting around the edges and underwater to create a relaxing ambience at night.
Building a freeform pool requires more planning and design expertise compared to geometric shapes.
Make sure to hire a qualified pool contractor experienced with custom freeform shapes.
Focus on quality construction so there are no weak points or leaks in the curved design.
A freeform pool is a big investment but creates a beautiful backyard oasis!
Natural Pool
If you want your pool to look like a natural pond or lake, consider a natural swimming pool design.
These pools use plants, rocks, gravel, and regeneration zones to naturally filter and clean the water without chemicals.
The pools have two separate zones – a swimming area and a planted regeneration zone where biological processes remove impurities in the water.
Natural pools can be designed in a range of shapes and sizes to fit your yard.
Make sure to allow for at least 25-30% of the total area to be dedicated to the planted regeneration zone.
This area can be positioned around the perimeter and disguised with boulders and gravel to blend seamlessly with the pool.
Choose native aquatic plants like water lilies, irises, and reeds to remove nutrients and pollutants while adding beauty.
Installing a natural pool requires excavation for two zones which adds cost.
Budget $80,000 to $120,000 for installation.
While the maintenance is less than a traditional pool after being established, the regeneration zone plants will require some routine care.
Consider hiring a pool professional specialized in building natural pools to ensure proper construction and plant selection.
With the right design, a natural pool provides the beauty of a pond with the enjoyment of swimming!
Infinity Pool
Infinity edge pools are a luxurious way to incorporate your pool into the surrounding landscape or view.
Also called negative edge or vanishing edge pools, one or more walls of an infinity pool has a sheer drop-off that makes the water appear as if it’s streaming into the horizon.
This creates a breathtaking, resort-style look.
When designing an infinity pool, pay attention to the site lines from where you’ll be viewing the infinity edge.
Make sure there are no obstructions like trees or buildings.
Position the infinity wall to face the best views in your yard, whether that’s looking out over mountains or a flower garden.
The length of the infinity edge can be customized, from a small section to along the entire pool.
For installation, the pool needs to be perfectly level and the infinity edge typically has a catch basin hidden underneath to recirculate the water.
There are more complex engineering requirements, so make sure to hire an experienced pool contractor.
Stunning infinity pool designs can be achieved with gunite concrete or fiberglass construction.
Budget $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the size.
The dazzling views will be worth the investment!
Geometric Pool
For a bold, contemporary pool design, consider geometric shapes like rectangles, circles, or triangles.
Geometric pools have a modern, graphic look with clean lines.
They make great use of small or narrow backyard spaces.
Rectangular pools are one of the most efficient pool shapes.
An elongated rectangle can fit well against the back fence or house.
For small yards, a circular above ground pool is an excellent space-saving shape.
Custom geometric pools allow you to be creative with patterns.
For example, an equilateral triangle pointed towards the house makes a stunning focal point.
Or go for an octagonal pool with connecting squares and rectangles.
Combine different depths in geometric shapes to provide areas for lounging, playing, or swimming laps.
While geometric pools look sleek and simple, professional installation is key to getting the angles and lines precise.
Gunite or shotcrete concrete pools are best for sharp angles and straight edges.
Expect to pay $50,000 to $100,000 or more depending on special features like an attached spa, waterfalls, or pergola.
Add some warmth with landscaping and materials like stone or wood decking.
Illuminate your geometric pools cape at night with dramatic lighting.
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Lap Pool
For avid swimmers, a lap pool design is ideal.
Lap pools are long and narrow to optimize the space for swimming efficiently.
Most lap pools are a rectangle shape, but you can also opt for a curved-end design.
Standard lap pool dimensions are around 40-50 feet long by 15-20 feet wide.
The recommended water depth for lap swimming is 4-6 feet.
Beyond length, there are several other lap pool design considerations:
- Include at least 5 feet of deck space on the long sides for turning and resting.
Have steps at the shallow end.
- Ensure proper circulation by placing the skimmer/main drain at opposite ends diagonally.
- Install lap lane markings and underwater lighting for night swimming.
- Use slip-resistant tile for the floor with darker colors to reduce glare.
- -Position lanes facing north-south to avoid looking into the sun when swimming.
