Photography: Mindi Cooke
There are backyard pools, and then there are the kind that make you seriously consider cancelling every summer holiday and staying home instead. From sparking resort-style pools surrounded by palms to compact designs, infinity edges, built-in spas and Mediterranean-inspired escapes, the right pool can completely transform a space. But good pool design isn’t only about creating something beautiful to look at. The best backyard pool ideas work with the size and shape of the garden, connect naturally with outdoor entertaining areas, and provide somewhere comfortable to sit.
If you’ve got kids, it’s important to create a pool with great visibility. Being able to watch from a shaded deck, cabana, or a kitchen window is one way to ensure you always have eyes on what’s happening in the water. Then there’s the pool landscaping to think about.
Here, we’ve rounded up twenty of Home Beautiful’s most popular pool designs, which range from a mid-century-inspired oasis to an expansive family pool complete with a clever Hamptons-style cabana.
What is the most affordable type of backyard pool to install?
There’s no straightforward answer to this question. Some affordable pool types, such as vinyl liners and above ground pools are relatively cheap to install, but may equire costly repairs and maintenance down the line. One of the most popular and best value swimming pools you can install is one made from fibreglass. Fibreglass is resistant to cracks and algae growth and won’t require the same kind of upkeep as other pool types.
Does my backyard pool need a fence?
In Australia, all backyard swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence. Requirements vary from state to state, but a fence of at least 1200mm in height is a must. Gates must also be child-proof as well as self-closing and self-latching. Some states also require the display of specific CPR signage near the pool. The maximum fine for pool non-compliance in NSW is $5,500, so it’s important to get it right.
How much does it cost to build a pool in Australia?
Installing a swimming pool is a major investment, and the final cost can vary enormously depending on the type of pool, its size, site access, excavation requirements and the finishes you choose. Fibreglass pools are generally quicker to install and can offer a more affordable alternative to a custom concrete pool, while concrete gives you much greater freedom over the pool’s dimensions, depth and shape. Difficult excavation, sloping blocks, cranes, retaining walls and premium finishes can all push the budget higher. And don’t forget to budget beyond the pool itself. Fencing, paving or decking, landscaping, lighting, heating, filtration, covers and outdoor furniture all contribute to the finished pool area – and can add significantly to the overall project cost.
What’s the best pool shape for your backyard?
The best pool shape isn’t necessarily the one currently filling your Pinterest board. It’s the one that makes the most sense for your backyard.
Rectangular pools are timeless, space-efficient and particularly good for swimming laps. Their clean lines also complement contemporary and classic homes.
Curved and organic pools create a softer look and can work beautifully in lush, landscaped gardens where you want the pool to feel integrated rather than architectural.
Plunge pools are worth considering in small backyards or inner-city homes where outdoor space is at a premium.
Pools with integrated spas can make a larger pool area work harder year-round, while a spa can also create a natural visual focal point.
Before deciding, consider how people will move between the house, pool and outdoor entertaining areas. Where will you put the furniture? Can you see the pool easily from inside? Is there enough room for shade? Sometimes losing a metre of swimming space creates a dramatically better backyard overall.
Inspiring backyard swimming pool designs
01
Ivy league
A wall of Boston ivy turns this Sydney pool into a living artwork, its greenery reflected in the fully tiled water below. Part of a reimagined garden surrounding an Art Deco home, the streamlined pool was updated with bench seating, glass mosaic tiles and travertine coping. Better still, the backdrop changes with the seasons, shifting from lush emerald in summer to fiery autumn tones.
Why we love it: The pool itself is beautifully understated, allowing that spectacular ivy-clad wall – and its reflection in the water – to steal the show..
02
High life
Perched high above the Gold Coast, this penthouse pool comes with the kind of view usually reserved for five-star hotels. Curved pool edges and pale timber decking soften the space, while generous loungers make the most of sweeping views across the Broadwater and city skyline. The pool belongs to a spectacular three-level penthouse designed as a warm, layered home rather than your typical slick apartment.
Why we love it: Who needs a poolside mural when you’ve got the Gold Coast skyline? The curved pool edge and front-row loungers make the incredible outlook the hero.
