Do you ever look out at your backyard and dream about what could be if you just had a little more space? Many homeowners love their homes but think they simply don’t have the physical real estate to create a lavish outdoor living area, let alone a full-blown swimming pool.
Have you ever tried thinking outside the rectangle? There’s almost always a way to put a pool in a backyard; sometimes, you just have to get creative. Here are some examples of homeowners not letting the confines of their smaller spaces get in the way of their dreams of pool ownership.
Less Is More for a Small Backyard Pool
Minimalism is more than just a modern design trend — it’s a way of life that helps people make room for more with less. Minimalistic new small backyard pool designs look fantastic in any size yard, but they’re almost required in smaller backyard spaces.
The goal should be straightforward simplicity: think natural tones, draw clean lines, and choose every element with clear intent. If you’re going small, then you want to complement that with a more streamlined design. Adding too much detail can overwhelm the layout and actually make your backyard feel even smaller.
Rethink the Shape
Traditional rectangular pools are fantastic for many reasons. Still, that doesn’t mean freeform layouts or new pool designs don’t have their place — and that’s often in the small backyard. Design something that follows the natural shape of your backyard to have it blend in with the landscape.
Going with a custom shape also offers flexibility to consider other elements of your backyard, like a lounge area or garden; it will help you work with what you have rather than against it. Efficiency is the name of the game with smaller backyards, so sculpt a shape that makes sense instead of trying to make a different design fit.
Go Along the Straight and Narrow
Many homeowners wouldn’t dare build a pool in their long and narrow side yard. But why not? Long and narrow pools are actually an excellent compromise and can look fantastic with the right design touches. However, this approach is more for pool owners who plan to use their pool for actual swimming. It’s much harder (but not impossible) to turn a narrow pool into the ultimate party spot.
Take the Plunge with a Small Pool
If you’re operating with limited space and you care more about relaxing rather than doing laps, consider a plunge pool instead. These are smaller pools you can use to take a quick dip to escape the summer heat or lounge around with friends and family.
These pools often have the same depth across the length of the pool. Their small size and consistent build make them an affordable option if you’re working with a small space and budget. You might also want a plunge pool if you prefer the square or rectangular shape.
Consider the Classic Cocktail Designs
Cocktail pools are similar to plunge pools but are designed more as a shallow area to relax and socialize in. They’re also usually not very large and can even feature seating in the pool itself.
These pools are fantastic in smaller backyards because intimacy and coziness are built into the design. Homeowners who want to primarily entertain in their smaller backyard spaces should consider the cocktail pool as the perfect place for a big (or appropriately-sized) party.
Sink Into the Comfort of the “Spool”
No need to decide between a hot tub and a pool — just get a spool instead. A spool is a combination of a spa and a swimming pool. These are ideal for small spaces because you get the best of both worlds. They are versatile pools that often have jets for hydrotherapy and are just as customizable as your traditional pool. They’re also more cost-effective, since you won’t have to install a pool and a hot tub.
Plunge, cocktail, and spool-style pools are all similar in that they’re smaller pools. But it’s important to note that plunge pools are usually deep, cocktail pools are usually shallow, and spools operate as both spas and pools.
Help the Small Backyards “Feel” Bigger
Fitting a new pool design in a small backyard isn’t the only problem. Part of the issue is making the space feel bigger than it is, or making the pool seem like it belongs there. Fortunately, there are many ways to accomplish this.
The first would be choosing materials that help the space feel bigger. Anything that can reflect sunlight or brighten your outdoor area is a fantastic choice. Lighter colors are generally better for creating a more spacious feel. You can even use clever lighting and other landscaping features to your advantage.
Full Customization in Small Pool Designs
Many homeowners assume custom pools are best for those who have space to play with. But it’s arguably even smarter for those with smaller backyards to hire a design team. This ensures that no inch of the space will go underutilized or overlooked.
Custom designs also provide much more flexibility than pre-built concepts. Suppose that you have an existing patio that you don’t want to touch, yet you still want to install a new pool. You’ve been holding off because you haven’t seen a design that would fit in the space without ripping the patio out. But with custom pool designs, that’s a non-issue; you create the design from scratch to suit your needs, including the amount of space you have to work with.
Blend the Design With the Environment
Natural elements don’t just look great. They’ll also help your pool look more at home with the rest of the space. You can achieve the natural look with lots of foliage, rocks, and even water features.
This is more of a maximalist approach, but it can still work if you place things strategically. It’s all about finding balance and harmony without overwhelming the space. Still, the good thing about greenery is that it’s hard to overdo it.
Creative New Pool Design Is What We Do — Any Space, Any Budget
You can dream big and get a creative pool in small backyards — the Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf team will make sure of it. Contact our design team today to learn more about what we can accomplish and get an estimate for your large or small pool project. We believe our expertise and design philosophy can make any ideas become a reality!