Backyard Pool Ideas & Inspiration

Depending on where you live, having a backyard pool might be a year-round requirement (As a born and raised Texan, I’ve gone swimming in December more than once). You can relax poolside or take a dip whenever you want, without the crowd and chaos of the community pool, and all social gatherings essentially plan themselves.

Here’s what you need to get started on planning your perfect backyard pool.

Design Ideas

We’ve all seen glamour shots of extravagant pools that look like they’re a slice of paradise right in someone’s backyard. Here are some ideas to inspire your pool design and what kind of pool would work best in your backyard space.

Head Indoors

What immediately exudes over-the-top glamour? Indoor swimming pools. There’s just something about them that keeps them at the height of luxury. If you’re in the process of designing your home or have plans for a major renovation, think about incorporating this indoor luxury. The pool above has the added benefit of extra lounge space when you want to be in the water but your friends prefer to stay out. A fridge and wine cooler means snacks are always available, and storage closets make it easy to clean up without having to track water throughout the house.

Add a Waterfall

Any natural oasis featured in a commercial or advertisement always seems to show a glistening waterfall. Our susceptible minds have taken to associating waterfalls with luxury and peace so much so that we create our own these days.

For a modern touch, go with a brick or marble wall with water running down it like the waterfall shown above; a stone waterfall brings an organic feel for those who want to experience a connection to their natural surroundings.

Build Up the Deck

Sometimes glitzing up the pool isn’t the way to go. If you’re going with a natural or rustic aesthetic, an over-the-top pool can feel out of place. Instead, use that time, energy and money to develop a deck reminiscent of what we see in resorts.

This multi-story deck increases usable space with an added patio set and allows everyone to take in the beautiful view. Wood decking and simple iron accents create a relaxing vibe while still being a fancy addition.

Use All the Space

If space is a limiting factor, use it wisely! Bigger isn’t always better (no matter what we say in Texas) — the pool above may be small, but its cohesive design with the rest of the backyard makes it a peaceful place to gather. Covering only half of the backyard with concrete and stonework highlights the natural greenery in the other half and allows additional room for other activities. This is an ideal set up for empty nesters, families with older kids who won’t want to cannonball into the pool daily, and those with a small yard.

Modernize the Space

Another way to fancy up your pool without going over-the-top is to modernize the space with a minimalist feel. The simple tiles and plain stucco awning for this pool area add a level of elegance to the serene space, which can be personalized with décor, furniture and fun touches like floating pool lights.

Make the View Work for You

The natural beauty surrounding infinity pools is easy to notice and definitely adds to the elegant feel. While not all of us live on a cliff face and so have the opportunity for an infinity pool, we can ensure our pool flows with its natural surroundings. If you want your pool area to be peaceful, choose a view you enjoy looking out over while you sunbathe, even if that’s just a beautifully landscaped backyard.

Accessories

Pool Floats and Toys

Let’s be honest: Most of us don’t care about the aesthetic of the pool so much as how many toys are available. If you want to spend your days lounging in the pool and enjoying the sunshine, get a little ostentatious with an oversized flamingo or peacock pool float or embrace your inner nerd with a Millennium Falcon.

For the littles, pick up a baby spring float or other outlandish floats so everyone can enjoy! And definitely don’t forget the drink floats, or forgo them altogether with floating wine glasses. Add an assortment of pool toys and an inflatable volleyball net for even more fun!

For the Dogs

Of course, pools aren’t always safe for everyone in the family. If you’ve got a four-legged friend who enjoys splashing around, invest in a doggie pool! Your pet can enjoy playing in their pool while you keep an eye on them. Plus, these durable pet pools are often easily folded down for easy storage.

Even if you don’t want to buy your pet their own pool, there are add-ons to your pool that can make their time poolside more enjoyable. Pup steps are a great investment, as is a float made especially for your dog so they can lounge with you. Just make sure your pets don’t have access to your pool when you’re not around!

If you’re worried about other small critters getting trapped in your pool — chipmunks, frogs and lizards, oh my! — the FrogLog Animal Saving Escape Ramp will let you rest easy knowing these smaller friends have an easy way to escape the pool if needed.

Maintenance and Cleaning

The prettiest pool can quickly become the worst if it’s not well maintained. Your pool cleaner is going to become your best friend, so definitely invest in a strong one. The Dolphin pool cleaner line is a popular one among consumers; its Wi-Fi compatibility makes it easy to control or set to a specific schedule. And don’t forget the pool net!

Having a pool is a great benefit of being a homeowner and can make day-to-day life that much more enjoyable. Ready to start designing your dream home — and pool? Head on over to NewHomeSource, and don’t forget to follow us on social media!