03
Tropical calm
It was to the home owner’s delight that this semi-renovated, circa 1910 Queenslander came with an existing in-ground pool. Occupying prime position under the palm trees, its a calming place to spend a hot day.
Why we love it: The established palms make this pool feel like it has always belonged here, creating a lush, private oasis without over-complicating the design.
04
Queensland cool
This Queensland cottage received a complete garden makeover, with the owners installing sandstone stepping stones and travertine pavers around the pool. An idyllic outdoor seating area is also located within the pool fence to maximise space.
Why we love it: Sandstone stepping stones and travertine bring beautiful natural texture to the pool zone, while squeezing a seating area inside the fence makes clever use of every inch.
05
A hotel-sized swimming pool
The swimming pool at Adriana and Casey Stoner’s country home is not only stunning but super-sized as well. With its resort-like proportions, it offers a lovely water outlook from multiple spots within the house and the perfect alfresco spot to entertain during the summer months.
Why we love it: The sheer scale. This supersized pool turns the backyard into a private resort and gives the home a sparkling water outlook from multiple rooms.
06
Backyard beauty
This modern timber house in Tasmania features a unique infinity style pool in the backyard. A pair of low wooden sun-loungers don’t only offer a luxurious place to rest between dips but also fit in with the home’s timber design.
Why we love it: The low timber loungers echo the home’s architecture beautifully, proving poolside furniture can feel like part of the design rather than an afterthought.
07
Resort romance
Nestled between a pavilion-style pool house, gym bar and lounge area, this dreamy swimming pool is enjoyed by the whole family at this coastal holiday home. Snow pear trees grow next to the pool area, paved in aged limestone, with sun lounges from The Teak Place sourced by KWD&Co.
Why we love it: With aged limestone, established trees, loungers and a pavilion-style pool house, this is less backyard pool and more boutique resort.
08
Mediterranean bliss
Taking inspiration from Tuscan villas, the pool area of Shelley Craft’s Byron Bay home oozes calm. The limestone flooring and quartz wall bring an element of Mediterranean resort-style to the space while the built-in seat with travertine rounded finger mosaic tiles creates the perfect place to relax.
Why we love it: The limestone, quartz and curved built-in seating bring all the romance of a Mediterranean holiday home to Byron Bay.
09
Crisp neutrals
In this American barn-style build, a crisp white modular fence features as a bold backdrop to the idyllic pool area with a comfortable outdoor sofa from Freedom and a trio of three ‘Kumi’ pots from Green Image completing the space.
Why we love it: The fresh white fencing, pale furniture and oversized pots keep the palette beautifully restrained, allowing the blue of the pool to do all the talking.
10
Federation flair
The pool zone in the resort-style entertaining area of this 1930s Brisbane bungalow was upgraded with glass fencing and the surrounding travertine was extended to increase the outdoor living space. Poolside loungers are scattered with cushions to provide a comfy vantage point on the elevated quarter-acre block to enjoy sweeping views of Brisbane City and the hinterland Scenic Rim.
Why we love it: Extending the travertine around the pool created more usable outdoor living space–and plenty of places to lounge while taking in those incredible views.
11
Byron beauty
The Byron Bay hinterland drew one couple to northern NSW, with its rolling hills, village feel and generational farmers. This house in the hills was a dream come true for Ali, an interior designer originally from the UK, and Michael, a builder who together transformed a 1920s Queenslander, enhancing its size, comfort and connection to the scenic surrounds, including the new alfresco area, which overlooks rolling hills and the distant Nightcap National Park.
Why we love it: It’s all about the outlook. Positioning the pool and alfresco area towards the rolling hinterland makes the landscape part of the backyard design.
12
Garden glamour
Transformed from a concrete jungle, the pool in this tropical garden in Sydney’s east is surrounded by limestone pavers for a softer look. The same limestone was used for the stepping stones and stairs that connect with the outdoor entertaining space. A kitchen and dining area were added as part of the work, with a new timber gazebo structure providing shade and channelling the view to the pool from indoors.