Building a lap pool does require more space in your yard, at least a 50 foot length.
But for serious swimmers, the exercise and health benefits make it worthwhile!
With concrete construction, you’ll need a budget of $70,000 to $100,000.
Fiberglass may cost slightly less.
Add optional pool features like heated water, variable speeds pumps, or infinity edges to enhance your lap pool.
Plunge Pool
For small yards, a plunge pool could be the perfect solution.
Plunge pools are compact, deep pools perfect for cooling off or a quick dip.
Small plunge pools can be as little as 8 feet in diameter and 3-4 feet deep.
Built-in bench seating lets you relax in the water.
Install a plunge pool on a patio, deck, or terrace area maximizing your limited space.
The straightforward round shape makes it easy to install fiberglass or prefab pool options.
Surround with non-slip concrete or tile decking and colorful potted plants or flowers.
Though small, a plunge pool delivers big design impact.
Affordable fiberglass plunge pool packages can be found starting around $15,000.
Size and customization options add cost.
Make sure the plunge pool location can handle the weight load for water.
Low maintenance needs also make the plunge pool a smart choice for easy backyard enjoyment.
For condos or cottages, look into portable small plunge pools or hot tubs on wheels.
Grecian Pool
Channel a modern Greek villa with an elegant Grecian pool.
This freeform pool design features clean white plaster and wide “step pads” creating the look of descents into classical baths.
Columns, statuary, and urns placed poolside reinforce the Grecian aesthetic.
When designing a Grecian pool, opt for shallow sun shelves rather than a separate wading area to maintain the continuous shape.
The white plaster interior needs extra attention to prevent algae and staining to maintain the bright, crisp look.
For decking, select white marble or limestone with inlaid keystones.
Mediterranean plants like cypress, olive trees, and grapevines complement the Grecian style.
Good lighting is key to showing off the clean white surfaces after dark.
Underwater LED lights add drama.
Position sconces to illuminate columns and other decorative accents around the pool perimeter.
A Grecian pool surrounded by architectural elements transports you to the Agean in your own backyard!
Budget $60,000 to $100,000 for this ornate style.
Tropical Pool
You can bring a tropical paradise to your backyard with a pool designed with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and natural elements.
Freeform, kidney-shaped pools work well for tropical designs surrounded by dense garden plantings.
Incorporate a raised spa as a focal point and waterfall features.
Stacked stone, thatched roof cabanas, and tiki torches reinforce the exotic vibe.
When designing your tropical poolscape, use heat-tolerant plants like hibiscus, birds of paradise, palm trees, and bamboo.
Hardy jasmine and bougainvillea vines can cover pergolas to provide shade.
Opt for pool interior finishes that mimic natural waters, like Pebble Tec or glass tile in shades of blue, green, or aqua.
Consider a saltwater chlorination system to avoid chemical smells.
For nighttime ambience, use low-voltage landscape lighting to illuminate pathways and palm trees with a warm glow.
Flameless tiki torches add flicker light effects.
Tabletop fire features or firepits lend cozy spots for gatherings long after sunset.
Let your imagination run wild to create a backyard tropical getaway!
Budget $75,000 and up for a fully decked-out tropical pool.
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Modern Pool
Make a bold style statement with a modern backyard pool.
Contemporary pools utilize straight lines, simple shapes, and a sleek style.
Popular design approaches include:
- Minimalist – Focus on a limited, muted color palette like black, gray, and white with little embellishment.
- Use modern materials like mosaic glass tile or white plaster.
Include a few key elements like a raised wall, sheer descent, or infinity edge for drama.
- Geometric – Combine geometric shapes and patterns for high visual impact.
Try a rectangle with triangle corner insets or intersecting circles.
Contrast dark bottom plaster with bright white edges.
- Urban – Incorporate materials like concrete, metal, wooden slats, loose pebbles, or cut stone.
Go for an airy, loft-like feel.
Modern landscaping with succulents and grasses works well.
To complement a modern pool design, furnish the deck with sleek outdoor furniture, sculptures, and potted plants.
Use recessed lighting and glowing underwater fixtures to showcase the unique geometry after dark.
