22 Stunning In-Ground Pool Designs for Your Backyard
Brian Bare, Shepard Butler Landscape Associates
50 Swimming Pool Designs That Are Summoning Summer
From playful tiles to unique shapes, these pools will give you major backyard envy.
Lounging by the pool on a warm, sunny day never loses its allure. As summer nears, it’s crucial to start planning the perfect setup now to ensure maximum relaxation this season. Whether you’re looking to edit your current pool design or planning to install a pool for the first time, we have you covered with plenty of 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 to make your dream pool a sweet reality.
Add a Fountain Element
Lisa Romerein
Integrate a fountain element into your pool for the ultimate spa-like sound effect. Consider three simple passageways at the end of the pool, like those in the Odessa stone pool edging at this Napa Valley home by Marshall Watson Interiors and architecture firm Zimmerman Miller Montanari.
Create an Organic Atmosphere
Stephen Kent Johnson
Make your pool feel as though it’s immersed in nature by setting it in aggregate-seeded concrete decking and populating the surrounding area with a lush canopy of low-water, low-maintenance plants—as design studios Terremoto and Studio Shamshiri did at this California home. Bonus points if the plants are native to your area where possible.
Opt for Black
Douglas Friedman
Enhance the landscape even further by selecting a pool that blends in with its surrounding. “We wanted a black pool so it felt more organic with all of the mature trees around it,” designer Justin Hafen says of the pool at his Napa Valley home.
22 Stunning In-Ground Pool Designs for Your Backyard
These dreamy, in-ground pool designs will transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis.
There’s no better way to beat the heat than a dip in a refreshing swimming pool. It’s even better when that swimming pool is in your own backyard. Today’s in-ground pools go way beyond the turquoise-lined rectangular shapes that quickly began to populate backyards following WWII. With built-in waterfalls, surrounding gardens, and organic shapes, your pool can be a beautiful element to add to your backyard landscape ideas. Plus, whether your home is a traditional Tudor, a rustic farmhouse, or even a glass-wrapped modern ranch, today’s options in patio and building materials allow your pool to easily complement the architecture and style of your house. Many pool and landscape plans also incorporate different gathering areas with unique dining and seating spots, lush patio plants, and interesting lighting, helping to establish your pool as the center point of all outdoor activity—both for daytime family fun and moodier nighttime gatherings.
While many of these pool designs require a lot of space, a large yard is no longer a make-or-break requirement for a backyard pool. Thanks to flexibility in shape and size, there are many swimming pool designs and plans that are just right for small yards. And, sure, a backyard swimming pool is an investment, but don’t count it out just for fear of cost. There are lots of swimming pool design ideas for all styles and budgets. (Tip: If you’re still not quite ready to commit to an in-ground pool, you can still get in on the backyard game with a low-commitment stock-tank pool.) Once your new, beautiful pool is installed and the water is flowing, you’ll be anxious to invite over your family and friends for a summer full of festive pools parties. Don’t forget the pool floats!
Organic Setting
Brian Bare, Shepard Butler Landscape Associates
This Vermont pool features minimal pavement and an integrated fire pit, both of which serve to maintain the visual flow of the existing, grassy landscape. Meanwhile, stacked stone slabs inspire a makeshift waterfall.
Flowers and Foliage
Designed by Randy Angell for Pool Environments, Inc.
Lined by hedges and strategically-placed flowering plants, this pool feels indulgent and secluded. An elevated platform adds depth and dimension.
Garden Party
The ample entertaining space and lush, flower-filled landscaping surrounding this free-form pool would be heaven for any hostess.
A Pool With a View
This remarkable outdoor patio turns heads by taking advantage of a breathtaking view. It’s three-sided design creates the effect of an infinity pool.
All the Extras
Designed by Randy Angell for Pool Environments, Inc.
A diving board, fountain, and, yes, even a small bridge reminiscent of a castle moat make this pool feel positively royal.
Understated Elegance
A swim-up gazebo gives an unexpected twist to this otherwise traditional New Jersey swimming pool.
California Dreamin’
Interesting lighting helps this statement backyard pool transform from day to evening.
Hill Country Ranch
The back porch of this Texas ranch house is home to plenty of poolside entertaining options, including an outdoor living room, bar, and kitchen.
Natural Space
Surrounded by dense, leafy trees, the pool at this Texas home gives off a one-with-nature vibe.
Stone-and-Timber Pool House
This pool house complements its Missouri home with timber beams similar to those used inside and impressive stone finishes.
Grassy Surround
The small yard of this charming Long Island home boasts the ideal outdoor space for entertaining friends all summer long.
Repurposed Shipping Container Pool
Who knew a discarded shipping container would make for such an attractive swimming pool? Modpools is the mastermind behind these heated pools that take only minutes to set up.
Tile Accents
Sometimes, all it takes is a single upgrade—like these decorative tiles—to make your existing swimming pool look and feel brand new.
Seating For All
A northern Florida home features several different outdoor spaces for entertaining, accented by stone stairs and a plethora of other impressive architectural enhancements.
Light Effects
The designers behind this project achieved a refreshing, modern look for the entire patio simply by adding in-ground pool lighting.
Florida Escape
Courtesy of Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture/Porch.com
This inviting pool is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the back door of this idyllic warm-weather escape in Key West, Florida.
Holiday Residence by Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture
By the Water
This lake-front patio gives guests the best seat in the house.
Outdoor Oasis
A spacious pool is the jewel of this Florida home’s backyard.
Cherokee by Phil Kean Design Group
Modern Retreat
This Charlotte family branched out from a cookie-cutter neighborhood with a more customized renovation, complete with a modern pool to match.
California Classic
This California home’s uniquely shaped pool is accented with stunning, finely-manicured gardens.
LA Estate by Denise Foley Design Inc.