Sitting in the backyard on a hot day with the sun's rays pulling the perspiration out of your body, it's hard not to think, “It sure would be nice to have a pool." But who can afford one? Plus, it would dominate a landscape, becoming a hideous black hole in winter.

Well, wipe off your brow. With some imagination and a sensible design, you can have a refreshing pool that won't break the bank or swallow your yard.

Good Design
Before grabbing that spade and digging a big ol' hole out back, it's a good idea to decide exactly what you want. The best way to save money and end up with something you're happy with is to do it right the first time. Take a minute to inventory who would use the pool, when they would use it, and what other purposes your backyard has.

Once all that information is collected, the fun part begins. Gather images of pools that you like, and note the basic elements of each. Is it the expansive patio that makes the pool seem like the perfect place to throw a party? Do the plants around the edge create a sense of serenity? Does a zone for kids have the most appeal?

This backyard perfectly blends recreation and horticultural whimsy.