15 Luxury Pool Design Ideas that will Transform Your Backyard

Today’s swimming pools are not just for summertime fun. The sleek and modern designs can be used all year round to add style and function to your home.

There are many luxury pool designs, whether you’re in the market for a large pool that can accommodate a family or friends, or a small pool perfect for an intimate gathering.

Using some of the modern pool design ideas below as inspiration, you can create the perfect swimming pool for your home in no time!

Are you interested in updating the value of your home? Here are some modern pool designs that will help inspire you and design the pool of your dreams!

In this article, you’ll find backyard design inspiration to create the ultimate outdoor experience with these modern pool designs.

Types of Pools

Consider a few types of in-ground pools before you start brainstorming custom designs. Which one is the perfect pool for your home?

Infinity Edge

One popular option for modern pool design is the infinity-edge pool. This type of pool features a gradual slope leading into the water from all sides, giving it an almost infinite look.

Not only is this design sleek and stylish, but it also allows you to enjoy all of the wonderful views your backyard has to offer without having to crane your neck upwards!

Lap Pools

Also known as a fitness pool, a lap pool is a good investment if your primary purpose for owning a pool is fitness. This type of in-ground pool is specifically designed for swimming laps and is long, narrow, and rectangular. Lap pools are ideal for yards with a limited amount of space.

Freeform Pools

Freeform swimming pools may have curves or flowing lines. One of the most well-known freeform pool shapes is the kidney-shaped pool.

Popular Types of Water Features

Before shopping for a water feature for your pool, it is important to understand the different types of swimming pool water features and consult with luxury pool builders.

Some features may not work well with your pool, while others might create a contemporary design that you’ll love. The main types of features include pools, spas, hot tub, streams, and waterfalls.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a popular addition to swimming pools, often built with natural rocks or boulders as part of the design. They can add a touch of nature and beauty to your pool, while also providing a flow of water that can keep swimmers cool during warm weather.

Many types and styles of waterfall designs can fit any pool, so be sure to find one that will complement the surroundings and meet your needs.

Bubblers

A bubbler is a small jet on the floor of a shallow surface of the pool that shoots streams of water. The height of the streams can be adjusted.

This bubbling water feature, also called pool gushers, comes up from the water and makes a bubbly sound. You need a shallow shelf or step to set it up and it’s like having a mini-fountain in your pool. You can make the nights magical by adding lights.

Rain Curtain

A water sheet or curtain is usually mounted on a wall, pergola roof, or overhang to fall into the pool. Adding a rain curtain or rain wall gives you both the sound and the illusion of relaxing rainfall. A freestanding structure like a pergola is a perfect place for this water feature that transforms your backyard into the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

Scupper

Beautiful and functional. Scuppers are slots or spouts typically from a raised ledge or wall from which water flows into your pool.

This water feature also has a practical function also…bringing water from another section into the pool. Have a spa? it helps circulate the water and keep it fresh. They also help control the flow of water helping to maintain the right water level.

You will see several of these water features in action below!

Luxury Pool Designs in Florida

Swimming pools are very common in Orlando, Central Florida, and the South Florida region. Homeowners need ways to stay cool during the hot, humid months, add value to their home, or create a relaxing unique lifestyle.

1) Tropical Oasis with Multiple Areas to Entertain

One of the most popular pool design ideas today is a pool with multiple areas to entertain. This luxury pool design includes sand, a hammock, a fire pit, a gazebo, and palm trees.

Whether you’re looking to host plenty of get-togethers or relax with some friends in the sun, pools with multiple areas are perfect for you.

2) Large Pool with Multiple Features

Many people are looking for ways to improve their leisure time activities, and one way to do that is by investing in a large pool. Not only can this be a great way to cool off on hot summer days, but it can also provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun with friends and family.

The following outdoor living experience included a built-in spa area with jets and massage bubbles and an outdoor seating area with views of the pool.

3) Backyard Luxury Pool

With its inviting environment, this pool is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a peaceful time with the whole family. The addition of the sun shelf and built-in umbrella make it feel like a resort-style pool.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing spot to cool off after a day of playing in the sun or want to host an outdoor party, a backyard luxury pool with beachy vibes is sure to fit the bill.

4) Indoor and Outdoor Backyard Oasis

A second option is a pool design that features both indoor and outdoor living spaces. This allows you to enjoy your pool during the cooler months and also use it as an outdoor living space during warmer weather!

I know it is Florida, but we even have a few weeks of “cooler weather”. This is just a thought idea for someone in another part of the country.

5) Luxury Pool with Curved Edge

If you’re looking for something unique, consider adding a curved edge to your pool! This creates an intricate design that is sure to impress guests!

The curved edge can be added by adding another section of your existing pool or by hiring a professional company to do it for you.

Either way, this will add some much-needed extra space to your backyard oasis!

