Table of contents for No. 48 - Year Book 2016 in Poolside

When the thought of cleaning your pool puts you off a swim altogether, maybe it’s time to take control of the situation. For many homeowners with busy lifestyles, there isn’t much time for netting leaves and checking chemicals. Thankfully, there have been some great developments in automated pool products which allow you to clean, manage and monitor your pool from the palm of your hand. Now there’s no reason why you can’t dive into warm, clean water whenever you want. The automatic pool cleaner is the most popular labour-saving device on the market and comes in four different ranges: SUCTION CLEANER This is a common automatic pool cleaner and operates in much the same way as a vacuum. Suction cleaners are powered by the suction of the pool’s filtration pump.…

This pool and spa design by Jeremy Wolveridge of Wolveridge Architects is reminiscent of the famous Palm Springs Resort in California. With plenty of timber decking for family fun and outdoor entertaining, this poolscape is the ultimate escape from the daily grind. The north-facing contemporary pool and spa acts as a stunning water feature in the backyard space, which complements the home through clean lines and an eclectic use of textures. A gorgeous combination of succulents and native plants by Colin Hyett Design is sprinkled around the pool, adding a soft touch to the overall aesthetic. Crisp white pool tiles adorn the interior of the pool, projecting a fresh and inviting look. With tranquil water views of Port Phillip Bay on the horizon, this is the ultimate relaxation spot for…

One sign of a great designer is the knack to transform a flaw or problem space into a coveted feature. This backyard is a classic example of exactly that. A heavy slope to the property meant the backyard was completely unusable, wasted space. Luke Badenhop of Baden Pools designed this above-ground pool and surrounds to make the most of the space available. “The out-of-the-ground pool and surrounding deck created another living area for the family in a space that was previously of no use,” he says. Thanks to its elevation, the 7m x 3m pool has a unique vantage point of the surrounding trees, reminiscent of a treehouse. Without being obtrusive, a raised feature wall at the shallow end of the pool adds interest with its sheer-descent water feature and…

When homeowner Colin Kuchel and his family bought their Millbrook home, set high on a hill with panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills and reservoir below, they had many renovations. “To accommodate six children, the family needed to build on and extend their functional living space to include an outdoor entertaining and living area as a continuation of the house,” says Dries Claasen, Australian Outdoor Living’s pools production manager. A swimming pool to bring the family together for gatherings and relaxation was high on the list of Colin’s priorities. Well aware of his property’s exceptional setting, Colin requested a pool design that would “complement the landscape and not look out of place”. He brought Australian Outdoor Living on board and left the project in their capable hands. A Marlin concrete…

The classic, clean lines of this pool, which was inspired by the existing residence, enhance the beauty of this Sydney backyard. As the old pool was positioned in the centre of the backyard, there was limited lawn space for the owners’ children and pets to play. GOODMANORS Pool + Garden was asked to modernise the existing pebblecrete pool and make the area more practical. Maximising the property’s potential, the company 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…

This sleek rectangular pool was installed prior to Ian and Tina’s new suburban Melbourne home being built and highlights simple, clean and efficient use of backyard space. The couple have three teenage children, so they wanted an open swim area for play and entertaining that would include the swimming pool and a large, separate spa pool. The idea was to extend the entertainment space into the pool area. “The pool design allows for maximum swimming space, and this flows into a backyard designed to maximise entertainment and play,” explain the Summertime Pools team. The family chose their 8.3m x 3.5m pool from the company’s Mishadel range and it suits the large, flat block perfectly. “It’s a great example of simple, clean elegance and blends well into the surrounding yard,” says…

With an existing kidney-shaped liner pool that was no longer functioning, these clients opted to remove the old pool and replace it with a new rectangular-shaped one to make better use of their backyard. Due to future plans for a house extension, it was important the pool be placed in an appropriate position that allowed the best use of the space. The family, a young couple in their 40s with teenage children, have a flat block in Malvern and after discussions with Wayne Gibson of Pool Installations Australia, decided on the elegant Vanessa pool from Miami Pools. The 7m-long, in-ground, fibreglass pool has an internal seat/steps that runs the entire length of the pool. Boasting a smooth interior finish and available in a choice of six colours, the Vanessa is…

