Let These Stunning Swimming Pool Designs Inspire Your Backyard's Look

swimming pool designs
40 Swimming Pool Designs for the Ultimate OasisChad Mellon/ Lance Gerber


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

There's no denying the fun that comes along with diving into a pool. Think crystal clear water, warm weather and the company of family and friends — right in the comfort of your home. In light of the season, we're sharing beautiful swimming pool designs that can elevate your backyard or airy indoor space.

Whether you want a minimalist look or a luxurious, statement-making setup, these popular swimming pool ideas are perfect for your home. We've included pictures of elaborate styles that showcase the views of a mountainous terrain or picture-perfect palm trees. Plus, designs that showcase how you can surround your pool area with a variety of decking materials (such as pavers, bricks or stone), and create a unique escape surrounded by lush greenery.

So if you're making plans to upgrade your home, consider these swimming pool looks for a backyard refresh. Your kids and guests will thank you.

A Cozy Indoor Oasis

All-white, including round pendant lights, steal the show in this indoor pool layout by Leanne Ford Interiors.

swimming pool designs cozy oasis
Alexandra Ribar

Modern Farmhouse

This sleek swimming pool by Maestri Studio adds contrast to this home's brick exterior.

swimming pool designs farmhouse look
Jenifer McNeil Baker

R Shaped

With its unique R-shape design, this pool encompasses the beauty of nature around it.

swimming pool designs r shaped
Isabel Pavia/Getty Images

Vacation Nook

Looking for a design that embodies vacation vibes? Take a cue from this look by Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop and design an indoor swimming pool off of your backyard. There's nothing like basking in the beauty of your garden's florals while taking a dip.

swimming pool designs vacation nook
Chad Mellon

Spa-like Spring

This look features a relaxing spa-like experience, from the brick and stone elements to the surrounding trees and sky views.

swimming pool designs spa experience
Terry J/ Getty Images

The Feeling of Luxe

Joshua Smith Inc. designed this outdoor area with a luxurious aesthetic. The pool's shape and white design blends in with the refined and midcentury modern look.

swimming pool designs luxury
Lance Gerber

Water Park Fun

Installing a slide and brick waterfall only added to the natural elements surrounding this structure.

swimming pool designs water park fun
Terry J/ Getty Images

T-Shape

A classic T-shape is great for those with an artsy mind. The vertical stem in this design by David Turner Studio is smaller and lesser in width.

swimming pool designs tshape
David Turner|Studio D

Multiple Pools

This freeform look gives the impression of multiple pools in one. It has an irregular shape that perfectly complements the surrounding trees.

swimming pool designs multiple pools
Courtesy

Bar Area

While you'll usually find swim-up pool bars at resorts, this doesn't mean they have to be reserved for these spaces. They're perfect for entertaining guests at home, too.

swimming pool designs bar area
Stacy Bass

River Views

Opposite this pool area by Jessica Lagrange Interiors and Grand Tradition Homes, you'll see gorgeous views of a river that only enhances the layout.

swimming pool designs river views
Tony Soluri

Underground Plunge Pool

This underground haven is surrounded by a pebble and stone wall. Light gleams from the stairwell above, offering a beautiful reflection of the cave-like setting.

swimming pool designs plunge pool
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

A Taste of the Tropics

This eccentric pool shape and design is marked by Mediterranean influences. Bright colors and a brick outline complete the look.

swimming pool designs tropical
Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

The Classic L Shape

An L-shaped appearance divides the shallow and deep ends, while helping to fill those empty spaces around the corner of the house.

swimming pool designs l shape
Courtesy

Wooden Enclosure

This arched wooden enclosure provides the perfect cocoon, helping to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere.

swimming pool designs wooden enclosure
Mint Images/Getty Images

Crystal Blue Lagoon

Round pools are simple and free-standing, making them great additions to any small backyard.

swimming pool designs round pools
energy/Getty Images

A Rocky Landscape

The rectangular layout at the Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, is ideal for swimming laps, while offering majestic views of the Rocky Mountains and rugged terrain.

swimming pool designs rocky mountains
Al Payne

Black Bottom Pool

Black bottom pools are trendy and brilliant for retaining heat. They're also incredibly dramatic and make a moody option, whether indoors or in the backyard.

swimming pool designs black pool
poplasen/Getty Images

European Influence

Classic white pillars surround this pool, while the glass structure above paves the way for light to seep through and reflect on its surface.