Another plus of the curved edge pool is for smaller backyards.  It creates interest and allows for added landscaping and pavers.

6) Pool Surround with Travertine Tile Seating Area

Including fire pits near your pool is a great way to add some fun and excitement to your summertime activities.

This is just the perfect amount of pool for someone that is more interested in creating a unique outdoor experience. Don’t forget the pillows for additional comfort and style.

A travertine tile seating area around the fire pit makes for comfortable lounging, and the glow of the flames adds an extra level of ambiance to your pool party.

Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or planning an entire summer bash, a pool with a firepit is sure to be a hit!

Related: Top 5 Florida Kitchen Design Trends

7) Pool Design with Pergola

Pool parties can be quite the blast with the right modern pool design ideas. One great way to add some excitement and fun is by adding a pergola over the pool.

This provides shade on hot days, making it the perfect spot to relax after a long day. And if you’re feeling extra festive, adding some hanging lights gives your pool party an extra bit of pizzazz!

Related: 12 Florida Interior Design Styles

8) Luxury Pool with Waterfalls and Bubblers

This swimming pool with blue color is ideal for a small backyard or limited space. Create an elevation to the design, add a water feature, and allow open spaces to add seating and low-maintenance plants. Not only will you have a beautiful backyard oasis, but you’ll also enjoy the sounds of cascading water! Water features of any kind are calming, relaxing, and therapeutic.

Related: The Best Florida Bedroom Design Ideas

9) Backyard Tropical Oasis

Adding a touch of exotic tropical foliage to your pool deck can help set it apart from the others in your neighborhood. A variety of different-sized trees, plants, and brightly colored flowers can create a lush oasis that is perfect for relaxing after a hot day in the sun. A well-designed pool deck can be the perfect place to entertain guests, and adding some tropical flair will make it that much more inviting. Talk about a dream backyard!

10) Lakefront Living with Luxury Pool

Freeform pools with curved walls can create a unique look for your pool. A spa on a lake can be the perfect centerpiece for your pool. Curved walls add an extra dimension of intrigue to your swimming area and can give it a more modern look.

11) Small Backyard Resort-Style Pool

Homeowners with a small yard can still create a pool with a modern design. Use elements like natural stone and tropical plants to make it feel like an ocean getaway. The palm trees add shade so you’re not in direct sunlight all day long.

12) Luxury Pool in Small Backyard

Many homeowners are looking for ways to create a luxurious pool in their small yard. This pool is color and inviting with the landscape design surrounding the pool.

It also features sitting areas within the pool and scuppers, creating a relaxing and enjoyable backyard oasis.

Related: Best Tips for Designing Your Central Florida Landscape

13) Modern Pool Design with Bubblers and Waterfall

Another popular modern pool design is the waterfall pool. A waterfall pool features a series of cascading waterfalls that flow into the main pool.

This creates an inviting space surrounded by natural beauty, and it can be used in any area where there’s room for a large swimming area.

It’s also great for smaller children who want an exciting place to play without having to worry about them getting into trouble in deep water.

14) Outdoor Pool with Submersible Spa

If you’re looking for something extra luxurious, consider adding a submersible spa to your pool! This adds an extra level of relaxation and luxury to your backyard oasis.

It can be operated by simply pushing a button, making it perfect for busy families who want a more concentrated movement of the water.  Adding a heater for this area is perfect at the end of a long day or after a good workout.

15) Pool with Lounge Areas

Adding an outdoor fire pit to your resort-style oasis is a great way to complete the setting. Not only will this provide a fun and relaxing spot for guests to gather, but it can also be used for cooking meals or simply enjoying the outdoors.

If you’re looking for some modern pool design ideas to give context, consider incorporating elements like this into your design.

Related: A Guide To Decorating Your Florida Living Room

Bottom Line

When it comes to luxury pool design ideas, there are so many options! From beautiful water features like bubblers, water walls, fountains, scuppers, spill-over spa, statuary for those that want to feature a statue and a stream of water that shoots out, or curtain wall waterfall.

Just keep in mind all the design elements you would love, the space you are working with, and the budget you want to create the pool of your dreams.

Pool design trends are constantly changing and evolving, so keeping up with all the new ideas can be tough. However, these modern pool designs will have you dreaming of a swimming pool in your backyard that’s just as beautiful and inviting as any you’ve seen before.

From minimalist pools that are sleek and modern to sprawling oases with waterfalls and lush landscaping, there’s a design for everyone. And if you’re looking for inspiration outside the pool realm, check out some of our other articles on home improvement ideas like painting or remodeling.

You’re sure to find something that will help make your backyard oasis come to life!

Which one of these luxury pool designs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking to move to central Florida, and you don’t know where to start? Nicole Mickle, Relocation Specialist, is here to help. Nicole has extensive experience in the Orlando area and will assist you in navigating the available homes on the market to find one that is just right for you!