Table of contents for No. 52 - Year Book 2018 in Poolside

YOU CAN DROP AQUABOCCI DRAINS ON BONDI BEACH AND THEY ARE GUARANTEED NOT TO RUST OR TEA STAIN Revolutionary drainage products A drainage system should do more than carry water to the outlet – it should be a design element that is versatile and functional. At the core of every Aquabocci product is a specialized drainage system that has been designed for a specific purpose – draining a door track, a shower or even an overflow swimming pool. Aquabocci’s uncompromising originality has won international acclaim, with many installations completed on high-end projects around the globe. A timeless linear design and bold colour selection is consistent throughout the entire product range. The result is a brilliant blend of form and function that looks back to straight lines of the 1980s and…

Is there an ideal time to think about planning/preparing for your garden escape? Yes! As summer has come with a vengeance now is an ideal time to help you plan, giving us time to conceptualise or create a design ensuring your perfect outdoor room will be ready for summer. What things do I need to consider first? One of the first things we ask our clients to consider if they are thinking about creating an outdoor space is: What do you enjoy? Also what do you feel you may tackle yourself? There are pro’s and cons to this approach, but I feel you need to start somewhere. Does your wish list carry sufficient detail to warrant a design and the appointment of a professional design company such as Scenic Blue…

How would you like to experience the feeling of swimming in crystal-clear water? To dive into a natural oasis complete with lily pads and 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 backyard. The first natural swimming pools or swimming ponds were built in the early 1980s in Austria. They have 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 pool or pond creates an oasis of tranquillity…

This coastal site in the Victorian town of Portsea slopes quite rapidly and the homeowners, who were undertaking a home renovation, wanted their pool to be directly accessible from the house deck. As a result, their north-facing fully tiled pool is suspended within a timber deck, which is situated up to 2.4m from the ground. Clever design and engineering have created an unusual wedge-shaped pool incorporating a lap section and a spa. “The challenge in working with this design was that the proposed site for the pool was wedged between the existing house and nearby boundary fence, neither parallel to each other,” says Chris Jackson, managing director of Aquarius Swimming Pools. “Also adding to the engineering was an easement on the boundary, housing a deep sewer service.” The pool provides…

Created for a busy family with four young children, this modern rectangular pool and spa combination really ticks the boxes for this family’s outdoor entertaining needs. Built on a flat block in Melbourne’s Bayside area and designed by the homeowners, it’s just 6m long with a spa. Despite its compact size, it fits neatly within the family’s outdoor entertaining space, which also features a stunning hardwood deck, barbecue, fireplace and outdoor lounge area. East Coast Swimming Pools incorporated a range of sophisticated finishing touches into the project, including drop-face grey granite coping, grey granite pavers and sleek charcoal 47mm x 47mm ceramic mosaics, which line the interior. All combine to make this project a real Bayside beauty. In addition, the inclusion of frameless glass fencing ensures the view from the…

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 area now boasts an impressive alfresco space, outdoor lighting and a sleek and unexpected plunge pool. The well-executed outdoor area 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 an…

Overlooking the scenic and rolling hills of the Mitchell Shire in Victoria, this tranquil wet-edge swimming pool is positioned to appear as if it merges into the surrounding landscape. The pool and spa combination features all the bells and whistles the owners could ask for — including underwater speakers, a Swimroll pool cover and a 14-lineal-metre wet edge, which sits almost 5m above the natural ground level. The project was created by a talented group of businesses: designed by COS Design, built by 37 South Pools, with landscaping executed by Esjay Landscapes (37 South Pools’ partner company). The landscaping features suspended silver travertine paving and modern charcoal composite decking. This pool is simply breathtaking to look at. The impressive view is combined with a contemporary design, quality materials and excellent…

This fantastic infinity-edge pool was built completely out of the ground and has an array of exceptional features. Most important is the choice of location and the pool and spa’s placement, on a downward-sloping site on a cliff that looks out to Gulf St Vincent in the south of Adelaide. “A lot of people want negative-edge or infinity-edge pools, but they choose to put them in unusual places where they’re not suited,” explains Dean Peterson, owner/operator of Synergy Pool and Spa. “Allowing an architect or pool builder/designer to help choose the best pool for your location is what steers clients towards an amazing finished product.” As this skewed rectangle pool was built out of the ground, it had to be formed mostly from core-filled concrete blocks. The pool was then…

Looking at the spectacular final result of this pool and spa in Wodonga, Victoria, it’s hard to believe the construction period presented so many challenges. “We built it in one of the wettest winters in 10 years,” explains Javen Nawodycz, owner of Everlast Pools & Spas. “We were faced with constant cave-ins and water-logged ground during the process, we couldn’t access the site, so everything had to be brought in by hand at times, and there was no vehicle access because of the weather.” Despite its rocky start, the clean and contemporary design was the result of the homeowners’ own inspiration and their large, flat, urban site that backs onto a tree-covered hill. The family of five has teenage children who are all very busy and active in the community,…

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 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 treated.…

