Table of contents for No. 46 - Year Book 2015 in Poolside

When conjuring up designs for your backyard oasis, it is imperative to integrate the pool, garden and cabana with the surrounding home to create strong fusion and flow. John Storch, principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, shares his tips on how to unify the elements to create a cohesive environment. Consider your concept The initial concept needs to consider the grounds as an entirety, John suggests, so that individual areas are integrated and do not feel disjointed and dysfunctional. “This becomes even more important when a disparate association is caused by a substantial level change between the house and garden area,” John says. “Careful, considered design will ensure the outdoor room appears at one with the overall property and not as an afterthought.” A further link between the spaces…

Designed to complement an irregular block, this unique creation is a collaboration between landscape designer Robert Boden of Robert Boden Design P/L, Aquarius Pools and the clients. With the clever use of curved stonework to integrate the pool and spa, the design echoes the character of the owners’ house, resulting in a cohesive and stylish aesthetic. The impressive structure possesses the functionality of a pool and the beauty of a water feature, with clean lines and quality materials. It’s not only visually unique but matches the clients’ desire for a family pool and a spa that suit their lifestyle. Only the latest technology and highest-quality materials are used in Aquarius Pools, ensuring ease of use as well as high functionality and minimal maintenance. The future needs of the client are…

Modern, sleek and luxurious are three things that come to mind when describing this design by Cantwell Pools. The long indoor lap pool was requested by the owners to replicate a pool they had enjoyed at an exclusive resort. Beautiful blue glass mosaic tiles with a touch of gold contrast against the imported travertine surrounds. A wet deck channel surrounds the pool, creating the effect of an endless sheet of glass that you could walk on. The channel also has coping laid on either side with a stainless-steel grate enclosing it. Two narrow stainless-steel hand rails have been mounted on the pool beam. The use of these eliminates having internal steps which protrude into the swimming area. The actual treads have been omitted, with niche steps cut into the concrete…

Watching the kids splash around the pool from the comfort of your couch sounds pretty cool, right? With this featured Infinity Pools project, the homeowners can keep an eye on their two young children from a feature window inside the home, which highlights the striking pool and water feature. Designed by Sue O’Connor Architects and built by Infinity Pools, this 12m x 1.8m rectangular lap pool is an extension of the Willoughby family home and entertaining space. The owners wanted a design that would create flow and fusion between the indoor and outdoor areas while providing a functional space for fitness, recreation and entertainment. Recognising that good design principles must ensure a functional pool tailored to the client’s needs, Infinity Pools built a step at either end of the pool…

A couple with two tween-aged children, the owners of this property, in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, wanted to create a fun yet chic vibe for their contemporary outdoor space. With entertainment and relaxation at the forefront of this design, Kiama Pools has evoked both luxury and a sense of warmth in the creation of this family pool and entertaining area. Designed by Mark Browning of Cycas Design, the 10.5m x 3.5m rectangular-shaped pool was built by Kiama Pools on a flat and spacious block. Exuding peace and tranquillity, the pool features an elegant waterfall in the pool coping. Austral Solar Heating is used to heat the pool for year-round comfort, while a Paramount in-floor cleaning system, together with a Viron filter, pump and salt chlorinator, takes the stress out…

Designed and constructed by Immerse Pools, this stylish pool features dynamic angles and materials to add interest and polish to this inner-city backyard. The family of four were at a stage where they wanted an enviable poolside lifestyle for relaxation and entertainment. The sleek and spacious design is high on functionality, with the combination of colours and textures creating a quirky and visually appealing area for entertainment. The red brick raised retaining wall blends cohesively with the red trees by the fence, while the earthy tones from the grey pavement and timber feature walls create a bold contrast with the bright-blue pool tiles. This pool was built with limited access in a small residential area where most people would think having a pool was impossible. With Immerse Pools’ expertise and…

