Table of contents for No. 49 in Poolside

Your pool doesn’t need to look like the rest. There are many ways to add personality and interest, from cleverly positioned pool windows to mosaic tile artwork. Here are some of our favourite unique pool designs that make a statement. At 9m x 4m, this pool sits in the centre of the backyard 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 of art to the otherwise simple design, adding a touch of Mediterranean extravagance to the garden landscape. Next to this 5m x 3m glass-mosaic-tiled pool is a wonderful pond filled with plants, fish and even short-necked turtles. During…

It’s hard to believe that this pool was once outdated with a broken water feature. Thanks to a clever design and skilled workmanship, the pool and backyard have been transformed into a multi-zoned outdoor oasis. “The owners wanted a completely refurbished and reimagined pool, that connected with the new outdoor living area and interior renovation,” says Sam Collie, director of 37 South Pools. 37 South Pools was charged with bringing the design, by COS Design, to life and giving form to the new garden and refurbished pool. The two companies have a proud ongoing design and construction relationship and continue to work together to best service their clients. “The old pool, which was 150mm out of alignment from the home, was gutted, the alignment problem was remedied and a lower,…

When considering the design and construction of a pool, it is important to pay close attention to the way in which the pool will complement the existing house. For this project, the pool was built at the same time as the home, all designed to fit perfectly together. Like assembling the pieces of a puzzle, this pool was designed to sit nestled to the back of the house, allowing for seamless, integrated construction. “There was a need for a sense of scale. This was such a large house on a large property, so the pool really needed to be quite sizable to match,” says Steve Rae of Malibu Pools & Spas. The pool can be viewed from a number of rooms from within the home as a result. With an…

A poolside area that incorporates different zones is a common request for homeowners looking to build their dream backyard. Elite Pools has nailed this with a perfectly proportioned pool, tidy outdoor cabana and neat up-wall garden bed. “The owners of this Malvern home, a husband and wife with teenage children, were looking for a totally integrated outdoor living solution,” says Laurie Jacobson of Elite Pools. Each element of this outdoor area has been cleverly thought out not only maximise space but to give the overall design a sense of cohesion. The up-wall garden bed has been designed to neatly meet the edge of the cabana on one side and the edge of the water on the other. Containing a row of uplit Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’, over time, this garden…

Designers are always playing with scale to alter the perception of a space, making it feel larger or smaller than it really is. While many people believe small spaces lend themselves to small items, top designers know that by incorporating largescale pieces, they can actually make a small space seem bigger than it is. Here, Southern Cross Pools designer Josh Schwal and the owners of this Elsternwick, Victoria, home chose to include a fairly sizable pool in this small backyard and position it in a way that made the area feel bigger. “There was a really conscious effort to make sure the pool was as big as possible without taking up too much space in the rear yard,” says Josh. “The balance between the amount of usable space and the…

There is one element of a pool that can make or break the overall look, and that’s the pool tiles. The colour, texture and size of the pool tiles together have a huge impact on the way your pool looks in different light — sunshine, cloud cover, at dusk and at night when illuminated with lighting. Tiles on Bradman Drive has gone to enormous lengths to create this particular blue colour that many customers were looking for and couldn’t find. “We noticed customers and pool builders were looking for an interesting mid-blue [coloured tile] but felt that most of what was on the market was too flat. Mediterranean Blue was a colour developed by Tiles on Bradman Drive to suit these industry trends,” says Scott Bryant, commercial sales manager of…

When constructing a new pool, or renovating an existing one, how do you keep the sparkle in your glass pool fencing? The glass pool fencing used around this stunning infinity pool has been treated with EnduroShield. Maintaining the sparkling appearance of this feature pool fencing is easy with EnduroShield protective glass treatment. EnduroShield keeps glass cleaner for longer in between cleans and significantly reduces upkeep. All that’s needed is a wipe over with a microfibre cloth and a mild detergent, saving you time and money on cleaning and maintenance. EnduroShield also protects glass against staining and etching from contaminants such as sea salt, pool chemicals, dirt and grime. Untreated glass is porous and absorbs contaminants, leading to deterioration, etching and discolouration. This makes cleaning more difficult and may lead to…

