21+ Inspiring Small Backyard Lap Pool Ideas

If you think a small backyard means you can’t enjoy a refreshing dip, think again! With the right design, a lap pool can transform even the most compact space into a personal oasis.

1. Optimize with Compact Dimensions

Compact dimensions make this lap pool perfect for small spaces.
Compact dimensions make this lap pool perfect for small spaces.

A lap pool doesn’t need to be long to be effective. Aim for a compact size like 8×24 feet, which can still provide a great swimming experience without overwhelming a small yard.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Compact Pool Heater: Ensure year-round pool enjoyment with a compact heater. Stay warm even in cooler months.
  • Automatic Pool Cover: Maintain pool cleanliness effortlessly with an automatic cover. Save time on maintenance.
  • Underwater LED Pool Lights: Transform evening swims with vibrant LED lights. Enjoy beautiful night-time ambiances.

2. Elevate with a Raised Pool

A raised lap pool adds a dramatic focal point to the yard.
A raised lap pool adds a dramatic focal point to the yard.

Consider a raised lap pool to add visual interest and define separate zones in your yard. One of my clients loved how a raised design created a dramatic focal point in their space.

A few suggestions:

  • Above Ground Pool Lighting: Illuminate your raised pool with versatile lighting options to enhance evening ambience and functionality.
  • Poolside Lounge Chairs: Relax beside your elevated pool with comfortable lounge chairs designed for stylish outdoor spaces.
  • Non-slip Pool Deck Tiles: Boost safety and aesthetics around your pool with durable, non-slip deck tiles for a sleek look.

3. Create a Zen Retreat

Zen elements bring tranquility to the poolside retreat.
Zen elements bring tranquility to the poolside retreat.

Incorporate Zen garden elements like bamboo and gravel for a tranquil poolside retreat. This design is perfect for those who seek peace and relaxation.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Bamboo Privacy Screen: Enhance your retreat’s seclusion and ambiance with a serene bamboo privacy screen.
  • Zen Garden Gravel: Achieve tranquility by incorporating calming Zen garden gravel around your lap pool.
  • Outdoor Solar Lanterns: Illuminate your space with elegant solar lanterns for a peaceful evening retreat.

4. Add a Touch of Glass

Glass fencing provides an open and modern pool area.
Glass fencing provides an open and modern pool area.

Use glass fencing around your lap pool for an unobstructed view and modern appeal. This was a game-changer for a client who wanted to maintain an open feel in their small yard.

Consider these options:

  • Glass Pool Fencing Panels: Enhance your pool’s aesthetics with these durable, clear panels for a seamless backyard view.
  • Stainless Steel Pool Fence Posts: Securely install your glass panels with sleek, modern stainless steel posts for added stability.
  • Glass Cleaner for Outdoor Use: Keep your glass fencing spotless with this efficient cleaner formulated for outdoor durability.

5. Add a Cozy Fire Feature

A fire pit adds warmth and charm to the pool area.
A fire pit adds warmth and charm to the pool area.

A fire pit or fireplace near your lap pool offers warmth and ambiance. I once installed a small fire feature that quickly became the centerpiece of a client’s outdoor gatherings.

Might be a good match:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl: Enhance your backyard ambiance with this stylish fire pit bowl for cozy evenings by the pool.
  • Patio Propane Fire Table: Enjoy warmth and style with this propane fire table, ideal for poolside gatherings.
  • Portable Fire Pit: Add charm and warmth anywhere with this easy-to-use portable fire pit for outdoor settings.

6. Use Natural Water Features

A waterfall feature adds tranquility to the pool environment.
A waterfall feature adds tranquility to the pool environment.

Add a waterfall or fountain to your lap pool for a soothing soundscape. A client once told me how much they appreciated the relaxing ambiance this simple addition created.

A few things you might like:

  • Pool Waterfall Kit: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with a waterfall kit for that serene, natural water sound.
  • Outdoor Fountain Pump: Transform your pool with a fountain pump, adding soothing sounds to your backyard oasis.
  • Solar Pool Fountain: Go green with a solar fountain, bringing sustainable tranquility to your lap pool area.

7. Experiment with Pool Shapes

An L-shaped lap pool maximizes an awkward backyard layout.
An L-shaped lap pool maximizes an awkward backyard layout.

Don’t shy away from unique shapes like oval or L-shaped lap pools to fit awkward spaces. I once helped a client create an L-shaped pool that perfectly hugged their patio.

