19+ Inspiring Shallow Pool Ideas for Your Backyard

Hey there, pool dreamers! If you’re working with a small backyard or just love the idea of a shallow pool, you’re in the right place.

1. Compact and Cozy

A compact shallow pool fitting perfectly in a small space.
A compact shallow pool fitting perfectly in a small space.

Design a compact pool that fits snugly into a small space. My space-efficient design makes the backyard feel open and inviting, without overwhelming it.

These products might be useful:

  • Solar Pool Lights: Enhance pool ambiance with solar lights, creating a serene glow for evening relaxation.
  • Compact Pool Cover: Protect your small pool from debris with a lightweight, easy-to-use cover.
  • Poolside Planters: Add greenery around your pool with stylish planters, perfect for small spaces.

2. Pet-Friendly Features

A shallow pool with pet-friendly features for easy access.
A shallow pool with pet-friendly features for easy access.

Design a pet-friendly pool area with shallow entries. My furry friends love the easy access and it makes for worry-free play.

A few relevant products:

  • Non-Slip Pool Ramp for Pets: Ensure easy pool entry and exit for your pets with a sturdy, non-slip pool ramp.
  • Pet Pool Safety Fence: Install a safety fence to safeguard your pets while they enjoy poolside fun.
  • Shade Umbrella for Poolside: Provide a cool, shaded spot for your furry friends during sunny pool days.

3. Add Built-in Seating

A shallow pool featuring comfortable built-in seating.
A shallow pool featuring comfortable built-in seating.

Incorporate built-in seating within your shallow pool for a cool, relaxing spot. In my own pool, it’s where friends gather for a chat while staying cool.

Useful items to consider:

  • Outdoor Waterproof Cushions: Enhance comfort and style with waterproof cushions, perfect for poolside seating areas.
  • Teak Pool Bench: Add elegance with a durable teak bench, ideal for integrating into shallow pool designs.
  • Weather-resistant Sofa Set: Create a cozy gathering spot with this durable, weather-resistant sofa set for outdoor enjoyment.

4. Add a Spa Corner

A shallow pool with an inviting spa corner for relaxation.
A shallow pool with an inviting spa corner for relaxation.

Incorporate a spa corner for ultimate relaxation. My integrated spa area is the perfect spot for unwinding after a long day.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Outdoor Jacuzzi Hot Tub: Immerse yourself in luxury with a soothing soak in this relaxing outdoor hot tub.
  • Adjustable Poolside Loungers: Enhance relaxation with these comfortable, adjustable loungers perfect for the poolside retreat.
  • Outdoor Spa Aromatherapy Diffuser: Elevate your spa experience with calming scents from an outdoor aromatherapy diffuser.

5. Incorporate a Tanning Ledge

A shallow pool with a relaxing tanning ledge.
A shallow pool with a relaxing tanning ledge.

A tanning ledge is perfect for lounging or letting the kiddos splash safely. I added one to my pool, and it quickly became the favorite spot for sunbathing.

You might like:

  • Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chair: Relax in style and enjoy the sun with this adjustable chaise lounge chair on your tanning ledge.
  • Waterproof Pool Towel: Keep dry and comfortable by the poolside with these absorbent waterproof pool towels.
  • Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: Protect your skin from harsh UV rays while enjoying your tanning ledge with SPF 50 sunscreen.

6. Water Features Galore

A shallow pool enhanced by gentle water features.
A shallow pool enhanced by gentle water features.

Incorporate water features like bubblers or mini waterfalls. The gentle sound of water in my garden is a constant invitation to relax.

Explore these options:

  • Outdoor Water Bubbler: Enhance your garden’s tranquility with a soothing water bubbler. Easy to install and enjoy.
  • Mini Waterfall Kit: Create a calming atmosphere with a mini waterfall kit. Perfect for any garden setting.
  • Solar Garden Fountain: Add elegance with a solar-powered garden fountain. Eco-friendly and hassle-free relaxation.

7. Add a Floating Deck

A shallow pool with a stylish floating deck for modern appeal.
A shallow pool with a stylish floating deck for modern appeal.

