217,339 Pool Design Photos

On a hot summer day, nothing is as refreshing as a swimming pool. Although often seen as a luxury, they can serve many functions and be well worth the splurge in the right area. Besides being a nice place to relax and cool off, pools can add much-needed visual interest to your yard — think colorful tiles or a unique water feature. Read further and browse photos for more tips on how to make your pool ideas a reality. More
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Design West
6 Reviews
Grand Prato Estate
97 Saves | 0 Questions
The swimming pool, designed by Outdoor Productions, Inc., features a spa and stepping stone walk and tiled beach entry. In keeping with the large scale of the home, the pool measures 40 by 60 feet.
I really like this pool. It looks like it is the ocean and it is a HUGE pool. I would never get bored swimming in it and i wold have a lot of pool parties. I also like the palm trees, that is a nice touch. — Zachary Weiss
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Couture Architecture
Alison Probst - "Scott Couture was our architect on our project in Sausalito, CA, remodeling a..."
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Zimmerman and Associates
Terry Crisler - "To anyone searching for a qualified and talented architect, I highly recommend..."
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Oliver Custom Homes
17 Reviews
Rollingwood Slide House
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Casey Fry
Transitional rectangular lap pool idea in Austin with a fountain and concrete slab — Houzz
Stone - part of our house? Replace brick? — mhofmann1
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The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
Mediterranean pool idea in DC Metro — Houzz
love the grass and big slabs — Lisa Stucky
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The Peninsula's Leading Outdoor Furniture Company
We manufacture and import our own line of teak outdoor furniture. All our furniture are made with government regulated plantation grade "A" teak. We offer space planning, color & design consultations.
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MT Development
11 Reviews
Glen Park
54 Saves | 0 Questions
Example of a trendy pool design in San Francisco with a hot tub and decking — Houzz
This is very inviting and a great use of space. — Maile Walker
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Sarah Burke Design
10 Reviews
Woodside Residence
22 Saves | 0 Questions
Inspiration for a transitional backyard l-shaped pool remodel in San Francisco — Houzz
Love the rectangular pool — Hanna Huckin
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Tanby Swimming Pools
Outdoor Pools
45,443 Saves | 36 Questions
Charcoal mosaic tiles give a beautiful turquoise colour to the water with flamed granite steps and coping stones and limestone paving on terrace
Example of a trendy rectangular lap pool design in London — Houzz
Elegance and tranquility easy with some simple boxwoods and pool planters — Susan Oldford Listing Design S.O.L.D.
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Elite Pool Builders Conroe
5 Reviews
Pools
87 Saves | 0 Questions
Trendy rectangular pool photo in Houston — Houzz
I take it this would be quote expensive to do the infinity edge? — bsvball3
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Landscape Renovations, Inc.
2 Reviews
Modern Landscape
10 Saves | 0 Questions
Mid-sized minimalist backyard rectangular lap pool photo in Minneapolis with concrete pavers — Houzz
Terraced — Paradigm Okanagan Developments
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Renovating in San Francisco, CA? Contact a local pro
French Bros. Flooring
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In your location, swimming pools might also be a solid investment; buyers practically require them places with hot summers and mild winters, so installing or updating one could help your home sell. As you get ready to start your in-ground pool and spa remodel, map out your space and consider what size, shape and style might work best for you. Having an idea in mind when you talk with a specialist will help the process go smoothly.

What are my swimming pool design options?


Location, size and desired activity will determine which pool designs might work best for you. If you live somewhere that’s warm only four months out of the year, an outdoor pool might not be worth the splurge — though an indoor one might. Regardless of whether you go with indoor or outdoor, the size of the space will dictate the shape of the pool. Carefully consider how much space you want dedicate to the entire project; if you start adding extras, like a pool deck and specialty landscaping, your yard-to-pool ratio can quickly become unbalanced. With a long and narrow space, look for rectangular lap pool design ideas that might fit well; wider areas will give you more freedom to have a specialty shape, which means the options are endless.

Similarly, various installation techniques are more suited to certain lifestyles. In-ground swimming pools are a major (potentially lifetime) commitment. Construction, maintenance and energy bills add up, so make sure you’re ready to take that plunge. If you aren’t ready for that sort of commitment, consider an alternative, such as an above-ground pool or a hot tub. The above-ground options can be set up when the weather permits, so you still get to enjoy the warm summer months without sacrificing your yard year round. Make sure you have proper storage for the unit when it’s not in use though. Are you one of the many who see more cold than warm weather? A hot tub will surely see more more use and is not quite such a daunting commitment, both financially and maintenance-wise. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you think the costs and upkeep are worth the time you will spend enjoying it.

What materials should I incorporate into my pool design?


The quality of your materials can easily dictate the life of your swimming pool or spa. Although vinyl is often the cheapest option, it also is the least durable, so it will need to be replaced more frequently. Concrete and fiberglass swimming pool designs are popular, sturdy options, while metal above ground units last longer than plastic ones. To liven up blah concrete or fiberglass, consider adding a colorful mosaic tile border or an interesting stone water feature. Some of the best pool ideas incorporate seamlessly into the landscape design by using natural-looking materials, or by using an infinity edge. Regardless of what you do, the short-term costs shouldn't be your only consideration; consider long-term maintenance and repair costs as well, like replacing broken tiles or fixing leaks and cracks.

What swimming pool extras and accessories can I add?


There are plenty of swimming pool ideas that will help magnify their fun factor. Install a diving board, slide or small waterfall to make swimming more enjoyable, and add floats, toys and loungers for ultimate relaxation. A cabana can help with entertaining during parties, while an outdoor shower and changing station come in handy once you're ready to head indoors. Adding ample seating and sun protection, like chaise lounges and umbrellas, will ensure everyone can enjoy the pool, even if they aren’t in it. Browse pictures of pools to see how others have enhanced their setups, then incorporate your favorite ideas into your own new build or remodel.