Table of contents for No. 47 in Poolside

From fair trade soy lattes to the sustainably resourced materials and energy-efficient products in our homes and outdoor areas, we seem to be striving for the “natural” way of life to fulfil us. This issue we focus on exactly that, delving into the benefits a pool can have on your health and wellbeing in our feature Lap It Up (pg. 52). Save on expensive gym memberships and encourage the family to rather join the fun-filled exercise in your own backyard. We review the latest Natural Pools trend, which is setting the standard for tranquil backyard spaces and eco-friendly features (pg. 46). Blurring the line between pond and pool, these Natural Pools are perfect for those after their very own backyard escape from the regular nine to five. We also bring…

As well as being the gem of a residence, the backyard 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 for people of all ages and fitness levels. It provides a great cardiovascular workout for the whole body, including the arms, shoulders and back. According to the National Sports Participation report 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. Among the overall Australian population, about half (48.8 per cent) of children aged between six and 13 participate in swimming activities regularly. Unlike traditional land-based exercises such as running, swimming does not have a harsh impact on…

The owners of this Malibu pool wanted to bring back a recent holiday experience to their Brisbane home. The calming Ocean Blue of the ceramic waterline tile, the polished pebble and quartz pool interior, along with the Drifting Sands sandstone coping introduce the resort vibe to this classic double-storey weatherboard home. The pool was built with an eye-catching feature wall that includes natural Almond stack-stone panels, which acts as the focal point for the water features that cascade down the wall. The pool and pool terrace are linked seamlessly by the home’s formal sandstone staircase, ensuring the two areas fuse well. Malibu Pools ensures construction quality as well as operating efficiency when building its pools, with all pool energy systems operated via the solar energy that is harvested from the…

Overlooking the sparkling waters of Mosman, New South Wales, this pool constructed by Pride Pools is the ultimate in luxury with a breathtaking view. With a 14m curved overflow, this pool reflects the modern and luxurious style of the home. Boasting modern, minimalist surrounds, the pool is designed as a lap pool that is also ideal for recreational use. Blue tiles encasing the interior provide a striking contrast between the pool itself and the pale paving surrounds. The most notable feature of this design is the underwater window, which looks into the adjacent office space. Meeting clients’ requests is the number-one priority for Pride Pools. After initial discussions, the parties meet on site (with plans if already created, as in this case). All aspects of the concept and process are…

In Castle Hill, New South Wales, a tranquil escape has been created by Jade Swimming Pools. Through an entertainment nook at the back of the home, the pool and spa combination is positioned as the focal point of the backyard space. A grassed area is maintained around the pool and spa, seamlessly integrating the design into its surroundings. Due to the slope of the property and difficult access points, the installation of the pool and spa posed challenges. For easy access, the pool was designed in conjunction with the landscaping to enable a breezy installation process while taking into consideration the layout of the land. For outdoor enjoyment, the pool includes several unique features including a gorgeous stacked-stone feature wall and waterfall which sit at the back of the pool.…

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…

In a housing market where space is at a premium, it’s smart to find ways to use smaller pools and landscape them to ensure the chosen space does not look closed off. This project is an excellent example of a courtyard pool and the way this type of pool can maximise the space of smaller backyards. At this flat, rectangular block in Bulleen, Melbourne, most of the land was taken up by the house, with just a small rectangular space left in the rear corner of the block. It was previously a mix of decking and grass, surrounded on two sides by garden beds along the boundary fence. The homeowner wanted a space with the flexibility to entertain herself and her young teenage daughters and give them years of entertainment…

This combination spa and pool design by Endless Spas and Pools offers this family the customised lifestyle they need, giving them the opportunity to enjoy their backyard all year-round. Providing something for the kids but also something for the parents, the Endless Smooth Edge Dual Zone features two separate units, spa and plunge pool, each able to operate independently from the other and easily customisable for any backyard. Cool down in the plunge pool on those scorching Australian days, then warm up in the spa when the stars come out. For those looking to relax, each section is equipped with massage and hydrotherapy features to enable you to wind down at the end of a long day. Thermal covers are included so you never need to be concerned about wasted…

For their large sloping block in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, these Stirling homeowners had clear ideas when it came to their pool. “They wanted a feature that was practical and unique, but which would also complement their stunning modern home when the pool was not being used,” says Tony Romeo, owner of TG Excavations and Unique Pools. The family of five has three children aged eight to 13 who all love swimming, and mum and dad also wanted to make sure the pool allowed them to always keep a close eye on the kids as they swim. Their gorgeous 9m-long rectangular pool with infinity edge was designed around both the slope of the land and position of the new dwelling. “The pool was built in solid rock, so I had…