Consider a floating deck for a chic, modern look. The floating deck in my backyard creates a unique, elevated lounging area.

Give these a look:

  • Floating Deck Platform Kit: Elevate your poolside experience with an easy-to-assemble floating deck platform.
  • Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax in style on sleek, comfortable outdoor lounge chairs for your floating deck.
  • Waterproof Deck Cushions: Enhance your comfort with durable, waterproof cushions designed for outdoor floating decks.

8. Unique Pool Shapes

A uniquely shaped shallow pool offering a whimsical touch.
A uniquely shaped shallow pool offering a whimsical touch.

Think outside the box with curved or custom-shaped designs. I opted for a freeform shape, and it adds a whimsical touch to my garden.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Garden Edging Stones: Enhance your pool area with stylish edging stones. Add elegance and define poolside aesthetics.
  • Curved Pool Loungers: Relax in style with curved pool loungers. Unwind and enjoy your unique pool shape.
  • Poolside Planter Boxes: Add greenery with poolside planter boxes. Create a natural, serene pool environment.

9. Deck it Out

A shallow pool with elegant wooden decking.
A shallow pool with elegant wooden decking.

Consider using wooden or stone decking to frame your pool beautifully. My cedar deck brings a cozy warmth and complements the pool’s cool water perfectly.

Possibly handy products:

  • Wood Decking Tiles: Transform your poolside area with easy-to-install wood decking tiles for added warmth and elegance.
  • Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax in style with comfortable and durable outdoor lounge chairs perfect for your pool deck.
  • Solar Deck Lights: Illuminate your pool deck with solar lights for a stunning ambiance and enhanced safety at night.

10. Modern and Sleek

A modern shallow pool with a sleek and contemporary design.
A modern shallow pool with a sleek and contemporary design.

Opt for a modern aesthetic with clean lines and contemporary materials. The sleek design of my pool complements my home’s modern exterior.

These products might help:

  • LED Pool Lights: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with energy-efficient LED lights that create a modern glow.
  • Modern Outdoor Lounge Chairs: Relax in style with sleek and comfortable outdoor lounge chairs perfect for poolside enjoyment.
  • Contemporary Pool Umbrella: Stay cool with a stylish pool umbrella that blends seamlessly with your modern décor.

11. Creative Stepping Stones

A shallow pool with artistic stepping stones for visual interest.
A shallow pool with artistic stepping stones for visual interest.

Incorporate stepping stones for an artistic touch. My stepping stones not only look great but also provide a playful path across the pool.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Decorative Mosaic Stepping Stones: Add artistic flair to your poolside with beautiful mosaic stepping stones. Enhance aesthetics effortlessly.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Stepping Stones: Illuminate your garden path with glow-in-the-dark stepping stones for a magical night ambiance.
  • Non-Slip Rubber Stepping Stones: Ensure safety and style with non-slip rubber stepping stones, perfect for wet areas around pools.

12. Enhance with Underwater Lighting

A shallow pool beautifully illuminated with underwater lighting.
A shallow pool beautifully illuminated with underwater lighting.

Install underwater lighting for a magical nighttime glow. My LED lights transform the pool into a mesmerizing oasis after dark.

A few helpful options:

  • LED Underwater Pool Lights: Illuminate your pool stunningly for nighttime swimming with vibrant, colorful LED lighting options.
  • Submersible Pool Light Kits: Transform your pool into a glowing oasis with easy-to-install submersible lighting kits.
  • Remote-Controlled Pool Lights: Easily adjust your pool’s ambiance with remote-controlled lighting for a magical nighttime experience.

13. Shade with a Pergola

A shallow pool with a pergola for stylish shade.
A shallow pool with a pergola for stylish shade.

Build a pergola over part of your pool for shade. My pergola offers a cool retreat from the sun and a beautiful architectural element.

Check these products out:

  • Outdoor Wooden Pergola Kit: Enhance your poolside with a sturdy wooden pergola, offering timeless shade and elegance.
  • Retractable Pergola Canopy: Add versatility by installing a retractable canopy, providing adjustable shade whenever needed.
  • Pergola Climbing Plants Trellis: Incorporate nature by planting climbing vines for beauty and enhanced shade around your pergola.