The MULTI PLUS LED pool light features four multi-colour modes to suit all occasions and seven static colours that are more intense than ever before. This technologically advanced light has seen the introduction of an RGB+White LED that provides beautifully clean white illumination and stunning colour shows. Its ability to integrate with pool automation systems, the all-new Spa Electrics iRIS lighting controller or just a standard wall switch makes the MULTI PLUS, according to Spa Electrics, the most versatile underwater multi-coloured light on the market. When coupled with the all-new iRIS remote, you can experience instant control of colours, shows and brightness all via the remote handset. Its two channels give you the ability to control your pool and spa separately or sync them together to create multiple effects throughout…

By this time of year, many home builders have begun their final plans for pools to be built so that they are ready for summer. Exclusive to Remco Australia, the new state-of-the-art, high-tech SwimJet is now being specified in many pools throughout Australia due to its versatility in use. Very popular with lap and plunge-sized pools, along with larger pools that are designed to incorporate beautifully designed features, the multipurpose SwimJet is ideal for families who want to use the pool as a fun place where children can play for hours and be entertained. It is also great for those who need remedial help with injuries or like to use a more powerful jet for exercise. UNIQUE TURBINE-DRIVEN COUNTER FLOW SYSTEM The SwimJet comes with a unique turbinedriven counter flow…

A PUMP THAT’S LIGHT ON ENERGY BUT POWERFUL ON PERFORMANCE AstralPool has introduced the Viron XT variable-speed pump range. The pumps have a nine-star energy rating, fast primers and overdrive functionality. Two models are available: the P320XT and P520XT. According to AstralPool, the pumps save up to 85 per cent in energy use and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to a conventional single-speed pump. Three separate speeds are easily controlled with up and down buttons, making it simpler than AstralPool’s previous pumps. The pumps’ low speeds are up to 75 per cent quieter than a traditional conventional single-speed pump, enabling them to be run at any time to capitalise on off-peak energy prices without invasive noise. For more information visit, astralpool.com.au LAY TILES WITH EASE…

Time-poor homeowners are increasingly looking for professionals who can manage their projects from start to finish. This harbourside property required an integrated pool, cabana and garden design, so the homeowners called on A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Swimming Pool Designers to look after the project. “We undertook the designs, obtained building approval, provided detailed specifications for all aspects of the project, recommended and organised the pool builder, landscape contractor, builder and fencer,” says John Storch of A Total Concept. “We then managed the construction of the project for our clients.” The finished design belies the complexity of the project. The area had no machine access and the pool needed to be completely handexcavated. More than 150m³ of soil, including a substantial amount of rock, was excavated and then removed…

The owner’s brief for this project was fairly simple: to transform the existing dated pool and surrounding area into a new, modern space that complemented their house renovation. The family with children wanted to enjoy their outdoor area for many more years to come, and Artesian Pools were called in to assist with this dream. Located on a sloped block in the suburb of Maroubra, NSW, the house sits on one level with the pool and outdoor area on the levels below. This split-level arrangement means the pool can be viewed from within the home above. Lots of natural materials to tie in with the stone and timber finish have been used to modernise the outdoor space. The pool also includes environmental features, such as solar heating, Waterco self leveller…

This impressive pool embodies the opulent baths of the Roman Empire. Everything about it oozes elegance, from the clean, structured lines to the luxurious daybeds and strong pillars. The pool was designed by the homeowner in conjunction with Michael Suttor Architects and built by Pride Pools. Its generous proportions and balanced design create a unique space that resonates with a feeling of grandeur. The pool is fully tiled in pink, giving it a subtle and soft blue hue. A wide internal step leads onto an expansive leisure ledge, which continues down the length of the pool. Although reminiscent of another era due to its classic styling, the pool is packed with 21stcentury technology. A PCC 2000 in-floor cleaning system is programmed for every contour, while an automatic pH and liquid…

