You might think a small outdoor space means you can't have a pool, but that simply isn't true. Your yard can absolutely accommodate a refreshing water feature and a private spot to unwind. Here are 26 practical designs to help you make the most of your square footage.
Integrated Water Features Add Soothing Sounds To Your Pool
For a multi-sensory experience, integrate a waterfall or bubbling jets directly into your pool. Built-in spouts along the pool's edge maintain a continuous flow of water. You'll hear gentle sounds, and the cascading water adds movement, especially in a small pool area.
Soften Paths with Stepping Stones and Groundcover
Along a path, large, flat stepping stones can be interspersed with low-growing groundcover. Dense greenery then spills over the stones.
Raised Spa Creates a Cascading Water Feature
Incorporating a raised spa allows water to flow into a longer, narrower pool, establishing a multi-level water experience. Stacked stone tiles clad the upper spa, which spills water into the main pool and adds a gentle sound.
Achieve a Clean Look with a Recessed Skimmer Box
If you want a streamlined appearance for your pool's edge, consider a sleek, recessed skimmer box. This integrates the filtration component directly into the coping.
Enjoy a Refreshing Soak with In-Pool Bar Stools
Submerged bar stools built directly into the pool design provide a unique spot to relax with a drink, allowing you to stay cool while entertaining in the water.
Two Cascading Waterfalls Add a Soothing Sound
If you want a calming sound in your pool, incorporate two elegant waterfalls. Sleek, rectangular spouts mount on a dark tiled wall, sending a gentle flow into the water.
Lounge in Style with an Integrated Sun Shelf
When you want to lounge in the water without fully submerging, an integrated sun shelf offers a shallow spot. This area inside the pool doubles as a tanning ledge.
Combine Pool Steps with a Tanning Ledge
Integrated steps inside your pool can create a shallow area that doubles as a tanning ledge, offering a comfortable spot to relax just below the water's surface. It's ideal for lounging.
Compact Pool With Integrated Waterfall and Built-In Seating
In your small pool, a waterfall feature flows directly into the water from a dark, textured wall. This wall sits against light coping, and integrated seating lines the edge.
Stone Fire Pit Adds Ambiance Next To Your Pool
Incorporate a stone fire pit into your outdoor space for a gathering spot. This built-in feature uses stacked stone. It's topped with a flat surface, sitting beside the pool.
Wooden Decking Creates a Natural Transition Around Your Pool
Wooden decking can border your pool, offering a warm surface. Its light wood tones sit against the surrounding concrete and pool water. This material forms a smooth transition from your patio or yard right to the water's edge.
Extend Poolside Evenings with Outdoor Heaters
You can extend poolside evenings with tall, pyramid-shaped patio heaters. They cast a cozy glow.
Wooden Shingles Add Natural Texture To Your Pool Surround
If you want a warm, natural element, clad your pool's exterior with wooden shingles. The overlapping cedar shakes provide texture against the water and surrounding greenery.
Pergola With Integrated Dining Area Creates A Shaded Outdoor Room
Incorporate a pergola with a built-in dining area to create an outdoor living space. This structure provides shade for your table and chairs. It works well for enjoying meals or relaxing on sunny days.
Achieve a Modern Look with a Circular Pool and Decking
A circular pool surrounded by light-colored stone decking offers a sleek transition from the water's edge directly into your patio area.
Define Your Square Pool with Light Stone Coping
Around the water, a square pool features a clean border defined by light-colored stone coping. Its interior is finished with small, mosaic-style tiles.
Incorporate Stone Planters for a Grounded Feel
If that spot feels bare, large, rough-hewn stone planters can house your poolside greenery. These soften the pool's clean lines with their varied textures and shapes.
Circular Hot Tub With Dark Wood Cladding for a Modern Look
A circular hot tub can be clad in dark wood. The natural texture complements modern architecture.
Soften Yard Lines with Curved Pool Edges
Smooth, curved concrete coping can be incorporated with rounded pool edges. This integrates the pool with surrounding plantings and paving.
Lounge in Shallow Water with a Sun Shelf
A built-in sun shelf is a shallow ledge inside the pool for lounging.
Arched Window Feature Adds Architectural Interest Above Your Pool
Above the pool, an arched window feature can sit on the brick wall. This black metal archway breaks up the solid surface.
Integrated Steps Create a Shallow Entry and Lounge Area
You can incorporate integrated steps into your pool design. The result is a shallow entry.
Floating Spheres Add Whimsical Pool Lighting
On the water's surface, large illuminated spheres can float in your pool. They emit a soft glow, especially in the evening.
Woven Lounge Set Creates Cozy Conversation Area
When you're setting up an intimate seating area on your patio, pull together woven chairs and a round coffee table. Plush cushions and throw pillows will add comfort.
Mirror Your Pool Shape with Curved Decking
Extend your pool area with a curved wooden deck that mirrors the pool's shape. This maximizes usable space and creates a clean edge from the water to your outdoor living area. The curve ensures a natural flow.