A modern pool design makes a bold, sophisticated backyard oasis.
Budget $60,000 to $100,000 for a contemporary custom pool.
Glass Tile Pool
For contemporary glamour, a glass tile pool shimmers both day and night.
Glass tile comes in an endless array of colors, shapes, and patterns.
Neutral shades of glass tile create an elegant understated look.
Or make the pool a bright focal point with bold ruby red, deep sapphire, bright turquoise or glittering gold glass tile.
Mix and match tile colors and designs to create custom patterns.
Glass tile offers a reflective surface that makes the pool appear deeper than it is.
It’s also durable and naturally resistant to chemicals and staining.
Installing glass tile is more labor intensive than plaster, so you can expect a higher installation cost
Make sure your pool contractor has experience with glass tile to get the details like grouting and sealing right.
Created a stunning look by pairing glass tile with simple pool shapes, perimeter overflow basins, and decorative tile inlays.
Complement with white or gray concrete decking.
The sleek contemporary style works well for modern, transitional, and Mediterranean home designs.
Dazzle guests with a glass tile pool that sparkles from every angle, day and night!
Negative Edge Pool
Also called a perimeter overflow pool, a negative edge pool features a basin that catches water as it flows over the outer wall, removing the need for top railings or edges.
This creates a beautiful illusion of the pool disappearing into a panoramic vista.
The innovative engineering requires expertise to construct properly.
Some tips for designing a negative edge pool in your yard:
- Survey the site to ensure grade allows water to flow over the edges smoothly.
- Hide catch basins under submerged terraces or extend them well away from the edges.
- Include large overflow capacity and secondary drains in case of heavy rain.
- Use medium gray plaster and minimal tile to keep the look clean and modern.
- Light the inside pool floor and outer spillways to highlight the tapered edge.
Budget $175,000 to $250,000 for a negative edge pool which requires extensive engineering and special wall construction.
But the seamless vanishing effect makes a breathtaking design statement!
Raised Pool
Maximize your views by elevating your pool.
A raised pool is constructed above ground level, either partially or fully.
The water edge can be flush with the surrounding deck or feature a low retaining wall.
Raised pools make an impressive focal point and offer more privacy since the water is higher than ground level.
When designing a raised pool, hire a pool contractor experienced with structural engineering to account for the weight and pressure from the raised water volume.
Consider incorporating retaining walls,xformers, or extra steel for support.
Focus on quality subbase preparation and compacted backfilling.
Schedule extra installation time to accommodate the raised construction factors.
A raised pool can be highlighted with dramatic features like sheer descents and perimeter overflow edges.
Just make sure to include safety railings.
Surround with Mediterranean plants and terracotta materials for a spa-like feel.
Expect to pay $175,000 or more for a raised pool with the complexities involved.
But the end result provides a relaxing, luxurious look!
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Sunken Pool
On the flip side, you can create an inviting retreat by sinking your pool below ground level.
Sunken pools feel like secret hideaways, nestled down within garden walls, patios, or courtyards.
Sunken pools can be designed formal with structured shapes and tile accents, or freeform to mimic ponds and lagoons.
When designing a sunken pool, incorporate wide steps and walkways leading down to the water.
Include a railing or wall around the perimeter for safety.
Proper drainage is key to keep the surrounding areas from flooding when it rains.
Allow for excavated soil removal and backfilling during installation.
A sunken pool offers privacy and seclusion from the rest of the yard.
Lush plants and trees screening above add to the cozy ambience.
Position lounges and tables around the pool edges for an intimate area to unwind.
Lighting illuminates the sunken pool at night like a beckoning sanctuary.
Budget approximately $60,000 to $100,000 depending on size and features.
With so many options for shapes, sizes, features and styles, your dream backyard pool awaits!
Determine priorities like space, budget, uses, and aesthetics to narrow down the pool designs.
Focus on quality materials and a reputable contractor for a smooth installation.
Include lighting and deck features to extend your enjoyment into the evening.
And don’t forget the fun add-ons like slides, fountains, fire features, and outdoor kitchens to personalize your pool for family and entertaining.
Enjoy the relaxation and memories a beautiful new pool creates for your backyard retreat!
