Natural swimming pools have become increasingly popular among homeowners looking to combine the luxury of a backyard pool with the beauty of nature. These eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chlorine pools offer a unique and sustainable way to enjoy swimming while creating a stunning focal point in your outdoor space. In this article, we’ll explore 23 inspiring ideas for small backyard natural swimming pools that will transform your garden into a serene oasis.
1. The Classic Rectangular Natural Pool
A rectangular natural pool is a timeless design that fits well in most backyard layouts. This shape maximizes swimming space while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Incorporate natural stone edging and aquatic plants along the perimeter to soften the lines and enhance the organic feel.
Native aquatic plants not only add beauty but also play a crucial role in the natural filtration system. Consider including water lilies, rushes, and irises to create a balanced ecosystem.
“The beauty of a natural swimming pool lies in its ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious outdoor living space.” – Jane Smith, Landscape Architect
Pro Tip: When designing a rectangular natural pool, consider adding a shallow shelf along one side for lounging and easy plant integration.
2. Curved Oasis with Beach Entry
Create a more organic look with a curved natural pool featuring a gently sloping beach entry. This design mimics the feel of a natural pond and provides easy access for swimmers of all ages.
The gradual slope of a beach entry allows for a wider variety of marginal plants, enhancing the pool’s natural filtration capabilities. It also creates a perfect spot for children to play or adults to relax in shallow water.
Pro Tip: Use small, smooth pebbles for the beach entry to provide a comfortable surface underfoot and prevent erosion.
3. Infinity Edge Natural Pool
Bring a touch of luxury to your small backyard with an infinity-edge natural pool. This design creates the illusion of water extending to the horizon, making your pool appear larger and more dramatic.
An infinity edge works particularly well if your property has a slope or overlooks a scenic view. The sound of water gently cascading over the edge adds a soothing auditory element to your outdoor space.
4. Natural Pool with Integrated Hot Tub
Combine relaxation and exercise by incorporating a hot tub into your natural swimming pool design. This dual-purpose feature allows you to enjoy your outdoor space year-round, even in cooler climates.
Separate the hot tub from the main pool with a natural stone wall or wooden deck, creating distinct zones within the same water feature. Use aquatic plants to provide privacy and maintain the natural aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Install a separate filtration system for the hot tub to maintain higher water temperatures without affecting the natural pool’s ecosystem.
5. Woodland Retreat Pool
Transform your small backyard into a secluded woodland retreat by surrounding your natural pool with lush, native vegetation. This design creates a private, intimate atmosphere perfect for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
Choose shade-tolerant aquatic plants like ferns and hostas to thrive in the dappled sunlight. Incorporate a small waterfall or stream to add movement and sound to your woodland oasis.
6. Tropical Paradise Pool
Even in cooler climates, you can create a tropical paradise in your backyard with the right natural pool design. Use large-leaved aquatic plants like elephant ears and cannas to evoke a lush, exotic atmosphere.
Incorporate a tiki hut or bamboo privacy screen to enhance the tropical theme. Add colourful fish like koi or goldfish to bring life and movement to your pool.
“A well-designed natural pool can transport you to a tropical paradise, even in the heart of the city.” – Mark Johnson, Pool Designer
7. Modern Minimalist Natural Pool
For those who prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, a minimalist natural pool design can be both striking and eco-friendly. Focus on clean lines, simple geometric shapes, and a limited colour palette.
Use large concrete pavers or sleek wooden decking around the pool to create a modern look. Choose architectural plants with strong forms, like horsetail rush or papyrus, to maintain the minimalist theme.
Pro Tip: Incorporate hidden skimmers and subtle filtration zones to maintain the pool’s clean lines while ensuring effective water purification.
8. Natural Pool with Floating Deck
Maximize your small backyard space by incorporating a floating deck into your natural pool design. This feature provides a perfect spot for sunbathing or entertaining while adding visual interest to the pool.
Use sustainable hardwoods or composite materials for the deck to ensure longevity and low maintenance. Add potted plants or built-in planters to soften the edges and integrate the deck with the natural pool environment.
9. Grotto-Inspired Natural Pool
Create a sense of mystery and adventure in your small backyard with a grotto-inspired natural pool. Incorporate large boulders and rock formations to form secluded nooks and hidden spaces within the pool area.
Add a small waterfall cascading over the rocks to enhance the grotto atmosphere. Use shade-loving aquatic plants like mosses and ferns to soften the rock surfaces and create a lush, green environment.
10. Japanese Garden Natural Pool
Draw inspiration from traditional Japanese gardens to create a serene and meditative natural pool environment. Incorporate elements like stepping stones, bamboo fountains, and carefully pruned trees to evoke a sense of tranquillity.
Choose aquatic plants with cultural significance in Japanese gardening, such as lotus flowers and Japanese iris. Add a small tea house or meditation pavilion near the pool for quiet contemplation.
Pro Tip: Use dark-coloured stone or liner in the pool to create a mirror-like surface, enhancing the reflective quality of the water.
11. Natural Pool with Swim-Up Bar
Bring resort-style luxury to your small backyard with a natural pool featuring a swim-up bar. This fun addition creates a perfect spot for entertaining and enjoying refreshments without leaving the water.
Design the bar area with natural materials like stone or reclaimed wood to maintain the organic feel of the pool. Incorporate submerged seating and a shallow shelf for bar stools to create a comfortable lounging area.
12. Farmhouse-Inspired Natural Pool
Capture the charm of rural living with a farmhouse-inspired natural pool design. Use reclaimed materials like weathered wood and vintage metal elements to create a rustic, lived-in feel.
Incorporate a small dock or wooden platform reminiscent of a farm pond. Choose native wildflowers and grasses for the surrounding landscape to enhance the natural, meadow-like atmosphere.
