12 Backyard Swimming Pool Design Ideas

12 Backyard Swimming Pool Design Ideas

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on June 14, 2021
Updated on March 21, 2025

“This life is like a swimming pool. You dive into the water, but you can’t see how deep it is.” – Dennis Rodman

You’ve always wanted a swimming pool in your backyard. Now that you own your own home, you can finally have one. The first step is to decide what type and size of pool you can build. Consider the aesthetic of your home and budget when deciding on what kind of pool you will build.

These backyard pool ideas will get you inspired and start you down the path of becoming a proud pool owner.

1. Above Ground Pool for Small Backyards

Look at above ground pool ideas if you want to add a small but functional backyard swimming pool to your home. They work great in both large and small backyards. You could even build a pool deck around the pool to make it easier to get in and out of it.

Cozy backyard retreat with a stock tank pool, wooden deck seating, soft cushions, and a sunshade for a relaxing outdoor escape — Source: @carly_priestley via Instagram

Cozy backyard deck with a stock tank pool, warm string lights, wooden privacy fence, and lounge chairs for a relaxing night retreat — Source: @cathydeloach via Instagram

Stock tank pool with wooden steps, cozy cushions, a red patio umbrella, and potted flowers, creating a stylish backyard oasis — Source: @fitforasuitcase via Instagram

A wooden deck with a small round pool, unicorn float, striped cushions, white loungers, and a large umbrella by a white cottage — Source: @harvey_house_austin via Instagram

Backyard at night with string lights, an above-ground pool on a raised wooden deck, and two cushioned chairs with pillows — Source: @jgehri via Instagram

Round above-ground pool with a wooden deck and ladder, surrounded by greenery, inflatable float in the water — Source: @lakyduca via Instagram

The majority of above ground pools aren’t very attractive to look at. This can take away from the look of your backyard. Build a wall around the pool out of stone or wood. This will hide the pool and give your design a custom look.

2. Building a Durable and Safe Pool Area

Building your own pool is not an easy task. You’ll likely need permits and a lot of know-how to ensure you build an outdoor space that’s safe and long-lasting. The last thing you want is for your pool area to start caving in on itself.

A small, round wooden pool with clear water, surrounded by a deck with seating, cushions, and plants in a lush garden setting — Source: @blossomsbyjilliann via Instagram

A small backyard pool with turquoise chairs on a wooden deck, surrounded by plants and featuring a pink flamingo float in the pool — Source: @discoveringgtx via Instagram

Backyard with a small makeshift pool, surrounded by chairs, plants, and decorated with stickers on a sunny day — Source: @gizellefer via Instagram

Outdoor setup with a round pool on a wooden deck, surrounded by string lights and seating, steps lead up to the deck — Source: @kaimke via Instagram

A small backyard pool setup with flamingo decorations, wooden deck, and potted plants next to a wooden fence — Source: @notaskinnyveganswife via Instagram

Chic outdoor space with a small pool, potted plants, stepping stones, and a fringed umbrella on a pebble-covered area — Source: @stayathomewithchelsea via Instagram

Backyard with an above-ground pool, two lounge chairs on sand, and a wooden fence. Trees and potted plants in the background — Source: @casadegitano via Instagram

One simple solution is to use a prefab pool. These are shells that you drop into a hole in the ground. You could also buy a shipping container and sink that into a hole in the ground.

If you don’t want to or can’t dig, then leave it above ground. You could build a deck and pergola for an entire outdoor living space.

3. Cost-Effective Swimming Pool Options for Every Budget

Building a swimming pool is not a cheap endeavor. Even a small pool will cost a few thousand dollars. If you have a tight budget, then consider building an above ground swimming pool. These small backyard pools are more affordable to build than in-ground ones.

A round, above-ground pool with a wooden exterior on a wooden deck, surrounded by construction supplies in a backyard setting — Source: @bearded_ginger14 via Instagram

Backyard with a doghouse, large umbrella, metal pool, and a fire pit on a gravel surface, surrounded by a wood fence — Source: @fallons.homestead via Instagram

Pools made with a vinyl liner are the most affordable option if you want an in-ground pool. These are premade pool forms that get dropped into a hole in the ground.

There are also kits that you can buy that come with everything you need to build your pool. If you plan to hire a contractor, do it during the fall when demand is low, and you’re likely to get a better deal.

4. Luxury Backyard Pools Featuring Lap and Infinity Designs

Nothing says luxury like a pool that has a single use. Lap pools are long and skinny pools that are built for the sole purpose of swimming laps. If you want your backyard to say luxury, build your swimming pool, and then build a separate narrow pool.