swimming pool designs pillars
stevecoleimages/Getty Images

Floating Balcony Pool

Swim on the edge with a floating balcony pool that overlooks an alluring sky and landscape views.

swimming pool designs side pool
Martin Barraud

Indoor Sky Views

This indoor pool by M. Lavender Interiors was built in a dome-like structure that offers a casual and relaxed experience.

swimming pool designs indoor sky views
M. Lavender Interiors

Checkered Tile

A blend of light and dark blue hues combine for a checkered look that mimics swimming in the tropics.

swimming pool designs checkered tile
Bill Green/ eyeem

Modern In-Ground Pool

Designed by JL Design, this sleek and modern in-ground structure features clean lines and an outdoor portico for added privacy.

swimming pool designs modern in ground pool
Leslee Mitchell

Midnight Swim

This modern swimming pool is illuminated to urge the owners and guests to take a midnight swim. The pool steps allow an easy transition from the water to the deck.

swimming pool designs midnight swim
Martin Barraud/Getty Images

Infinity Pool

This villa's infinity pool overlooks the Playa Grande Beach in Costa Rica. It features a vanishing edge and a picture-perfect geographical scene.

swimming pool designs infinity pool
Wayne Eastep/Getty Images

Long and Narrow

Long and narrow backyards are ideal fits for narrow rectangular pools, as they fill out the entire shape of the space.

swimming pool designs long and narrow
Michael Spengler

Section Off Sauna

Stones and pebbles outline this circular sauna's base, while the surrounding water is meant for swimming.

swimming pool designs section off sauna
Terry J/ Getty Images

Herringbone Pattern

The waterfall and herringbone patterned deck and paving gives this pool a classic and stylish appearance.

swimming pool designs herringbone pattern
Thomas Bullock/Getty Images

A Garden Escape

This domestic garden features a swimming pool surrounded by plants and chaises. A stunning wood panel deck only adds to this enchanting garden escape.

swimming pool designs domestic garden
PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images

Kidney-Shaped Design

This holiday villa in Spain features a striking kidney-shaped pool design. This style has a naturalistic appeal, a functional design and retro charisma.

swimming pool designs free form spain villa
Justin Paget/Getty Images

Around the Corner

This pool wraps around the side of the backyard, offering more swimming space than what's seen.

Design by Phil Kean Design Group »

swimming pool designs maze design
Uneek Image

Flowers and Foliage

Shrubs were strategically placed at the corners, helping to add dimension and decoration to the surrounding green area.

Designed by Jenn Feldman Designs »

swimming pool designs flowers and foliage
Amy Bartlam

Courtyard Laps

If you think your backyard is too small to host guests or install your dream pool, don't fret. A slim lap pool gives you spaces on both sides — one for lounging and the other for standing — while leaving room for a refreshing dip in the water.

Design by Phil Kean Design Group »

swimming pool designs courtyard lap pool
Uneek Image

Swim-up Patio

Designed by Ike Kligerman Barkley, this pool's grassy deck plays up to its rural setting.

swimming pool designs swimup patio
Richard Powers

An Underrated Display

The art tree display at the rear only adds to the pool's intricate and unique construction.

Design by Phil Kean Design Group »

swimming pool designs underrated display
Uneek Image

Clean and Light

Instead of using vibrant blue waterline tiles, Jenn Feldman Designs opted for lighter shades. This allowed the pool to blend in with the home's color and clean design.

swimming pool designs clean and light
Amy Bartlam

Pool Lighting

Adding in-ground pool lighting helped Phil Kean Design Group achieve a high-end look that complements the home's interior.

swimming pool designs lights
Jeffrey A. Davis Photography

Verdant Setting

With one side for lounging and the other full of lush greenery, this layout by Ike Kligerman Barkley mirrors the beauty of a lake.

swimming pool designs verdant setting
Richard Powers

Luxurious Retreat

Take a cue from this stylish pool area and let neighboring palm trees and versatile chaises add to its visual appeal.

Design by Phil Kean Design Group »

swimming pool designs luxurious retreat
Michael Lowry Photography

Mini Waterfall

Decorating your pool with a mini waterfall, similar to this look by Phil Kean Design Group, can turn your backyard into a private retreat.

swimming pool designs
Amy Bartlam

You Might Also Like

Advertisement