On a hot summer day, nothing is as refreshing as a swimming pool. Although often seen as a luxury, they can serve many functions and be well worth the splurge in the right area. Besides being a nice place to relax and cool off, pools can add much-needed visual interest to your yard — think colorful tiles or a unique water feature. Read further and browse photos for more tips on how to make your pool ideas a reality.

In your location, swimming pools might also be a solid investment; buyers practically require them places with hot summers and mild winters, so installing or updating one could help your home sell. As you get ready to start your in-ground pool and spa remodel, map out your space and consider what size, shape and style might work best for you. Having an idea in mind when you talk with a specialist will help the process go smoothly.

What are my swimming pool design options?

Location, size and desired activity will determine which pool designs might work best for you. If you live somewhere that’s warm only four months out of the year, an outdoor pool might not be worth the splurge — though an indoor one might. Regardless of whether you go with indoor or outdoor, the size of the space will dictate the shape of the pool. Carefully consider how much space you want to dedicate to the entire project; if you start adding extras, like a pool deck and specialty landscaping, your yard-to-pool ratio can quickly become unbalanced. With a long and narrow space, look for rectangular lap pool design ideas that might fit well; wider areas will give you more freedom to have a specialty shape, which means the options are endless.

Similarly, various installation techniques are more suited to certain lifestyles. In-ground swimming pools are a major (potentially lifetime) commitment. Construction, maintenance and energy bills add up, so make sure you’re ready to take that plunge. If you aren’t ready for that sort of commitment, consider an alternative, such as an above-ground pool or a hot tub. The above-ground options can be set up when the weather permits, so you still get to enjoy the warm summer months without sacrificing your yard year round. Make sure you have proper storage for the unit when it’s not in use though. Are you one of the many who see more cold than warm weather? A hot tub will surely see more use and is not quite such a daunting commitment, both financially and maintenance-wise. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you think the costs and upkeep are worth the time you will spend enjoying it.

What materials should I incorporate into my pool design?

The quality of your materials can easily dictate the life of your swimming pool or spa. Although vinyl is often the cheapest option, it also is the least durable, so it will need to be replaced more frequently. Concrete and fiberglass swimming pool designs are popular, sturdy options, while metal above ground units last longer than plastic ones. To liven up blah concrete or fiberglass, consider adding a colorful mosaic tile border or an interesting stone water feature. Some of the best pool ideas incorporate seamlessly into the landscape design by using natural-looking materials, or by using an infinity edge. Regardless of what you do, the short-term costs shouldn't be your only consideration; consider long-term maintenance and repair costs as well, like replacing broken tiles or fixing leaks and cracks.

What swimming pool extras and accessories can I add?

There are plenty of swimming pool ideas that will help magnify their fun factor. Install a diving board, slide or small waterfall to make swimming more enjoyable, and add floats, toys and loungers for ultimate relaxation. A cabana can help with entertaining during parties, while an outdoor shower and changing station come in handy once you're ready to head indoors. Adding ample seating and sun protection, like chaise lounges and umbrellas, will ensure everyone can enjoy the pool, even if they aren’t in it. Browse pictures of pools to see how others have enhanced their setups, then incorporate your favorite ideas into your own new build or remodel.

Learn more about the cost to build a pool

Whether you want inspiration for planning a pool renovation or are building a designer pool from scratch, Houzz has 396,755 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Morgan Howarth Photography and Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction. Look through pool pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a pool design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful pool photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.