Best Backyard Pool Ideas for 2025

Are you dreaming of creating your own backyard oasis with a beautiful swimming pool? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of backyard pool ideas to inspire your pool design.

9 Stunning Backyard Pool Ideas for 2025

Imagine you’re browsing a menu or shopping online. You place your order, but right after you’ve checked out or sent the server away,  you see something that you really want! What do you do? You order it! Problem: solved.

But when installing a fiberglass pool, you can’t just snap your fingers to make a tanning ledge appear after your pool’s already been installed! That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite backyard pool ideas so you don’t miss out on creating your dream backyard! Our pool contractors are here and ready to help!

1. Tanning Ledges

Tanning ledges are in demand for creating a comfortable space to relax in the water, particularly for sunbathing or for small children to play. So if you want the ultimate luxury pool experience, consider a pool with a tanning ledge. This pool feature allows the owner to relax on the ledge while staying cool in the shallow water. It is perfect for creating a serene atmosphere.

2. Infinity Pools

Infinity pools create a visual masterpiece that blends water with the surrounding landscape. Also known as vanishing edge or negative edge pools, infinity pools give the illusion that the water extends endlessly into the horizon, creating a striking and luxurious effect.

The design typically involves an edge that appears to disappear, allowing water to cascade over the edge into a catch basin, recirculating it back into the main pool. This design not only enhances the pool’s aesthetic appeal but also offers a captivating and tranquil experience for those lucky enough to swim or lounge by its edge, providing a unique blend of elegance and natural beauty.

3. Tropical Oasis

One of our absolute favorite backyard pool ideas is to create a tropical oasis! Recreating a resort-like atmosphere with lush landscaping, palm trees, and exotic plantings is a trend that brings a vacation feel to residential pool designs.

Design your own vacation in your backyard by adding lush foliage, mood lighting, a waterfall, and a tiki bar. This type of pool environment is perfect for entertaining guests and will make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.

4. Dark Interior Finishes

Dark-colored finishes and rich pool colors, such as deep blues, blacks, or dark grays, are gaining popularity for pool interiors. They can create a sleek and modern look while enhancing the pool’s visual appeal. This is a newer trend and one of our favorite modern backyard pool ideas!

5. Elemental Design

Combining elements of fire and water in pool design is a trend that continues to gain popularity. Fire pits, bowls, or waterfalls with integrated fire elements can add drama and elegance to the pool area.

Elemental design can enhance the look and feel of either a lush tropical resort-style pool or a sleek and modern concrete pool. Regardless of which vibe you choose, combining fire and water is a classic and stunning way to level up your look.

6. Swim-up Bars

Swim-up bars are growing in popularity among homeowners in North Carolina – and with good reason! They make every day by the pool a social experience. These party hubs allow guests to enjoy refreshments without ever leaving the water. They can be a focal point for socializing, hydrating, and making your pool parties feel like a luxury experience.

7. Water Slides

A water slide is a classic and fun addition to any pool party. Modern designs range from sleek, integrated slides to inflatable options, catering to various preferences and pool sizes. Water slides are a kid-friendly pool feature, but are growing in popularity with adult pool parties.

8. Pool Spa Combo

This pool design isn’t necessarily anything new – but it’s a timeless classic. A pool/spa combo gives you all the fun of the pool with the relaxation of the warm water in the spa. It’s perfect for kids in the pool and adult time in the hot tub!

9. Lazy Rivers

Creating a mini lazy river within your pool area adds a resort-like touch. This feature allows guests to float along a gentle current, offering a relaxing and social experience. This is the ultimate luxe pool water feature. If you choose a concrete pool, we can work with you to design a five-star experience in your backyard!

Speak with Our Luxury Pool Contractors in NC

If you’d like even more backyard pool ideas, contact our luxury pool builders! We’ll be glad to talk to you about making your dream come to life.

And remember, no matter which backyard pool idea you choose, make sure to work with a reputable pool contractor to ensure your pool gets installed properly. With the right pool design and water features, your backyard pool can become a favorite spot for family and friends to gather and make lasting memories.

Visit the Parrot Bay Pools design showroom located in Benson, North Carolina! Our pool builders install inground pools in Raleigh, Clayton, Holly Springs, Greensboro, and many other cities in North Carolina. However, even if you don’t see your city listed, we’ll likely be able to travel to you to make your dream pool a reality!

Visit our Benson fiberglass pool design showroom, speak with our NC pool builders, and see for yourself how a fiberglass pool can transform your life!