Outdoor swimming pool with four white lounge chairs and umbrellas by a stone wall, overlooking a grassy field and trees — Source: @cedarcreeklandscapes via Instagram

Rectangular outdoor pool with clear blue water, surrounded by a tiled patio. Nearby are chairs and a table under a covered area — Source: @pultefiddlerscreek via Instagram

Backyard with a white house, swimming pool, and cushioned seating under an umbrella, bordered by a white fence and plants — Source: @sourceonlinephotography via Instagram

Infinity pools are also a luxury design. These are typically custom-built pools. They will look like they go on forever. For some, it’s just one side of the pool that looks like it goes on forever.

For others, it’s a simple overflow design that allows the water to pour over the edge. The water is then collected in a hidden drain and circulated back into the pool. Complete your luxury pool area with an outdoor kitchen for an outdoor living space.

5. Modern Minimalist Pool Designs with Innovative Features

Minimalist pools are simple and refined in their styling. They feature crisp 90-degree angles and long lines. Typically, they are rectangular pools.

Your modern pool design could have a raised edge that you step over to get into the pool. Or it could have several entrance points along multiple sides where the steps extend the length of the pool.

Modern backyard with a pool, stylish white loungers, a wooden deck, and a small contemporary building under a large tree — Source: @aquaspapools via Instagram

Backyard pool with wooden pergola, surrounded by greenery, lounge chairs, a dining set, and clear skies add to the relaxing atmosphere — Source: @cobrire via Instagram

Modern backyard with a glass-enclosed pool, landscaped garden, and a seating area near a house at dusk — Source: @franklin_ld via Instagram

Tropical backyard with a pool, two turquoise lounge chairs, palm trees, and a white house in the background — Source: @craigreynolds.design via Instagram

Backyard scene with a clear swimming pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, potted plants, and a white pool house decorated with string lights — Source: @great_expectations_interiors via Instagram

Backyard with a curvy pool, stone patio, wooden pool house, lounge chairs, and surrounding trees and greenery — Source: @mapleridgelandscapes via Instagram

Luxurious backyard with a sleek in-ground pool, stylish paver walkway, cozy fire pit, lounge chairs, and lush landscaping for a resort feel — Source: @mvklandscapedesign via Instagram

Modern backyard with a clear blue pool and hot tub, glass fencing, wooden privacy fence, tall palms, and lush greenery — Source: @terraformlandscaping via Instagram

Add innovative features to your modern pool. You could install accent lighting in the pool so that it glows at night. Or your pool could wrap around a sunken sitting area with a fire pit. If you love to sunbathe, build a platform that sits just under the water with ergonomically shaped chaise loungers.

6. Plunge

If you don’t have a lot of space, then build a plunge pool. These are round pools that are meant for lounging and wading. You can relax in the water and cool off on a hot day.

They aren’t deep or big enough for swimming. If you plan to have several people over to use your pool, you’ll want something bigger.

A cozy backyard pool area at dusk with lounge chairs, a small garden, and soft lighting creating a relaxing atmosphere — Source: @ladylandscape via Instagram

Small rectangular pool with surrounding plants, wooden deck, and privacy fence on a sunny day with blue sky and light clouds — Source: @plungie.australia via Instagram

Rural lodge with a small infinity pool overlooking a lush green landscape, next to a stone patio with towels and a lounger — Source: @travelgoddessclub via Instagram

The most significant advantage of plunge pools is that they don’t require a lot of water. They are also easier to build and maintain. This is an ideal style of pool to build if you plan on building your pool yourself or have a limited budget.

7. Rustic Pool Blending with Natural Landscapes

Rustic pool design ideas will make your pool look like it’s a part of the landscape. Your inground pool design will use large, naturally shaped stones around the perimeter and in the pool.

The shapes and sizes of the rocks should be random. The result is that your pool looks like a small pond or lake nestled into the stones as a natural formation.

Wooden deck surrounds a small above-ground pool with blue water, steps lead up to the pool framed by green shrubs and decorative lights — Source: @chris.life83 via Instagram

Backyard setup with a gazebo, dining table, small pool with inflatable donut and flamingos, surrounded by greenery and a swing — Source: @vanhaa_valkoista via Instagram

Do not opt for rustic in the literal sense. This is not the time for using reclaimed materials or shortcuts. Instead, you only want your pool to have a rustic or cabin aesthetic. This will ensure its durability and longevity.

8. Compact Pool Options for Small Spaces

You don’t need a huge sprawling backyard to have a pool. One option is to bring the pool inside. An indoor pool can give you more control over its temperature and enable you to use it throughout the year. A hot tub isn’t quite as big as a pool but makes a perfect alternative.

Outdoor pool with blue mosaic tiles, surrounded by a patio with chairs and plants, adjacent to a building — Source: @blumenthaldesigns via Instagram

A small rectangular pool with clear glass fencing, surrounded by wooden decking and tropical plants — Source: @paparo_group via Instagram

A round elevated swimming pool with a stone base, surrounded by green grass and a brick wall in the background — Source: @ss_architectural_projects via Instagram

Some small backyard pool ideas turn a small swimming area into a luxurious escape. For example, they could have an infinity edge, waterfalls, a swim-up bar, or a wading area. Then to complete the look, there is meticulously kept landscaping around the small swimming pool.

