Tips & Advice

A pool is one of the most customized features you can add to your property, and the right backyard pool designs are built around your lifestyle. Families with young kids want something different than a couple looking for a quiet retreat. A homeowner who loves to entertain has different priorities than one who just wants to decompress after a long week. Before breaking ground, the most important question is simple: “How do you want to use your outdoor space?”

What Are the Most Common Backyard Pool Designs?

There is no single style that works for everyone. Backyard swimming pool designs range from clean geometric shapes to freeform layouts that follow the natural contours of the yard. The three most common types are:

• Geometric pools: rectangular, square, or L-shaped layouts that suit modern and traditional homes and work well for lap swimming

• Freeform pools: curved, organic shapes that blend into landscaping and create a more relaxed, resort-like feel

• Infinity and perimeter overflow pools: water flows over one or more edges to create a seamless horizon effect, best suited for waterfront or elevated lots

Understanding these categories is a good starting point before making any design decisions.

How Does Your Lifestyle Determine the Right Pool Design?

The way you live, who uses the pool, and how often you are on the property all shape which backyard pool design makes the most sense.

Families with children tend to prioritize safety and usability. Shallow entry points, tanning ledges, and gradual depth transitions make a pool more accessible for younger swimmers. A wider pool with open swim lanes gives kids room to move.

For homeowners who entertain often, the pool is the centerpiece of a larger outdoor living setup. Backyard designs with pool features such as spillover spas, fountains, and waterfall elements create an atmosphere that goes beyond swimming. Pairing the pool with an outdoor kitchen or fire feature extends the space into a full evening destination. 

For a quieter retreat, a smaller pool or plunge-style design with an attached spa keeps things intimate without requiring a large footprint. This works well on narrower lots where space is at a premium.

What Features Can Be Added to a Backyard Pool Design?

The right add-ons determine how functional and enjoyable the space is day to day. Some of the most popular features include:

• Tanning ledges: shallow platforms built into the pool for lounging in a few inches of water

• Waterfall features and fountain jets: add sound and movement, making the space feel dynamic even when no one is swimming

• Submersible and perimeter lighting: extends pool use into the evening and transforms the look of the space after dark

• Automation systems: control temperature, lighting, and jets from your phone, ideal for homeowners who want the pool ready before they arrive

Not every feature is right for every property. The best approach is to decide which additions match how you plan to use the space, then build the design around those priorities.

How Does Lot Size and Shape Affect Your Pool Options?

The shape and size of your property directly limit or expand which backyard pool designs are actually buildable.

Longer, narrower lots tend to favor rectangular pools that run the length of the yard. Wider lots give you more flexibility to go freeform or to add features like a spa or a water feature alongside the main pool. In LBI, many properties have limited square footage, so efficient use of space is critical.

Patios and walkways take up a significant amount of space around the pool and play a big role in how the entire backyard design comes together. A good pool design accounts for those areas from the start.

What Does the Pool Design and Build Process Look Like?

Building a pool on LBI starts with a consultation where you share your goals, budget range, and how you plan to use the space. From there, a design is developed and refined until it reflects what you actually want.

At Ash Outdoor, this includes a collaborative review process so you can see the layout and make adjustments before any work begins. 

One factor that is unique to LBI is the water table. High water table levels create hydrostatic pressure beneath the pool structure, which can cause cracking, leaking, or even the pool shell to shift upward. Addressing this correctly during installation is critical to the long-term durability of the pool.

Once the design is approved, the build typically follows these steps:

• Site preparation and excavation

• Pool shell installation, plumbing, and electrical work

• Decking, coping, and tile work

• Feature installation and finishing

Planning ahead is essential in LBI since summer schedules fill up fast. For inspiration on what finished projects look like, visit our featured project portfolio.

Ready to Find the Right Backyard Pool Design for Your LBI Property?

At Ash Outdoor, we have been designing and building custom pools on Long Beach Island for over 30 years. We know this island, its soil, its water table complications, and what it takes to build something that holds up beautifully season after season. Our team works with you from the first conversation through the final details, so every backyard pool design we deliver is built around how you actually live. Book a consultation or explore our pools and spas page to see what is possible.

Backyard Pool Designs FAQs

What is the most popular backyard pool design? 

Rectangular and geometric pools are the most common choice because they fit a wide range of property sizes and pair well with most home styles. Freeform designs are popular for homeowners who want a more natural, resort-like look.

What is a tanning ledge, and should I add one?

 A tanning ledge is a shallow, flat platform built into the pool where you can sit or lounge in a few inches of water. It is a great addition for families with young children and anyone who wants to relax without fully entering the water.

How does lot size affect pool design on LBI? 

Smaller or narrower lots favor compact, linear pool shapes that use space efficiently. Wider lots allow more flexibility with freeform shapes and added features like spas or water elements.

What features extend pool use beyond daytime swimming? 

LED lighting, fire features, and spillover spas all extend the appeal of a pool into the evening.

What is an infinity pool, and when does it make sense? 

An infinity pool allows water to flow over one edge into a catch basin, creating the appearance of a seamless horizon. It works best on elevated lots or waterfront properties where an open view enhances the effect.

Can a pool and outdoor kitchen be designed together? 

Yes, and it is often the best approach. Designing both at the same time allows the layout to work as one cohesive space rather than trying to fit one around the other after the fact.