Designing a Pool for Small Backyards

A small backyard may not be ideal for a pool, but it can still be the perfect place to build your dream pool. With a little help and imagination, you can design a custom pool that’s both functional and beautiful.

Design Considerations For Your Pool

Pick the Right Shape and Size for Your Home

The shape and size of your custom pool will be the most important part of how it looks and feels. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pool that’s no more than half the width of your backyard.

The shape of your pool will play a big part in how it fits into a small space. Consider:

• Rectangular Pools: Great for narrow backyards and can be fitted into modern designs.
• Freeform Pools: These are more natural-looking and can be tailored to the curves of your yard.
• Plunge Pools: Perfect for very small spaces, plunge pools are a refreshing dip without taking up much room.

Think About The Depth

The depth of your pool is also important. If you have a small backyard, you may want to consider a shallower pool. It gives more space for lounging and wading and makes the pool feel bigger. It’s also easier to maintain and clean.

Here are some more benefits of a shallower custom pool:

• Cost Saving: Shallow custom pools are cheaper to maintain. They need less water, less chemicals, and less energy for heating/cooling.
• Safety: Shallow pools are less likely to cause drowning, making them safer for kids and non-swimmers.
• Easy Maintenance: With a shallower depth cleaning and maintaining your custom pool is a breeze. Pool cleaners can work more efficiently and manual cleaning tasks are much easier.
• Versatility for Activities: Shallow custom pools are perfect for water games, social gatherings and lounging. They give you space for your friends and family to stand and move around comfortably.

Multi-functional Design

In a small backyard, every square foot counts. A multi-functional pool design helps you make the most out of your limited space. Here’s how specific features can make your pool area more usable and enjoyable:

• Swim Spas: Swim spas are compact, versatile units that combine the features of a traditional swimming pool with a spa. They have a dedicated area for exercise and lap swimming and a built-in space for relaxation and hydrotherapy. This dual functionality is perfect for small backyards as it eliminates the need for separate pool and spa areas, saving you space while giving you maximum enjoyment and utility.
• Integrated Seating: By incorporating built-in benches or loungers into the pool design you’re using the pool’s interior for dual purpose. These features allow you to save space around the pool’s perimeter and provide comfortable spots for lounging, socializing or supervising swimmers. This design option reduces the clutter of additional outdoor furniture and creates a clean and functional space.

Add Water Features

In small backyard spaces, every design element should serve two purposes – aesthetic and functional. Water features are a great way to add luxury, relaxation, and visual interest to your pool and make the most of the space. Here’s how different water features can enhance your small pool area:

• Sheer Descent/Scuppers: These features create a beautiful flowing sheet of water from one level to another, adding a touch of sophistication and serenity. In a small backyard, sheer descents can be a focal point, drawing attention to the pool without overwhelming the space. Their smooth cascading effect also creates a soothing sound that masks background noise from the street or neighbors.
• Bubblers: Bubblers create a fun, playful effect with water bubbling up from shallow areas of the pool, such as steps or sun shelves. This feature adds visual interest and functionality to shallow pool areas, making them more inviting for lounging or socializing. In smaller spaces, bubblers can break up the visual monotony of the pool surface and make the area feel more dynamic and interesting.
• Deck Jets and Laminars: These features shoot streams of water into the pool, adding a lively, dynamic element to your design. Deck jets and laminars can be placed strategically to enhance the visual appeal of your pool and create a refreshing atmosphere. In a compact backyard, these features maximize the visual impact of the pool area without taking up extra space. When combined with lighting, they create a stunning show that transforms the pool into a focal point for day and night.

Safety First

When it comes to a small backyard pool, safety becomes even more important due to the limited space and the increased chance of the pool being close to other areas of your yard. Having safety measures in place helps prevent accidents and keeps your pool area safe for everyone. Here are the key safety considerations:

• Enclosures/Fencing: Install a fence or enclosure around the pool to prevent unsupervised access to the pool.
• Non-Slip Surfaces: Use non-slip decking materials like textured stone or slip-resistant tiles around the pool area.
• Pool Covers and Alarms: A pool cover prevents accidental falls and keeps the pool clean. Pool alarms alert you if someone enters the pool area unexpectedly.
• Proper Supervision: Always supervise pool activities and educate family members and guests on pool safety rules to stay vigilant.

Get Lighting

Lighting can add ambiance to your pool. You can use lights to highlight water features and the size of the pool and allow your pool to be used day or night. LED lights are energy efficient and can change color at the touch of a button to give you any look or mood you want.

Always Get a Professional

A professional pool designer can help you create a pool that’s both functional and beautiful. Working with a pro will help you make the most of your small backyard. They can offer expert advice and solutions to fit your space and your needs.

Homeowner Tips

1. Think about your climate. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to go deeper and add a water cooler.
2. Always budget. Pools are expensive so set your budget before you start designing. Tell your pool builder your budget from the get go.
3. Depending on where you live, you may need to get permits and approvals from your local council before you start building your pool. Ask your pool builder how to do this. A pro pool builder will take care of this for you.

Ready to Dive In?

Designing a custom pool for a small backyard is a fun challenge that can result in a amazing outdoor space. By thinking about the shape, size and multi-functional aspects of your pool and smart landscaping and other features you can turn your small backyard into your own personal paradise.

The team at Tampa Bay Pools will walk you through the design process, listen to your needs, see the possibilities, and advise you on what to do. Contact Tampa Bay Pools to get started on your dream pool today!