Big Ideas for 25 Small Pool Designs (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

• 01 of 25

  Add Patterned Tile

  

  Complement a contemporary backyard with a modern pool design. This compact rectangular shaped pool has a built-in spa for a sleek look. A tiled border complements the crisp hue of the water.

• 02 of 25

  Try a Small Townhouse Pool

  

  Turn a long, narrow townhouse backyard lot into a pool patio with a small pool that fills the space. Fantastic Frank mixed modern white finishes with pale wood and ancient stone walls. Drought-resistant landscaping softens the pool area with natural greenery.
  

• 03 of 25

  Add a Fire Element

  

  See Also

  How to Build Natural Swimming Pools (with Pictures) - wikiHowNatural Swimming Pools - DIY or Pro Building TipsThe Pros and Cons of Natural Swimming PoolsYes, You Need a Natural Swimming Pool This Summer

  Give a small pool a sense of drama with a fire feature. Kate Marker Interiors added a plunge pool in the courtyard of this Michigan vacation home that features a fire element that makes a statement and heats up the pool.
  

• 04 of 25

  Choose a Geometric Shape

  

  Add interest to a small above-ground pool with a hexagonal shape. Ann Living chose a hexagonal pool with matching steps for a cohesive feel.

  Continue to 5 of 25 below

• 05 of 25

  Use a Stock Tank

  

  If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider a stock tank pool. These simple, affordable designs can be placed on a raised deck and painted in a custom color that works with your decor, like this orange Palm Springs pool from Dazey Den.
  

• 06 of 25

  Try a Square Plunge Pool

  

  Save space with a small square-shaped plunge pool. Fantastic Frank added style with decorative teal pool tiles, a modern water feature, and porcelain wood-effect deck tiles in this Mediterranean-style backyard space.
  

• 07 of 25

  Add Built-In Seating

  

  Add extra seating around a small above-ground pool to make it ready for a crowd. This above-ground pool from Herzen Stimme includes a built-in backrest that matches the wood decking to create a seating area with simple floor cushions in indoor-outdoor fabric.
  

• 08 of 25

  Choose a Modern Design

  

  Modernize your small above-ground pool with a sleek design. This small above-ground courtyard pool from Fantastic Frank is rendered in concrete that matches the flooring and provides contrast with weathered walls in this Mediterranean space.
  

  Continue to 9 of 25 below

• 09 of 25

  Try a Primary Pool Patio

  

  Build a primary bedroom patio equipped with a small pool for an indoor-outdoor feel.

  This small pool from Tiffani Baumgart Interiors has an ocean-front view that gives it the allure of a five-star hotel, but this setup would work in a more modest location, too.
  

• 10 of 25

  Try an Organic Shape

  

  An organic-shaped pool shines in this backyard. When a pool is shaped in this way, it's easy to tell where the shallow area ends and the deep end begins.

• 11 of 25

  Add a Water Feature

  

  The addition of beautiful fountains make this pool feel ultra special. Kids will enjoy trying to jump up to touch the sprinklers while adults will appreciate the serenity that this decorative water feature provides.

• 12 of 25

  Go For a Lap Pool

  

  See Also

  Natural Swimming Pools: Is This Feature Right For You?

  Long and narrow is the name of the game when it comes to this swimming pool design. A lap pool like this one is the perfect complement to a modern, minimalist home.

  Continue to 13 of 25 below

• 13 of 25

  Add a Privacy Wall

  

  A tiled wall serves to provide a bit of extra privacy beside this backyard pool while also adding stylistic flair. Blue tile is a common choice for pools, as it blends so seamlessly with the water.

• 14 of 25

  Include a Spa

  

  This above-ground pool, which also contains a spa, features thin edges that make it appear to be floating above the grass. This setup goes to show that not all above ground pools are bulky in shape.
  

• 15 of 25

  Choose Teak Decking

  

  A pool like this one is perfect for swimming laps. Think about your day-to-day needs when designing a pool for your backyard—families with kids will need more space to play, while adults may enjoy a narrow lap pool like this one that allows space for a dining table on the teak deck.

• 16 of 25

  Try an All-Season Pool

  

  The brave of heart don't need warm weather to enjoy the benefits of a backyard pool.

  Kendall Wilkinson Design installed a small above-ground plunge pool outside of this snowy mountain home. Be sure to cover your pool when not in use with a quality pool cover.
  

  Continue to 17 of 25 below

• 17 of 25

  Install a Transparent Gate

  

  Many families opt to install a gate in front of their pool to prevent young ones from veering too close to the water. Here, an acrylic gate serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. The clear design allows everyone to admire the pool yet plays a major safety function.
  

• 18 of 25

  Create a Tropical Feel

  

  Just add palm trees. Plenty of lighting and some lush tropical poolside plants will help turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis. It's all in the details.
  

• 19 of 25

  Try a Kidney Shape

  

  Many small pools are kidney shaped, like this one, but this style happens to also feature a small spa. These commonly feature jets to help relieve sore muscles while staying stationary.
  

• 20 of 25

  Surround With Lawn

  

  Surrounded by grass on all sides, this geometric shaped pool appears stately and elegant.
  

  Continue to 21 of 25 below

• 21 of 25

  Include a Stone Paver Patio

  

  A small pool shines in this Ontario backyard. Measuring just 14 by 30 feet, it is petite overall yet still sizable enough for a family to enjoy. You may be surprised to find that your lot does have enough room for a pool if you think strategically about size and placement.

• 22 of 25

  Set Up a Cafe Table

  

  A chic bistro table is positioned right at the edge of this small pool, making it easy to sit nearby and enjoy a beverage before popping in for a quick dip.

• 23 of 25

  Consider Views

  

  This L-shaped pool overlooks a Minnesota lake. It is actually raised quite high above the ground, which allows for swimmers to take in majestic views of Lake Minnetonka.

• 24 of 25

  Add Steps

  

  Wade your way into this pool, which features plenty of steps to help older ones and young children get situated as they make their way into the water. Various sections allow space for the whole family to splash around.
  

  Continue to 25 of 25 below

• 25 of 25

  Landscape the Edges

  

  In this futuristic-looking small pool, lounge chairs appear to be floating on water. This setup makes it easy to simply slide off the edge of one's seat and jump into the water when the heat of the sun becomes too much.