When the clients are water sports enthusiasts with school-aged children, this is the kind of marvellous creation you can expect to receive with thanks to Jade Swimming Pools. The geometric pool consists of a water slide for the kids, as well as a water feature along the side wall. This allows for both a child-friendly playground and a resort-style atmosphere for the adults. The owners also requested that their mother’s needs when using the pool be given consideration, so a grab rail was installed, as well as a ladder for additional access for other family members. This pool certainly isn’t limited in versatility and caters to all ages. Situated on an 855m² block with a slope at the front of the property and wide frontage tapering towards the rear, the…

Homeowners Frank and Rosemarie, a retired couple with grandchildren, wanted a low-maintenance, relaxing space with a resort-style pool at home. “The inspiration came from collaboration between the owners and myself. We met and I discussed what they wanted out of their pool and outdoor area, then we came up with a design and a picture of what they envisaged,” explains Wayne Gibson of Pool Installations Australia. The owners were so happy with the work that Wayne and his team produced, they were invited back to do the landscaping in the front of the property. “Half of the front yard hadn’t been finished so they invited us back. We were awarded the task of finishing off the landscaping. Since completing this pool, the owners have recommended Pool Installations Australia and passed…

Behold a design of visionary wonder. This pool is now a stunning feature of the owner’s backyard. The sloping block proved the perfect site for a horizon-edge pool, which overlooks the forest-like garden below. “We chose to feature this pool as the surrounds are quite different from other jobs we have recently completed,” says Steve Lord of Coastal Pools & Spas. “The pool is simple yet elegant and makes the most of the space available. Creating a horizon edge also maximises the view of the backyard, especially with the afternoon sun beaming through the trees.” This rectangular, infinity-edge pool gives the illusion of swimming amidst nature, a rare opportunity akin to a Byron Bay styled rainforest resort. A true testament to the great relationships Coastal Pools & Spas form with…

Thanks to its sparkling interior by Blue Glass Pebble Company, this pool dazzles and shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun. Blue Glass Pebble Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pool finishes for concrete pools. The product, made from glass pebbles and New Zealand pebbles, is smooth, fade-resistant, easy to care for and easy to install. The product comes fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s famously high-quality control standards, so there are no risks when sending out raw material for application on-site. Available in 11 beautiful and vibrant base colours, all of which can be mixed and matched to give you thousands of design options, this colourfast product is unrivalled in the pool industry and guaranteed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty that…

Pools and other large bodies of water naturally attract the human eye and have a relaxing effect on us. So why not make the most of your pool and add another dimension to it? A pool window can add a unique aspect to your pool. Swimmers can wave hello as they swim past and the calming blue water becomes more visible as it’s brilliantly exposed through the opening. These days, homeowners are spoilt for choice with a variety of pool-window styles — from free top-edge windows and infinity-edge windows to corner windows and portholes. Acrylic is the superior material of choice for a pool window. It is resilient, easy to maintain and can be cut or formed to provide homeowners with a unique array of design choices when incorporating a…

If you’re looking for an easy-to-manage, costefficient 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 help you save time and money, leaving you to spend more time relaxing and enjoying…

“Last year’s early burst of hot weather took many people by surprise,” says Swimart Australasian manager, Chris Fitzmaurice. “Last September and October saw some record-high temperatures around the country and the sudden heat left many people keen to cool off with a dip but unable to do so because they hadn’t started to prepare the water for the swimming season. That makes right now the perfect time to start preparing the pool for spring and you’re ready to take advantage of warmer temperatures.” While it’s important to have a year-round maintenance schedule, there are some extra steps involved in the lead-up to the swimming season. “Some people may have let maintenance fall by the wayside during the cooler months, which can mean the pool water isn’t as clean and healthy…

If you want to maximise your outdoor space by positioning the pool close to your boundary line, you’re not alone. However, investing the time to plan and design the narrow space between the pool and fence will pay off in the long run, especially considering the fence or vertical structures often end up far more prominent and visible than the pool itself. There are many tree and plant varieties that suit narrow spaces as well as privacy screens and feature walls. Here is a selection of projects that have cleverly utilised this narrow space for your inspiration.…