The team at East Coast Swimming Pools have delivered yet another quality pool that demonstrates their superior craftsmanship. The team drew on their years of experience to create a spectacular pool, which was situated on a sloping site with minimal access. Set across the back wall of this young family’s backyard, the swimming pool fits in well with its surroundings, adding that extra flare to this modern home. The sleek, rectangular design, as well as the timber decking and travertine paving, complements the lush-green plants perfectly. The pool has been elevated to 1.2m, eliminating the need for a pool fence. This works extremely well as it does not detract from the pool’s aesthetics and allows the main backyard to flow alongside seamlessly. Light-blue mosaic tiles were used to cover the…

Beautiful lightly coloured granite frames the indigo water of this featured project to create a radiant and alluring poolscape. Corfu Pools built this classic rectangular pool and spa for a busy family of five who wanted the space for relaxation and entertainment with family and friends. This pool helped the owners create the life they always dreamed of — the perfect place to relax those aching muscles after sporting activities and to take the pressure off the everyday stressors of life. The pool was designed to minimise time spent on maintenance through the installation of an automated control system. The automated remote control operates the pool remotely or through a phone application, allowing the owners to prepare their pool or spa for a swim before they even walk through the…

The SPASA Awards of Excellence aim to recognise, reward and promote the achievements of SPASA members, showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship in a friendly competition. Presented annually, the awards recognise exceptional new designs and advanced products, as well as the retailers, suppliers and services supporting these innovations. The next few pages of Poolside provide a snapshot of the residential gold winners and Pool of the Year from the 2015 SPASA Victoria, New South Wales/ACT and Western Australia awards. For the full list of winners, visit the relevant SPASA division websites, or ask SPASA for a free copy of the SPASA magazine, Choosing Your Pool & Spa. Company profile SPASA Vic P: 03 9501 2040 F: 03 9501 2041 E: info@spasavic.com.au W: spasavic.com.au Company profile SPASA NSW & ACT…

This beautifully executed pool is a fitting complement to the adjoining home and lush, captivating garden. As part of the brief for this project, the client wanted elegance and proportionality, requiring a design that enhanced the outdoor entertainment area without taking up the entire backyard or detracting from its beauty. Future Pools achieved the desired subtlety with a pool that has been designed, engineered and constructed so that no pool fencing is needed on two sides of the pool. This allows the simple box design of the pool to accentuate the existing features of the garden including the decking, the surrounding foliage and tree-lined fence. Individually cut grey travertine tiles are complemented by the onyx duraquartz pool interior, which combine to epitomise style. An easy-to-use hideaway solar pool blanket is…

Built as a renovation to an existing concrete pool, this new design by Quality Dolphin Pools is a seamless extension to the home renovation. Designed with a vertical raindrop water feature, this rejuvenated modern pool blends with the stylish design of the luxury house. The pool nestles beside the family house with a walk-over feature of 10 stepping stones leading to the grand entrance. The vertical raindrop water feature comes with LED lighting and two laser-cut metal artworks placed either side, with LED back lighting. Jandy Laminar deck jets are placed either side of the steps as another water feature. The pool boasts that extra wow factor when the multi-coloured lights of the water features are turned on at night. The wall of the water feature hides the pool equipment,…

For pool water that is completely free of odours and taste while being soft and gentle on the skin and even eliminating the need for showering post-swim, Hydroxypure is the answer. This is fantastic news for those looking for a healthy alternative to chlorine. Endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia and approved by its Sensitive Choice program, Hydroxypure is recognised as a product that is supportive of asthma and allergy care. A pure alternative to traditional sanitisers, Hydroxypure eliminates regular consumables such as salt, chlorine and stabiliser. It also allows your family to swim in fresh, clean water. Hydroxypure is especially suited to indoor pools as the fresh water ensures excellent air quality and no chlorine smell. Chlorine- and salt-free, Hydroxypure is also good news for those with eczema…