Useful items to consider:

  • Outdoor Pool Lighting: Enhance evening swims with adjustable outdoor pool lighting for a captivating ambiance.
  • Durable Pool Lounge Chairs: Relax poolside with ergonomic, durable lounge chairs that withstand all weather conditions.
  • Robotic Pool Cleaner: Keep your pool pristine effortlessly with an efficient robotic pool cleaner.

8. Integrate with the House Architecture

A lap pool that complements the home's architectural style.
A lap pool that complements the home’s architectural style.

Design your lap pool to seamlessly blend with your home’s architecture. I once worked on a project where the pool’s edge lined up perfectly with the patio, creating a harmonious flow from indoors to outdoors.

Give these a look:

  • Outdoor Waterproof LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your lap pool with elegant LED lighting for a perfect indoor-outdoor ambiance.
  • Modern Patio Furniture Set: Enhance your poolside with a sleek patio furniture set for seamless outdoor comfort.
  • Anti-Slip Pool Deck Tiles: Ensure safety and style with anti-slip tiles that match your home’s architectural design.

9. Add a Decorative Pergola

A pergola adds shade and elegance to the pool area.
A pergola adds shade and elegance to the pool area.

A pergola over your lap pool can offer shade and a frame for climbing plants. This was a favorite addition for a client who loved lounging poolside with a good book.

A few choices to try:

  • Outdoor Pergola Kit: Transform your pool area with this stylish pergola kit, perfect for shade and plant support.
  • Climbing Plant Support Trellis: Enhance your pergola’s charm by adding a sturdy trellis for your climbing plants.
  • Outdoor Lounge Chair: Relax poolside with a comfortable outdoor lounge chair, ideal for reading and unwinding.

10. Incorporate Stylish Decking

Teak wood decking complements the pool's elegance.
Teak wood decking complements the pool’s elegance.

A well-chosen decking material like teak or composite wood can enhance the look and feel of your lap pool area. I often suggest these materials for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Try these:

  • Teak Decking Boards: Enhance your pool area with durable and visually appealing teak decking boards today.
  • Composite Wood Deck Tiles: Upgrade your patio with eco-friendly composite wood deck tiles for a stylish look.
  • LED Deck Lights: Illuminate your decking with energy-efficient LED lights for added safety and ambiance.

11. Embrace Modern Minimalism

A modern minimalist lap pool that complements the backyard.
A modern minimalist lap pool that complements the backyard.

Clean lines and minimalist design elements can make a small lap pool feel surprisingly spacious. In my own backyard, I used contemporary materials like stone and wood to achieve this sleek look.

These products might help:

  • Stone Pool Coping Tiles: Enhance your pool’s edges with sleek stone coping tiles for a stylish minimalist finish.
  • Wooden Deck Chairs: Add elegance and comfort poolside with minimalist wooden deck chairs for your relaxation.
  • Modern Outdoor Lighting: Illuminate your pool area with contemporary outdoor lighting for a chic, modern ambiance.

12. Add a Touch of Privacy

A vertical garden provides privacy and serenity.
A vertical garden provides privacy and serenity.

Vertical gardens or stylish privacy screens can turn your lap pool into a secluded retreat. A client of mine loved how the green wall I suggested made their pool feel like a hidden paradise.

Check these products out:

  • Vertical Garden Planters: Create a lush, private oasis by installing vertical garden planters along your poolside walls.
  • Outdoor Privacy Screens: Enhance seclusion with elegant outdoor privacy screens, perfect for enclosing your backyard pool area.
  • Artificial Green Wall Panels: Install artificial green wall panels to add instant greenery and privacy without any maintenance.

13. Incorporate Underwater Seating

Underwater seating adds functionality to the pool design.
Underwater seating adds functionality to the pool design.

Install underwater benches or ledges for seating within the pool. It’s a clever way to relax while staying cool, and my clients love the extra functionality it provides.

You might like:

  • Underwater Pool Bench Kit: Enhance your pool experience with a comfortable bench for relaxing cool underwater seating.
  • Pool Ledge Lounger Seat: Add style and function to your pool with a lounger designed for underwater comfort.
  • Floating Pool Seat Cushion: Enjoy added buoyancy and comfort with a cushion for your underwater pool seating area.

14. Create a Reflective Oasis

Dark finishes create a serene, mirror-like pool surface.
Dark finishes create a serene, mirror-like pool surface.

Transform your lap pool into a reflective oasis with dark finishes that mirror the sky. A client of mine adored how this simple change turned their pool into a serene mirror.

A few helpful options:

  • Dark Pool Tiles: Enhance your pool’s reflection with sleek dark tiles for a serene mirror effect.
  • LED Pool Lights: Add depth and ambiance to your pool with low-energy LED lighting for stunning reflections.
  • Floating Pool Candles: Create a tranquil atmosphere with elegant floating candles to enhance your pool’s beauty at dusk.

