10 Outdoor Swimming Pool Designs & Ideas on a Budget in 2023

    Outdoor Swimming Pool Design for Homes

    An outdoor pool is a great way to spruce up your backyard space and make it an area for both personal leisure and house parties. Not only that, an outdoor pool can add value to your home which is a great benefit if you’re planning on selling your property in the near future. An outdoor pool is a wise investment, but choosing the type of pool to install may be challenging, especially if you have a limited budget and are unfamiliar with modern and Practical swimming pool ideas.

    From infinity pools to swimming pools with a Baja shelf, there are plenty of designs for you to choose from. Read on to discover which trendy and budget-friendly outdoor swimming pool option is best for you! 

    Best Swimming Pool Ideas

    1) Infinity Pool

    Cost Estimation$70,000 - $80,000

    A great option for an outdoor pool is an infinity pool. Since the purpose of an infinity pool is to create the illusion that the water current continues forever, homeowners who reside in mountainous places tend to favor this option. As a result of creating the appearance of a missing edge and having the water appear to flow toward the horizon, they are also known as zero-edge pools or rimless pools. Depending on the size of the pool.

    ProsCons
    Best for hilly areas and homes with a viewExpensive startup and maintenance costs

    2) Cocktail Pool

    Cost EstimationMore Than $25,000

    A cocktail pool is a compact yet practical choice that looks fantastic and can still serve as a recreational area. Cocktail pools, which are typically less than 400 square feet, are sometimes known as spools. This choice is excellent if you have a small outdoor area since it may still serve a broad range of applications like heating, patio, and jets.

    ProsCons
    • Great for small backyards and 
    • homeowners looking to have a recreational space.
    Not ideal for those wishing to run laps

    3) Natural Swimming Pool

    Cost Estimation$70,000

    We've been hearing a lot about integrating nature into our homes throughout the latter half of 2022 and the early days of 2023. An outdoor swimming pool could appear more artificial than natural, but installing what is known as a natural swimming pool, which has an inset body of water made to resemble a pool without the use of chemical cleaners, is a perfect alternative. You can still swim in your natural swimming pool while giving it the appearance of a pond by surrounding it with a variety of plants. Since chlorine has negative side effects, this is a perfect alternative if you want a pool that is healthier and simpler to manage. To build a natural swimming pool you need to have about $70,000 or more in place as the process is longer and requires different features to maintain its self-cleaning ecosystem.

    ProsCons
    • Functions as both a pond and a pool
    • Easy to maintain as it requires no chlorine
    Expensive startup costs

    4) Round Swimming Pool

    Cost Estimation$750 - $5,000

    The term "round swimming pool" refers to a circular pool that is installed above or below ground and offers good filtration and optimal water movement. Your swimming pool can be built out of concrete, vinyl, or fibreglass. As opposed to a rectangular pool, which is excellent for laps, this is a fantastic alternative for a leisure area. A circular swimming pool may cost anything from $750 to $5,000.

    ProsCons

    Excellent filtration and affordable

    Constrained size; not ideal for swimmers

    5) Swimming Pool With Wood Decking

    Cost Estimation$5,000 - $8,000

    The best option for property owners who want a little patio area is to add a deck to their pool. Although you can use a variety of materials to build your pool deck, the best kind of material is textured and has a low heat retention rate so that you won't slip when walking on it. The most affordable alternative for wood decking is timber, which may offer a fantastic area for furniture like dining or lounge chairs. We also suggest Accoya wood, which is perfect for wooden decking since it is highly sustainable and stylish. The average cost of a wooden deck ranges from $5000 to $8000, but it also depends on the size and kind of material you use.

    ProsCons

    Extra space for lounge chairs and other pool accessories; safe walkway

    Extra cleanup and maintenance costs

    6) Swimming Pool With a Baja Shelf

    Cost Estimation$1,000 - $1,500

    We’ve all heard of Baja blast but have you heard of a Baja shelf? A Baja shelf is a large pool step that is up to 16 inches deep and is frequently found in high-end hotel pools. It resembles a pool inside a pool and is quite amazing since you can relax on a sun lounger and have your feet in the water at the same time. The price of a Baja shelf may range from $1000 to $1500.

    ProsCons

    Shallow water suitable for partial swimming and tanning ledge

    Not ideal for kids

    7) Irregularly-Shaped Pool

    Rectangular, round, and kidney-shaped pools are frequently the most preferred pool forms. However, you can make your pool shape to your desire. Not only will this make your backyard look more interesting in terms of design but it can be the perfect size for parties as it will be a focal point in your backyard. It's recommended to consult with a pool contractor to learn more about expenses as the price of an irregularly shaped pool might vary depending on the size you want.

    ProsCons

    An interesting focal point for your backyard

    Might be restricted material options plus additional costs for size and shape

    8) Swimming Pool With a Slide

    Cost Estimation$100 - $4,000

    A slide is a great addition to any pool especially if you have kids or wish to make your pool an entertainment space for deep dives and more exciting swims. A pool slide may be as deep as you like and can go in any direction. Most pool slides cost between $100 and $4,000, although they can be less costly if you use less expensive materials, such as plastic.

    ProsCons

    Entertainment point for families and parties

    Extra cleanup costs; prone to algae growth

    9) Above Ground Pool

    Cost EstimationMinimum cost $3,000

    An above-ground swimming pool has open sides and may be quickly installed in a variety of configurations. They are an excellent choice for inexpensive pool ideas because they start at just $3000.

    ProsCons

    Easy maintenance and affordable startup costs

    Limited swim and design options 

    10) In-Ground Pool

    Cost Estimation$30,000 - $50,000

    Inground pools are permanently fixed into the ground in your backyard, allowing the tops of the walls to rest comfortably on your lawn. They are durable and stylish. Depending on the size and material, an inground pool might cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Inground pools with vinyl liners are often the least expensive choice.

    ProsCons

    Trendy and most popular choice; adds to home value

    Expensive maintenance and startup costs

    Conclusion:

    In addition to serving you and your family, a pool should enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor area. If you have a smaller backyard then you can benefit from a round pool or a spool. For bigger backyards and families who have more to splurge, consider a stylish inground pool with decking and Baja shelves combined. You can get creative with your pool design and customize it. There are so many alternatives available that you'll never feel constrained while picking a pool!

    FAQs

    1. What are 5 outdoor pool safety rules?
      Always walk whenever you're near a pool; avoid diving into the shallow end; refrain from rough play; never play near drains or covers; if you can't swim, never enter the water alone; and make sure you're wearing the appropriate safety gear.
    2. What will damage an outdoor pool?
      Perhaps the biggest thing that can damage an outdoor pool is not maintaining the proper pH and alkalinity along with neglecting to brush the inside of the pool.
    3. How do you maintain an outdoor swimming pool?
      To maintain an outdoor swimming pool make sure to rake and vacuum it of any debris from nearby bushes or trees. You should also clean the filter on a routine basis and check the pH levels. Overall, the water of the outdoor pool should be changed every 5 to 7 years.
    4. What happens if the outdoor pool has too much water?
      If your pool has filled up after a lot of rain, it is better to leave it alone since hydrostatic pressure might cause it to pop out of the ground. If you want to reduce the amount of water, turn the pump off, shift the multiport valve to the waste position, turn the pump on and off, and then close the two-way valve.
    5. Can outdoor swimming pools overflow from rain?
      Outdoor swimming pools are not safe from the elements and can end up overflowing from the rain, however, this isn’t really an issue if you have an efficient overflow system.