13 Inspirational Backyard Ponds and Pools
From ornamental water features to elaborate natural pools for swimming and more, this array of tempting ponds will inspire thoughts of summer.
Bespoke Barn
A pond pool by Waterhouse Pools and Ponds at this upscale rustic residence features a “sunken patio" floor and a floating stone diving platform. A gutter system for collecting rainwater is built into the cedar deck, while a low-flowing water feature minimizes evaporation.
The Watering Hole
Photographed at the height of spring, this pond-like natural pool with stone patio by BioTop Pools is an oasis surrounded by marshy grasses.
Roundabout
A residential swimming pond installed next to a retaining wall and mature oak trees gets a design upgrade by Waterhouse Pools and Ponds, with stones covered in moss and a circular cedar spa.
South Carolina Sass
This figure 8-shaped natural swimming pool by TotalHabitat.com gets a palmetto state pond treatment with rocks, marsh grasses, waterfalls and lilies.
Park Life
A backyard creation that resembles a park, this natural swimming pool by BioTop Pools is ringed with marsh grasses and daisies.
Lake Placid
Natural pools can mimic lakes and ponds; they're lined and fitted with filters to keep the water clean. This giant pool by BioTop Pools extends the length of this family property.
Skinny Dip
This residential pond with stacked stone waterfall by TotalHabitat.com extends from a terraced deck and gallery of potted plants.
Easy Livin'
This backyard natural pool by TotalHabitat.com sits in a residential subdivision and mimics a fishing hole—minus the fish! Two Adirondack chairs hold court over the serenity.
Asian Awesome
This Asian garden design with a lily pond by TotalHabitat.com is a great fit for both commercial and residential landscapes.
Eco-Friendly
This pond pool by TotalHabitat.com has carefully coordinated plantings that help balance the phosphates and bacteria and provide a natural barrier against pests.
Mountain Magic
This combo natural pool and pond by TotalHabitat.com has a million-dollar view of the Georgia mountains and provides a placid spot for splashing or relaxing.
Boulder Beauty
This cascading backyard waterfall by Sublime Garden Design passes through boulders, flat rock and river rock before tumbling into a pond surrounded by manicured grasses and shrubs.
Dandy Digs
Excavated and existing rocks form a cradle for this elaborate watering hole by TotalHabitat.com.

Photo By: Photo courtesy of Waterhouse Pools and Ponds.