Researching some ideas for your next pool design?  

Or maybe you’re looking for innovative pool designs, that take swimming pools to a whole new level? 

I want to give you above ground and inground swimming pool ideas, that will help you whether you’re designing a backyard pool on a budget or you need a pool design for a small yard.

Normal is boring. New is exciting: 

If you’re in the process of planning or building your backyard swimming pool, you might actually want to consider some of these crazy, but genius, ideas. 

Today I want to share with you, the 5 amazing pool designs I think you should know about, ranging from the bold to the glamorous.  

We’ll take a look at pools made from extraordinary materials as well as some thoughtful and unique placement ideas. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look. 

5 Amazing Pool Designs That Will Make Your Jaw Drop 

1) Shipping Container Pools 

Shipping containers are becoming a very popular choice as a construction material, due to its recyclability, structural integrity and cost. 

Being made from a robust metal frame, a shipping container is also highly transportable. With the right engineering it can be easily placed and fixed, with some modifications able to be done to alter the design of the container.  

Aren’t shipping containers ugly? 

Granted the humble shipping container certainly doesn’t look the part, and a bland metal box definitely isn’t going to give your backyard that wow factor.  

However, with proven applications in building residential dwellings almost entirely from shipping containers, we are also seeing some very alluring pool designs utilising recycled shipping containers. 

As most of these pools interiors are constructed using fiberglass, you can expect a beautiful smooth finishing with an elegantly clad design to suit your tastes. 

Shipping Container Pools: Pros 

If you choose to install a shipping container pool design, you’ll love that it: 

• Has the option to be installed above ground, or below 

• Is assembled in a quality-controlled environment 

• Utilises recyclable materials 

• Potentially saves you loads of money 

• Great for space restrictive applications 

• Can be used in conjunction with conventional, saltwater and mineral water set ups 

The team from Shipping Containers Australia are proudly able to say that their designs exceed all Australian Standards, and have never had approval issues throughout the country.

Shipping Container Pools: Cons 

You might need to consider: 

• How easily you can transport the container to your property

• As the unit will most likely arrive to you as a pre-assembled piece, you may need to organise a crane to get your pool into your yard 

Shipping Container Pools: Cost 

Does the shipping container pool sound right to you? 

We recommend checking out the team at Shipping Container Pools about their patented and innovative designs. 

Their pools are available in 6 metres and 12 metres, which are carefully assembled for you in their Australian factory. 

As the cost will largely depend on the set-up options you select, you can expect to price tag starting from $24,890 (excluding transportation and other Government charges). 

It comes down to this: 

Your chosen design can be customized, to a degree, for your desired application. They can even help organise transportation of your pool to your property. 

Now:

If you’re like me, you’d prefer to avoid the use of chemicals in water that is used for swimming. 

Take your natural pool design to the next level, with a completely “natural” pool. 

2) Natural Pools 

The natural pool is one design that is not only fascinating but probably the “purest” method of keeping a crystal clear pool without using any chemicals. 

Essentially the natural pool system is designed similarly to a planted aquarium, which tries to emulate a clean body of water capable of sustaining life. 

How does the natural pool keep my water clean? 

Making use of a “regeneration zone”, the natural pool system incorporates living aquatic plants and beneficial micro-organisms that will oxygenate, filter and purify your pool water. 

In a nutshell, you’re using beneficial micro-organisms and aquatic plants to keep your swimming pool water clean.

Almost like a fresh pond. 

In fact: 

You’re pool water is so pure that you can even water your plants with your swimming pool water. 

The use of aquatic flora also means that you can create some truly stunning designs that flow with the theme of your backyard. 

Coupled with a simple and efficient filtration system that is submerged, you can keep your organic pool looking clear and healthy all the time. 

