Small Backyard Pool Design Ideas: Raised Freeform Fun
Our Pool Design Ideas series was created to help spark ideas of what might be a good fit for you in your backyard. When you’re starting the process of building a pool, there are numerous decisions to make. A great place to get started is with the pool design and design elements. Whether it’s a freeform or geometric design, with modern, Tuscan, or retro design elements; it’s really about the look that fits your home.
At California Pools & Landscape, we’ve been creating custom pools in the valley of the sun for more than 36 years. We’ve designed thousands of backyards in all shapes and sizes, to meet the desires of every client.
About This Phoenix Backyard
These Phoenix homeowners wanted to design their backyard oasis by maximizing the available space they had in the yard. Our design team went to work creating a freeform design in order to capitalize on the amount of usable space while still having a pool long enough to swim back and forth in. Creating an open freeform design feel with the pavers, artificial turf and travertine coping was part of the vision as well.
The above the ground design was put into place to help deter the family’s dog from falling into the pool. Raised 12” above the ground, the soft curves carry the design and make the freeform pool the star of this backyard.

Freeform Above Ground Pool
This freeform above ground pool sits just off of the patio and is the focal point from inside the home. The pool has a 78ft perimeter, which puts it on the smaller side of pool size. Even with that classification it still offers plenty of room for swimming as it is 16’-6” from edge to edge. Once you step into the pool you are greeted by a large baja shelf that sits 18” under the waterline. The 46sqft of elevated surface offers a great area to cool off in the water while still catching some Arizona sunshine.
The Arctic Sea Glass Pebble with double abalone interior sparkles and omits a vibrant blue that pairs naturally with the Mojave Aqua waterline tile. There are two benches tucked into the soft curves of the pool that also sit 18” under the water line. These pool benches offer a great area for relaxation and double as additional steps out of the pool.
The Tuscan Noche Travertine pavers extend from the pool deck and wrap around the raised exterior edge of the pool. The pool’s coping matches as well, offering a sit and spin option into the pool. This design element makes it look like this backyard oasis literally raised up from the decking!

Incorporating Landscape Design Throughout The Yard
The landscaping in this backyard helps with all of the finishing touches. The combination of artificial turf and granite rock add a contrast and natural element to the environment. The curves implemented in the design with the turf and travertine coping accentuate the design of the pool and tie the yard together.
Designing Your Own Backyard Oasis
Hopefully, these backyard design ideas helped you figure out some design elements that you might enjoy in your own backyard. Selecting backyard elements and design features is a fun part of the process. It’s important to consider what will fit into your home’s environment and be enjoyed by you and your family.
The elements in this Phoenix backyard are just a few of the many design options that we have available at California Pools & Landscape. We’ve built a page that houses all of the Small Yard design ideas to create your ultimate backyard experience. To see all more design ideas visit our Photo Galleries.
Love this pool design idea? If you’re ready to start with your dream yard design, get started with one of our talented designers.