Small Yard? Try These Six Pool Designs for a Cozy Retreat

Not every house sits on acres of sprawling land, and there’s nothing wrong with that. With a keen eye for design, you can get everything you need out of a small backyard. Even if you’re limited by space, your imagination can ensure that all of the elements of the ideal backyard are there.

Fitting a pool in your small backyard may seem like a daunting task, but it won’t be so difficult if you know the ins and outs of your options. Attention to detail is of the utmost importance when you don’t have a lot of room to work with, so take a good look at your options. The shape of your pool can have a real impact, and the way you orient it in your yard plays a role as well. If you’re worried you don’t have room for a pool, read ahead and try these six pool designs for a cozy backyard retreat.

1.      Round—A round above ground pool is compact and efficient, and it makes for a great choice no matter how big or small your yard is. However, it’s a particularly good option for smaller yards because you can put this type of pool anywhere without taking up too much space. If your property is small but it’s not tiny and you have a sizable family, a round, small- to medium-sized backyard pool may be your best option. Above ground pools are available in an array of sizes. Take a look at your backyard and decide how much room you can spare for your pool and then measure the area, so you know what your range is.

2.      Oval—An oval pool comes with many of the same features and advantages as a round one: It’s easy to fit into any type of yard design and it can be installed without taking up too much space. A long oval pool may look nice running along one of the fences that marks the boundary of your property, and it’s a great shape for family fun and games. An oval above ground pool has two clear ends to it, which is nice when you’re playing team games that require sides.

3.      Rectangular—Oval and rectangular backyard pools are also similar and their main differences are in aesthetics. If you have a modern backyard design where everything is streamlined, sharp and angled, the curves of an oval pool might sabotage the look you’re going for. In this case, a rectangular pool can offer all the same benefits while tying your backyard design together instead of taking away from it.

4.      Vertical Pool Support—Above ground pool walls are tasked with the responsibility of containing a great deal of water without buckling under its pressure. Add children kicking off the sides and stray footballs bouncing off the exterior and these walls need all the support they can get. Some pools use angled supports that keep the walls steady, but these beams cause the pool to take up more space. Fortunately, smaller pools hold less water and may get the job done without these extra supports, preserving more of your real estate.

5.      Corner Placement—The last thing you want to do is put your backyard pool right in the middle of your space, whether you have a giant yard or a small one. Save space by tucking your pool into one corner of the yard. That way, it doesn’t get in the way and you won’t need to walk around it to enjoy your yard to the fullest.

6.      Destination Pool—Even in a small backyard, it’s possible to make your pool a destination. By splitting up the different areas of your yard, you can make the space look and feel bigger and more open. Try fencing off your pool in a corner of the yard, as this makes it safer for children in addition to maximizing your space. You can also use hardscaping options like decorative rocks or a small walkway to break up your space.

There’s a lot you can do with a small backyard, so don’t be discouraged. Choose a small pool with the right shape for the design of your yard and try to find a nice corner to place it. This way you can have your backyard optimized for maximum space – Plenty of space for outdoor grilling and games!