While much of the world is sweltering in record-high temperatures, we’re finding some respite in these recently uploaded swimming pool photos. Some are ingeniously fitted into tiny side yards, while others are surrounded by expansive hardscaping and adorned with fountains, integrated spas, and multicolor lights. Keep scrolling to get inspiration for your own backyard oasis, whether you’re constructing one in real life or just fantasizing about a pool to keep you cool.
Warming Hut
The climate may not be conducive to year-round outdoor swimming, but this cabana structure was designed for all four seasons, allowing the owners to enjoy their yard even during the colder months.
Desert Mirage
Beside a midcentury-modern-style home in parched Palm Desert, California, this pale aqua pool is a real thirst quencher.
Bocce, Baby
After playing a rousing game of bocce ball, you can cool off in the adjacent pool in this California entertainer’s paradise.
Graceful Arabesque
Simple rectilinear pools are the most commonly uploaded styles online, making the graceful geometric shape of this West Palm Beach, Florida, pool a refreshing departure.
Got It Covered
See the slightly raised deck at the top left of this photo? It slides over the 11-by-18-foot pool to keep kids and pets safe. When the pool’s not in use, the deck increases the backyard entertaining space.
Skinny Dip
Lounge chairs sit on a Baja ledge (aka tanning ledge or sun shelf) in this narrow Key West, Florida, pool. Lush tropical vegetation adds to the resort feel.
Geometry SPLASH
On a steep site in Austin, Texas, this slightly raised sliver of a pool sits beside a simple gravel courtyard and fire pit.
The Life Aquatic
This Mediterranean-style Costa Mesa, California, house makes the most of its temperate climate with indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces surrounding its small courtyard pool.
Endless Sea
An infinity edge — also known as a zero, disappearing, negative or vanishing edge — creates the illusion that this Spanish pool spills right into the ocean beyond.
Go with the Flow
The curves of this free-form pool and integrated spa in Calabasas, California, echo the Mediterranean-style home’s arched architectural details.
Mountain Majesty
The backyard of this luxurious hillside ranch in Montana features a simple rectangular pool with rustic surroundings, including what looks like a stained concrete deck. Be sure to check out the front entrance, which has a private trout pond for fly fishing.
The Best of Both Worlds
This Woodinville, Washington, backyard features a multifunctional swim spa — essentially a hot tub-plunge pool hybrid — surrounded by an ipe hardwood deck.
Which is your favorite?
Best!
Basya
