With the weather hotting up, you may be thinking of finally adding that pool to your outdoor space. You don’t need us to tell you that a pool area can transform your outdoors into a private oasis. Over the years, we’ve shared plenty of pool inspiration from home tours to a round up of the best pool designs. And today we’re taking it one step further to offer you all the design tips you need to create the ultimate outdoor oasis. So if you’ve been looking for ideas on how to design a pool area, keep reading!
Whether you’re wanting a pool for relaxation, entertainment, fitness or just to add value to your home, we cover everything you need to consider. In this guide we cover the key elements from planning and designing through to executing and styling your pool area.
Related article: Make a splash with our round up of the best pool designs
Related article: Modern Mediterranean meets Scandi style: Scandi-Med home tour
1. Consider your pool’s purpose
Every good design starts with a plan that solves a problem or responds to a deign brief. So before getting swept up in mood boards and materials palettes, we suggest starting with function. Are you wanting to swim laps, entertain guests, or lounge with the kids? Knowing the primary function will help you design a pool area that suits your needs.
What is your pool’s purpose:
- For families: consider adding shallow lounging ledges for young children, or a shaded play area nearby.
- For fitness enthusiasts: a longer lap pool with clean lines and minimal surrounding clutter might be ideal.
- For entertaining: allow for a larger pool that can easily accommodate 8-12 people and possibly a spa as well. Also incorporate other zones into your pool area design, such as a dining space, and features like a fire pit or outdoor kitchen.
The purpose of your pool will influence the size, shape, and surrounding elements, so keep this in mind as you plan.
2. Select your pool design
Different pool materials allow for different shapes and styles of pools. There are pros and cons to each pool type, mainly around cost, style and maintenance.
Most popular pool materials:
- Freeform concrete pools: offer the most customisation and durability, but they tend to be more expensive and take longer to install. You can choose from a specialty concrete, such as PebbleCrete, and leave the concrete exposed. Or you can use plain concrete and finish it with any pool tile to create a luxury pool design.
- Pre-cast concrete pools: cut down the cost and time to install a pool but are limited in size and shape options. You can find these available in round or rectangular shapes, and some have internal steps and ledges. Round plunge pools are ideal for people wanting a modern pool design and who have limited space.
- Fibreglass pools: quicker to install and generally require little maintenance. However, they also offer less flexibility in terms of design and can crack if the soil around the pool shifts or expands. That’s why proper pool installation and ground preparation is essential.
- Stainless steel pool tanks: another plunge pool option that’s also elegant and cost effective is a stainless steel plunge pool. Think of it as a modern take on the timeless classic water tank, transformed into a large pool that’s ideal for Australia’s harsh climate. You can select from a range of Colorbond colour options and there are add-ons like lighting, spa jets and internal steps.
- Vinyl pools: the most budget friendly option, these pools are lined with vinyl in a 0.3mm to 0.75mm finish with the thicker finish offering a longer lifespan. Even so, the maximum lifespan for a vinyl pool is generally 20 years (sometimes only 8 years!). So if longevity is a priority, it’s best to select a different material.
Once you know your pool material, you can do further research to understand what shapes and sizes are available in your area. We suggest sketching out a range of pool layout ideas. This should be of the whole pool area entertainment space. For example, other zones could include a fire pit or outdoor dining area.
Sustainable design ideas
If creating an eco-friendly pool design is a priority for you, choosing a saltwater or mineral sanitation system is more sustainable. Using solar energy to regulate your pool temperature is another environmentally wise choice. You can also invest in energy efficient pool equipment, such as a pool cleaner.
Designer tip: when we’re asked how to plan a pool area, we always suggest measuring up your outdoor area and creating a sketch of your space. You should mark out any obstructions, such as underground utilities, existing structures or large trees. This will provide you with a canvas to play around with different designs ideas. To start a pool area sketch, start with your largest element (generally the pool or pool house) and work down to your smallest, such as an outdoor shower.
3. Decide on your design style
Once you know how you and your family will use the pool and have a better idea of pool size and zones, you can move onto the fun part. We’re talking about design style and finishes, of course!
While we’re all for fusing design styles to create a space that’s uniquely YOU, there are some things to consider. Some interior design styles blend seamlessly together while others can be jarring. Be sure to consider the style of your home when making decisions for your pool area. Although a discrete space, it should have some connection to your home and we talk more about this in the next point.
If you don’t conform to interior design styles, ask yourself how you want to feel in your pool area. Like you’re on a tropical resort holiday or at a modern hotel?
Develop a mood board
Use this information to look for inspiration online. Start saving images to Pinterest or clipping out your favourite images to create a mood board. Quickly you’ll see some common themes emerge. Perhaps similar pool tile styles or types of pool fences. Continue to add, edit and refine until you feel confident of your design vision.
Then you can look to bring that vision to life. Visit pool and tile shops, as well as fencing companies, to gather information and swatches. Budget always comes into consideration so you may need to make adjustments to your selections as the design comes together. For example, if you have your heart set on a luxe natural stone boarder around the pool (aka pool coping tiles) then you may need to swap out your expensive hedge plants for a more affordable option.
4. Create flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
As we mentioned above, your pool area should feel like a natural extension of your home. Think about how the pool area connects with your indoor living space. Large sliding doors or French doors can create a seamless transition between indoors and out.
