Table of contents for No 58 in Poolside

The scale, complexity and detail of this Toorak, Melbourne, project produced an exceptional result that has delighted the homeowners. While achieving a beautiful aesthetic, the contemporary pool and spa also meet the brief for a fully automated, lowmaintenance pool for family fun, swimming laps and entertaining. The innovative design, by Cera Stribley Architects in conjunction with Aquarius Pools, features an infinity edge on three sides of the pool, with a large spa at the opposite end. The clever addition of a Remco SwimJet is housed into a 730mm-wide wall between the pool and spa. Due to the sloping block, the 16.39m-long pool is suspended 5m above the ground. The curved sculptural form of the house is designed to wrap around the pool. All the rooms point north, overlooking the swimming…

With specific requirements for position, privacy and entertainment, these clients in south-eastern Sydney designed their own modern rectangular pool. Like many homeowners, they juggle very busy work schedules, so requested a pool that would allow them to truly enjoy their free time with the family at home. They provided their plans to the team at Jade Swimming Pools, who then fine-tuned them for construction. To create the concrete and reinforced-steel design, the Jade team was faced with tight access and constructions on site. “Due to tight access, the 6.5m-long pool was dug via hand excavation,” explain John and Matthew Daniel of Jade Swimming Pools. “Getting the details right for local council with regards to privacy of the clients and neighbours was another challenge that we faced.” Surrounded by luxurious limestone,…

Queensland father Nick Briscoe still remembers the pain of seeing his then young son develop eczema and breathing problems while swimming in the family’s heavily chlorinated pool. At that time, there were no alternatives to chlorine and bromine, let alone a gentler solution for those with sensitive skin conditions. Inspired to create a healthier substitute, Nick developed Hydroxypure, a water sanitisation system that produces clean, clear, non-toxic water without chlorine. “Seeing the delight on Dalton’s face as he finally swam, for as long as he wanted, in beautifully pure water, which left barely a trace on his skin and lungs, was an incredible feeling,” recalls Nick. “In fact, we noticed that his skin condition even seemed to improve after he’d been swimming in Hydroxypure water.” In the intervening years since…

Positioned on the Mount Eliza beachfront, this modern take on a traditional pool layout was built by Coastal Pools & Spas for a young and energetic family. The homeowners wanted the ultimate residential pool and outdoor area, and this project has more than delivered, with Coastal Pools & Spas winning Gold for Best Pool and Landscape Combination at the 2022 Master Pool Builders Association of Australia’s Pool & Spa Awards. Plume Studio designed the concrete pool’s 10m-long rectangular shape with a seamless perimeter wet deck system. On the opposing side is a traditional “horizon edge”, the tranquil sound of water cascading onto the bluestone river pebbles below acting as a water feature. Custom-made stainless formwork, dreamt up by Coastal Pools & Spas, ensured the perfect finish for the vanishing border.…

By working closely with the clients to create their dream design through superior workmanship, while navigating an extremely difficult site, Urban Escape has created something very special for this Sydney family. The home owner engaged Urban Escape after having recently purchased this property on a steep Middle Harbour block, not only wanting to admire their incredible view, but also to create a substantial outdoor entertaining space and pool that’s easily accessible from the home. All of this was to be achieved on a previously unusable sloping section of the site. This masterpiece is a true showcase of what can be achieved with clever design and skilful construction. A fully formed suspended pool perched on a steep section of land creates the perfect family oasis — a pool, spa and entertaining…

Set on a large waterfront block, floating above an embanked boat shed, this 7m-long rectangular pool in Bayview sits proudly above Sydney’s glorious Pittwater and offers stunning views for those indulging in a relaxing swim. The owners, a family with teenage children, enjoy outdoor living and dreamed of a peaceful place for both time out for relaxation and entertaining family and friends. The idea behind the design, built by family owned The Mahony Group, was to layer the construction to suit the long, sloping block while creating usable and level spaces. For the project, features such as knife-edge coping to the Pittwater side, Artisan Exterior Devonport tiles and Millboard Smoked Oak decking and coping are all enhanced by a coastal planting scheme that perfectly aligns with the Northern Beaches outdoor…