Natural Pools: Pros 

If you choose to install a natural pool design, you’ll love that it: 

• Is a unique and organic design, that can even look like a large pond in your backyard 

• Avoids all chemicals and other toxic chemicals, ideal for the health conscious and those with sensitive skin 

• Has a visually striking and natural design, that is flexible with most backyard themes 

• Uses a submerged filtration system 

Natural Pools: Cons 

You might need to consider: 

• Installation costs 

• As you are using living and specialised components in your natural pool system, you may need to be aware of the costs associated with installing the unit 

• Additional maintenance 

• Again, due to the special nature of some of the natural pools filter system you will need to be mindful of any special maintenance you will have to conduct 

Natural Pools: Cost 

Love the health benefits and organic design of the natural pool? 

Wayne and Annika from Natural Swimming Pools Australia provide ingenious natural pool systems to suit your wants. 

They utilise world-class designs, and are at the forefront of natural swimming pool technology. 

Being a premium, extraordinary choice, you should expect a higher than average price tag.  

The bottom-line… 

They say you can’t put a price on your health making the natural pool a worthy investment. 

To get a quote or find out more about how the natural pool system works, check out Natural Swimming Pools Australia’s website. 

Moving on:

If you’d prefer to avoid using plants in your swimming pool, you should consider the Living Swimming Pool. 

3) Living Swimming Pools 

The living swimming pool, is another great organic alternative for your pool system. 

You could say that it is a cross between the conventional swimming pool and the natural pool.  

By removing the need to add chemicals into your pool and the “regeneration zone” in the pool, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. 

How does this happen? 

Using specially designed phosphorus and biological filters, your pool water is kept clean and pure through physiological and biological processes. 

You’ll also love this design’s efficient use of space, with most of its technical components being concealed under the sun deck. 

You can also incorporate elements for the natural pool system in with the living swimming pool design. 

Living Swimming Pool: Pros 

If you choose to install a living swimming pool design, you’ll love that it: 

• Is a unique and organic design, that can you can use in space restricted places 

• Avoids all chemicals and other toxic chemicals, ideal for the health conscious and those with sensitive skin 

• Uses a submerged filtration system 

• Can be incorporated with elements from the natural pool design 

• Does not need live aquatic flora and fauna to purify your water 

Living Swimming Pools: Cons 

You might need to consider: 

• Installation costs 

• As you are using a specialised system in your living swimming pool, you may need to be aware of the costs associated with installing the pool 

• Additional maintenance 

• Due to the special nature of some of the living swimming pool system’s components you will need to be mindful of any special maintenance you will have to conduct 

Living Swimming Pools: Cost 

Love the health benefits and organic design of the living swimming pool? 

Wayne and Annika from Natural Swimming Pools Australia provide ingenious living swimming pool systems to suit your wants. 

They utilise world-class designs and are at the forefront of natural swimming pool technology. 

Being a premium, extraordinary choice, you should expect a higher than average price tag. 

Here’s the deal: 

They say you can’t put a price on your health making the living swimming pool a worthy investment. 

To get a quote or find out more about how the living swimming pool system works, check out Natural Swimming Pools Australia’s website. 

You might be thinking: 

“I like to swim for exercise but my backyard isn’t big enough for a lap pool” 

If you’re space-poor and want an alternative to suit your property, you’re bound to love an endless pool. 

4) Never-ending Pools 

A lot of people who want to get a pool installed, want it for the amazing health benefits of swimming as well as being a useful and appealing addition to a home. 

You might not have the space for lap pool, but still want to enjoy the exercise that swimming provides at the convenience of your home. 

If you need a pool design for a small backyard…

You’ll want to consider: 

A never-ending pool, as the name suggests, is a pool that “never ends”.  

By using powerful water jets, it can create adjustable currents that allow you to swim continuously in one spot; simulating a pool that never ends. 

Fastlane Pools is an Aussie company that offers a unique selection of above ground pools that seem endless. 

If you already have a pool installed you’ll want to try their very own Fastlane, a system that turns any pool into a never-ending pool. 

Here’s the kicker: 

You can actually make your pool seem as long as you want and create specific swimming conditions for various training applications. 

By using an endless pool system, you can install it to your pre-existing pool or purchase an above-ground model. This provides you the flexibility of swimming to train, relax and exercise where ever you please. 

It gets better: 

An endless pool can be used in aqua therapy, triathlon and competitive training, open water simulation, and everyday exercise. 

