Modern Backyard Pool Landscaping Ideas

By Toll Brothers 3 minute read

Want your backyard to feel like a resort escape? Pools are a great way to elevate your outdoor living experience, making it feel like you’re always just a few steps away from serenity and relaxation. The landscaping around your pool is just as vital, bringing the space to life and creating a well-rounded environment. Cater to your lifestyle with a wide array of uniquely designed aspects, including lighting, lounge areas, and more.

Dive into these 11 backyard pool landscaping ideas from Toll Brothers homes nationwide.

 

1. Framing the View with Pool Landscaping

Whether overlooking the mountains, a city skyline, or a body of water, positioning your pool to maximize this view is a great way to make the most of your space. This addition creates a luxurious retreat in your backyard, where you and your guests can relax and enjoy the nature surrounding your home.

Modern pool design with mountain views
Sereno Canyon by Toll Brothers in Scottsdale, AZ

 

2. Attention-Grabbing Water Features

Water features are a fun and exciting way to add visual appeal and a playful atmosphere to your pool. They could be as standard as a fountain or as showstopping as waterfalls. Whatever they may be, water features instantly elevate the design of your pool area.

Innovative pool design highlighted by water features and sleek, contemporary feel
Sonoran Trails by Toll Brothers in Cave Creek, AZ

 

3. Designing a Tropical Oasis

Create a lush, tropical oasis with greenery and plants surrounding your pool. Plants such as palm trees, ferns, and flowers bring life to the area and add natural textures and colors. When selecting plants, consider the overall design of your outdoor area and options that complement your home’s architecture.

Impressive backyard that blends greenery, natural textures and colors, and a modern pool design to create a tropical oasis
Shores at RiverTown by Toll Brothers in St. Johns, FL

 

4. Pool Landscaping with Warmth in Mind

Taking a swim on a cool night calls for a fire pit nearby. Placing the fire pit close to the pool allows swimmers to relax and warm up after their swim. Another benefit of a fire pit near the pool is that it will enable you to enjoy your backyard at night, even into the colder months, creating a versatile outdoor space.

Pool landscaping design highlighted by sunken poolside fire pit area
Monterey at Lakewood Ranch by Toll Brothers in Lakewood Ranch, FL

 

5. Creating a Private Getaway

Privacy is vital when structuring your pool area. Utilizing walls and other landscaping elements as visual barriers helps you to enjoy your pool without feeling exposed to neighbors or people passing by, providing you peace of mind while using your outdoor living space.

Impressive poolside seating area featuring intricate pergola design and nearby wall, fostering an elevated sense of privacy
Toll Brothers at Ascension in Las Vegas, NV

 

6. Resort-Like Pool Landscaping

Backyard pools can give your space a resort-like feel. Unique architecture elevates the area and adds to your home’s aesthetic appeal. Personalize your space and create details that make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s custom tiles, landscaping features, or colors, personalization can make your space feel like paradise.

Resort-like pool landscaping featuring glass hot tub and multiple poolside lounge areas
Bella Vista at Porter Ranch – Ridge Collection by Toll Brothers in Porter Ranch, CA

 

7. Well-Designed Lighting Around the Pool

Lighting plays a crucial role in an outdoor space. The lighting that you choose sets a tone for the area. Well-designed lighting, such as illuminating steps, paths, or the pool, can completely transform the outdoor space. Be creative with this design aspect and create an inviting environment for relaxation and entertainment in your backyard.

Innovative hardscape design highlighted by lighting next to pool
Toll Brothers at Adero Canyon in Fountain Hills, AZ

 

8. Family Gathering Areas

Outdoor areas are the best places to spend quality time with family and create unforgettable memories. Even if you’re not swimming, being near the pool provides an excellent opportunity to kick back with the family and relax together.

Poolside gathering space with stunning lake view
Toll Brothers at Bella Collina in Montverde, FL

 

9. Poolside Seating for Sitting Back and Relaxing

Poolside seating is vital to the area, adding comfort and style. The addition of stylish seating can make the space luxurious and stunning. Lounge chairs partially submerged in the water allow you to cool off while enjoying the pool’s ambiance without fully swimming. Arrange your seating to facilitate social interaction and comfort among yourself and your guests.

Modern pool design with innovative walkway to outdoor kitchen area
Regency at Tracy Lakes by Toll Brothers in Tracy, CA

 

10. Creating a Natural Sanctuary

If you want to feel like you’re in the wilderness in your backyard, create a nature sanctuary around your pool. With the addition of natural materials in the pool and landscape design, your area will blend in well with the natural surroundings of your outdoor space and appeal to your nature sanctuary right in your backyard.

Backyard design featuring pool landscaping that blends natural elements with it's hardscape to create a natural sanctuary
Sereno Canyon by Toll Brothers in Scottsdale, AZ

 

11. Practical Pool Landscaping

Creating a practical pool space can be a great way to enjoy the luxurious feeling of having a backyard pool without all the elaborate features. This design prioritizes functionality while still providing spaces that feel elevated. Consider adding seating, landscaping, or shaded areas that work well with the pool’s overall layout.

Functional, practical pool design with accompanying outdoor fireplace and seating area
Tavira at Stonebrook by Toll Brothers in Sparks, NV

 

For more luxury pool and outdoor living design ideas, visit our blog’s “Outdoor Living” category.

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Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). Toll Brothers has been one of Fortune magazine’s World's Most Admired Companies™ for 10+ years in a row, and in 2024 the Company’s Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron’s magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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