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…

With Australia’s temperate climate, creating an outdoor area for relaxation and entertaining is every homeowner’s dream. Patios, pergolas and decks are one of the most popular ways to extend your living space and create an ideal area for sharing with family and friends. Integrating your outdoor space with your property offers an open-plan functionality that is becoming increasingly popular and will add value to your home. As a fixed structure, a patio, pergola or deck requires experience and proficiency to get it right and make it safe. The team at Hi-Craft are experts at creating a wide range of customised and innovative alfresco spaces. From design to material selection, production to installation, Hi-Craft can guide you through the process of building, to make the most of your outdoor space. Protecting…

The all-new MULTI PLUS represents the next generation in multi-colour pool lighting. Featuring a new RGB + White LED array, instant colour selection, and the ability to integrate with major pool controllers, the MULTI PLUS is set to change the way we think about pool lighting. Using the latest in LED technology, the RGB + White LED array provides beautifully clean white illumination and stunning colour shows never before seen in pool lighting. The MULTI PLUS also features multiple operating modes to integrate seamlessly with major pool control systems. This allows you to operate your pool lights and select colours via the controller panel or mobile app. The MULTI PLUS also enables you to experience instant colour selection on new and existing pools. You can take complete control of your…

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…

THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST TRAVERTINE COLOUR In the past, homeowners and landscape designers have found it difficult to find a dark-coloured paving option that has a classic and timeless appeal. Metallica Silver is a natural travertine that comes in dark grey with a hint of bronze. The product is perfect for use around swimming pools, as wall cladding, outdoor and indoor paving. The unique colour is proving to be one of the hottest paving choices this summer. Visit saisandstone.com.au or phone 1300 855 851 for stockist information. YOUR DECK DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD WORK THIS SUMMER This summer, spend less time maintaining your deck and more time enjoying your home and entertaining. HardieDeck is a smart alternative to timber decking and is virtually maintenance-free. HardieDeck looks great in its natural…

East Coast Swimming Pools often works on large pools on the Mornington Peninsula, and being a Mornington Peninsula-based company, it often has the liberty of working in large spaces. On this occasion, however, it was given the opportunity to create a smaller pool on a more compact, challenging site in Albert Park. “The site provided extremely restricted access through a pedestrian doorway in the garage, and required excavation with very small machinery or by hand,” says Colin Sloggett, owner of East Coast Swimming Pools. “Working in the inner city, with tight site access and complying with council, were just some of the challenges we faced.” The modern, rectangular pool has a bench seat on three sides and was built for a young family with two children. The owners wanted six…

Although a spacious backyard used to be a prerequisite for a pool, that’s no longer the case, with pool companies, architects, landscape designers and clients eagerly embracing the concept of plunge pools. Case in point is this raised plunge pool and spa in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North. The property’s small space needed to be utilised, but function and style were also top priorities. The site was just 8.1m x 4.8m, however landscape architect Steve Taylor at COS Design worked with Laguna Pools to achieve a 3m x 2.5m pool. The wet edge with pebble-filled spillway and Bisazza black and Le Gemme-blend glass mosaics create a stunning visual experience from inside the home, especially at night. Bamstone has supplied Australian bluestone for the paving, which complements the history of inner Melbourne. The…

The owners of this property had an existing pool but wanted something more suitable for their young children. They also wanted to make the most of the breathtaking views of national parkland below. An infinity edge was a must, but they also wanted something slightly different to the norm. A curved geometric shape was chosen, with an infinity edge to mimic the organic shape of the hill. The glamorous pool looks as if it hovers over the valley below, completely at peace with the natural surroundings. The construction of the pool didn’t come without its challenges, given the pool was positioned on the edge of the cliff, and there was no access via the national park below. Extensive scaffolding was used for both demolishing the old pool and building the…