Nothing says luxury like crystal-clear pool water sparkling in the sunlight. However, achieving this look isn’t just about keeping the water clean with chemicals and cleaning systems — it starts with the pool interior you choose to begin with. Blue Glass Pebble Company offers a selection of award-winning pool interiors that have a luxurious texture and create a mesmerising sparkle. A combination of glass pebbles and New Zealand pebbles is fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s famous high-quality control standards. “Builders and pool owners have been really happy with our product over the years — we’re really proud of the way it looks, feels and lasts over time,” says manager Michael Kettewell. The company’s pool interiors were originally created by former pool builders who wanted…

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 selection 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 are…

If you’re looking to create a luxurious and timeless poolscape that emulates nature, natural stone is a fantastic option for your tiling, paving and coping. There’s a world of opportunity inside the unassuming warehouse of Pietra Stone Gallery in Doveton, Melbourne. The showroom and warehouse are a treasure trove, with a large variety of products for different natural stone applications. Categories include tiles for flooring and walls, pavers for the outdoors and pools, slabs for benchtops, splashbacks and vanities — you name it, it’s there. When constructing in-ground swimming pool coping in Melbourne, Siavash Hashemi of Pietra Stone Gallery says, “Our natural stone not only adds a polished edge to the structure of the pool, it also serves the effective purpose of hindering the flow of splashed-out water back to…

THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR A FAST, FLAWLESS FINISH Complete your next pool project in record time with 335 RAPID, a premium, flexible, fast-setting adhesive. 335 RAPID cures quickly, allowing for grouting and traffic in just four hours. So your pool trades will spend less time waiting on the job site, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a smoother, more efficient project. 335 RAPID is now available in white for a crisp and cleaner look around the pool.  laticrete.com.au…

Queensland father Nick Briscoe still remembers the pain of seeing his then young son develop eczema and breathing problems when he swam in the family’s heavily chlorinated pool. Inspired to create a healthier substitute, Nick developed Hydroxypure, a water sanitisation system that produces clean, clear, non-toxic water without chlorine. Oxiswim is a multi-mode water sanitisation solution for domestic swimming pools that incorporates ground-breaking technology in the shape of the Hydroxyl Radical Generator and Chlorine Dioxide. “This is a hybrid system that moves from chlorine to hydrogen peroxide in combination with the Advanced Oxidation Process,” Nick explains. “There are several options available that give consumers ultimate control over costs and ongoing maintenance of their swimming pool or spa. Essentially, we’ve minimised the amount of hardware while harnessing various sanitisers from one…

Located in the peaceful bayside suburb of Mount Eliza, this exquisite pool and outdoor area provides refuge from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. The new home was built by Michael Pollock of Privilige Homes, and Personal Pools was contracted to build the pool in conjunction with Privilige Homes. There is truly something unique everywhere you look. The pool sits above the ground, providing opportunities to use acrylic pools and features at ground level in unique ways. Dancing geysers and a splash pad at the front of the pool delight the children. An acrylic window with air bubblers just inside provides another distinctive feature upon entry at the ground level. Access to the pool is from the living area on the first floor of the home.…

The pool industry has never been busier, with many pool builders fully booked for the next six to eight months. Over the last three years there has been huge demand for residential swimming pools, in addition to other investments in the home. A properly planned pool will bring years of enjoyment for your family and guests as well as increase the value of your property. Here are a few must-haves for your new pool that should be considered and included at the planning stages. The right location What’s the access point from house to pool? This is important if you don’t want dripping kids and friends walking through your house. Also think about when and where the sun will be hitting your pool. You want some sunlight to keep the…

Have you dreamed of an indoor pool to use in all weather conditions? With TPEC Pool Enclosures, you can have the best of both worlds with a customised, European-manufactured retractable enclosure for your pool, spa or terrace. “Our retractable enclosures are the ultimate solution for a swimming pool, allowing year round usage, and when the weather permits, your pool or outdoor area can be opened within minutes, providing the most versatile, stylish and cost-effective solution for enclosing a pool, spa or outdoor area,” explains Marcus Tame, general manager of TPEC Pool Enclosures. A pool enclosure can reduce pool maintenance as less dirt and debris will enter the water, and pool running costs are also reduced due to less water and chemical evaporation as well as better heat retention. Pools with…

With breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean from their lounge room, it’s no wonder these Northern Beaches homeowners were very eager to install a swimming pool as soon as possible. Crystal Pools and Sydney residential company Dampneys worked together to create their fully tiled, vanishing-edge pool, which has now become an exquisite extension of their contemporary Mona Vale home, and allows for total enjoyment of the water and views, regardless of the season. The geometric lines of the 7.6m-long Spanish glass-tiled pool work beautifully with the stunning house design, while the large windows and glass fencing create a seamless transition from the lounge room to the fully heated, aquamarine-coloured pool and beyond. Crystal Pools has been in business for more than 65 years and has won more than 260 major…

Located in Brighton, this above-ground, rectangular-shaped lap-style pool is not just a place to swim a few laps for exercise — there’s so much more. The project also includes a stunning elevated glass-tiled circular spa with a step down to the 10.5m-long lap pool, creating a beautiful outdoor space with multiple entertaining zones including a sunken firepit area, outdoor kitchen and cantilevered sundeck. “The more time you spend here, the more you are immersed in the beauty and quality of this outdoor space,” say Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools, who built the Mark Browning-designed project for the family. “They requested an outdoor area that looks amazing and is somewhere for friends and family to enjoy. To maximise this space, we elevated the pool and the outdoor…

Innovezza brings 30 years of experience in both pool construction and design, so should your new pool call for engineering expertise, a structural pool inspection or a certification, Innovezza can provide advice and recommendations to ensure a structurally safe design. “We complete simple and complex engineering for pools as well as other related structures such as decks, pergolas, sheds etc,” explains managing director Mario Aiezza. “We also complete compliance inspections, dilapidation reports and can help organise soil tests, site surveys, energy assessments and more.” The company aims to use innovative marketleading products and visceral engineering methods to provide their clients with a commercial advantage. “Our drive to achieve these goals will deliver lower-cost solutions, sound engineering and quality service without the big price tag,” adds Mario. Engineering services include: Dilapidation…

This gorgeous pool and landscape were designed to fit an irregular-shaped area between the primary residence and a separate granny flat. In addition to the block constraints, a second major part of the design brief was to create a visual connection between the two separate dwellings. The talented team at Wisdom Pools and Landscapes managed the entire project, including the pool and landscape design, supply of all materials and the entire installation. A custom pool was designed to best fit the space, with a rectangular swim zone angled at 45 degrees in the deep end which maximised the length of the pool. The angular design has also created different areas for entertaining and relaxing, which Wisdom Pools and Landscapes has enhanced with a cantilevered bench seat, a firepit, a pergola,…

Maintaining the crystal-clear appearance of glass pool fencing is easy with EnduroShield protective glass treatment. EnduroShield creates a protective barrier that stops contaminants soaking into the glass. Instead, water and contaminants bead up on the protected surface and are easily wiped off with a damp microfibre cloth and mild detergent. EnduroShield keeps glass cleaner for longer, significantly reducing cleaning time. Not having to clean your pool glass so often saves time, money and water. Untreated glass surfaces are porous and absorb contaminants, resulting in glass that is etched and discoloured. Along the coast, glass is particularly susceptible to salt spray, which quickly leads to a build-up that makes it appear hazy. Pool chemicals, chlorine and general air pollutants can also discolour glass, ruin the aesthetic, and make it costly to…

Each year the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA, formerly SPASA Victoria) showcases excellence in the swimming pool and spa industry at their annual awards. The prestigious awards cover a range of categories from finished pool and spa installations to the latest equipment innovations. The awards promote achievement in design, construction, innovation and professionalism. The following pages feature a snapshot of some of the Gold winners from 2022.…

Beaumont Tiles’ latest exclusive, the Oxid range of large-format tiles, brings rustic tones to Aussie homes with its allusions to the world’s most cultivated and sophisticated natural minerals. Featuring four exquisite shades — Titanium, Lava, Emerald and Iron — the Oxid range brings understated metallic-inspired beauty to add that extra bit of shine for those seeking to create contemporary- or vintage-styled spaces. Created in Italy, each range features 23 faces, presenting a wide range of design opportunities. With a textured finish and outstanding chemical and stain resistance, the Oxid range of tiles is perfect for indoor living spaces.  tiles.com.au…

