Having a swimming pool at home is no longer just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. If you’re planning to add one to your property, exploring minimalist swimming pool designs is a smart place to start.
A home swimming pool can significantly enhance comfort, aesthetics, and property value. It also creates a fun and relaxing space for the entire family—especially children, who naturally enjoy spending time in the water.
Although minimalist pools are generally more compact than conventional swimming pools, careful planning remains essential. One of the first decisions to make is whether the pool will be built indoors or outdoors. Measuring the available space accurately will help ensure the design remains functional, safe, and visually appealing.
Below are ten minimalist swimming pool designs to inspire your project, ranging from backyard pools to elegant indoor options.
Minimalist Swimming Pool Designs for Outdoor Spaces
1. Rectangular Minimalist Swimming Pool
A rectangular swimming pool is one of the most timeless and popular minimalist designs. Its clean, elongated shape makes it ideal for backyards with limited space.
This type of pool can be built using the remaining area behind the house, while leaving approximately 3–5 feet of space around the edges for lounge chairs or circulation. The design remains simple, without slides or stairs, allowing the focus to stay on clean lines and functionality.
To elevate the look, add large decorative plants along the poolside to introduce a fresh, natural touch.
2. Plunge Pool Design
Plunge pools are widely used in Europe and the United States, particularly for urban homes with limited outdoor areas.
Their compact size allows homeowners to allocate surrounding space for greenery, grass, or landscaping, which not only enhances visual appeal but also reduces slippery surfaces around the pool. Plunge pools are perfect for cooling off while maintaining a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
3. Swimming Pool with a Gazebo Lounge Area
Combining a swimming pool with a gazebo instantly adds both comfort and visual interest.
In this design, a long minimalist pool is paired with a gazebo at one end, creating a shaded relaxation area. The gazebo can be constructed from wood for a natural look or finished with tiled flooring and lightweight roofing materials for a more contemporary feel.
This setup works especially well for homeowners who enjoy entertaining outdoors.
4. Industrial-Style Minimalist Pool
Industrial-style swimming pools offer a sleek, modern look with a strong architectural character.
This design typically features a square or rectangular pool finished with natural stone along the edges. Be sure to choose non-slip stone materials for safety.
Black or dark-toned lounge chairs placed poolside complete the industrial aesthetic, making the area ideal for relaxing after a swim.
Minimalist Indoor Swimming Pool Designs
Indoor swimming pools are increasingly popular among homeowners who want year-round access without being affected by weather conditions.
5. Oval-Shaped Indoor Swimming Pool
Oval-shaped pools are an excellent match for modern European-style homes, which often feature large glass windows and doors.
By converting one indoor space into a pool area, homeowners can enjoy abundant natural light. Thanks to the glass elements, swimming indoors can still feel like an outdoor experience—blending elegance, comfort, and modern design.
6. Glass-Roof Indoor Swimming Pool
A swimming pool with a glass roof is an excellent option for a minimalist indoor pool design.
The pool can be rectangular, square, or L-shaped, and positioned near the kitchen or dining area to create a seamless indoor living experience.
Add comfortable lounge chairs along the poolside and complement the space with indoor plants to achieve a resort-like atmosphere.
7. Minimalist Swimming Pool in the Center of the House
Placing a minimalist swimming pool in the center of the house allows easy access from multiple rooms.
The pool design can be adjusted to match the layout of the central space, while the surrounding area can be styled with Mediterranean, rustic, or boho-inspired décor.
Benches and seating around the pool allow residents to relax and enjoy the water even without swimming.
Minimalist Swimming Pool Designs for Children
For a children’s swimming pool, reducing the pool’s length and depth is key to ensuring safety.
A compact design allows kids to play comfortably while giving parents peace of mind, making it ideal for family homes.
8. Simple Indoor Swimming Pool
This minimalist indoor swimming pool design focuses on simplicity, using a square or rectangular shape.
Installing glass sliding doors around the pool area helps prevent water splashes from reaching other rooms. One side of the pool can be connected to the backyard, allowing fresh air to circulate and creating a refreshing indoor-outdoor feel.
9. Natural-Themed Swimming Pool
A natural-themed minimalist pool allows children to feel as though they are swimming in an open, outdoor environment.
This design incorporates natural stone elements around the pool area, including stone-finished walls. Adding a small waterfall or shower fountain enhances the natural ambiance and makes the pool more engaging for children.
10. Mediterranean-Style Swimming Pool
Mediterranean-style minimalist pools are small in size, making them suitable for children.
These pools can be built indoors or outdoors and usually feature a square shape, surrounded by Mediterranean-inspired furniture and décor. Adding a small slide on one side can make the pool more fun and inviting for kids.
Tips for Designing a Minimalist Swimming Pool
Here are some practical tips for designing a minimalist swimming pool, inspired by insights from Barrier Reef Pools:
1. Shape and Structure
Minimalist pool designs typically feature simple geometric shapes such as rectangles or squares. Clean lines and symmetrical proportions create a modern, organized appearance, while compact sizing helps preserve open space around the pool.
2. Focus on Functionality
Functionality is the foundation of minimalist design. Every element should serve a clear purpose, avoiding unnecessary decoration. Straight swimming lanes and easily accessible lounge areas ensure comfort and usability.
3. Materials and Finishes
Natural and elegant materials such as stone, exposed concrete, and neutral-colored tiles (white, gray, or beige) are commonly used. Smooth surfaces maintain a clean look and make maintenance easier.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Simple designs reduce areas where dirt and debris can accumulate. With integrated filtration systems and automatic pool cleaners, maintenance becomes more efficient and time-saving.
5. Cost Efficiency
Minimalist designs help lower construction and long-term maintenance costs by avoiding complex decorative elements and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Ready to Build Your Minimalist Swimming Pool?
A well-designed minimalist swimming pool is more than just a visual feature—it’s an investment in comfort, lifestyle, and long-term property value.
If you’re planning to build or renovate a swimming pool, now is the perfect time to consult with professional designers or contractors who understand modern minimalist principles.
With the right planning, materials, and layout, your pool can become a seamless extension of your living space.