9. Stone Elements in Backyard Pool Designs for Natural Elegance

There are two ways you can use stones in the building of your backyard pool design. The first is to use natural rocks around the outside of the pool.

Pile them up higher in some places for a natural look to your pool landscaping. Your pool will look as though it blends into the surrounding natural terrain.

Elegant backyard pool with blue mosaic tiles, stone accents, and lounge chairs, creating a stylish and relaxing outdoor retreat — Source: @bazeni_wellness_radic via Instagram

Sunny backyard with a pool, hot tub, and striped lounge chair, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence on a bright, clear day — Source: @pebblepluspoolfinish via Instagram

Stone-bordered pool with waterfall feature, surrounded by lush green trees and a rustic stone patio — Source: @sundeksa via Instagram

Backyard with a clear blue swimming pool, surrounded by stone and wooden decking, lush green bushes, and trees on a sunny day

The second option is to use stone as the decking around your inground swimming pool. Choose natural stone tiles that are slightly textured on their face. This creates a natural but refined look. The perfectly carved stones fit together for a polished finish.

10. Tropical Resort-Style Pool Design for a Backyard Oasis

What could be better than relaxing by the pool in your own backyard oasis? The first step is having a freeform-shaped pool that mimics the pools at resorts in tropical destinations.

Then build a wooden deck around the pool. It could be smaller on some sides and larger on others. Arrange chaise lounges around the pool to give people a place to relax and soak up the sun.

Tropical garden surrounding a blue swimming pool, filled with lush green plants and colorful foliage — Source: @houseplantsquad via Instagram

Modern backyard pool with sleek stone walls, lush greenery, and open-concept lounge space, creating a serene tropical retreat — Source: @modernpoolcool via Instagram

A small rectangular pool surrounded by lush tropical plants under a clear blue sky — Source: @urbanjunglegarden via Instagram

A small pool with turquoise water is surrounded by lush greenery and lounge chairs, while a stone elephant statue sits near the edge

The final piece in the tropical puzzle is landscaping. You need plenty of lush green plants to surround your new pool. The greenery will create natural privacy, be a sound barrier, and make your pool feel more tropical.

11. Unique Backyard Pool Ideas for a Distinctive Home

Give your backyard pool a custom look and make your home stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

The first and most obvious option is to have a custom-designed freeform pool. This is a pool that is a randomized shape that fits the shape of your property. This is a smart option if your property has a unique shape, slope, or other topography.

Covered patio with a pool and hot tub, surrounded by lounge chairs and outdoor furniture, under a screened enclosure — Source: @angelaherreradesign via Instagram

A modern outdoor pool with a curved edge, surrounded by lush greenery and a contemporary house with a patio and seating area — Source: @michaelnantz via Instagram

Backyard pool with a waterfall, hot tub, and wooden pergola surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky — Source: @michaelnantz via Instagram

Other unique ideas center around how you intend to use your pool.

For example, a swim spa is a resistance swimming pool that is above ground. It creates a current that pushes against you so that you can swim in place. This gives you a place to swim and get physical exercise without requiring you to build a full-length lap pool.

Another option is a cocktail pool. These are small pools with shallow and flat depths. This makes them perfect for wading and entertaining.

12. Enhancing Pool Designs with Waterfalls for Upscale Appeal

Take your swimming pool design up a notch by adding a waterfall to it. This not only adds to the overall aesthetic but can also help keep your pool water cleaner by increasing circulation. This swimming pool idea can turn a plain pool into one that looks upscale and custom.

A backyard pool with a waterfall feature, an inflatable tube, and a gray shed with double doors surrounded by trees and plants — Source: @summerwood_products via Instagram

You could have the waterfall built into your new outdoor pool. If you already have a pool, then add onto it with a waterfall. For a natural feel, use natural stones that are stacked into a pile. If your pool looks more modern, then you could build your fountain out of poured concrete.

Read also: Pool House Ideas & Designs with Pictures

How much does it cost to build a pool in your backyard?

The average cost to build a pool is about $22,000. However, you could spend as little as $10,000 or as much as $50,000. Above ground pools are more affordable than inground pools. The cost of your backyard pool will depend on the type, size, and complexity of the pool you want.

Are backyard pools worth it?

A pool in your backyard can increase the value of your home. It can also increase the enjoyment of your home and your quality of life. While you may not get your total financial investment back, adding a pool to your home can be worth it.

Is it expensive to maintain a pool?

The cost of maintaining your pool can vary between $50 and $200 a month. The cost will depend on where in the country you live, the size of your pool, and what you need done. Maintenance costs include cleaning, repairs, electricity, water, and maintenance.