With an extensive range of stunning tiles including 42 different styles of ceramic and glass, as well as a digital print range, there is sure to be something to suit your pool and outdoor area at Coulson Tiles. Not only are ceramic and glass tiles a stunning design feature for your pool, at Coulson Tiles they are also an affordable choice. Whether you are after a water-lined or fully tiled option, Coulson Tiles is flexible regarding order quantities and can supply tiles by the square metre to help you stay within your budget. An extensive showroom enables customers to search through the large variety of tiles available and obtain important information. Coulson Tiles is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of floor and wall tiles. For more than 30 years, the…

Perfecting the fencing element of your poolscape for both visual and practical purposes is just as important as the time and money invested in creating your dream pool. Whether you have a young family or are adhering to building regulations which require a pool fence, your fencing needs to enhance your outdoor environment rather than detract from its elegance like some pool fences of the past. Sentrel Australia offers a unique, functional and high-quality range of vertical cable balustrades and pool fences that fit seamlessly and stylishly into most poolside spaces. The fence is made of thin, vertically orientated cables tensioned between either beautiful hardwood timber or extruded aluminium, giving a sleek finish to pool areas and natural environments. Sentrel’s unique barrier system and subtle cables virtually disappear against the…

Every swimming pool owner knows that maintaining a clean, sparkling pool comes at a price. In fact, the traditional method of cleaning swimming pools — using an AC circulation and filtration pump — is typically the second-largest consumer of household electricity. Depending on the size of the pool, AC filtration pumps can cost owners between $1000 – 2000 in electricity bills each year and contribute somewhere in the vicinity of six tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. However, thanks to German manufacturer LORENTZ, swimming pool owners now have the opportunity to protect their hip pockets, and the environment, by taking swimming pool filtration off the grid. LORENTZ has introduced a range of long-life solar pumps that use zero electricity and are almost twice as efficient as traditional AC pumps. They are…

Fun fitness Aside from being the gem of the residence, the swimming pool is a functional space that can work wonders for your inner, and outer, health. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. According to the latest data from Roy Morgan Research, swimming is the most popular sport in Australia, with approximately one in two children and one in 10 adults regularly taking the plunge. Gary Nye, chief executive officer of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association (SPASA), says swimming is a holistic activity that works every muscle in your body. “Swimming has little impact or stress on your body,” Gary says. “Swimming uses more limbs and muscles than many other exercises, and it builds on your cardiovascular ability,” he…

On a balmy summer’s night, nothing beats a few cold beers and a barbecue with friends. But with homeowners investing more than ever to create outdoor kitchens and rooms that rival their indoor counterparts, the humble backyard barbie has become a year-round entertainer’s delight. Fine dining experience According to John McGran, sales and marketing manager for Lifestyle Barbecues, gone are the days when barbecues were solely used to serve up snags and shrimp. “Peoples’ expectations of dining have changed over the years,” John says. “When I was a kid I remember going to barbecues and all we ate were sausages and chops,” he says. “But now it’s different. People want a dining experience. So instead of serving up the stock standard barbecue fare, people are baking whole fish and slow-cooking…

Exuding elegance and optimal functionality, this pool and landscape by The Pool Company is nothing short of beautiful. In fact, the design won the 2015 SPASA Gold Award for Best Pool and Landscape Combination. Designed to complement the European-style home and garden, the poolscape boasts features reminiscent of an Italianate mansion and incorporates clean lines and formal garden beds. Construction was difficult as access points to the garden were challenging. The Pool Company team had to cut in a road and insert 80m³ of concrete footings to build the pool up out of the ground. A large amount of formwork and boxing was also required to achieve the desired style. Despite these setbacks, the pool was finished with the highest precision and the end result is an L-shaped combination lap…

