Top 10 Pool Design Ideas
Thinking about adding a pool to your McLean, VA home or upcoming new build? Whether you're dreaming of sleek modern lines, natural inspiration, or ultimate party vibes, the right pool design can transform your entire backyard. We've rounded up ten stunning pool design ideas from HGTV to spark your imagination. Let the inspiration begin!
1. Hillside Elegance with a Glass Wall
Photo: Hilton & Hyland, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Hilton & Hyland and Luxury Portfolio International®
Our Take: A luxury look that blends sleek design with natural drama. This glass-walled pool perched on a hillside creates a seamless visual connection to the landscape while adding a jaw-dropping wow factor.
Why We Love It: Ideal for homes on a slope, this design adds sophistication without sacrificing functionality. The glass allows swimmers to enjoy the view—even underwater.
2. Adventure Meets Luxury: The Mountainside Slide
Photo: Grey Giraffe Photography. From: Landform Design Group
Our Take: A resort-worthy design perfect for families who want fun without compromising on style. Think natural boulders, a twisting slide, and a hidden spa built right into the mountain.
Why We Love It: This playful design shows you can combine elegance with excitement. It's a kid's dream and an entertainer's paradise.
3. Coastal Serenity: The Pacific View Pool
Photo: Marion Brenner. From: Shades of Green Landscape Architecture
Our Take: Clean lines, ocean views, and total relaxation. This modern infinity-edge pool opens up to the sea, blending water, sky, and serenity.
Why We Love It: Even without an ocean backdrop, this design is perfect for showcasing scenic landscapes. Think Lake Barcroft, Potomac River, or just your beautiful garden.
4. Backyard Bash: The Ultimate Party Pool
Photo: Anthony Crisafulli. From: LaGuardia Design Group
Our Take: Swim-up bar? Check. Lounge seating in the water? Absolutely. LED lighting for late-night vibes? You got it.
Why We Love It: Designed for entertaining, this layout makes your backyard the go-to spot for every gathering. It’s high energy, high impact, and incredibly fun.
5. Old World Charm: Mediterranean Living
Photo: Chris Miller - Image Imagery. From: Christopher Grubb.
Our Take: Warm terracotta tones, stone features, and lush greenery surround this elegant pool. It feels like a Tuscan villa—without leaving Virginia.
Why We Love It: Mediterranean designs bring timeless appeal and pair beautifully with stucco homes and traditional landscaping.
6. Outdoor Living, Reimagined
Photo: Immobilsarda, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Immobilsarda
Our Take: A Mediterranean-inspired oasis that combines open-air lounging, shaded dining, and a gorgeous pool—all in one seamless space.
Why We Love It: It's the full backyard package. This is ideal for McLean homeowners who want a cohesive outdoor lifestyle—from sun-up coffee to sunset swims.
7. Sleek Simplicity in New England
Photo: Design Imaging Studios. From:Mary LeBlanc Landscape Design.
Our Take: Understated and effortlessly chic, this pool complements the surrounding architecture with symmetry, elegance, and modern landscaping.
Why We Love It: Proof that simplicity can be stunning. This minimalist approach works perfectly with both classic and contemporary home styles.
8. Poolside Sunken Living Room
Photo: Lifestyle Production Group. From: Choeff Levy Fischman.
Our Take: Bring the indoors out with this recessed in-pool lounge. It's stylish, intimate, and makes the perfect space for cocktails or conversation.
Why We Love It: An unexpected feature that adds instant luxury. Combine it with a fire pit or retractable canopy for year-round enjoyment.
9. Rainfall Ambiance
Photo: ThompsonPhotographic.com. From: Tor Stuart (Barstad)
Our Take: This unique design features a trickling rain curtain that adds sound, motion, and a soothing atmosphere to the space.
Why We Love It: Great for small yards or urban builds, rain features add vertical interest without needing more square footage.
10. A Pool with Purposeful Zones
Photo: Jimi Smith. From: Pool Environments, Inc..
Our Take: This pool smartly separates space for laps, lounging, and shallow play areas—all within one elegant footprint.
Why We Love It: It's ideal for families or multi-generational homes where everyone wants something different out of the pool.
Inspired to Build Your Dream Pool?
From glass walls to sunken lounges, these pool design ideas show just how creative and customized your backyard can be. At Paramount Pools VA, we specialize in bringing stunning concepts like these to life - tailored to your home, your lifestyle, and your vision.
Let’s design a pool that inspires you every day. Request a custom quote today.