15. Illuminate with Pool Lighting

Ambient lighting transforms the pool area into a nighttime oasis.
Ambient lighting transforms the pool area into a nighttime oasis.

Installing ambient lighting around and inside your lap pool can enhance its beauty and usability at night. I always recommend LED lighting for clients who want to create an inviting evening atmosphere.

Possibly handy products:

  • Submersible LED Pool Lights: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with these vibrant, waterproof submersible LED lights today.
  • Solar-Powered Pool Lights: Opt for eco-friendly and energy-efficient solar lights to create a stunning poolside glow.
  • Smart Color-Changing Pool Lights: Transform your pool’s atmosphere with smart, app-controlled color-changing LED lights.

16. Position for Optimal Sunlight

Strategic positioning ensures the pool enjoys ample sunlight.
Strategic positioning ensures the pool enjoys ample sunlight.

Make sure your lap pool is placed to receive ample sunlight throughout the day. In my garden designs, I always factor in the path of the sun to ensure the pool stays warm and inviting.

You might give these a try:

  • Retractable Pool Umbrella: Add shade when needed with a retractable pool umbrella for those extra sunny days.
  • Solar Pool Cover: Keep your pool warm and reduce evaporation with an efficient solar pool cover.
  • Outdoor Chaise Lounges: Relax in comfort with stylish outdoor chaise lounges by the poolside.

17. Enhance with a Natural Look

Natural stones create an organic aesthetic around the pool.
Natural stones create an organic aesthetic around the pool.

Use natural stone or pebbles for a more organic feel around your lap pool. I find this approach beautifully integrates the pool with the surrounding landscape.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Natural River Rocks: Create an organic feel with natural river rocks, enhancing your pool’s landscape effortlessly.
  • Stone Pool Coping: Add elegance to your pool with durable stone coping, blending seamlessly with nature.
  • Pebble Landscaping Mix: Enhance textures around your pool with a versatile pebble mix for that natural touch.

18. Maximize Space with a Skinny Pool

A skinny lap pool makes use of the narrow garden space.
A skinny lap pool makes use of the narrow garden space.

One of the best ways to make the most of a tiny backyard is by opting for a skinny lap pool. I once helped a client tuck a sleek 6-foot wide pool along the edge of their garden, creating a perfect lane for swimming without sacrificing their beloved flower beds.

Products that could assist:

  • Compact Poolside Lounge Chairs: Enhance your pool area with stylish and space-saving lounge chairs for ultimate relaxation.
  • Solar Pool Heater: Warm your skinny pool with an eco-friendly solar heater, extending your swimming season.
  • Waterproof LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your lap pool at night with stunning waterproof LED lights for a magical ambiance.

19. Incorporate a Swim Jet System

A swim jet system allows for endless swimming in a compact pool.
A swim jet system allows for endless swimming in a compact pool.

Add a swim jet system to your lap pool for endless swimming in a limited space. It’s a favorite feature among my clients who love a good workout.

A few relevant products:

  • Adjustable Swim Jet System: Enhance your pool workout with a powerful swim jet, suitable for any skill level.
  • Portable Swim Jet Kit: Transform your pool into an endless swim paradise with this easy-to-install jet kit.
  • Compact Swim Jet Device: Maximize your pool space with a compact swim jet for an uninterrupted swim experience.

20. Design for Year-Round Use

A pool cover and heater extend the swimming season.
A pool cover and heater extend the swimming season.

Consider installing a pool cover or heater to extend usability into the cooler months. Clients love the flexibility this provides for enjoying their pool all year long.

May just do the trick:

  • Pool Cover: Keep your pool clean and warm with a durable pool cover for year-round enjoyment.
  • Pool Heater: Install a pool heater to enjoy warm swimming experiences even during cooler seasons.
  • Solar Pool Cover Reel: Easily manage your pool cover with a convenient solar pool cover reel for hassle-free storage.

21. Create a Multi-Functional Space

A lap pool with a sunbathing deck offers dual functionality.
A lap pool with a sunbathing deck offers dual functionality.

Consider a lap pool that doubles as a spa or includes a sunbathing area. I love how this approach allows my clients to enjoy relaxation and exercise in one compact space.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Retractable Pool Cover: Enhance your pool’s versatility with a retractable cover, balancing protection and easy access.
  • Outdoor Poolside Lounger: Maximize relaxation with a comfortable poolside lounger perfect for sunbathing and unwinding.
  • Portable Spa Jets: Transform your lap pool into a spa with portable jets for a relaxing experience.

Text: Joyce Peterson