This pool and spa design by Robert Boden of Robert Boden Design, exudes rural charm at its finest. Set amongst the gum trees, bluestone homestead and paddocks, the 20m lap pool was cleverly designed to complement the breathtaking surrounds, purposely blending within the landscape to maximise the openness of the space. The pool was also designed proportionate to the property, with minimal surrounding pavement and expansive lawns, creating a simple yet elegant statement piece within the yard. The owners wanted a low-maintenance pool that would fulfil the needs of a young family and that they could also use for fitness. iPad and iPhone controls enable the pool and spa to be heated from any location and while the remoteness of the property allows for a spectacular country view, its distance…

There is no doubt that at first glance, this pool and home look to be a match made in heaven. The pool’s straight lines exude formal elegance, complementing the design of the new home by wrapping an endearing hug around the premises. This is perfect for those cold winter nights, as the owners can relax in front of the fireplace and admire the blue glistening water and the floodlit wall along the entire pool beaming through the vast glass windows of the home. This pool has been designed to combine a traditional lap pool with a pool for swimming while fitting it all into a courtyard. The swim-out, which runs around the swimming area of the pool, sits inside the pool creating one complete sheet of glass-like water. All of…

This space was designed and built to provide the privacy, entertainment and functionality the homeowners desperately required of their inner-city Enmore residence. The result of a clever design by GOODMANORS Pool + Garden, the space now boasts an impressive alfresco area, outdoor lighting and a sleek and unexpected plunge pool. The well-executed outdoor space not only offers room for wining, dining and swimming, but also provides the practicality of hidden built-in storage for the pool equipment, dryer and bins, plus a secure parking space for the residents’ car. To maximise the tight space, it was decided the pool would sit right on the boundary, with the rendered blockwork rising out of the pool as the boundary barrier. High-level consideration at the design stage and complexity in construction technique ensured that…

Built in the Victorian suburb of Sunbury, this pool is the centrepiece of a yard designed to maximise outdoor entertainment and living. The owners, who love the outdoors, wanted to create a pool that could be part of the overall entertaining area, which includes an outdoor kitchen and intimate dining lounge. Not only did they want a space that caters to a good time for adults but, as they have three children, the owners also wanted an area that the kids could play in. With this in mind, the pool was sited in such a way as to enable two separate entertaining areas to be created as well as space for activities. A water slide has been incorporated into the design as well as large storage box seats to store…

This in-ground pool, designed and built by Endless Spas and Pools, offers the ultimate in versatility for outdoor entertaining and enjoyment. Part of the Supersonic Range of plunge pools, the design differs from ordinary swimming pools in that it is available entirely in ground, partially in ground or above ground. It has a large open space for free play and the style of the pool can be tailored to suit each individual’s needs, with the option to add a powerful on-the-spot swim system, perfect for exercise, sports recovery or training. This pool also has an elevated bench, allowing for multiple seating for bathers. This is also a great addition for children, as they are able to sit comfortably in the water. Adding a touch of luxury to this design is…

Raising the bar, or should we say spa, is this stunning creation by Form Pool Design. The pool’s linear and rectangular shape is quite traditional in style; however, there are few modern design elements included to give that resort living atmosphere, most notably a raised spa, offering the ultimate in luxurious living and outdoor entertainment. Another contemporary feature is that the perimeter of the pool and spa is surrounded by bluestone and decking. The brief from the owner was for a pool that could be utilised for both personal and entertainment purposes. With the inclusion of a spa and nearby firepit, this space can now be used all year-round by family and guests. Located in Melbourne’s beautiful leafy south-eastern suburb of South Yarra, the home initially had very tight access…

Are you sick of wasting time cleaning your pool? Don’t spend precious leisure hours doing maintenance work for your new pool when Waterco’s Q360 in-floor pool-cleaning system can do it for you. It automatically cleans most of the pool, even while you swim. Virtually invisible, the Q360 system is fully automatic and can handle high debris levels, so there is no need for an additional cleaner with hoses and cords that tangle. The Q360 also circulates water through the pool, resulting in less algae growth and better heat and chemical dissipation, with increased operating efficiencies and reduced chemical and heating costs. Though in-floor pool cleaning systems have been around for years, the Q360 has fewer moving parts and a valve design that propels water more effectively through the system. “This…

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…