Integrated Pools by Canny worked its expert recommendations seamlessly into the client’s brief to create this aesthetically pleasing masterpiece. This stimulating job had wow factor from its inception thanks to an exciting brief from a client with a growing family. The pool is uniquely positioned at the fence line, giving an impression that the backyard is bigger than it actually is, thereby enhancing the impact of the outdoor space. Visually, there is a flawless cohesion between the sleek, modern, black-rimmed glass facade of the home and the elegant pool with its dark-tiled border. In line with the client’s desire to create a dynamic pool with enough space for the entire family, the pool is configured so there is an 8m lap pool, a large space to swim around and a…

This contemporary pool provides a complete landscape for the home’s outdoor area. With a 10m x 4m-wide pool for swimming, as well as an unusual raised 10m x 2m-wide reflection pool with a bubbling spa area providing a modern feature for the garden, Sunbreaker Pools has come up with a contemporary space that suits the style of the home. This particular pool is made from reinforced concrete and is fully tiled. The spa has six water jets and both the pool and spa have lighting for evening enjoyment. Sunbreaker Pools usually works with architects to design pool areas such as this one, and always draws on the individual nature of each project, from assessing the site to listening to clients’ dreams and demands. Sunbreaker also strives to make the most…

Combining elegance with effortless simplicity, the pool provides the perfect solution to families wishing to escape the daily stresses of life. Built by award-winning company Classic Pools, the company sought to create a pool that would offer tranquillity and enhance the family home, taking inspiration from its leafy location in Munruben Woods. With this in mind, it was designed in the unusual shape of a teardrop to exemplify outdoor beauty at its finest as it complemented its natural surroundings. The unique design also gave the pool owners ample room to fit in a spa and sauna with decking surrounds for that added polished look, intended to provide relaxing fun for both adults and children alike. A Zodiac Eco E3 Pump was utilised for flawless functionality that was both easy to…

Modular, or above-ground, pools offer a more affordable and convenient alternative to their concrete and fibreglass counterparts. Sterns Pools is dedicated to providing Australian pool owners with high-quality modular pools that don’t break the bank, yet still make a stunning visual statement in even the most challenging landscapes. This featured product by Sterns Pools is no exception, offering style and sophistication without the high costs that are usually associated with such a luxurious backyard addition. A leader in cutting-edge modular innovations, Sterns Pools is an excellent solution for homeowners who are on a budget or have difficult access sites. Sterns Pools’ modular components can be easily transferred to the backyard through a side pathway and professionally installed in less than a day. These pools are low maintenance but highly durable…

Capital Fibreglass Pools has realised the clients’ dreams with this luxurious and stylish indoor pool and spa combo that can be used all year round in any climate. Instead of moving house to accommodate their growing family, the clients made use of their expansive rural land in a renovation that included this enclosed 10.5m Barrier Reef Monaco pool and 2.6m portable spa. Complemented by the surrounding travertine, this pool is stunning enough to be at the centre of family entertaining but has the versatility to cater for the family’s extensive training and hydrotherapy commitments. The great design of this pool reflects the family’s needs. The Monaco shell was chosen as it has no stairs at either end of the pool, allowing the family to swim laps as well as relax…

Take a dip or sit back and relax in this contemporary outdoor pool and spa, designed to evoke a luxurious atmosphere at home. Part of an alfresco-inspired outdoor living area of a home in the quaint beachside suburb of Warilla Beach, NSW, the 7m x 4m pool and 2.5m x 2.5m spa by Innovative Pools and Spas evoke a coastal look and lend a stylish beach vibe to the residence. Replete with comfortable and stylish lounge chairs and a fully equipped kitchen, the pool is the heart of the space and the perfect retreat on a summer’s day. Crystal pearl glass mosaics line the interior of the pool and spa in glistening aqua, while travertine coping provides the entire poolscape with a touch of class. The modern design features elegant…

