60 Pool Design Ideas For Every Backyard

Pools are a great way to cool down, not to mention get in some water-based exercise, indulge in diving practice, spend time playing with friends and family, or simply lounge in and around the water. Of course, that all depends on the kind of pool you have. While some are better for wading, others are better for deep-water activities, and not all are great for both. That's why it's important to consider a few different factors if you want to install a pool.

Along with figuring out how you would like to use your pool and, therefore, what it needs to offer you, you should also consider the size of your yard and how much the pool will cost, according to Urdesign. Beyond that, you'll want to opt for either an aboveground or inground pool, possibly put in a natural pool, and choose a pool that looks amazing, of course. With all of that in mind, check out these 60 pool design ideas for every backyard and you'll surely find inspiration for one that's just right for you and your home!

Give your pool a more natural look and liven up a backyard that may or may not have a grassy area by using large stones in the design. Place massive rocks or small boulders around the water with a few striking plants and you'll feel like you're in a desert oasis.

There's no doubt that you'll want your pool to be beautiful. You'll also surely want to give your pool a stunning backdrop that might include warm stone, radiant lighting, and impressive plant life. This can also be a fabulous way to give you some privacy if your backyard is overlooked.

Popping a wood deck next to your pool can give you an awesome spot to lounge in the sun and chill out with loved ones. You can also extend that wood deck completely around your pool to create a warmly chic and stylishly sleek backyard.

If your backyard is long but narrow, you can still install an amazing pool. Simply opt for one that lines the entire length of your property and we assure you that it will be spectacular.

If your backyard gets a lot of sunshine, then you should make sure that your pool takes advantage of that warming light. However, you might also want to add a covered patio space so that you'll always have a cool shady spot.

Even hillside backyards can have a pool. Merely create a design where your pool is perched securely and spectacularly on the side of the cliff. Not only will you gain an amazing pool, but you'll likely also be able to enjoy a sensational view from the water.

A pentagon-shaped pool is another great way to add a unique pool into a backyard of pretty much any size. Simply design a square or rectangular pool with a pointed tip and consider surrounding the entire thing with a deck that's the same sharp shape.

Sometimes you want to lounge in the sun but don't want to leave the water. Create a sitting area in your pool that's shallow enough to set chairs on, but deep enough to let you feel the water.

If there's no room in your backyard to accommodate a large installation process — or you simply don't have the time or patience to wait for a complicated pool to be put in — then you should consider a fiberglass pool. Pre-made in attractive and practical shapes, you can simply have it popped into your yard.

A hot tub doesn't have to be an afterthought when it comes to your pool design. If your backyard has the space, you might want to make a hot tub just as much of a main feature as the pool, which means that you can make sure they match to maintain cohesion. 

Having a large or long pool doesn't mean that your backyard needs to become inaccessible. You can simply use a stylish bridge to connect one section of your property to another.

If you have a backyard that's filled with trees, then you might want to make sure that your filter can handle leaves and pine needles, depending on where you live. However, trees can definitely be a bonus as they provide sweet shade in a pool that you'll certainly appreciate.

A spacious and relatively flat backyard would be perfect for a pool that boasts strong lines. Interconnect bold shapes with dynamic lines in the gaps of your pool design for an eye-catching and intriguing look.

If your backyard already has a vintage vibe or you want to achieve one, you can make your pool look historic. With just the right stonework and antique-like accents, as well as complementary lighting, your pool area will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

If your backyard could use a bold water feature to take your pool to the next level, then a large waterfall might do the trick. Coming down from an elevated area, you'll adore both the sight and sound of the impressive flow.

There's no doubt that a large waterfall that flows into your pool is lovely. At the same time, smaller ones are just as nice thanks to both the sight and the sound. A smaller option might be a better fit for your backyard, as well as more affordable and perhaps easier to maintain.

If you'd like to host parties in your backyard, there are a few things that you can add to your pool design. Think along the lines of a chic shape, impressive features like a little island and accompanying bridge, as well as glowing lights that make it look like a lively nightclub.

Metal fences are certainly a great way to keep your backyard view intact. They can also be an unexpected accent to your pool design if you use horizontal metal fencing instead of something that's vertical.

This Bavarian backyard could not be dreamier. With a pool that's just big enough to climb into and stretch out in the water, it looks bigger than it really is thanks to the area that extends under the small bridge and mimics a natural riverbed.

This minimalist pool design with pristinely groomed grass and sleek white line around the water is actually ideal for a backyard that's on the wild side. That's because it can help tone down and accentuate a naturally chaotic border around your property.

You don't need a large backyard at all to enjoy a small and shallow wading pool. With just enough depth to let you sit and soak in the cooling water, it can still be as chic and refreshing as pools many times its size.

Your first choice might be to add a pool with a light-colored liner to a backyard that boasts a bright space. However, a pool with a rich, dark blue bottom can be just as alluring.

One of the best additions to hotel pools is surely the swim-up bar. If you want your backyard to have the same kind of laid-back vibe, then you could install a home bar as part of your own pool design. Just be sure to drink and swim responsibly.

Even tiny homes with mini backyards can have a pool. This desert cottage may be small, but there's no doubt that this gorgeous little pool would be a big relief on a scorching hot day.

Pools are great for some fun but they're also ideal for getting in exercise. If you have a spacious backyard, then you might want to install a pool that's long enough to swim laps.

Add more color to a relatively bland backyard by using multicolor or multishade pool tiles. Whether you stick with classic shades of blue or go for something more rainbow-like, added color can make a space pop.

There are plenty of different kinds of fencing that can both secure and enhance your pool and your backyard. At the same time, hedges can be used in your backyard in the same way as a fence, while providing additional privacy and an added natural touch.

A boring ol' pool design won't suit a wonderfully creative backyard. Adding artistic accents and unique décor to your pool area can liven up your outdoor space in all kinds of unexpected and fabulous ways.

If you want your backyard to have the same kind of impressive vibe as a classic villa, then perhaps design your pool like a traditional estate fountain. Of course, this will be one that's meant for swimming.

When it comes to your pool design, you can always mix things up, especially if you have a backyard that would accomodate various options. Consider a pool with a stone patio and wood deck that's surrounded by a green space and accented with a brick-like rock wall.