Why we love it: Limestone softens the once-concrete-heavy space, while lush planting and a timber gazebo make the pool feel beautifully embedded within the garden.
13
Iron maiden
“Beautiful but not precious,” was the design-mantra behind the renovation of this Mosman home, and it extends right to the home’s outside zones, including the pool area. Here the pool has been edged with limestone pavers and encased by a gently weathered deck. But the real design feature here is the iron fence, which looks minimal and chic, and is much easier to keep clean than frameless glass panels.
Why we love it: The slim iron pool fence has all the practicality of a safety barrier without sacrificing character – and there’s no glass to endlessly polish.
14
Cool cabana
The key to a truly functional family swimming pool is creating a zone for the parents to relax and keep an eye on the kids. In this Gold Coast home, a resort-style pool house meets the brief, constructed with a Colorbond roof and semi-enclosed with plantation shutters to control the amount of sunlight that streams through. “The water is a big part of our lifestyle,” says homeowner Michelle. “Our girls are in the pool all summer.”
Why we love it: The plantation-shuttered cabana gives parents a shady, comfortable place to relax while maintaining an easy view of little swimmers.
15
Star quality
A luxurious, resort-style pool that’s fit for AFL star Buddy Franklin and wife model/author/entrepreneur Jesinta Franklin. The expansive magnesium pool is surrounded by lush greenery and even has its own swim up bar – perfect for poolside parties.
Why we love it: A magnesium pool, lush tropical planting and its very own swim-up bar? This backyard has understood the assignment.
16
Dreamy daybed
“Take me to Greece,” was the inspiration for this pool area, explains the owner of a postwar home not far from Brisbane’s CBD. An all white colour palette of Dulux Natural White sets the scene, while ‘Glamrock Crema’ tiles from Edge Tile & Stone creates a crazy paving effect. Then to complete the look, they created an arched concrete daybed and topped it with comfy cushions covered in custom upholstery.
Why we love it: The sculptural curved daybed is the star here, turning a practical pool surround into a dreamy Greek-island-inspired escape.
17
The scent of summer
You know warmer weather is on the way when fragrant star jasmine begins to bloom. A green wall – created by training jasmine vines up landscaping wire set in a diamond pattern – softens the area. “There’s a sense of slight formality with the wire work in the pool, but everything else was kept loose for joyful movement in the garden,” says landscape designer Lyndall Keating.
Why we love it: Star jasmine trained into a diamond pattern creates a living green wall that adds privacy, softness and that unmistakable scent of summer.
18
Staycation vibes
A crisp white breeze block wall hides a vegetable patch from view and gives this pool a secluded, mid-century vibe, says homeowner and interior designer, Nikki. “Being able to see the kids in the pool from the kitchen bench is something I couldn’t imagine any other way,” she says.
Why we love it: The breeze-block wall brings instant mid-century cool, but the smartest detail is being able to watch the kids in the pool straight from the kitchen.
19
Pool party
With one-hectare of land to play with, the owners of this modern farmhouse just outside of Brisbane, decided to go big with their pool. “We also thought it would be so much better for the kids when they had all their friends over,” says owner Kristy. ‘Smoked oak’ decking from Millboard surrounds the pool and flows into the poolhouse, (which actually a Mimosa ‘Burleigh’ wooden gazebo from Bunnings that the team from Front Porch Properties customised). The pool also happens to be visible from the main bedroom. “It’s such a pretty spot to enjoy a view over the pool and all our back paddocks.”
Why we love it: Designed with entertaining in mind, this generous pool, expansive decking and clever customised gazebo are made for summers filled with friends.
20
Sideline sensation
This resort-style swimming pool is the hero of the backyard in this spectacular beachside new build in Sydney. Thoughtfully landscaped for maximum outdoor pleasure on lazy summer days, there is plenty of lush green planting to surround sumptuous outdoor furniture, while the recycled blackbutt decking runs the entire length of the pool, hugging the vined pergola and taking in a spa at one end.
Why we love it: Running the blackbutt decking alongside the pool, pergola and spa connects every element into one seriously inviting outdoor entertaining zone.