Building a pool is a big commitment, and getting advice from the professionals is imperative to a successful outcome. When it comes to the pool’s design, you also need to consider the surrounding area. It can either show off or show up your new pool; it can be as simple as a fence or a small area of decking. Sometimes it’s a whole host of small features that can have an impact, but top-quality materials will help elevate your pool and save you stress and money in the long run. This project showcases what a simple but elegant design can accomplish. The matching timber deck and Knotwood screens marry beautifully together to create a warm element that contrasts against the cool blue pool and white poolside furniture. The stylish finish…

Who can resist a pool slide? From the anticipated excitement that grows as you climb the stairs to the top, to the exhilaration that rushes over you as the slide twists and turns before ending in an epic splash, there is arguably nothing better. The people at S.R. Smith take pool fun very seriously and their range of pool slides ensures the whole family can be in on the fun. The TurboTwister slide is the company’s largest and most popular residential slide standing at 2.6m high. Made from strong, stable, corrosion-resistant material, the slide is built to ensure the fun keeps rolling for years to come. An integral high-volume water delivery system ensures fast, slippery rides that will transform a backyard pool into a favourite destination for the whole family.…

When constructing a beautiful new pool, or renovating an existing one, how do you create the “wow” factor in your glass pool fencing? Aqua Vista Glass, the supplier of glass pool fencing for this stunning modern pool, is sharing its secret: the glass pool fencing has been pretreated with EnduroShield. Aqua Vista Glass pool fencing is now available with a pre-applied EnduroShield coating that protects glass pool fencing for at least 10 years. The EnduroShield pre-treatment protects glass against staining and etching from contaminants like sea salt, pool chemicals, dirt and grime. Untreated glass is porous and absorbs contaminants, leading to deterioration, etching and discolouration, and this makes cleaning more and more difficult. EnduroShield reduces cleaning time by up to 90 per cent and makes cleaning a breeze; all that…

The relaxed vibe of this outdoor oasis was created by John Storch, principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers, who was commissioned to design the swimming pool, cabana, entertaining deck and gardens of this Sydney property. The alluring yet understated glass tiles used in the geometric-shaped swimming pool contrast beautifully with the blonde sandstone paving of the external paved areas. A special feature of the pool is the stacked slate water feature and stepping-stone walkway. Unlike generic stepping-stone walkways, each stone has been individually cut to a radial contour, reflecting the end shape of the pool. Meanwhile, the timber cabana floor is a perfect match for the decking of the main entertaining area. “The location of the cabana was set adjacent to the swimming pool at…

This luxurious and practical pool and spa combination, built by Southern Cross Swimming Pools with design concept by COS Design, sits as the prominent focal point of its outdoor setting. The family wanted a pool the whole family could enjoy, with trouble-free pool maintenance. They also wanted a design that would make the pool the strongest element of the backyard and would be visually pleasing from every room in the house. Southern Cross Pools delivered just that. At 9m x 4m, the pool sits in the centre of the backyard space with the spa a level higher to one corner. For added “wow” factor, a stunning feature wall made from Italian glass mosaic tiles was added to the front side. The mosaic tile feature wall serves as an integrated work…

For their half-acre sloping site in Canterbury, Victoria, these homeowners envisaged a resort-style rectangular-shaped pool, and with its acrylic panel and mix of tiles, their raised spa-and-pool combination stands out from the rest. Following a long talk between the homeowners and Sam Poli of Venetian Pools, Sam had the inspiration he needed to move forward with the project. “The principle of this design was to relate the pool to its surroundings and show what the client can achieve when building a concrete pool,” says Sam. “We can step outside the norm and build good-quality pools to suit the house and client’s personality.” One problem that faced the Venetian Pools team was a beautiful yet aging magnolia tree situated on the property. “We had to decide whether to remove this old…

This elegant 5.2m x 3.5m pool offers a big, bright look in a small space at the rear of a modern, stylish terrace in inner-city Paddington. Despite the limited area, the design of the pool maximises the available space without compromising functionality for this family. Their pool has been fully integrated into the spot and the surrounding entertainment areas and creates a very modern, glamorous look. The family wanted to use their outdoor area in this very busy, confined part of Sydney, where space is at a premium. Their terrace is narrow at the front, with a double-width block at the rear where the pool is located. “The previous backyard was a mess,” recalls Robin Hitchcock of FreeStyle Pools. “It was not a very usable space and had very uneven…

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 won’t break the bank, yet still make a stunning visual statement in even the most discerning landscapes. This featured product by Sterns Pools is no exception; it offers style and sophistication without the high costs that are usually associated with such a luxurious backyard addition. For homeowners who are on a budget or have difficult access sites, Sterns Pools is the company to talk to. Its affordable 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 due to superior…