A family friend of mine has a saying he frequently uses: “Life is not a rehearsal.” When I was younger, this didn’t mean much to me, but 10 years has flown by in the blink of an eye and I now realise how quickly life can pass. So being the OCD, Excel-spreadsheet enthusiast that I am, I have put together my list of goals. They don’t have anything to do with my finances or career, but instead focus on my lifestyle, leisure activities and priorities. I recently met with a friend who has purchased her dream, family-sized block of land. Instead of renovating the small and dated house, she intends to install a swimming pool as soon as possible, which will consume the very last of their budget. “It’s a…

Senior designer at A Total Concept, Shaun Wright, has created a space for the owners of this Sydney property that incorporates everything a family could want for both day-to-day living and weekend socialising with friends. “We wanted to create ‘a total concept’ — a contemporary resort, incorporating a swimming pool and cabana with a lawn and gardens, together with upgrading the elevations of the home,” says Shaun. The entire project has been designed in a contemporary style with simple, clean lines to totally integrate the home with the pool, cabana and garden area. The rear of the property looked outward onto a bushland reserve but had little privacy from adjacent neighbours, so a formal hedge garden was planted around the perimeter. This has created a concealed space in which Shaun…

A relaxing visit to the rejuvenating waters of the Mornington Peninsula hot springs was the starting point for this Melbourne family when planning their pool and spa design. “We really enjoyed relaxing in the hot spas, followed by a dip in a cold plunge pool,” explains Ashburton homeowner Brad Mason. “We went to a couple of pool and spa exhibitions and scoured through magazines and brochures. We kept coming back to the Endless Spas display and brochures. Eventually, we went to the company’s showroom in Lynbrook and looked at the many different options and ranges available, and told them ‘we want that look!’ from the brochures.” Brad, his wife and three teenage children have a block with a slight slope, with the high point at the rear of the property…

The owners of this Elwood home were ready for a backyard overhaul to transform their large space into a multi-zoned entertainer’s dream. They hired experienced landscape architect Kate Patterson to come up with a design that is traditional in layout and style to complement their period home, but with a bit of a twist. East Coast Swimming Pools was brought in to build the pool and bring the vision to life. The owners opted for gorgeous green mosaic pool tiles instead of traditional blue tones, for a slightly different look. At night, the green tiles create a moody and enchanting ambience that changes the feel of the backyard. To complement the tiles, a timeless, pale-grey granite is used for the pool surrounds. The 10m x 5m pool has been positioned…

When it comes to the family pool, functionality takes precedence. Case in point is this Malvern East family, who wanted their new pool surrounds to be practical and usable. The homeowners turned to the expertise of Shawn Townsend, director of Ashtown Landscaping & Pools, to create their vision — a rectangular pool that incorporates levels, curves and contrasting colours, with family functionality as the focus. A highlight of the space is the round sun deck that sits adjacent to the 8m-long pool. It has been elevated to highlight the round design and bring the pool deck height and sun deck together for easy transition and communication between the two areas. Meanwhile, the curved bench seat on the deck complements the curved bench on the sun deck. Ashtown Landscaping & Pools…

Despite having limited backyard space, the homeowners of this South Australian property wanted their new pool to be big. “It’s a BIG pool,” laughs Michael Robinson from 360 Pools. “Helene and Peter wanted a large rectangular-shaped pool as it was to replace a 17m x 7m design on their flat block.” As they are grandparents, the Somerton Park homeowners knew their 14m-long pool would be enjoyed by their whole family, including their grandchildren. “It’s a family-inspired design for lap swimming, with a 3m x 2m spa and beach for the kids,” says Michael. For 360 Pools, good design is all about usability. “And in that respect, this pool rates well,” says Michael. “I like to include spas in all my pools now as it enables the homeowners to use the…

This sleek rectangular pool design, built on an extremely large block in the Perth suburb of Peppermint Grove, needed to accommodate the homeowner’s large family, as well as act as a point of architectural interest in the entertainment area. “The homeowner loves architecture and design, and this pool and surroundings has both, as the location is partially covered by a stunning ceiling,” explains Anthony Graziani of Graziani Pools. Granite and travertine coping and paving were incorporated into the 14m-long design, which was conceived by the architect and homeowner, while frameless glass ensures the dazzling view isn’t impeded. Gorgeous glass mosaic tiles line the pool’s interior and add an extra element of something special. “Good design features simplicity and style, combined with beautiful materials and well-selected lighting in the pool and…

A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time enjoying life while your pool cleans itself. Your pool will also be more efficient to operate and more enjoyable to swim in because of the increased circulation benefits. Owning a pool has never been this easy. Not all self-cleaning pools are the same. The QuikClean range of in-floor cleaning systems feature advanced technology, have been developed for Australian conditions and are proven in even the most demanding conditions. The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all with unique features and advantages, are designed to suit your unique pool and lifestyle requirements. Whether you have a heavy debris site, want the latest look or value genuine energy efficiency, QuikClean has a system for you. Carefully consider what features…

NINE-STAR ENERGY-EFFICIENT SPEED PUMPS AstralPool has introduced the Viron XT variable-speed pump range. The pumps have nine-star energy efficiency, 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. They are also simpler than previous models, with three separate speeds that are easily controlled with up and down buttons. The pumps’ low speeds are reportedly 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. Visit astralpool.com.au to find out more. A MORE NATURAL SWIMMING EXPERIENCE NKD1 is…