Future Pools created this stunning pool for homeowners who wanted a design that would dramatically enhance their outdoor entertaining area while integrating seamlessly with their architecturally designed house. The luxury of the exquisite tiling, flawless features and modern sophistication make the pool a visual highlight of the home in the natural light of day, or with the opulent pool lighting at night. Close correspondence between the homeowner and Future Pools enabled a meticulous design process, with the owner’s desire for sleek lines and a stylish finish in no way compromising practicality. On top of the owner’s wish list was a pool that could be used year-round for swimming, recreation and entertainment, incorporating an outdoor cabana. An innovative solution to provide all-seasons usage without the costs of heating an entire 28m²…

Designed with style and functionality in mind, this 15m lap pool and pond truly make the most of the space surrounding the stunning new residence. Designed by Ventura Homes for its Monterosso display home in Waterford, this chic L-shaped pool was built by Future Pools and offers ample room for lap swimming, entertaining and recreation. Wrapping around the rear of the property, this first-class pool can be viewed from several outlooks in the home and features a timber deck with surrounding 3m x 3m pond for ultimate style and sophistication. As a requirement of the project, the pool shell had to be installed prior to construction of the property. A master in pool building, Future Pools executed the position and placement of the pool with precision to overcome this challenge.…

Why travel to the tropics when you can have your very own slice of paradise, as illustrated in this luxurious, resort-style poolscape. Built by Blue Stone Pools, this 20m lap pool forms just one piece of an opulent outdoor oasis, with a swim-up bar, alfresco kitchen, impressive pond and jetty completing this postcard-perfect designer property. A relatively complex project, the pool was installed on the southern side of the two-storey home in a tight area which required stabilisation of the property and boundary fencing. This side also housed the main electrical, telecommunications, sewer, internet and water services — all of which required diversion and relocation. The finished product is a creative, sophisticated and visually stunning pool alongside the boundary wall, with a decked area masking the relocated service feeds through…

To give your pool an outstandingly bright and beautiful appearance, look no further than Blue Glass Pebble Company’s glass pebble swimming pool interiors. As one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pebble finishes for concrete pools, the company offers unique colour palettes that give spectacular results, surpassing the competition. Glass pebbles are the best and most colourfast way to achieve a vivid, colourful water effect. The quality recipes are tried and tested to ensure maximum vibrancy and longevity. Whether you want to create a deep oceanic blue or a tranquil lagoon setting, glass pebbles are a natural solution that are scientifically proven not to fade over time. A simple or tired backyard can be rejuvenated with a pool that features the stunning colours offered by Blue Glass Pebble Company. Create…

Antique Stone played an integral role in the transformation of this two-storey property, turning a tired backyard pool and front-entry exterior into a modern-day marvel. Although they had already undertaken a major renovation and extension of the upper level of this property, the homeowners sought the expertise of Antique Stone and Beecraft to provide a much-needed facelift for the backyard pool space and entry to the house. Along with a new front entrance, the pool area was updated to create more room with a new deck and stone surrounds. The renovation featured the use of Antique Stone’s high-quality 500mm x 500mm pavers, along with pool coping that was custom-made to fit the size and shape of the pool. A reconstituted stone product influenced by traditional European stone, the antique stone…

A tasteful combination of colours and materials gives an aesthetically superior finish to this flawless design. Urban Escape is responsible for the design, construction and landscape of this contemporary, relaxed family oasis. The finished project is a classy and cool outdoor retreat that embodies Urban Escape’s namesake. The clients, a couple who work long hours, requested an outdoor area where they could relax and unwind with their children in an environment that boasted a wow factor. A contemporary design using natural and timeless materials, including stone and hardwoods, gives this tranquil poolscape an earthy sophistication. The rectangular pool is 9m x 4m and makes great use of what was once wasted space. The lush garden is abundant with sturdy foliage, blending seamlessly with its poolside location. The plants are largely…