These well-travelled clients live overseas for part of the year, so when they’re at home in Sydney’s beach-side eastern suburbs, relaxation is a top priority. They recently installed a pool at their Sydney property and having spent time in Asia, wanted their outdoor area to have an Asian influence. They share the home with their son and his dog so the pool ambience had to be relaxed and fun for their son and his friends. Premier Pools and PEPO Botanic Design joined forces on the project, combining their ideas and extensive expertise. “The collaboration of landscape designer and pool designers gives a much more harmonious and integrated feel to the garden and pool,” says Damien Long of Premier Pools, the company responsible for the design and build of the pool…

Australian company Remco has made a splash with its unique Swimroll pool covers — they are discreet, stylish and, most importantly, safe. For those looking for a smart, beautifully designed cover that doesn’t compromise the look of their pool, Swimroll is the perfect choice. Fences can be climbed and gates left open, leaving young swimmers vulnerable. Swimroll covers can provide an additional layer of protection to your backyard, preventing children and pets from accidentally falling in. When operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, Swimroll pool covers provide an impenetrable surface. When fully closed, the pool cover can sustain the weight of approximately 80kg. The Swimroll has several installation options; it can be smartly hidden away in a bench seat, or even in the pool or below ground for new pools,…

The perfect pool surrounds require almost perfect chemistry. It’s about having a beautiful look, a soft feel underfoot 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 properly…

Why wait till summer to enjoy your swimming pool? With the Heliocol Solar Pool Heating system you can take advantage of the sun’s energy and enjoy your swimming pool more often during the year. Heliocol agrees that installing a swimming pool is a considerable investment for your property and by installing a solar heating system you can extend your swimming season by four to five months, making it not only economical, but more fun for the whole family. Why choose Heliocol solar pool heating? The team at Heliocol Solar know that a good solar heating system is a solid investment for your swimming pool needs. Maintenance-free, solar heating systems will save you on running costs associated with gas and electric heaters. They provide a rapid return, with the only cost…

Australian Outdoor Living offers an entire range of outdoor home improvement products to help you enjoy more time outdoors in your own backyard. From blinds to timber decking, pergolas and swimming pools, swim spas and spas, Australian Outdoor Living has it all. The featured pool, the Venice 7.5 Royal Blue from Barrier Reef Pools, is just one example of the beautiful, high-quality pools on offer. Spacious in size, the rectangular pool offers plenty of space for a swim, or relax on the contemporary pavers surrounding it. It is a fibreglass pool so installation is quick and easy, and can occur in as little as seven to 10 days, perfect for those with young families. The pool includes a Power 9 heat pump, E3 FloPro pump and a 25-inch sand filter…

How would you like to experience the feeling of swimming in crystal-clear water? To dive into a natural oasis complete with lily pads or even a diving board? Well you don’t have to be in a faraway exotic location; you can now experience this in your own natural pool in your own backyard. The first natural swimming pools or natural swimming ponds were built in the early 1980s in Austria. This style of pool has become a growing trend around Australia and it’s easy to see why. Their seamless transition between pool and pond makes them both enticing and modern, while their eco-friendly features make them exceedingly sought after. Characterised by their simple and natural design, rounded forms and pool edges that merge with the surroundings, each unique design creates…

Classic, clean lines on this villa-inspired pool enhance the existing beauty of this Sydney backyard. As the old pool was positioned in the centre of the backyard, limited lawn space was available for the owner’s children and pets to play. GOODMANORS Pool + Garden was asked to modernise the existing pebblecrete pool to make it more practical. Maximising the property’s potential, GOODMANORS Pool + Garden completely demolished the old pool and rebuilt a new one to the back boundary of the backyard. This enlarged the garden and created more space for the family to enjoy the outdoors. The new position of the pool means this family can take advantage of the sunny position of their property all year round, allowing them to use the pool three out of four seasons…

This stunning pool proves that good things come in small packages. This 7m x 4m pool transforms the backyard into a luxurious retreat. The owners engaged A Total Concept to design a pool and garden that integrated into the existing style and feel of the home while being both aesthetically pleasing and functional. With its simple and modern design, the rectangular geometric pool satisfies the owner’s vision and complements the sleek lines of the existing home. The addition of a glass wall on one side transforms the pool into a visually stunning feature. The pool is tiled in black-glass mosaics, providing the perfect backdrop for the fully automated LED colour-changing lights. The lights reflect the luminous shade of the glass mosaics, flooding the pool in colour and adding a majestic…

