Australia’s love for the great outdoors is well documented, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our backyards. With a climate that ranges from tropical in the north to dry and temperate in the south, Aussies have turned pool design into an art form – one that reflects not just the surrounding environment, but also the lifestyle and personality of the homeowner. Whether you’re nestled in a coastal retreat, an inner-city townhouse, or a rural outback haven, there’s a perfect pool design to complement your space. Here’s a look at ten of the most sought-after pool styles making waves across the country.
The Infinity Edge Pool
Also known as the vanishing edge or negative edge pool, the infinity pool is a luxury design feature that works beautifully in Australian coastal or elevated rural locations. This design creates the illusion that the water extends into the horizon – perfect for homes with a view of the ocean, bushland, or sweeping valleys. It’s a dramatic, statement-making choice that pairs well with minimalist landscaping and contemporary architecture. In regions like the Gold Coast or along the Great Ocean Road, infinity pools are a stunning way to blur the line between your backyard and nature’s panorama.
Plunge Pools
As urban blocks shrink in size, plunge pools are rising in popularity, particularly in inner-city suburbs like Sydney’s Inner West or Melbourne’s Northcote. Designed more for cooling off and relaxation than swimming laps, plunge pools fit neatly into compact backyards or even courtyards. They can be custom-shaped to suit awkward spaces and still offer the possibility of spa jets, heating, and luxury finishes. Their smaller footprint also means reduced water usage and lower maintenance, making them a savvy choice in a country where water conservation remains crucial.
Natural Pools
Inspired by freshwater lagoons, natural pools are a perfect fit for rural or semi-rural Australian landscapes. These pools use plants and biological filters to clean the water rather than chemicals, blending sustainability with serene beauty. Edged with river rocks, native grasses, and timber decking, natural pools are especially suited to regions like Byron Bay, the Blue Mountains, or Margaret River. They not only support local biodiversity but also sit harmoniously within bushland settings, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Mosaic Pools
There’s something irresistibly timeless and artistic about mosaic pools. This design element transforms a pool from a recreational feature into a centrepiece of style and colour. Mosaic tiling allows for intricate patterns, shimmering finishes, and bold creative expression: be it a sea-inspired palette of blues and greens or custom artwork laid into the floor of the pool. Mosaic pools shine in almost any setting, from luxury Brisbane verandas to tropical Cairns escapes. The reflective quality of the tiles adds dimension and elegance, especially under the brilliant Australian sun.
Lap Pools
For the fitness-conscious Aussie, lap pools offer a sleek, elongated design tailored for exercise. Commonly found in narrow side yards or long, rectangular blocks, lap pools are practical yet stylish. They are particularly useful in suburban and urban homes where space might be limited, but the desire for daily swimming remains strong. With heating systems and streamlined cover options, lap pools can be used year-round. Their clean, linear form also complements modern and minimalist architecture.
Outback-Inspired Desert Pools
Inland areas of Australia—like Alice Springs, Broken Hill, or Kalgoorlie—call for unique solutions that can stand up to extreme heat and limited rainfall. Outback-inspired pool designs focus on shade, durability, and low-maintenance materials. Using local stone, rusted steel accents, and terracotta hues, these pools blend seamlessly with the dry, red-earth environments. Often accompanied by pergolas or sail shades, they offer a cooling oasis without clashing with the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Tropical Lagoon Pools
For northern Australians living in places like Darwin or Townsville, tropical lagoon-style pools are a popular choice. These designs mimic the look and feel of a natural lagoon, often incorporating freeform shapes, waterfalls, rock features, and lush landscaping with palms and ferns. Combined with non-slip pebblecrete finishes and underwater lighting, lagoon pools evoke a permanent holiday vibe. They’re also well-suited to handling high rainfall and warm temperatures, making them a practical and inviting option.
Above-Ground Pool with Decking Integration
Once seen as a budget alternative, today’s above-ground pools have evolved into stylish backyard centrepieces, particularly when cleverly integrated into custom decking. Ideal for sloping or uneven blocks – common across many Australian suburbs – these pools save on excavation costs while still delivering visual appeal and functionality. Timber decks can be built around the pool to create multi-level lounging areas, with the added benefit of better visibility for families with young kids. This design is especially popular in the Adelaide Hills, the Blue Mountains, and parts of regional Queensland.
Glass-Edged Pools
A modern twist for the design-conscious homeowner, glass-edged pools offer a striking way to highlight the water while opening up the space visually. Whether it’s a transparent side wall on a raised pool or a glass viewing panel built into the edge, this design makes a bold architectural statement. It works beautifully in modern coastal homes where ocean views are the hero, or even in chic inner-city terraces where space is tight and every visual trick helps. Think Bondi, Fremantle, or the Sunshine Coast for prime examples of this look.
Family-Friendly Pools with Multi-Zone Features
Finally, the great Aussie family pool is evolving into a more versatile backyard destination. Today’s family-oriented pools include multiple zones: shallow beach entries for toddlers, deeper sections for teens, built-in bench seating for adults, and water features for fun. Safety fencing and non-slip finishes remain critical, while extras like heating, lighting, and integrated spas turn the pool into a year-round attraction. These multi-zone pools are ideal in suburban family hubs like Newcastle, Canberra, or Geelong, where outdoor living plays a central role.
