Having a small backyard doesn’t mean that you can’t build your own tropical paradise with all the bells and whistles, including a swimming pool.
The best pools aren’t merely judged on size. Location, function, and design are also elements that matter.
Here are a few tips for designing the perfect pool for a small backyard.
What are my tiny backyard swimming pool design options?
Splash pools:
These pools are small and shallow, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
Lap pools:
These pools are designed for swimmers who want to exercise by swimming laps. They are long and narrow, taking up minimal space.
Plunge pools:
These pools are a bit larger than splash pools but still small enough to fit in a small backyard. They are designed for relaxation and cooling off.
Spa pools:
These pools are designed for relaxation and hydrotherapy. They are small and can be installed with jets for massage.
Custom-designed pools:
If you have a specific vision for your small backyard pool, you can have a custom-designed pool created to fit your needs and preferences. A professional pool designer can work with you to create a unique pool design that complements your backyard and meets your requirements.
Other backyard pool design ideas:
There are many custom-design pool ideas that you can use for your backyard. Consider the following for inspiration for your backyard paradise.
Stepping stones across your swimming pool
Stepping stones can add a unique and playful touch to your pool design. They can create an interesting pathway across the pool while also being decorative. You can use various materials, such as natural stone, concrete, or tiles.
Go for an irregular shape
An irregularly shaped pool can give your backyard a natural, organic feel. It can also allow you to work with the existing landscape of your backyard rather than fighting against it. An irregularly shaped pool can be designed to fit into a small or narrow space while still providing enough space to swim and relax.
Add colourful pool tiles
Adding colourful tiles to your pool can make it stand out and give it a unique personality. You can choose from a variety of colours and patterns to create a custom design that reflects your personal style. Colourful tiles can create a border around the pool, add interest to the pool floor, or create a mural on the pool wall.
Build a pool house
A pool house is a great addition to any backyard pool design. It provides a convenient place to store pool equipment and accessories, as well as a changing room for swimmers. A pool house can also be designed with a sitting area or kitchenette, making it a perfect spot for entertaining guests.
Create a natural swimming pool
An eco-friendly natural pool is a great option for those who want to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and create a more natural swimming environment. Natural pools use plants and natural filtration systems to keep the water clean and clear. You can design them to fit into any size or shape of the backyard and can create a peaceful and relaxing oasis.
Consider an indoor/outdoor swimming pool:
An indoor/outdoor pool allows you to enjoy your pool year-round, regardless of the weather outside. You can design it with a retractable roof or sliding doors, allowing you to open up the space in the summer and close it in the winter. An indoor/outdoor pool can blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture, creating a beautiful and functional space.
Use lighting to create an ambience
Getting the lighting right in your backyard pool design can create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. You can use underwater LED lights to illuminate the pool, add landscape lighting around the pool area, and install accent lighting on trees and other backyard features. Proper lighting can create a stunning nighttime ambience, allowing you to enjoy your pool long after the sun goes down.
Considerations when designing a backyard pool
When building a pool in a small backyard, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Location
Choosing the right location for your pool is critical. You need to make sure there is enough room for the pool and the surrounding deck or patio. Also, consider factors such as sunlight, privacy, and proximity to your house and property lines.
First, you have to think about where the best possible location would be for the pool to be built. It should not be too close to your house or fence so that there’s room to walk around. Your swimming pool should also not take up the whole backyard.
Ensure that your swimming pool is close to a boundary to keep the central remaining space clear and open. Just be careful, as there are some important engineering considerations required when digging near a boundary.
It’s best to plan for a pool that fits your backyard without overwhelming it while placing it in such a way that the pool gets plenty of sunshine and meets the regulations related to property boundaries.
Function
Consider how you will use your pool. Will it be for exercise, relaxation, or entertainment? This will help determine the size, shape, and features of the pool.
Maybe your backyard oasis will mostly be used by adults for relaxing. You can even consider additional landscaping and built-in elements, like water benches or zero-entry designs.
Small pools can even be designed with the lap swimmer in mind. If creating a great place for your kids to swim and be entertained is a priority, a small pool can work as well as a large one. Kids can create fun in whatever amount of water your pool provides, but you can also add elements like a diving board, slide, or bubble jets to tight spaces.
Design
The design of your pool should complement your home and landscaping. Choose a style that fits your aesthetic preferences and complements the architecture of your home.
Shape and proportion will be major factors in the design of a pool for a small backyard. A great rule of thumb for any design, but especially for a design in a minimal space, is to keep it simple. While many functional and attractive elements can be crafted in a small space, a small and well-designed pool won’t include them all.
Tasteful, subtle elements can enhance your pool without overwhelming your backyard and your senses.
Material
There are different materials to choose from when building a pool, usually concrete and fibreglass. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so research each option to determine which one is best for your needs and budget.
Fibreglass vs Concrete Pool Designs
Installation:
Fibreglass pools are typically quicker and easier to install than concrete pools. They are pre-manufactured in a factory and delivered to your site in one piece, whereas concrete pools are built from scratch on-site.
Maintenance:
Both types of pools require regular maintenance, but fibreglass pools require less maintenance than concrete pools. Fibreglass pools have smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae growth and requires fewer chemicals to maintain. Concrete pools have a rougher surface that can be prone to algae growth and require more chemicals and cleaning to keep them looking clean and clear.
Durability:
Concrete pools are known for their durability and can last for decades with proper maintenance. Fibreglass pools are also durable, but they are prone to cracking and fading over time.
Design flexibility:
Concrete pools offer virtually unlimited design flexibility, allowing you to create a custom pool in any size, shape, or depth. Fibreglass pools are pre-manufactured in standard shapes and sizes, limiting your design options.
Cost:
Fibreglass pools are generally less expensive than concrete pools, both in terms of upfront costs and long-term maintenance. However, the cost can vary depending on the size, shape, and features of the pool.
The possibilities are endless
Installing a pool is a great way to create a place where your family can make memories, regardless of the size of your backyard. With the help of our professional team at SA Pools, we can create your own personal oasis that you’ve always wanted, despite limited space. Get the swimming pool of your dreams and enjoy the perks of having your personal pool only a few steps away.
If you are looking for the best swimming pool prices and services on the market, we have you covered. Chat with our team of experts and find the perfect pool for you and your family to enjoy this summer.