A swimming pool can be a heavenly thing during the hot and humid Singaporean months. It can be a great way to cool down, relax, entertain friends, and even get fit. Complete with stylish pool tiles, lighting and landscaping, a successful pool design can also complement your home. If your landed property or private condo doesn’t have room for a large pool, then a hot tub or swim spa are luxurious alternatives. Ready to get your hair wet? Before you start planning your new pool design, dip your toes into the photos on Houzz. You’ll discover ideas and inspiration for above ground pools and inground pools, as well as landscaping and novelty features.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your yard will determine the type of inground pool you can install. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, an above ground pool or hot tub are more affordable alternatives, with the latter involving a lot less maintenance, too.

If you only have a small yard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your yard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What swimming pool extras and accessories can I add?

Even though pools are naturally fun, there are many ways to magnify their fun factor. Install a diving board, slide or small waterfall to make swimming more enjoyable, and add floats, toys and loungers for ultimate relaxation. A gazebo can help with entertaining during parties, while an outdoor shower and changing station come in handy once you're ready to head indoors.

Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a pool renovation or are building a designer pool from scratch, Houzz has 64,480 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Jamie Armstrong Photography and Grupo Holos. Look through pool photos in different colours and styles and when you find a pool design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful pool ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.