Not only was family fun and entertainment high on the agenda of these North Ringwood homeowners, but aesthetic appeal was a top priority, too. In conjunction with architect, Louise Chiodo, a newly designed backyard was created, with a private and alluring pool and spa set in the tranquillity of an existing garden surrounded by trees and an elegant residence. Their rectangular pool is in a secluded area of the central lawn at the level of the property that’s most accessible from the grand home. The 10.2m-long pool was positioned as close as possible to the side boundary of the property to allow maximum space for decking on one side of the pool and paving on the other side, leaving a larger lawn area for family entertainment. The decking area was…

Timelessness, practicality and ease of use are all principles of good design, and this pool by Coastal Pools & Spas features all three. The brief called for resort living at home, including an all-weather alfresco area, mod-grass tennis court and an outdoor kitchen. The result is a stunning structure with as much functionality as it has style. The pool was designed after extensive consultation to ensure it didn’t just look the part, but was practical and easy to use. The resort aesthetic of the pool is complemented by a spa and has a range of features for easy maintenance. A Paramount PCC2000 in-floor cleaning system has been installed, as well as an Aqualink PDA that controls pool-to-spa operations with the touch of a button. Acid and chlorine are controlled by…

This young couple with a new baby dreamed of having a pool on the deck of the second storey of their three-storey townhouse in a Patterson Lakes Estate. Due to the property size, their pool needed to be small but functional and add aesthetically to their new build. The rectangular pool with internal seats/ steps was a collaboration between the clients and Wayne Gibson of Pool Installations Australia. The above-ground installation is perfectly positioned, offering a fantastic vista of the water. The Tania pool from Miami Pools is a fully self-supporting, heavy-duty pool that sits on the concrete-engineered and reinforced ceiling of the first storey of the townhouse. The pool needs no extra reinforcing — it simply sits in place and the decking top is built out over the coping…

When you decide to build your pool and deck, you may not be prepared for the effort of construction before the reward of relaxation — the design, the build, the money and time invested, not to mention the various council approval processes. All of this can be frustrating when you are trying to create a sanctuary in which to unwind. However, once it has been built, the stress of construction evolves into the burden of deck and pool maintenance. You can feel like you spend more time ensuring your deck looks presentable than relaxing on it. The trick to minimising the burden is proper preparation. Good research and selection of your builder and products at the start of the project are the first steps. This beautiful pool and decking area…

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…

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 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, making it…

This cleaner may look like any other suction cleaner, however the Navigator V-Flex is so much more: it has been fitted with special variable vane technology called V-Flex. This technology virtually eliminates clogging by allowing debris to freely pass through the flexible, hinged vane inside the cleaner. With powerful features like this, it’s time to rediscover your favourite pool cleaner. Not only does this technology virtually eliminate clogging, it also enables the Navigator V-Flex to easily pick up larger dirt and debris and its patented SmartDrive programmed steering determines the most efficient cleaning path around any pool for complete, reliable coverage. If you’re looking to save energy, Haywards Energy Solutions is the answer. It offers more environmentally responsible solutions on two levels. Individually, each piece of equipment is extremely energy…

Pools can be aesthetically beautiful features, whether in your yard, designed into your decking or even within your home. Compact versions such as plunge pools, lap pools and swim spas make it possible to have this stylish statement without the huge backyard. TAKE THE PLUNGE Plunge pools are very popular for small spaces as they can fit comfortably almost anywhere — a courtyard, a small backyard, a deck or even inside the home. Plunge pools can be custom-designed in fibreglass or concrete in almost any shape to fit your space — square, circular or rectangular. Cold-water plunge pools have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. They were also extremely popular in ancient Rome, where they were used after heavy exercise routines or time spent in a sauna…

Despite the limited backyard and a house that takes up most of the flat block, these homeowners requested a small pool for their young family to enjoy that would also be a focal point of the property. The rectangular pool, just 5m long, can be admired from the spacious living room and takes up minimal space so that there is enough room for the kids to play, as well as an artificial lawn and entertaining area. The owner evoked a specific style around the pool with bluestone and red brick at the barbecue area, which works wonderfully well in the smaller space. “The dark colours of the bluestone and red brick create a really warm and cosy backyard,” says Josh Schwal of Southern Cross Pools. Although it can’t be seen,…