What’s more is the above-ground models are designed to be the most cost-efficient swimming machine on the market; that adapts to your lifestyle. 

Never-ending Pool: Pros 

If you choose to install a never-ending pool design, you’ll love that it: 

• Is extremely space efficient and versatile 

• Allows you simulate almost any swimming condition in the comfort and safety of your home 

• Provides a convenient, useful therapeutic and training environment 

• Maximises your pool’s use and application 

Never-ending Pool: Cons 

You might need to consider: 

• Installation costs 

• Being a specialised piece of equipment, and using additional components compared to conventional swimming pools, there may be additional costs involved with installing the system 

• Maintenance 

• Being a extra piece of hardware in your pool system set-up, you will need to be aware of the maintenance and care the never-ending pool system will need 

Never-ending Pools: Cost 

Love the convenience and practicality of the never-ending pool? 

Head over to Fastlane Pools to check out their selection of Above-ground Fastlane Pools, as well as their Fastlane system for your existing swimming pool. 

You can expect to pay from $37,400 for the above-ground pool + system, and from $13,999 if you want the Fastlane system for your pool. 

The bottom-line?  

The convenience, health benefits and functionality of a never-ending pool truly makes it a worthwhile investment, to get the most out of your swimming pool. 

This is definitely something you’ll want to consider if space is an issue for you. 

Got some cash to splash? 

A spectacular and glamorous design for those with a larger budget, infinity pools are an insanely attractive pool design you need to know about. 

5) Infinity Pools 

Often seen in high-class holiday resorts and luxury estates, infinity pools are aptly named for the visually striking “disappearing edge”. 

Also referred to as negative edge or infinity edge pools, this unique design creates the effect of boundless water, which lets you appreciate your home’s scenery from a spectacular perspective. 

How does this happen? 

The infinity pool design will always incorporate at least one edge of the pool which cannot be seen. 

In the years gone by, infinity pools were restricted to the mega-wealthy and luxury commercial facilities. However, with modern technology and building methods you can have one of these architectural masterpieces in your home too. 

Compass Pools Australia has developed a unique Maxi Rib technology that uses a rib-like structure to provide the necessary support to enable this type of installation. 

Infinity Pools: Pros 

If you choose to install an infinity pool design, you’ll love that it: 

• Truly maximises your home’s view 

• Is an architectural work of art will make your pool the centerpiece of your home 

• Gives your home a luxurious appeal 

Infinity Pools: Cons 

You might need to consider: 

• Installation Costs 

• Needless to say installing an infinity pool can be quite a costly process, particularly if you have an irregularly contoured piece of land. 

Infinity Pools: Cost 

Love the look of the infinity pool? 

Having a Compass Pools approved pool builder install your infinity pool will ensure you pool is built using the best technology and construction methods.  

As the cost to put install an infinity pool will largely depend on the lay of your site, the team at Compass Pools breakdown the cost into three important factors: 

• First, is the cost associated with manufacturing of a special edge on the swimming pool shell 

• Second, building the pool shell as free-standing with Maxi Rib technology or building the pool shell for normal installation with concrete beam retaining work to support the sides and top of the edge 

• Third, the holding tank or hiding pool to hold the water 

You might be wondering: 

Is an infinity pool worth it? 

Being a few steps above normal, the infinity pool is definitely a larger initial investment compared to a conventional swimming pool.  

On the other hand, you aren’t just paying for a place of exercise and leisure but rather for an extension of your home that compliments its best features. 

Conclusion 

From eco-friendly to visual impressive, you’ve read about a few awesome and innovative ideas to try out with your pool. 

The first step? 

Leave a comment below and let us know which pool design you want in your home. 

Will it be the living pool or natural pool? 

Perhaps the infinity pool? 

Maybe the never-ending pool would suit you best. 

Whichever it is, leave a quick comment right now. 

Before that, click the images below to download your FREE pool maintenance checklist and pool safety self-assessment checklist. 

The checklists contain steps you’ll need to keep your pool clean and safe for your family. 

Click the images below to download your user-friendly checklists now.