Toronto Narrow Lot Backyard Pool Design

A Toronto Narrow Lot Backyard Pool Design that balances functionality, planting strategy, and lifestyle upgrades

This project is located in Toronto on a classic narrow lot property. The client’s vision was to completely transform both the house and the landscape. Key priorities included adding a swimming pool, a new deck at the rear entrance, and a shed for functional storage, while preserving two existing mature trees in the backyard. From the outset, design decisions were also guided by regulatory constraints. According to the City of Toronto bylaws, swimming pools must maintain a minimum 4-foot setback from the property line and respect required distances from registered trees. Combined with the narrow lot condition, these restrictions created the central design challenge of avoiding an overcrowded layout.

Before presenting the first concept plan, we generated a variety of design options in a short timeframe. This approach reflects our commitment to providing clients with multiple perspectives during the initial meeting, along with clear explanations of the reasoning behind each idea. The alternatives included: a pool-centered symmetrical scheme, a horizontally oriented pool aligned with the house to strengthen indoor–outdoor connections, and layouts incorporating water features, pergolas, and artificial grass. These explorations enabled the client to compare possibilities while setting the stage for a more refined direction.

Concept Plan Options

Design Approach

One of the most common issues with narrow lot properties is the sense of overcrowding—particularly when existing trees extend across several yards. To counteract this, our initial explorations considered angled layouts at 45° or 30/60°, using the longest dimension of the property to create the impression of greater width. While effective in expanding spatial perception, these strategies were challenged by the pool’s footprint and the strict requirements for circulation. From this point, we developed a more comprehensive concept that balanced regulatory constraints, client needs, and spatial quality.

Backyard aerial view

Concept Layout Details

In the current concept, the chosen pool is a 20’ x 24’ Tuscan model, with its entry and integrated bench positioned along the long side. The remaining area is designed as an artificial grass lawn with lounge chairs, creating the client’s primary activity and relaxation zone. From the deck, the transition into the lawn is defined by a sofa and bistro set, while the main dining space remains on the deck to provide an elevated perspective and maintain openness in the garden’s center.

Outdoor grill setup

A 4–6 foot screen is introduced beside the sitting area, aligned with the sidewalk. This feature serves a dual purpose: ensuring privacy and acting as a spatial divider that adds depth and complexity to the narrow backyard. The screen also establishes a threshold for guests entering from the side walkway, where planting and lighting enhance the sense of arrival before opening to the pool, sitting, and activity areas.

At the far end of the property, a 9’ x 6’ shed balances utility with design, while a 2-foot-high Sienna retaining wall with a yew hedge and integrated lighting defines the pool’s right edge, providing both structure and a striking backdrop. Together, these elements reinforce the pool as the focal point of the backyard.

Modern backyard lounge

Planting design focused on enhancing existing site features, particularly the birch tree planting bed at the rear. A boxwood hedge was introduced to strengthen the paving geometry and circulation, while vinca groundcover was selected to suppress weeds and maintain a clean base. Japanese forest grass and Hosta ‘June’ fill the understory, providing texture and seasonal variation without competing with the birch trees. No flowering focal plants were added in this area, to preserve the emphasis on the birch bark and texture.

Poolside evening glow

Elsewhere in the garden, plant selections provide year-round interest. Winterberry and red twig dogwood form a layered backdrop that adds seasonal color during colder months. Near the deck, a Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ provides shade and a vivid accent of foliage, further strengthening the relationship between the house and garden.

Cozy garden lighting

Conclusion

This concept represents a comprehensive response to the challenges of a narrow lot backyard. By balancing the pool, deck, sitting and dining areas, shed, retaining wall, and planting, the layout achieves both functionality and visual expansiveness. The use of screens, hedges, and lighting enhances privacy and atmosphere, while planting emphasizes texture, structure, and seasonal change.

Backyard oasis perspective

Although the concept has not yet been formally approved by the client, it establishes a strong foundation for further refinement. The next step will be to incorporate client feedback and finalize a design that fully reflects their lifestyle and aspirations.