This elegant pool was created as a wonderful centrepiece for a large landscape. The area incorporates two feature ponds and various extensive entertainment sections. With an abundance of space, there is a flow and an ambience of peace and relaxation in the entire design. Built by Darryl Walters of Pride Pools, and designed in conjunction with Darrell McLean Architect, this pool is a magnificent addition to the sprawling house it is attached to. The owners wanted an outdoor area that would add to their socially active lifestyle and this design ensured they could entertain in style, in a variety of areas, each with their own features and functions. They were guaranteed to never tire of the space. A spa was incorporated into the pool’s design for an extra touch of…

A modern pool design was the perfect addition to this suburban home. Set to the rear of the yard, the pool feeds off the entertaining area for a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Timber decking between the pool and home integrates a natural feel with the outdoor space as well as adding a pop of colour to the green and blue tones. A frameless glass fence enables a seamless transition between the home, the outdoor living area and the pool to create a dynamic living and entertaining environment. This is further complemented by the lush green plants and striking blue pool colours working cohesively with the washed grey pavement, the charcoal fence and the hues of plum in the house bricks. A classic rectangular design was chosen to…

Situated on the esplanade in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this courtyard pool is as fresh and inviting as its plush, modern surrounds. Built by Baden Pools, the 6m x 3m rectangular-shaped pool reflects the newness of this beachside home, offering an aesthetically classy yet simplistic impression. In testament to its quality appeal, the pool won best concrete pool under $50,000 at this year’s SPASA Awards. Designed by Tall Grass Landscapes, this front-yard pool features Austral solar heating, a 24in sand filter and two Spa Electrics LED niche lights. The pool’s classy character stems from the natural travertine stone used on the pavers, coping and tiles. Providing a creamy finish with subtle mocha tones, the beautiful travertine stone complements the house to perfection. A 12mm frameless glass fence accentuates the modern feel…

A steep and irregular-shaped backyard proved no barrier for Momentum Pools, which designed and built this stunning contemporary pool in Melbourne’s seaside town of Mount Martha. The 8m x 3.5m pool was integrated into the steeply sloping site, replacing the existing 1980s kidney-shaped pool with a raised spa and planter box walls forming a retainer. Reflecting the owner’s wishes, Momentum Pools designed a “showpiece” pool that not only utilises the space in a functional way, but also provides a centrepiece when viewed from the adjoining living area. The raised spa with acrylic window is a standout feature that gives this poolscape a glamorous and contemporary feel, with luxurious Bisazza glass mosaic tiles used in the interior of the spa along with a granite surround. The acrylic viewing panel was retro-fitted…

For uninterrupted views of your swimming pool and garden oasis, look no further than Everton’s Fully Frameless Channel System. Ideal for homeowners who are starting their pool projects from scratch, the Channel System features a truly frameless appearance, with the footing being mounted below the paver or deck line and offering a modern, seamless look in the surrounding landscape. Creating an instant wow factor, the DIY system can be integrated into decking, concrete paving or other surface foundations for ultimate luxury and practicality. The DIY system is easy to install with the help of a friend and is a cost-effective, fully frameless solution that provides superior quality without compromising on safety or aesthetics. Featuring 12mm toughened safety glass for durability, the sleek system protects the pool area from unwanted entry,…

Precisely positioned in a lush, foliage- rich landscape, this Future Pools spa was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding property, garden beds and boundary walls. The Indian plaster render on the walls of the spa is complemented by the deep-blue glass mosaic tiling that adorns the top of the spa and waterline. As a result, the finished product offers a striking and sophisticated touch while still allowing the spa to merge with its natural backdrop. The roomy bench seats are spacious enough to seat up to eight adults comfortably, providing plenty of room to enjoy the spa with friends or to indulge, relax and unwind on your own. Nine Venturi jets with air bubbles on the floor have been installed to ensure the maximum dynamic flow of water throughout…

