Summer, we miss your balmy nights, ice cream delights, and endless light. But most of all, we miss the lounging by the pool. So we rounded up forty striking swimming pool designs to help inspire the summer days ahead. From a Tuscan-style retreat to a rustic farmhouse swimming pool and even an indoor lap pool, these design-savvy pools will make you want to dive right in and float the day away. So take a mental vacation and jot down some style notes from these striking swimming pool design ideas.
If you’re only planning on using your pool for exercising, stick to a rectangular shape. Long and linear is the name of the game and this shape works well in the backyard too because you’ll have more pool cover options with the classic shape.
Design a pathway that visually draws the eye to the pool and also provides a clear way for people to approach it. Here, Janice Parker Design opted for an offset stacked bond pattern.
Here, Studio Robert McKinley used different materials to distinguish the separate hangout spots and to optimize their distinct functional purposes. The concrete flooring under the fire pit sitting area is durable, low-maintenance, and affordable while the lawn functions as a nice segue to the pool, where wood decking, though pricier, make pool maintenance much easier.
Baja shelves are the perfect pool addition for lounging in the shallow end without having to fully submerge in the water. They’re basically just a super-sized version of a top step, where you can dip in and out or relax on loungers.
Whether you opt for a minimalist fence like landscape architect Edmund Hollander did here or go for something a little more classic, such as a stone wall, fencing in your pool area will provide extra privacy and safety.
Whether you’re starting a project from the ground up or you’re renovating your existing swimming pool, make sure the design is consistent with the style of your home’s architecture so that everything flows and works together. On this property designed by Nicole Hollis Studio, the modern, dark pool tiles and clean lines reflect the open-air structure beyond.
This in-ground swimming pool is sleek and clean in its design. The standout feature is the built-in island, which breaks up the simple shape and offers a surface to rest your drink or lay out in the sunshine.
This uniquely designed pool is the perfect place for a quick dip. If your outdoor area is built into a hill and your pool needs to be below the deck, consider this your blueprint. Round pools are a great way to deviate from the standard rectangular look and we love how the patio above reflects the circular motif.
With a light stone tile border and gravel walkway, this pool seamlessly blends into its surrounding environment. Even the shutters on the château in the distance pick up on the light blue water. To create a pool area that feels straight out of the French countryside, take notes from this lovely swimming pool.
Barn doors open onto the patio from the pool house at the pool of our farmhouse-filled dreams. We love the how the pool leads our eyes straight to into the charming space. Now if only we actually a farmhouse.
The minimalist deck and sleek infinity pool design set the scene and allow our eyes to focus on the gorgeous, expansive vineyard view ahead. Opt for this kind of design if you’re drawn to the visual illusion of a never-ending edge.
The Bondi Baths at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia are a world famous landmark for a reason—they’re about as striking as a pool can get. The dramatic seascape is gorgeous enough on its own, but the lap pool that directly transitions into the ocean is enough to make us pack up and move down under. While it might be difficult to replicate the seaside spot completely, the graphic black and white color scheme alone is worth copying.
Hello, indoor pool of our dreams. With white painted wood panelling on the walls, a brushed cement floor, stone accents, and lantern installations as lighting and artwork, this basement swimming pool space is bursting with style. The kidney bean shape is also a nod to architect Thomas Church’s midcentury masterpiece.
Turn your pool into Tuscan retreat with burnt orange umbrellas, cypress trees, and terra cotta tiles and planters. Instead of a full roof over the patio, add a pergola to create a nice geometric look while also letting the sun dapple through. And then go pour yourself a glass of red wine.
You don’t need a lot of landscaping to make your pool look impressive. A few Italian cypresses can transform a plain pool area into a relaxing retreat.
If you have a smaller space but are set on building a show-stopping pool, you can still pack a lot of punch with colorful tiles. The green hues in this in-ground swimming pool mimic the courtyard’s lush greenery, while the floor cushions provide a spot to lounge.
Gas lanterns on the double porch add a Bahamian vibe to this pool. We love how the pastel blue hue of the house is picked up in the bolster cushions on the lounge chairs. Now we’re dreaming of the Caribbean!
This indoor to outdoor swimming pool is about as unique as it gets. Architecturally striking, this pool also offers up some practical perks. Now you can swim from indoors or outdoors depending on your mood or the season. the glass wall helps ease the transition.
Instead of a traditional rectangular swimming pool, build yours around the landscaping design.If you want space for palm trees and other lush plants or even just an adjacent fire pit, take that into consideration when settling on a design. The shift in shape also signifies the start of deeper water, so it’s a great way to keep kids in the shallow end.
Why have one infinity pool when you can have several levels of infinity pools stacked together? The raised design can also be a good way to separate a Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Even better if it’s overlooking the ocean.
Make a splash with a bold tiles in your pool, then balance things out with a clean-lined, classic rectangular pool design. If red isn’t your color of choice, try something unexpected but softer, such as Millennial pink.
If you have a lot of foliage or tree cover in your backyard, build your pool and hot tub around it to create some natural shade. It looks thoroughly enchanting.
An all-white sitting area off to the side is a sleek background for a pool party. A raffia roof hanging over the deck makes it feel nice and private.
We would gladly do laps in this pool all day, every day. And if you love the angular look of a rectangular pool but want something a bit more offbeat, consider something geometric like this one.
Get creative with your poolside umbrellas. Instead of the classic route, opt for a vertical round sunshades like these. And no matter where you live, you can make your yard feel like paradise with sky-piercing palm tress. Keep the coconut cocktails coming.
To create easy water access without having to walk on the grass, add an arrangement of stone pavers. They’re functional, and they have a nice grid-like aesthetic.
Instead of a traditional pool house, take note from this large bird’s nest–like structure. It gives the pool area an otherworldly appeal and blends into the surroundings beautifully.
A sleek, modern swimming pool will age with the house as your kids grow up. But while they’re still young, build a water slide and play house structure. It’s the ultimate backdrop for making summer memories.
Al fresco dining, upgraded. The stepping stones make it easy to access when you’re not swimming. If you entertain a lot, this unique design is sure to impress guests.
Chose a darker stone tile in your pool area for a moodier environment. Opt for daybeds and cabanas instead of basic lounge chairs to make it feel like a swanky pool club.
