Written by Gloria Allen• July 16, 2025• 1:20 pm• Pool Design Ideas

20 Small Pool Ideas for a Stylish Backyard Space

HomePool Design Ideas20 Small Pool Ideas for a Stylish Backyard Space

A small rectangular inground pool surrounded by light gray brick pavers with wooden lounge chairs topped with folded towels nearby, illuminated by warm string lights hanging from a large tree and wall sconces on a white privacy fence, featuring a cozy wooden cabana with cushions and poufs in the background at dusk.

Small backyard pools can be sleek, social, or wonderfully low-key, from compact plunge pools and round pools to setups framed by decks, pergolas, or corrugated metal. Fire features, outdoor kitchens, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and evening lights show how a limited footprint can still hold a complete poolside setting.

Sunlit Splash Pool Area

A small rectangular inground pool with sparkling blue water surrounded by a concrete deck featuring white cushioned lounge chairs and striped blue-and-white umbrellas, set against a backdrop of green grass, black fence, and houses under a clear blue sky. — Cirrus Pools

The pool area supports summer lounging.

Heat and Water

A small rectangular inground pool with clear blue water, bordered by light stone coping and surrounded by manicured greenery; a rectangular fire pit with bright flames sits at the near edge, while a textured stone wall with two warm wall lights and a waterfall feature stands at the far end, all set against tall trees in the background.

A sleek pool is fronted by a fire feature, bringing heat and cool together in the setting.

Urban Retreat

Small rectangular inground pool with blue mosaic tiles surrounded by beige stone decking, flanked by two cushioned armchairs and a small round table, lush green plants along white walls, and soft warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere in an enclosed courtyard.

The tiny outdoor space feels like a tranquil mini getaway in the evening.

Floating Fun

A small kidney-shaped inground pool with clear blue water featuring colorful inflatable floaties in yellow, green, blue, and orange, surrounded by a beige stone edge, wooden deck with white lounge chairs, tropical plants along a white wall, and an open sliding glass door revealing a living room.

The small pool supports parties, while bright floaties used in it add color.

Deckside Pool

Small rectangular inground pool with bright blue water, surrounded by dark wood decking and brown wooden railings, set in a suburban backyard with green trees and houses visible beyond a white fence under a clear blue sky. — Seasonal Concepts

This well-sized pool fits naturally into a backyard deckside setting, creating a private getaway for the summer routine.

Water and Style

A small inground pool with blue tiles surrounded by a concrete deck and modern building facade, accented by green plants and a bright green inflatable ring floating on the water. — Nika Design Studio

A small pool in the backyard does not determine the atmosphere for relaxation.

A Calm Splash Area

A small inground pool surrounded by stone edging and gray stone tiles with two wooden chairs and a low white table in the background, shaded by green leafy trees and natural landscaping. — Plunge Pool Concepts

Dappled sunlight falls over this small pool. Set beneath the sunlight, the pool supports a calm mood.

Chill Vibes Lounge

Small inground pool with clear green water surrounded by stone tiles, two gray Adirondack chairs with patterned cushions, a white umbrella providing shade, and lush green trees in the background. — Northwest Native Landscapes

In the lounge area, two Adirondack chairs sit beside a small pool. One shady umbrella is included as well.

Water and Cooking

Small rectangular inground pool with clear blue water and a waterfall feature on one side, surrounded by light gray stone tiles, adjacent to a modern outdoor kitchen with grill and seating area under a black pergola, set in a backyard with green trees and blue sky. — Potomac Outdoor Living

A small, sleek pool is paired with a waterfall and an outdoor kitchen. The setting supports summer gatherings.

Pool for Unwinding

A small inground pool with clear blue water surrounded by light stone tiles, two white lounge chairs with gray pillows and navy towels, an umbrella, lush green shrubs, and a modern white brick building in the background. — Soake Pools

This compact pool is made for unwinding. Its style has a subtle elegance.

A Cooldown in a Small Space

A small plunge pool set into a wooden deck in a modern backyard featuring white siding houses, concrete patio with gray cushioned outdoor furniture, potted plants, and bright green grass under clear blue sky. — Soake Pools

This simple, compact plunge pool has a sleek design that supports quick dips and offers no-fuss use.

Circle Of Calm Poolside

A small round inground pool with aqua water set into a wooden deck, surrounded by tall dense green bamboo plants and a brown wooden fence in the background. — BWF Built Pty Ltd

A bamboo backdrop stands behind the round pool, creating a zen mood, while the round pool creates a soft feel.

Petite Backyard Pool

A small rectangular inground pool in a backyard surrounded by green hedges, tall conical trees, white hydrangea flowers, wooden lounge chairs with light blue cushions, and a white house with a brick chimney under a bright blue sky. — Plunge Pool Concepts

In the backyard, a tiny pool gives summer gatherings their own spot. Its small size keeps the setup compact.

Small Pool Pleasure

A small modern inground plunge pool with bubbling water, surrounded by light stone tiles and two metal lounge chairs, overlooking a lush green lawn with winding path and tall trees in the background. — Soake Pools

An expansive view belongs to this petite plunge pool. The pool has a laid-back luxury style.

Peaceful Evening Dip

String lights and lanterns with flickering flames illuminate a small pool in the evening. The pool suits solo stargazing and late-night chats.

Round Pool

Corrugated metal is the defining material here. It gives the pool a quirky style and a refreshing appearance.

Stone Serenity Pool

A small rectangular inground pool with clear blue water, surrounded by wooden decking and a white wall with built-in niches; in front are three large smooth stone-shaped seats in shades of brown and black, with green leafy branches overhead. — Bos Zwembaden

Multiple pebble-like seats sit beside a small, sleek pool in the pool area. The seating stays close to the water.

A Touch of Splash

Modern backyard featuring a small blue rectangular pool with an attached spa, surrounded by gray stone tiles, lounge chairs near a fire pit, outdoor kitchen with bar stools under a wooden pergola, and lush green plants.

Lounge chairs, a fire pit, and a grill are included with this compact pool. The pool supports social gatherings and brings those features together in one space.

Evening Relaxation

A small inground pool surrounded by stone tiles and wooden decking, featuring a dark wood pergola overhead with built-in lighting, a firepit with flames on one side, an outdoor grill station in the background, and cushioned wicker chairs around the deck with lush greenery beyond. — Sudbury Design Group

A sleek pergola covers a poolside firepit and grill. The outdoor setting is used for sunset gatherings.

Lounge & Splash Poolside

A small rectangular inground pool with clear blue water surrounded by stone pavers and green grass, accompanied by four wooden chaise lounges with beige cushions and two large white umbrellas in a backyard bordered by tall evergreen trees and a small shed. — BuildLabs

Four lounge chairs and two umbrellas surround a small, sleek pool in the backyard, giving the space a stylish, laid-back feel.

Monochrome Pool

A small rectangular inground pool with dark black water, surrounded by white stone tiles and a striped black-and-white lounge chair in the foreground, next to a modern white cabana with black-and-white striped cushions, set against green hedges under a partly cloudy sky. — Plunge Pools Direct

This small pool has a minimalist style, with white tile and black water. Together, those details give it a luxe look.

The Lazy Days Lounge

Small round inground pool with stone edging set beside a wooden deck featuring a cream-colored hammock draped with pillows and a knitted blanket, next to a white cushioned outdoor sofa with green and beige pillows, all surrounded by green plants and shaded by tree branches.

A tiny pool sits in the lounge area, with a hammock nearby and a cozy throw included there too. The setup keeps both water and a place to relax in the same space.

Save it For Later