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Table of Contents

• 1. All White Design
• 2. Plunge Pool
• 3. A Shady Spot
• 4. An Indoor and Outdoor Pool
• 5. Pool House in the Woods
• 6. Add Some Heat
• 7. Wrap the Pool Around an Outdoor Kitchen
• 8. Infinity Pool Vibes
• 9. Rockscapes and Waterfalls
• 10. Add Plenty of Curves and Edges
• 11. Light Up the Night
• 12. Add Water Feature Accents
• 13. Pull Up a Chair
• 14. Poolside Garden
• 15. Move the Man Cave Outside
• 16. A Pool With a View

 

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Grab the sunscreen and a pool float because you’ll want to dive right into these modern pool designs. On a hot day or balmy night, take a dip in your own pool or just enjoy the gorgeous view of your backyard oasis. Today’s pools go beyond the traditional oval or rectangle shape and are completely customizable to fit the modern swimming pool design of your dreams. From colors, lighting, cabanas and decor, start planning a staycation because you’ll never want to leave your fabulous pool.

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1. All White Design

Joshua Smith Inc./Lance Gerber

The sophistication and modern design of a pool that’s surrounded with sharp white accents has us wishing that everyday was a pool day. The lines are clean and the coordinating furniture and shape of the pool creates a stunning backyard display.

2. Plunge Pool

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design/ladylandscape

Even if you’re designing a pool in a smaller space, you don’t have to skip on the design. A plunge pool is smaller than a traditional pool but the design can be completely customizable. This one is perfect for cooling off and for smaller yards.

3. A Shady Spot

Etch Design Group/Mia Baxter Smail Photography

Even sun lovers will need a shady spot on a hot day. Instead of getting out of the pool, adding an umbrella stand into the design of your pool allows swimmers to float and find some relief from the sun’s rays.

4. An Indoor and Outdoor Pool

Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon

Get creative with the overhead design of your pool by adding a roof to your outdoor space. Not only does this add a modern element that’s chic and eye-catching, but it can extend your pool season and offer swimmers protection from the sun and the elements.

5. Pool House in the Woods

Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker

Use your location to inspire your modern pool design and give the pool an organic feel. From a gorgeous view to a wooded retreat, surround your pool with nature as your backdrop. Not every pool has to be an island oasis to feel luxurious and well designed. This modern pool and pool house combo is sophisticated and uses surroundings to create a fantastic wooded retreat.

6. Add Some Heat

Regal Pools/regalpools

Heat up the days and nights with fire features surrounding your pool. On cooler nights, it will add warmth as well as extra light. From outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and fire bowls, you’ll be able to entertain and enjoy your pool long after the sun goes down.

7. Wrap the Pool Around an Outdoor Kitchen

Modern Design + Build/moderndesignbuild

A poolside outdoor kitchen means that your backyard will be the destination for entertaining all summer long. With this gorgeous outdoor addition, you may never want to leave the comforts of home and you may find yourself cooking every meal poolside.

8. Infinity Pool Vibes

Modern Design + Build/moderndesignbuild

There’s no need to travel to an exotic location or an overpriced resort to relax by an infinity pool. Enjoy this breathtaking water feature in your own pool. Infinity pools give the illusion that the edges of the walls drop off so the water continuously flows over the edge of the pool. This customized design highlights the views around the pool–whether it’s a gorgeous mountain, lush landscape, or another body of water.

9. Rockscapes and Waterfalls

MATRIX/matrixrock

Create your own private island escape by adding natural elements to your pool design. Layered rock walls and waterfalls can completely transform the look of your pool by creating interest and texture. These customizable features are also great for adding privacy and can be added to existing pools for an instant upgrade.

10. Add Plenty of Curves and Edges

Maestri Studio/Jennifer McNeil Baker

Modern pool designs give you the freedom to get creative with the shape of your pool. From following the pattern of an existing deck or patio to getting completely creative and customizing your pool that shows off curves, edges and lines and even changing elevations, your pool can take on its very own shape.

11. Light Up the Night

MATRIX/matrixrock

Keep the pool party going well into the night by adding plenty of lights to the pool area. Create ambiance with moonlighting–adding soft lights under trees, the edges of the pool or under decks and patios. Make the water part of the light show by adding lights inside the pool and water features. You’ll be able to change the color of the water with an app on your phone and will wow guests with a nighttime water and light show.

12. Add Water Feature Accents

Regal Pools/regalpools

Create a focal point in your pool by adding a water feature that offers clean lines and compliments your modern design. From a gentle waterfall from a tile or stone wall to a water wall or rain curtain that gives you something beautiful to look at and the gentle sound of running water, a water feature can be beautiful while also helping you relax outdoors.

13. Pull Up a Chair

Mike Farley Pool Designer/farleydesigns

Adding a zero-entry and lounge space to a pool makes getting in and out a breeze. It also gives you a spot to place ultra-modern loungers and tables. Sit back, pour yourself a drink and relax inside your pool because this modern design makes putting your bathing suit on worth it.

14. Poolside Garden

Melanie Rekola Landscape Design/ladylandscape

Make your pool, patio or deck more inviting by wrapping the area in a beautiful garden full of lush flowers and landscaping. Offer guests a place by adding a cabana or pergola that’s filled with cozy and comfortable outdoor furniture.

15. Move the Man Cave Outside

Regal Pools/regalpools

Why spend your days and nights indoors when you can bring all of the comforts from inside out to your pool. From a TV, mini fridge, kitchen and bar–load up all of the entertaining essentials and add them to the pool area. You can go for a swim and relax while binge watching your favorite show or have a late night snack while you take a dip in the pool.

16. A Pool With a View

Modern Design + Build/moderndesignbuild

While a pool can create a beautiful view in your backyard, if you’ve already got a great view, design your pool with that in mind. Follow the lines of the breathtaking landscaping when laying out your pool and you’ll feel like you’re at your own private resort every day.