14. Infinity Edge Illusion

A shallow pool with an elegant infinity edge illusion.
A shallow pool with an elegant infinity edge illusion.

Create the illusion of an infinity edge for a luxurious feel. A friend of mine achieved this with clever landscaping and it looks breathtaking.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Infinity Pool Waterfall Spillway: Transform your pool with a seamless edge using a waterfall spillway for elegant water flow.
  • LED Pool Lighting Kit: Enhance the luxury of your pool’s edge with customizable LED lighting for stunning night views.
  • Pool Landscaping Stones: Accentuate your pool’s infinity edge with decorative stones for a natural, refined look.

15. In-Pool Lounging Furniture

A shallow pool featuring stylish in-pool lounging furniture.
A shallow pool featuring stylish in-pool lounging furniture.

Consider adding in-pool furniture like loungers or tables. My in-water chaise lounges are the best spot for reading a book while staying cool.

Products that could assist:

  • Floating Pool Lounger: Discover ultimate relaxation with a floating pool lounger, perfect for sunny afternoons in the water.
  • In-Pool Chaise Lounge: Enhance your leisure time with an in-pool chaise lounge, ideal for reading while staying cool.
  • Poolside Side Table: Keep your drink within reach with a stylish poolside side table, completing your relaxation setup.

16. Create a Natural Oasis

A natural oasis with a shallow pool surrounded by rocks and greenery.
A natural oasis with a shallow pool surrounded by rocks and greenery.

Integrate rocks and greenery around your shallow pool to create a naturalistic setting. I once added ferns and river rocks to my pool area, and it transformed the space into a serene escape.

A few choices to try:

  • Outdoor River Rocks: Enhance your pool area with natural river rocks for a serene and naturalistic ambiance.
  • Live Fern Plants: Add lush ferns around your pool for vibrant greenery and a soothing retreat atmosphere.
  • Garden Solar Lights: Illuminate your oasis with eco-friendly solar lights, creating a magical evening escape.

17. Seamless Outdoor Integration

A shallow pool that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
A shallow pool that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

Blend your pool with the surrounding landscape to create a seamless transition. My backyard feels like one cohesive space, thanks to strategic planting and paving.

You might give these a try:

  • Outdoor Landscape Lighting Kit: Illuminate pathways for an enchanting evening ambiance in your seamless outdoor space transformation.
  • Natural Stone Pavers: Enhance your pool area with natural stone pavers for a cohesive and elegant look.
  • Weather-Resistant Garden Benches: Add stylish seating with weather-resistant garden benches for a perfect backyard retreat.

18. Install a Rock Waterfall

A shallow pool enhanced by a calming rock waterfall.
A shallow pool enhanced by a calming rock waterfall.

A rock waterfall adds a soothing sound and visual interest to your pool. I love how mine makes the whole backyard feel like a hidden retreat.

Some handy options:

  • Waterfall Pump: Enhance your backyard oasis with a reliable pump, ensuring continuous waterfall flow and tranquility.
  • Rock Waterfall Kit: Easily create a stunning waterfall feature with this comprehensive kit for your poolside retreat.
  • LED Pool Lighting: Transform your pool experience with vibrant LED lights, perfect for evening waterfall enjoyment.

19. Floating Planters for a Green Touch

A shallow pool with floating planters for a natural touch.
A shallow pool with floating planters for a natural touch.

Add floating planters for a splash of greenery. I love how these planters bring a touch of nature right into my pool.

Might be a good match:

  • Floating Aquatic Plant Pots: Transform your pool with floating planters, adding vibrant greenery effortlessly. Bring nature home.
  • Self-Watering Floating Planters: Enhance your poolside with self-watering planters. Enjoy greenery without the hassle.
  • Decorative Floating Garden Bowls: Add elegance with decorative garden bowls. Perfect for a stunning poolside ambiance.
Text: Sarah Anderson