A passion for swimming and for keeping fit inspired the impeccable design of this practical but incredibly attractive pool by Future Pools. Designed by Tim Davies Landscaping, the pool was engineered and constructed to withstand surcharge loading from the surrounding home through concrete and double-steel reinforcement in the walls. The pool stylishly and functionally fills the charming backyard of the property. Stepping stones welcome swimmers into the pool and also provide access to the decking area. The most impressive feature of this spectacular design is the Fastlane system, a swim current generator that accommodates the homeowners’ wish to swim for fitness. This is particularly handy when the vast land requirements for a bigger pool are not available. The Fastlane system’s smooth, quiet and powerful current is fully adjustable for swimmers…

Designed for homeowners who seek function and sophistication, Remco’s Coverstar is a durable, multifunctional pool cover that stylishly blends with your poolscape. Aside from providing outstanding safety, insulation and convenience, the Coverstar helps with heat retention and water and chemical balance. An easy turn of a key or flick of a switch rolls the cover over the pool, keeping out dirt, debris and leaves and rapidly reducing cleaning responsibilities. A significant amount of time is saved on pool maintenance because pH levels, alkalinity, hardness and chlorination are better preserved. Filtering cycle times are dramatically improved by approximately 50 per cent if the Coverstar is used frequently, as less filtration is required for a cleaner, covered pool. The Coverstar is environmentally friendly too as it eliminates 90 per cent of evaporation,…

While it’s important to have a beautiful- looking pool, the safety of the pool’s chemical balance is equally essential. For pool owners, a poolside lifestyle should be about relaxing and enjoying their poolscape without constantly worrying about maintenance and pool safety. At the pinnacle of advanced pool technology, the new Viron eQ consistently and accurately measures pool chemical levels, adjusting the outputs as needed. This is the latest product from award-winning company AstralPool Australia — a leader in the national pool and spa equipment industry since 1990. The Viron eQ chlorinator provides pool owners with peace of mind that their pool water is continuously monitored and maintained to ensure healthy and safe swimming water. Its revolutionary inbuilt functions virtually eliminate the need to handle potentially dangerous chemicals while still ensuring…

The perfect pool surrounds require almost perfect chemistry. It’s about having a beautiful look, a soft feel under foot and a safe surface that remains slip-resistant when wet. The most suitable surfaces include softer, natural stones, concrete or terracotta paving and brick, but these are often also the most porous, readily absorbing liquids that can stain or damage the paving. Food and beverages are the obvious enemies. When oils are absorbed into the paving, the marks can be hard to clean, sometimes becoming permanent. Water can be an even more serious problem. Rainwater and groundwater are full of dissolved minerals that can mark, clog and even break up a porous surface. Water from saltwater pools can be especially damaging, causing salt efflorescence and rapid deterioration of softer materials if not…

A luxurious poolscape is created when a beautiful pool is surrounded by an equally outstanding landscape. With decking and timber features that are well cared for and tastefully designed, a polished and elegant finish is the likely outcome. Versatile enough to be used for decks, pergolas, prominent features or furniture, timber plays a vital role in the modern landscape. The effect can be as subtle as incorporating a polished element into a more rustic space, or as bold as using timber to inject the wow factor into your landscape. A practical but elegant decking area, striking woodwork and intricate timber designs are just some of the ways timber can enhance both the look and feel of the entire area. Whether you want to feature timber as an understated or striking…

Davey’s latest high-efficiency ProMaster VSD Eco-series Pool Pump is ideal for today’s swimming pools. This ProMaster is a step up from traditional pool pumps in a variety of ways: • The ProMaster Pool Pump provides fully variable speed selection, giving pool owners total control over the operating speed from 1500rpm to 3600rpm. • A unique water-cooled motor captures noise and vibrations, which enables super-quiet operation and rates the noise down to 50dBa at the lowest speed. • The ProMaster is equipped with a selectable two-minute backwash cycle that offers safe, reliable and easy operation of the pump when backwashing the media filter. • Automatic restart technology restarts the pump and runs it normally after 30 minutes if a fault occurs. This eco-series pool pump provides an outstanding eight-star energy efficiency…