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23+ Modern Small Pool Ideas to Turn Your Backyard into a Relaxing Retreat

We always believed size is relative; what might be a lavish, generous home for some might seem like a modest, mundane affair to others. A backyard swimming pool is not too different in this regard — those who don’t have one often crave at least a small pool that allows them to cool off on a hot summer day. However, you will find that there are a plethora of modern small pool ideas, giving you endless options to consider. Adding a petite pool to your small backyard shouldn’t be a challenging and complex affair, but the result will often leave you amazed, as you will discover a brand new hangout place just a few steps away from your living room!

Space is never a constraint when you have a bit of creativity! [Photo Credit: Hunter Architecture]

With concepts such as ‘staycation’ becoming even more popular nowadays, small pool ideas have definitely made their way into more and more urban backyards. All you need is a hint of ingenuity, smart planning, and just enough space to squeeze in a small pool. From health and fitness to rest and recreation, you will soon find that this tiny wonder will change your entire life.

Clean and Contemporary Small Pool Ideas

Since most modern homes adopt a simple, clean design with straight lines and cubic forms ruling the interior, the landscape around your house should be no different. Let the small pool seem like an extension of the home and shape a lovely deck that acts as a transitional zone between the edifice and the pool. Even though you might not be swimming away in a giant lap pool, the classic rectangular design still gives you the satisfaction of having a beautiful pool in the backyard, even if it is far smaller in dimensions. The rectangular, in-ground pool is a classic that never fails, and you can start with one that is as small as 9 by 18 feet, or you can gain further inspiration from other small pool ideas below.

Small pool garden charms with its trendy, contemporary style. [Photo Credit: Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design]
Narrow pool plays to the dimensions of the modern house. [Photo Credit: Anthony Wilder Design]
A tiny pool in the small urban backyard is all you need to beat the summer heat. [Photo Credit: Molly Wood Garden Design]
Water feature elevates the aesthetic appeal of the gorgeous pool. [Photo Credit: The Pool Craft Company]
A modest pool design for the small yard. [Photo Credit: Wettling Architects]

Fall in Love with Curves!

Not a conformist at heart? Not to worry, as there are plenty of other small pool ideas that go beyond the classic rectangle. Circular pools, those with semi-circular designs and ones in irregular shapes with cool twists and turns, are becoming more popular each day. Instead of offering a sterile, modern vibe, these pools (when combined with natural stone and the right canopy) can mimic the dreamy ambiance of a tropical retreat right in your backyard! The exotic design, along with some amazing lighting, will also help you look past the fact that the pool is relatively small in size. Much like in the world of fashion, curves are definitely sexy in the world of modern small pool ideas!

Ingenious pool with twin water features and a fire pit. [Photo Credit: Bluewater Construction Group]
Maybe what you need is a spa with water feature. [Photo Credit: The Matheson Team RE/MAX Fine Properties]
Small pool with Jacuzzi steals the show. [Photo Credit: Andrea Calo]
Cool off this summer in your small backyard pool. [Photo Credit: Alka Pool Construction]

Think Depth!

I can already hear some of our readers asking us how to fit a pool in a backyard that is even smaller than those showcased in the inspirations above. Well, we have got two words for you all – plunge pool. Plunge pools require very little square footage and rely more on depth than on width and length. Smart modern designers and contractors have come up with several ways that you can easily add a plunge pool to the backyard without worrying about compromising on the deck area. While some might prefer a Jacuzzi instead of a dipping pool, we strongly suggest you opt for the latter. They are easy to maintain, aid in improving your health, and, of course, allow you to relax in style.

A plunge pool takes up little space indeed! [Photo Credit: Clayton&Little Architects]
Beach style small pool with a view to match! [Photo Credit: Randy Thueme Design]
Smart pool and deck design makes use of available space. [Photo Credit: Blazemakoid-Architecture]
Perfect petite pool for the small backyard. [Photo Credit: Kirk Wood Homes]
Plunge pool turns into an aesthetic delight in this contemporary landscape. [Photo Credit: BLADE Landscape Design]

Holiday at Home

Do not just think about the small pool while planning your backyard. Work out how it fits into your overall lifestyle, how much deck space you really need for all those summer and fall parties, and how the style of the pool reflects that of the home itself. Even a petite pool does not stand in isolation, so think about a matching deck area, maybe an outdoor dining space or barbecue area for some great family evenings, and even a pool house if you can afford the luxury. One of our modern small pool ideas will definitely transform your backyard into a far more happening spot.

Gorgeous pool is 8 feet by 16 feet and fits in with the appeal of the courtyard. [Photo Credit: Allison Ramsey Architects]
Lovely pool stretches across just 10 feet! [Photo Credit: Platinum Poolcare]
Small oceanview pool on the deck shapes a relaxing retreat. [Photo Credit: Habitat Post & Beam]
Make sure the style of the pool matches with your home. [Photo Credit: Robert Kaner Interior Design]
Small pool leaves plenty of space out for hosting a garden party. [Photo Credit: Lisa Borgnes Giramonti]
Pool design that keeps things simple and understated. [Photo Credit: Lost West Landscape Architects]

Transforming your backyard into a serene oasis with small pool ideas on a budget is not only feasible but also immensely rewarding. Whether you opt for small inground pool ideas or explore modern small pool ideas, the key is to maximize your available space creatively. From tiny pools to small in-ground pools, these designs offer a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, making your backyard a perfect retreat without breaking the bank.

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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