Built of such materials as metal, plastic, fiberglass or concrete above or in the ground, swimming pools are built in a range of sizes and shapes. Indoor and outdoor family pools are often designed with a shallow end where the kids learn to swim and play, and deep ends for doing stunts off the diving board or slide and swimming deep underwater. Decorative stone and tile personalize pool designs and tie their look with the adjoining landscape and home. A great pool also deserves a great place to lounge by the water, dry off, sun yourself, take a summer nap under an umbrella or cabana. Landscaping around pools creates a design transition from the hardscape of the pool with the green and color of the plant material in the garden. Pools meant for exercise can be beautiful, too, adding drama with their lap-friendly geometry. And infinity pools offer a wonderful trick of the eye, as water falls off one edge, blurring the line between pool, sea and sky.

Find pool design ideas here.