The straight lines of this formal and elegant pool complement the design of the new home. As the pool wraps around the house and the outdoor entertaining area, with the water gently lapping alongside the residence, you can literally open a window and touch the shimmering clear water. Combined with a wet deck lining on the other sides, the water appears as though it is on a large sheet of glass. The vivid deep-blue mosaic tile is accentuated by the light colour of the paving and residence. The outdoor kitchen and alfresco dining area flow seamlessly with the pool, creating a relaxing space ideal for entertaining guests. Ensuring absolute perfection of all levels of the pool shell was a major factor as the pool was built right up against the…

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 simple 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 24-inch 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…

When it comes to a pool with a view, this Mount Eliza property is a picture of aquatic perfection. Its owners envisaged a pool that was not only practical, but also eye-catching, one that would highlight the exquisite views of Port Phillip Bay. They also wanted a pool they could enjoy with their grandchildren. Designed by Mark Cleary of Everclear and Anthony Wyer, the 8m-long rectangular pool features an interior of gorgeous Bisazza Aqua tiles and is surrounded by timber decking. Mark and Anthony worked together with the owners to communicate their ideas to Steve Lord of Coastal Pools & Spas in order to bring the pool to life. “The pool is a stunning feature of this recently completed home,” says Steve. “It makes the most of the space available,…

The setting for this family pool is both special and unique, offering rural views of lush, rolling Victorian hills. With an amazing backdrop to their property, these homeowners wanted their pool to be visually striking, as well as a focal point of the property and a centre for entertaining and enjoyment for their children as they grow up. Presented with a simple flat site, East Coast Pools’ owner and principal Colin Sloggett had to create a pool that would blend with the residence. “The house has architecturally designed, straight, clean lines and is rectangular in essence, so the pool was designed to reflect that,” says Colin. The 9m-long rectangular pool boasts a 400mm-wide ledge that runs the full length of the pool, and 4m-wide offset steps, with a bottom step…

If you’re looking for an easy-to-manage, cost-efficient and revolutionary in-floor cleaning and circulation system, look no further than the QuickClean Xtreme from Cooke Industries. Offering everything you want in pool cleaning — functionality, performance, efficiency and style — this system will transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis. The QuickClean Xtreme cleans your pool for you and offers a host of additional benefits. The unrivalled energy-efficiency of this product is what sets it apart from others in the market. The annual operating costs are usually less than half that of comparable systems. Another advantage of the QuickClean Xtreme is the system’s superior circulation. The improved water quality as well as chemical and heat efficiencies will assist you in saving time and money, leaving you to spend more time relaxing and…

This dazzling modern pool area with feature waterfall shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun thanks to its sparkling interior by Blue Glass Pebble Company. Made from glass pebbles and New Zealand White pebble, this striking combination is designed to complement the surrounding stone coping and provide a deep, rich, inviting finish while maintaining its clear and lively colour. Blue Glass Pebble Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pool finishes for concrete pools. The product is smooth, fade-resistant, easy to care for and easy to install. Fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s famously high-quality control standards, there are no risks taken with sending out raw material for application onsite. Available in 11 stunningly beautiful and vibrant base colours which can be mixed…

A luxurious poolscape is created when a beautiful pool is surrounded by an equally outstanding landscape. It can be difficult to determine exactly what is needed to perfect your poolside, but often the decking can be the most striking element. 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 continues to play a vital role in the modern landscape. The effect can be as subtle as incorporating an element of polish into a more rustic space, or as bold as using timber to give your landscape a special lift. A practical but elegant decking area, large striking woodwork and intricate timber designs are just…

When it comes to the design of your pool there are three vital components that spring to mind: safety, fun and style. And for all of these, Everton has you covered. With the Everton Core-Drill Mini Post System you can protect your pool with frameless glass fencing, offering both safety and fun for all in a visually stunning way. The Everton Mini Post System is one of the easiest systems to install as it offers DIY-ers the ability to easily adjust the panel spacing once the mini posts have been installed. The grub screw fixings are easily accessed for loosening and re-tightening once the ideal glass position has been achieved. The Everton Mini Post System provides a fully frameless appearance without the additional installation commitment of a Channel System. The…

The initial excitement that comes with a new swimming pool is often diminished as the days grow shorter and the water colder. To get maximum use out of your pool, comfortable water temperatures are a must. A solar system is the most economically attractive option for pool heating and for extending your swim season even into the colder months. Manufacturer of the world’s leading solar pool heating system, Heliocol provides the ideal solution for pool owners. With more than 30 years in production, the company has been able to design the safest and most environmentally sound product of its type on the market. The unique polypropylene formula used in each Heliocol panel is known for its high levels of performance and UV resistance. Durability Heliocol solar panels have incredible durability…