Swimming pools are an integral part of Australian backyards and our penchant for outdoor living. But, what if you have a small yard? After all, block sizes are getting increasingly smaller.
Luckily, getting a bit creative with your pool and landscape design means you don’t have to miss out on a swimming pool.
It’s not just about the size and shape of a pool when making the most of a small space. A lot of it comes down to the surrounding landscaping and some of the more individual choices in pool design.
We’re here to share some creative ideas with you.
Image Credit: mattweibo
Plunge pool
A plunge pool is perfect for small backyards and even courtyards. It is small in diameter, but still deep enough to immerse yourself for utter relaxation. You may not be able to swim laps, but you can certainly cool off in the comfort of your backyard. Even better, turn your plunge pool into a multi-purpose facility by making it double as a spa. You can still experience the same enjoyment in the cooler weather too – a worthwhile investment, we think!
Lap pool
You can still have all the benefits of a larger pool in a narrow lap pool. Lap pools are perfect for side yards and are best run parallel to your house or fence to make the most of the space. It means the pool is still functional if you swim for exercise and it looks very modern too.
Infinity pool
The infinity pool lends itself well to small spaces, particularly if you have a sloped yard and a view to gaze at. The angle of the pool and its vanishing edge allows it to blend visually into the sky, creating an illusion that it extends further than it does.
Freeform pool
If you aren’t lucky enough to have a compact backyard in a geometric shape, that doesn’t mean you are restricted. An oddly-shaped small yard can easily handle a pool in a more organic, curved shape to get the most out of the space. Just make sure you consider the proportion of the pool to the outdoor space.
The pool as a landscaping feature
Don’t try to hide the pool away. Instead, make it a key feature of your backyard design. Think about the entire exterior aesthetic and complement the pool with decking, sandstone and grassy areas. Don’t clutter the space by overdoing it on garden beds, as these close space inwards. Open areas, geometric shapes and clean lines are key to enhancing a small area, making it very functional but aesthetically pleasing too.
Pool fencing
Give your backyard a more expansive look by installing frameless glass pool fencing. It doesn’t divide the area as aluminium pool fencing does and it means you have an unobstructed view of your beautiful pool.
Pool tiles and edging
Pool tile trends tend to go from one extreme to the other, being very light or very dark. While dark tiles make a bold statement, using white or light blue tiles is usually a better choice for small pools. This is because white reflects the light, lending a brightness to the water and creating an illusion that the pool is larger. The pool will also be more easily visible at night.
Don’t lose space by having raised pool edging. Wet edges provide a more natural transition from the pool to the surrounding area and an altogether sleeker look.
Having a small backyard doesn’t mean you must sacrifice the function and appearance of your home. Just remember to maintain a balance of scale in your landscape design and keep a focus on clean lines. Aiming for quality, rather than quantity is key to making a small space beautiful.
