Home swimming pool design ideas and planning tips

Installing a luxurious new pool is, without a doubt, one of the most transformative changes you can make for your property. A well-crafted home swimming pool design gives you somewhere to relax, exercise and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, without a screen in sight.

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and bring a new pool into your living space, the exciting part begins. At Signature Pools, we give you complete freedom over your design. From the material, size and shape to additional features like spas and steam rooms, or decorative touches such as waterfalls, lighting and beach entries, your pool is crafted exactly the way you imagine it.

This enables you to create a space for whichever purpose you desire. If you dream of a relaxing spa-from-home, we’ve got you covered. If it’s exercise you’re after, we can design a pool specifically built for lane swimming. Want somewhere for the kids to play outside? We can build a safe outdoor pool with a waterfall and beach entry, allowing them to channel their own creativity.

If you’re in the early stages of planning a new pool, here are the ideas, materials and design features worth considering.

Home swimming pool design material examples

Whether you’re on the hunt for a heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool or something above or in the ground, choosing the right construction material is the foundation of a successful build. Each option offers its own look, durability and maintenance profile, so your choice should match how you plan to use your new pool and the surrounding landscape.

Wooden pools

Wooden pools are typically installed above ground, using treated timber to create a warm and inviting natural look. They sit beautifully in gardens surrounded by planting, especially for homeowners who want their outdoor space to feel connected to nature. Although quicker to install, they still offer impressive durability when constructed correctly.

Wood brings character, blends authentically with natural stone finishes and pairs perfectly with decking, fire pits and organic shapes in your wider pool area.

Choose if:

You want a rustic aesthetic, a quicker installation or a pool that fits gracefully into a natural outdoor space.

Concrete pools

Concrete pools are built using hollow concrete blocks, which are then tiled. This method allows for complete flexibility in size, depth, shape and style. If you’re looking for a pool that feels truly bespoke, concrete is one of the most robust and luxurious options available.

The structural strength makes concrete ideal for features like infinity pools, dramatic curves, clean lines, custom lighting effects and integrated spas. With proper care, concrete pools offer outstanding longevity.

Choose if:

You want full design freedom, premium aesthetics and a long-lasting structure tailored entirely to your needs.

Block and liner pools

Block and liner pools are built on a concrete base but lined with a durable membrane (sometimes sand and cement) rather than tiles. They offer a balance between cost effectiveness and a polished aesthetic, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a reliable, low maintenance new pool without the premium price tag of full tiling.

They are versatile and suit both geometric shapes and more creative layouts.

Choose if:

You want a high-quality pool with excellent value for money and a wide range of lining options.

Fibreglass one-piece pools

Fibreglass one-piece pools are factory moulded pools delivered to your property in a single piece and installed as a complete structure, often simply placed into an excavated hole. They offer smooth surfaces, clean lines and fantastic durability with minimal maintenance. Installation is quick as the shell is already formed.

Fibreglass pools lend themselves well to modern minimalist pool designs and smaller backyards.

Choose if:

You want a sleek, contemporary finish with a quicker installation timeline.

Home swimming pool design style examples

Pool style is where your personality comes to life. Today’s pools include everything from architectural geometric shapes to natural pools with soft curves, water features and lighting that creates a dramatic effect.

Bespoke designs

A bespoke pool, available from Signature Pools, is designed entirely around your lifestyle. From custom shapes to hydrotherapy jets, artistic lighting or a pool house for year-round use, this option delivers a tailored experience.

Choose if:

You want a pool crafted to your exact vision with no design limitations.

Lap pools

Long and narrow, lap pools are perfect for fitness, compact gardens and simple geometric shapes. They maximise space without losing aesthetic appeal.

Choose if:

You want a pool primarily for exercise or a sleek addition to a narrow outdoor space.

Infinity edge pools

Infinity pools use an overflow edge to create a seamless look that blends with the horizon. The result is a striking visual effect, especially on properties with dramatic views.

Choose if:

You want a showstopping luxury feature that looks as impressive as it feels.

Freeform pools

Freeform pools follow organic shapes inspired by natural bodies of water. Soft curves, natural stone and planting create a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.

Choose if:

You want a naturalistic design that blends beautifully into the landscape.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls introduce movement, texture and a soothing sound to your pool area. They work well with both organic and geometric pool designs.

Choose if:

You want a calming sensory experience and an impressive visual feature.

Spas

Integrated spas or hot tubs bring warmth and relaxation into your living space. They’re ideal for year-round enjoyment and wellness-focused garden designs.

Choose if:

You want hydrotherapy benefits and luxurious relaxation built into your pool.

Beach entries

A beach entry is a gentle, sloping walk-in design that removes the need for steps. It gives your pool a lagoon-like feel and appeals to families.

Choose if:

You want a child-friendly, resort-style pool with smooth access.

Lighting

Lighting transforms a pool after dark. From underwater LEDs to custom lighting effects around your outdoor space, it adds ambience and improves safety.

Choose if:

You want your pool to look spectacular at night and make the most of evening outdoor living.

Bespoke pools from Signature Pools

At Signature Pools, we specialise in new installations designed around your home, your priorities and your long-term plans. Our service covers everything from the initial concept and site visit through to design, construction and ongoing support. We work with premium materials and industry-leading suppliers, and we’re proud SPATA and BISHTA members, giving you confidence in construction quality, water quality and safety.

We offer both in-ground and above-ground options, indoor and outdoor pool designs, smart technology, automatic covers, solar heating systems, energy-efficient heating and natural filtration systems. Once your pool is complete, we provide servicing, maintenance and repairs so it performs perfectly for years – and you can work with the same team throughout.

FAQs

What is the most energy-efficient way to heat a pool?

Air source heat pumps and solar heating are currently the most efficient options for residential pools in the UK.

How do I choose the right pool style for my garden?

The best pool style depends on your space, lifestyle and priorities. Concrete pools offer full customisation, fibreglass one-piece pools are quick to install with clean lines, and wooden or freeform pools suit naturalistic gardens. Our designers guide you to the perfect choice for your home swimming pool design.

Can Signature Pools maintain my pool after installation?

Yes. We offer ongoing maintenance, servicing, and repairs for all residential pools. This includes water testing, filtration checks, pump and heating system maintenance, and advice on smart technology or automatic covers to ensure your pool remains pristine year-round.

Who are Signature Pools?

We are a family-run business established in 2008, serving homeowners across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol and South Wales. We design, construct and maintain residential and commercial pools, spas, steam rooms and saunas, and we’re trusted by hotels, holiday parks, fitness centres and private homeowners.

Sustainability sits at the heart of what we do, from energy-efficient systems to eco-friendly materials and water-saving filtration. You can reach us on 01626 333414 or info@signaturepoolsuk.com.

In summary

• Your home swimming pool design should reflect your space and lifestyle
• Materials influence longevity, cost and aesthetic
• Style choices shape the overall feel of your living space
• Features like lighting, waterfalls and spas add personality
• Signature Pools offers bespoke end-to-end design and long-term support