It goes without saying that having an inground pool is a luxury for entertainment as well as cooling off on those hot summer days. However, an inground pool comes with tons of maintenance, planning, and a higher cost than an above ground pool. Don’t you worry though, we have awesome inground pool ideas that will make owning an inground pool so much easier. From inground pool ideas for small yards to the perfect poolside furniture for entertainment, we have must see ideas that will transform your poolside experience.
As a new inground pool owner, I did not know how much maintenance and money you have to put into the upkeep of your pool. I thought you just throw some chemicals in the pool and enjoy, but there is so much more to having an inground pool. What I did realize is that the extra burden is worth it after having fun family gatherings and constant entertaining which will create lasting memories in your home. In the last few months with our new pool I have learned about the good the bad and the ugly and I am here to share with you everything you should consider for your inground pool as a pool owner.
In this blog post, we will show you some inground pool ideas that will give you the inspiration for your pool that you have been looking for. Whether you are looking to invest in an inground pool in the future or you want inground pool ideas on a budget, we have the perfect tips, tricks, and poolside recommendations that will enhance your backyard.
This blog post is all about inground pool ideas.
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Best Poolside Lounger
Something that I have learned as an inground pool owner is that you need plenty of seating by the pool for guests to tan, relax, and have a good time. Our new poolside chair from AquaCurve is the chair that our family fights to lounge on while we are hanging by the pool. We love it because it is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and durable enough to withstand our fun family pool parties.
AquaCurve in-pool loungers are designed for pool owners who want a more comfortable way to relax on shallow shelves and tanning ledges. With pool-first geometry, durable HDPS construction, stable placement, and easy-care surfaces, they help turn a simple ledge into a more usable resort-style lounging area. We highly recommend checking out their selections (my favorite is the Serena in pool lounger).
How much do weekly inground pool cleanings cost?
We pay about $4,500 for weekly pool cleanings for 13 weeks, this price includes the chemical.
Best Inground Pool Ideas
Now, let’s explore the best inground pool ideas that we have found online!
1. Inground Pool Design
If you are planning on investing in an inground pool, you have probably learned by now that it is not just digging a hole in the ground and swimming. There is so much more that goes into designing and planning an inground pool area. From the landscaping to the patio even down to the lighting, the pool area can get expensive quickly.
A couple of things to think of while planning your inground pool design is to make sure that the space if functional for your needs. For example, if you have kiddos you may want a pool ledge for them to lounge on or if you host tons of late night gatherings, maybe a firepit by the pool could be a part of your design.
INGROUND POOL DESIGN IDEAS:
- Pool with a spa area
- Pool with a ledge for seating and lounging for a resort feel
- Plunge pool to save space in a smaller backyard
- Firepit area by the pool
- Covered Pool
- Pool with a slide
2. Inground Pool Ideas For Small Yards
Small backyards can be tricky when it comes to designing an inground pool. At our previous home, we had a super small backyard and always have dreamed of installing an inground pool but it would take up literally the entire yard. Ultimately we opted for an Intex above ground pool to get us through the hot summer but if we did invest in an inground pool it would definetly be a plunge pool.
What is a plunge pool?
A plunge pool is an inground pool that is suitable for cooling off and dipping it but not large enough where you can go swimming in it which is why they work best in small backyards.
3. Tanning Ledge Inground Pool Ideas
One of the trendiest inground pool ideas that I have seen all over Pinterest are inground pools with tanning ledges. The tanning ledges are perfect for those of us that don’t always want to get our hair wet but still want to enjoy the pool area with everyone else. If you are focused on relaxing or getting some sun, we suggest using an in pool lounger like the Serena lounger from Aquacurve to enjoy your ledge to it’s full potential.
4. Inground Pool Ideas Simple
Sometimes it is better to keep things simple when it comes to the design of your inground pool. Not only will a simple design save you some money, but it will also give your backyard small a clean and minimalistic look that is super trendy. Opt for a rectangular pool with a tanning ledge or a small water feature to help create visual interest in your pool area.
5. Inground Pool Ideas Fenced In
A fence is probably one of the most important investments you can make when it comes to the patio area around your pool. A pool fence can save the lives of children, animals, or just people that aren’t confident swimmers. While pool fences can get pretty pricey depending on the material and size, there are affordable options that can give you peace of mind.
When we bought our home, the pool did not have a fence and I would stress even with the pool cover on that our toddler would somehow get in. One of the first things we did in our yard was remove the trees so that we can install a safe and proper pool fence and it has made life as an inground pool owner so much easier.
How much do pool fences cost?
Our black iron pool fence was approximately $5,000 with labor and materials.
POOL FENCE IDEA ON A BUDGET:
Our neighbors have this exact fence around their pool and it does the trick for a fraction of the cost.
6. Inground Pool Ideas on a Budget
So here’s the secret, you actually can create an inground pool for your yard on a budget, but you need to be willing to make some sacrifices. Keep things simple, like a concrete border around the pool instead of pavers or opting for just grass instead of landscaping around the pool area.
BUDGET FRIENDLY INGROUND POOL IDEAS:
- Keep the shape simple and not customized
- Build a smaller pool to save some money
- Install a vinyl pool liner
- Pass on the water features and lighting upgrades
- DIY your landscaping
7. Semi Inground Pool Ideas
If you are looking to achieve the look of an inground pool but don’t have the budget for it, a semi inground pool might be the perfect fit for you. Semi inground pools can be enhanced with great lighting, landscaping, and even a deck to create the illusion of an inground pool. These pools are a great option if you have a sloped yard where your only option is to build it into the slope.
8. Inground Pool Ideas With Hot Tub
Elevate your pool area by investing in a hot tub that will make your backyard have a spa like touch to it. Hot tubs are perfect for the person who is always cold or for the days that it’s too cold out for the regular pool. Hot tubs can also help make your pool feel more luxurious while allowing you to unwind and relax all year round.
9. Inground Pool Ideas With Slide
Take your pool to the next level by installing a slide that goes directly into your inground pool. The slide will keep your kids (and the adults) entertained for hours. No matter what age you are, a pool slide is always a good time.
10. Inground Pool Ideas Sloped Yard
A sloped yard can be tough to navigate when it comes to designing your inground pool. The trick is to use your sloped yard to your advantage by creating a custom pool with fun landscaping, hardscaping and cool living levels. A common feature that is used to help elevate a sloped backyard is to divide the pool area into sections with retaining walls and lighting. This creates the feeling that the yard isn’t sloped but instead intentionally like that.
11. Rectangular Inground Pool Ideas
Rectangular pools are the most popular types of inground pools in 2026 due to their minimalistic look and affordability. Rectangle inground pools are perfect for any home’s style and can be customized to fit your backyard’s needs. If you are looking for a timeless inground pool option, this is your best choice.
12. Inground Pool Ideas Off Deck
Making a smooth transition from an existing deck to your inground pool can be tricky but with some creativity you can make the deck look like it is supposed to be there. To achieve a seamless look from the deck to the pool area, try to match the color of your deck and pool hardscape. You can also use the same landscaping and decor to make the space feel like one. Removing any railings on your deck that are obstructing the pool area (if possible) for a more open look. The best part about a pool deck is that you can always add to it for a more custom, built in appearance.
13. Partial Inground Pool Ideas
A partial inground pool offers the best of both worlds and will give you a custom looking pool for a fraction of the price. Partial inground pools are a great option for those that want a custom looking pool without the custom price tag. A pool deck, retaining walls, and a firepit are common options that home owners choose to make their pools one of a kind.
This blog post was all about inground pool ideas.
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