Whatever your needs in 2019, one certainty is that Australians will continue to develop their external spaces to improve their quality of everyday life by creating resort-style outdoor living at home. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY THE TREND: Architecturally designed backyards and courtyards that maximise space Homeowners who want a quality product are approaching independent specialist design companies such as A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers to examine their property holistically and create a fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces. We provide unbiased advice on which materials, pool builders and filtration equipment are best suited to a particular project. This then allows the client to obtain comparative “apple with apple” prices, rather than having to analyse building quotes and choose products themselves. With the population growing rapidly, inner-city block…

Constructed in Sydney’s inner west, where space is often at a premium, this sophisticated, modern, rectangular pool was designed to form part of the home’s walls. The flat block had an existing house demolished and a new home constructed in its place, with the pool designed by the owner and architect to take advantage of the area to the side of the house. The construction was done in conjunction with Technique Build, who built the home. “On this particular project, we were provided with the plans by the builder and worked together to achieve the finished pool to the clients’ satisfaction,” explains John Daniel of Jade Swimming Pools. The shell of the pool was concreted and then placed on hold while the house was constructed. Once the home was nearing…

This Byron Bay landscape embodies the retro glamour of the Mid-Century Modern architectural movement, which is making a strong resurgence. The homeowners — Channel 9 personality and co-host of The Block, Shelley Craft, husband, Christian, and their two daughters — envisaged a Palm Springs-meets-Byron Bay vibe in the renovation of their existing pool and surrounds. Also high on the agenda was that it had to be a stylish and fun place to entertain family and friends. The couple drew inspiration from Slim Aarons’ classic photographs of the Palm Springs luxe resort look, which complements the Mid-Century Modern style of the house and its recent renovation. Shelley and Christian then turned to Melbourne’s Franklin Landscape & Design to bring their Palm Springs vision to life on the NSW north coast. The…

What’s better than being able to enjoy year-round alfresco living alongside a gorgeous pool that sparkles day and night? “The brief was clear: embrace the architectural lines of the home and integrate this into the pool design,” says Brett Cantwell, one of the two directors at Form Pool Designs, the Melbourne-based company that designed and built this stunning pool. Given the home has large floor-to-ceiling windows across the entire back of the ground floor, as well as expansive windows on the second storey, this pool can be seen from many rooms, so it needed to be spectacular. The 5m x 4.8m, slimline pool is nestled into the space between the alfresco area and the back boundary — the best position for maximum sunlight exposure and visibility from the outdoor entertaining…

Built on a farm-style block featuring a dam, tennis court and rolling lawn in a rural locality of Melbourne, this rectangular design could most definitely be considered “the pool with the lot”. Designed and built by Coastal Pools & Spas in Red Hill South, it features full automation, a 12-jet spa, a full-length swimout, shallow beach area and multiple entry and exit points, and was built to be enjoyed by the whole family, especially the grandchildren. “The owners wanted a pool that would require little to no attention on a day-to-day basis; however, it had to be something that suited everyone,” explains Steve Lord from Coastal Pools & Spas. “A spa was a must, while some helpful additions such as PCC2000 in-floor cleaning and an automatic refill system allows more…

Most pool builders would agree that a homeowner who knows exactly what they want for their new pool makes the building process a lot easier. This young family had a very clear idea of what they were after — a Hamptons-style rectangular design with areas for both parents and children. It also had to be a focal point, seen from almost all areas of the house. For Josh Schwal, owner of Southern Cross Pools, the highlight of the project is definitely the pool’s ceramic tiles. “This is a great result overall but the tiles are different and created a lot of interest throughout the build,” says Josh. This was the last build of the year for Southern Cross Pools, which worked to a Christmas deadline, in addition to pressure from…

A love of tropical holiday resorts, travelling and entertaining inspired this family of four’s new pool design in the Melbourne suburb of Macleod. “We wanted our own private oasis — a resort-style area with tropical plants to remind us of our holidays,” says homeowner Sharyn. With husband, George, and their two teenage daughters, Sharyn selected Summertime Pools’ rectangular Mishadel design in Aurora, a deep coral-blue finish. The 7.1m-long pool appealed as it was not only the perfect fit for the small backyard, it also suited the budget. The family chose Wayne Gibson from Pool Installations Australia P/L and Miami Pool Sales Melbourne to install their simple yet stylish pool. “We had previously discussed installing a pool into our ‘challenging backyard’ with other companies,” explains Sharyn. “Some said it couldn’t be…

The MULTI PLUS LED pool light features four multicolour 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. According to Spa Electrics, the ability of MULTI PLUS to integrate with pool automation systems, the all-new Spa Electrics iRIS lighting controller or just a standard wall switch makes it the most versatile underwater multicoloured light on the market. When it is coupled with the all-new iRIS remote, you can experience instant control of colours, shows and brightness all via a single handset. Its two channels give you the ability to control your pool and spa separately or sync them together to create…