HI Jorge, can you post some pictures of your yard as it exists now? Also your location to get good plant advice.

Here it is, we're planning on removing all the flooring to install grass and maybe leave one of those trees (avocado 🥑)

We live in the Caribbean.

I like it! Is the photo taken from the patio? Looks like a nice structure. Definitely keep one avacado tree! How large a pool were you thinking of? That alone will take up a bit of space.

Not sure, want something I can get into but not something as big that I could do laps. It's something to chill w/ kids. Maybe in the opposite corner.

What about something like this? It above ground but permanent build. I like how it's against the wall. You could definitely place that in your space. Maybe smaller depending on how many kids you have. :-)

Allview Terrace - http://www.studio6architects.com · More Info

I would look at lap pools they take up little space and can serve both teh kids and you swimming laps . I have no idea about rules for pools but where I live you need to have a decent sized area all around the pool and a fence with a locking gate for the actual pool I would extend the patio so that it also serves the kitchen area with a grill and dining space and the old part can be like the LR. I do not know how old the kids are but how much space do you really needfor a play area.

I would also look for grass that grows with less sun...rather than cut trees that are thriving and will offer shade...have them pruned so some sun will get through...while avoiding too much direct sun burn exposure...kids especially suffer from too much sun

As to the pool...if it is permanent..i would try to incorporate a small fountain or waterfall feature as the sound is so relaxing..and can even heard from indoors if doors or windows are open...a fountain can be as simple as a a cord and portable spout...just draped into the pool by creating a small area for that purpose...no plumbing..or circulation issues..even in a birdbath you get the effect

For a lap pool, What size is good enough (considering my limited space)?

Any other tips besides pool?

The kids playground is something small with maybe a small kitchen for role-playing, etc.

The rest: grass?

Jorge, you can go as crazy as you'd like with the play area. Here's one that has a lot of ideas including a playhouse (my personal favorite as a child but it could be a fun kitchen for boys and girls) and various play equipment. Something to climb would definitely be fun. This one is in a small yard and utilizes mulch under a tree. Perhaps if you're keeping one of the trees, you could build a small play deck around it like this one. Likely grass won't grow under the tree, so a good way to use the space.

Hobbit House · More Info

Hobbit House · More Info

Here's an interesting layout in that the swing and play equipment doesn't really have a footprint so it doesn't take up a lot of space.

Kid's swing · More Info

Here's another one that's interesting, it has swings like above but a climbing wall has been built. You could do that on your current wall if you can secure hand and foot grips well.

Brooklyn backyard with small playground · More Info

Don't forget the sandbox. Here's a nice one where the sandbox becomes a feature of the yard plantings.

PLAY · More Info

This one has something for everyone!

Backyard Beach · More Info

Regarding size of pool, that might be driven by local building codes regarding how close you can come to the property line. Anything narrow and long would be a good use of space. But if you can't fit that into the space, even a small pool the size of a hot tub would be fun to hang out in with the kids.

Imagine this a just a regular pool in the corner of the yard.

Oakland Estate · More Info

Or this

An East Bay Garden · More Info

Spa with a View · More Info

Here's a really crude layout. The dimensions may be totally off but it provides the concept.