13. Mediterranean-Style Natural Pool
Transport yourself to the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean with a natural pool inspired by the region’s iconic style. Use warm-toned stone and terracotta elements to evoke a sun-baked, timeless aesthetic.
Plant olive trees, lavender, and rosemary around the pool to create a fragrant and authentic Mediterranean garden. Incorporate a pergola covered in climbing vines for shade and added character.
“A Mediterranean-style natural pool can bring the essence of a European vacation to your own backyard.” – Sophia Rossi, Travel and Design Blogger
14. Natural Pool with Floating Gardens
Maximize the beauty and functionality of your small natural pool by incorporating floating gardens. These buoyant planters not only add visual interest but also contribute to the pool’s filtration system.
Choose a variety of aquatic plants with different heights and textures to create a dynamic floating landscape. Anchor the gardens with subtle cords or allow them to drift freely for a more natural look.
Pro Tip: Use lightweight, porous materials like coconut coir or recycled plastic for the floating planters to ensure buoyancy and plant health.
15. Urban Rooftop Natural Pool
Transform a small urban rooftop into a natural oasis with a compact natural pool design. This unique application brings the benefits of natural swimming to city dwellers with limited ground-level space.
Consider weight restrictions and waterproofing requirements when designing a rooftop natural pool. Incorporate green roof technology and vertical gardens to maximize the eco-friendly potential of your urban retreat.
16. Natural Pool with Integrated Greenhouse
Combine your love of swimming and gardening by integrating a greenhouse with your natural pool design. This innovative approach extends the growing season for your aquatic plants and creates a unique indoor-outdoor living space.
Use the greenhouse to cultivate tropical plants that can be moved outdoors during warmer months. Install retractable panels or walls to allow for temperature control and create an all-season swimming environment.
17. Natural Pool with Underwater Viewing Window
Add an element of wonder to your small backyard natural pool by incorporating an underwater viewing window. This feature allows you to observe the aquatic ecosystem up close, creating a living aquarium in your garden.
Position the viewing window near the regeneration zone where aquatic plants are most abundant. Consider adding underwater lighting to enhance visibility and create a magical nighttime ambience.
18. Formal Garden Natural Pool
Integrate your natural pool into a formal garden design for a sophisticated and elegant outdoor space. Use symmetrical layouts, manicured hedges, and classic statuary to create a sense of order and refinement.
Choose aquatic plants with a more structured growth habit, like cannas or rushes, to maintain the formal aesthetic. Incorporate a central fountain or water feature as a focal point in the pool design.
Pro Tip: Use dark-coloured stone or liner in the pool to create a mirror-like surface, enhancing the reflective quality of the water and complementing the formal garden design.
19. Natural Pool with Floating Fire Pit
Create a stunning focal point and extend the usability of your natural pool area by incorporating a floating fire pit. This unique feature combines the elements of fire and water for a truly mesmerizing effect.
Design the fire pit on a stable floating platform anchored in the pool. Use gas-fueled flames for safety and ease of use. Surround the fire pit with comfortable seating for the ultimate outdoor entertaining space.
20. Coastal-Inspired Natural Pool
Bring the beach to your backyard with a coastal-inspired natural pool design. Use sand-coloured stone and weathered wood elements to evoke a seaside atmosphere.
Incorporate salt-tolerant plants like sea grasses and succulents into the surrounding landscape. Add a small boardwalk or weathered dock to enhance the coastal theme.
“A coastal-inspired natural pool can provide the relaxation of a beach vacation without leaving home.” – Emma Thompson, Coastal Living Magazine
21. Natural Pool with Bio-Dome
For year-round swimming in colder climates, consider enclosing your natural pool with a bio-dome. This innovative design creates a controlled environment that extends the swimming season while maintaining the benefits of a natural ecosystem.
Use clear, UV-resistant materials for the dome to allow maximum light penetration. Incorporate ventilation systems and climate control to maintain optimal conditions for both swimmers and aquatic plants.
22. Multi-Level Natural Pool
Maximize the visual interest and functionality of your small backyard by creating a multi-level natural pool. This design incorporates different depths and elevations to create distinct zones for various activities.
Use natural stone retaining walls or wooden decking to separate the levels. Incorporate waterfalls or streams between levels to add movement and sound to your pool environment.
Pro Tip: Design the upper levels with shallower water for children’s play areas or lounging, while reserving deeper sections for swimming and diving.
23. Natural Pool with Submerged Loungers
Enhance the relaxation potential of your natural pool by incorporating submerged loungers. These in-water seating areas provide a comfortable spot to relax while staying cool in the water.
Design the loungers using natural materials like stone or formed concrete to blend seamlessly with the pool environment. Position them in shallow areas near the edge of the pool for easy access.
Conclusion
Natural swimming pools offer a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine pools, even in small backyard spaces. By incorporating elements from these 23 innovative ideas, you can create a unique and sustainable water feature that enhances your outdoor living area and provides years of enjoyment.
Remember to consider factors such as local climate, existing landscape, and personal preferences when designing your natural pool. With careful planning and creativity, you can transform your small backyard into a serene oasis that seamlessly blends the luxury of a swimming pool with the beauty of nature.
| Idea | Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Rectangular | Clean lines, maximized swim space | Efficient use of space, modern aesthetic |
| Curved with Beach Entry | Gentle slope, organic shape | Easy access, natural look |
| Infinity Edge | Water extending to horizon | Luxurious feel, enhanced views |
| Integrated Hot Tub | Separate warm water zone | Year-round use, relaxation |
| Woodland Retreat | Lush vegetation, secluded feel | Privacy, connection with nature |
By incorporating these ideas and resources into your natural pool design, you can create a stunning and sustainable backyard oasis that will be the envy of your neighbourhood and a source of joy for years to come.