Ways to connect your pool area to your home:
- Central courtyard design: we love the idea of making your pool central to your design. Adding a pool area to the outdoor space directly from your main living area creates the ultimate indoor outdoor connection.
- Patios and decking: choose materials that complement your home’s style. Timber decking adds warmth for tropical or coastal vibe while sleek tiles achieve a more modern look.
- Lighting: use outdoor lighting to guide the flow between spaces and enhance the ambience at night. Consider pathway lights, pool lighting, and outdoor pendant lights over seating areas.
5. Add greenery for a lush atmosphere
Landscaping can make all the difference in creating a beautiful pool area. Plants not only soften the hardscapes but also add colour, texture, and privacy. Some trees can also offer much-needed shade.
The best poolside plants are:
- Tropical varieties: palms like the oh-so-popular Abyssinian Banana Palm or Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) look great planted en masse along the fence line. They are hardy plants that can tolerate full sun. A striking palm tree, like a Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) or Cabbage tree palm are great for adding height and a tropical feel.
- Screening plants: if privacy is your goal, look for dense plants that can grow tall. Bamboo is a popular and affordable option that fits the tropical style. For a more classical look, Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is another fast-growing hedge that can grow well in milder climates. Both are evergreen plants that can grow tall to offer natural privacy from neighbours. There are plenty of screening plants for pool areas. So chat with the staff at your local nursery to find one to best suit your design goal.
- Low-level plants: because great landscaping incorporates various layers of planting, it’s also a good idea to include some lower-level ground cover plants. For example, succulents or native grasses.
- Planters and pots: finally, for a decorative element, don’t forget a few feature plants in pots or planter boxes around the pool. Olive plants are trending with the Mediterranean style right now or this could be a way to bring in tropical vibes with a palm tree.
As you can tell there are plenty of pool area plants you could use. Our tip is to consider your design style or vision and select plants to suit. For example, if you want to create a Hamptons pool area, it’s a good idea to go with traditional plants that have rich green leaves. Whereas if you love the Palm Spring style, leaning more into cactus, palms and succulents could be the way to go. For more pool landscaping ideas, simply search your preferred design style + poolside landscaping in Pinterest.
6. Incorporate shade solutions
In Australia, having a shaded area around your pool is crucial. Especially during the hot summer months! Whether it’s for lounging, dining, or just taking a break from the sun, incorporate shade into your pool design.
Popular pool shade solutions:
- Umbrellas: a stylish pool umbrella or two can be easily moved around and provide instant shade where needed.
- Retractable awning: a popular choice if you want more protection than an umbrella but can’t build a permanent structure. Talk with a professional at an awning or window blind company to decide on the best location and design. They will take into consideration the orientation of your property and what’s possible. Automation is a great add-on feature for convenience.
- Pergolas: for a more permanent option, a pergola or cabana house offers year-round protection from the sun. Plenty of companies offer modern pergola designs or to keep costs down you can find pergola kits online. Or if you’re handy on the tools, you may even come up with your own design!
- Trees: as we mentioned earlier, planting trees near your pool can also provide natural shade and enhance the overall aesthetic.
7. Think about safety
Safety is a top priority when designing a pool area, especially if you have young children or pets. Ensure you comply with local regulations regarding pool fencing and gates, as well as your pool deck design, which are essential for keeping your pool secure.
Pool area safety tips:
- Fencing: glass pool fences are a popular choice for a modern look that doesn’t obstruct your view, while timber fences add a more rustic feel. Long-time readers of the blog may recall the Modular Walls luxe range of fences you can DIY. Their range is ideal for your property boundary line and can be painted any colour. You can find over 100 pool area fence ideas on Pinterest here, including cool steel fabrication designs.
- Gates: pool area safety gates that are self-closing and self-latching are a must-have for peace of mind.
- Non-slip surfaces: choose non-slip materials for poolside areas to prevent accidents when wet.
- Lighting: as well as adding ambience at night, pool area lighting can also be a safety measure.
As well as adding these pool safety design features, there’s no greater assurance when it comes to pool safety than enrolling your children in a learn to swim program. Kids alive do the five!
8. Personalise the space with decorative touches
Finally, personalise your pool area with decorative touches that reflect your style. You don’t need to go overboard, but small details like stylish hooks and outdoor umbrellas can bring your design vision to life.
How to decorate your pool area:
- Outdoor pool furniture: functional and stylish outdoor furniture is a must. As well as poolside seating ideas, like pool loungers or outdoor bean bags, you may need outdoor furniture for the other zones. For example, if you’re creating the ultimate entertaining space, you may need outdoor dining furniture for your dining zone and alfresco kitchen.
- Outdoor rugs: an outdoor rug to anchor your seating area will bring warmth and texture.
- Throw pillows: you know how much we love cushions and this extends to outside the home too! Choose waterproof cushions in colours and prints to complement your interior style.
- Water features: a small fountain or waterfall can create a relaxing atmosphere with the sound of running water.
- Artwork and accessories: weatherproof artwork, lanterns, and planters are great for adding personality and charm to the space.
There’s plenty of other pool area decor you could use to uplift your outdoor space. You may like to check out our guide of 50+ types of home decor as many of these are suitable for outdoors.
We hope this guide on how to design a pool area helps you. You can find even more pool area inspiration here. Do you have any questions we didn’t answer in this article? Post it in the comments below and we’ll get back to you asap!