It’s a long way from South Africa to Melbourne’s suburbs, but this family’s pool back in South Africa made such a big impact on their lives that it became the starting point for their new pool. Nestled in a backyard in Caulfield North, the contemporary rectangular design is 7m long with a Midnight Grey ceramic-tiled interior. It was designed by the homeowner, who drew from his enjoyment of his previous pool. An abundance of concrete is used for the modern two-storey home, built by Platinum Constructions, so Elite Pools ensured the pool and its surrounds made use of this material too, tying the house and pool area together. A water feature from a concrete wall that cleverly hides the pool equipment creates an eye-catching statement at the end of the…

Toorak Gardens is home to this modern lap pool with stadium-style steps and infinity corner spa, but the story doesn’t end there. The property features so much more than just a place to swim. “The owners wanted their 15m-long pool for exercise in the form of lap swimming, to serve as an amazing feature for the backyard, and to provide new amenities for guests and year-round entertaining,” says Bob Galvin of Galvin Group, who oversaw this sophisticated backyard transformation. “We also constructed the new main alfresco entertaining area with a full outdoor kitchen and bar and an amazing feature stone fireplace, poolside pavilion and north-facing garden pavilion at the end of the pool, a home gym area that opens onto the pool deck and a new guest bedroom and bathroom.”…

What do you do when you are contacted by a high-profile former Olympic swimmer to build his pool? You build one that wins awards and exceeds the client’s expectations. This was the task faced by Capital Fibreglass Pools when approached by their client, who has spent most of his life training in swimming pools and knew exactly what he wanted. Now retired from competitive swimming, it was important to him to have a pool not only for exercising and teaching his young children to swim, but also as a water feature to enhance the family’s alfresco area. The project involved the seamless integration of the existing outdoor areas and the new plunge pool located in the courtyard. Existing boundary fences, which incorporated brick pier and Colorbond infill, were all required…

Nestled into a corner of the garden between the home and the property’s boundary wall, this contemporary, clean-lined pool is a shimmering example of modern pool design. The interior surface is clad in vivid-blue Florentine glass tiles, which contrast with the pale tones of the paving and the white weatherboard house to create a fresh, inviting look. Part of the pool is bordered by a raised garden bed, drawing the eye and adding textural interest, with a navy-coloured rendered feature wall providing privacy for swimmers. Designed by Sean Lynch of Malibu Pools and Landscapes for family fun and outdoor entertaining, the pool fits seamlessly into what is a relatively small space. To enhance the feeling of connection with the house and to ensure uninterrupted views, the fencing is of frameless…

Overlooking the sparkling waters of Mosman in New South Wales, this pool, constructed by Pride Pools, is the ultimate in luxury with a breathtaking view. With a 14m curved overflow, the pool reflects the modern and luxurious style of the home. Boasting contemporary, minimalist surrounds, this creation 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 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…

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. It’s perfect for upgrading from an aluminium fence in a pool makeover. The Everton Mini Post System is easy to install because DIY-ers can adjust the glass panel spacing once the mini posts have been installed. It’s more forgiving than other glass systems because the grub screw fixings are easily accessed for loosening and re-tightening to achieve the ideal panel position. The Everton Mini Post System provides a fully frameless appearance…

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 help you save time and money, leaving you to spend more time relaxing and enjoying…

Look carefully at this award-winning pool by Urban Oasis, in particular the tiles. The high-quality ceramic Sea Mist pool tile isn’t a plain-coloured tile. Presented in an alternating pattern, the tiles contain various shades and no two tiles in this range are the same. The gradient changes within each tile from inside to out. “The alternation provides a natural, classic finish to the pool,” says Scott Bryant, commercial sales manager of Tiles on Bradman Drive. “It is a timeless tile that provides a natural finish that will not date. Unlike other tiles, Sea Mist varies its colour not only through each tile, but through the variety of blues that provide a natural effect that mimics the sea’s clear blue waters.” This means it is perfect for almost every application and…

This modern pool shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun thanks to its sparkling interior by Blue Glass Pebble Company. The striking combination of glass pebbles and New Zealand White pebble 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 and matched to give you thousands…