Is your builder a registered building practitioner? This should be the first question you ask when reaching out to pool builders for your project. Every building project, no matter how big or small, carries some sort of risk. By using a registered building practitioner you are engaging a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced professional. If you are building a pool or spa over $10,000, it’s important you use a registered building practitioner. Each state has its own building authority and registry. To find out if your builder is registered, you can phone or enter their details into the “find a practitioner” area of your state’s building authority website. Vic: NSW: Qld: SA: WA: NT: Is it a requirement to use a registered building practitioner? Yes, installing a swimming pool or spa…

This dramatic infinity-edge pool and spa were built on a very steep block to take advantage of the beautiful views over Brisbane Water on the New South Wales Central Coast and the surrounding bushland. The homeowners requested a low maintenance pool they can use all year that makes the most of the vista and bush setting. “This is the owners’ holiday house and they do a lot of entertaining when they are at the house,” says Zeb Rodrigues, owner of Artesian Pools, who built this stunning pool and spa combination. The 11.7m-long Bisazza-tiled pool can be accessed from the house level and has a large adjacent entertaining area inside the pool enclosure. The spa, meanwhile, is slightly raised. Frameless glass pool fencing was used so that it does not detract…

Technology is all about making life simpler and easier, and that is exactly what the technology of Lifeguard offers pool owners. The user-friendly app gives you full control over your pool system to view and modify filtration schedules and modes, as well as allowing you to adjust set points as required. It can also be controlled locally if you do not want to connect through your home internet. It’s very simple to activate winter settings or prep the pool for a summer party, and for day-to-day maintenance, Lifeguard does all the work. Getting the chlorine balance right With ChloroMatic Lifeguard, acid dosing, chlorinating, and even pool temperature can all be automated. The clever app will even keep track of salt or minerals and let you know when you are running…

The relaxed vibe of this outdoor oasis was created by John Storch, principal of A Total Concept Landscape Architects and 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, while the timber cabana floor is a perfect match for the decking of the main entertaining area. A quality internal, external and in-pool sound system, together with all electrical components including lighting, irrigation, pool heating, lights and swim jets, are all linked to the electrical switching system in both the cabana and main residence. A special feature of the pool is the water feature and stepping-stone walkway.…

With a busy work schedule, this Northern Beaches clients wanted nothing more than to enjoy their precious free time with the family at home — and it doesn’t get much better in Sydney than overlooking the picturesque and iconic Palm Beach. For this 5.6m-long pool, a rectangular modern design with a glass wall, the homeowner provided their own plans, which were then fine-tuned by Jade Swimming Pools for construction. “The pool was designed by the client in conjunction with his builder, with specific requirements for position, privacy and entertainment, while also taking advantage of the views,” explains John Daniel of Jade Swimming Pools. Northern Beaches sites are notoriously steep and difficult to access and build on, and unfortunately this one was no exception. Due to the site’s difficult position on…

Located in Sydney’s Greater West region, this custom modern European pool design is the stunning result of client ideas combined with skilful design concepts from Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping. The homeowners, a husband and wife with three school-aged children, wanted a pool and backyard design that was not only low maintenance, but also high impact. Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping designed and built this outstanding project, which incorporates six spray jet laminars with custom-cut lids for 360-degree turns, an overhead custom 3.6m water feature, custom crystal pebble mosaics and luxurious marble paving and coping. “This design is an excellent example of a high-end custom design and build,” says Luke Bruni, owner of Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping.…

Urban Escape was presented with an extensive client brief for a bespoke plunge pool that would feel like a holiday every time they swam in it, and could also be used for daily exercise. As the client is an artist and author, the project’s overall visual appeal was also of the utmost importance. In addition, she expressed a desire for her pool to not only utilise maximum space, but also have the wow factor and be a focal point as it would be the majority of the outdoor space. Essentially, a lot had to be achieved in a very limited area. “The client basically wanted her own tropical paradise in her inner-city backyard,” explains Nick McCarthy, owner of Urban Escape, whose company was responsible for all of the project’s landscaping,…

When safety is paramount but aesthetics are also important, a glass fence is a winning solution. Tough Glass Worx designs and installs modern, safe and durable glass fencing and other glass products. Led by twin brothers Doug and Tom Graham, the award-winning company specialises in durable glazing solutions and offers a range of toughened glass products for new builds and multi residential developments including pool fencing, custom mirrors, glass splashbacks, frameless shower screens and glass balustrades. “We work with a lot of architects, builders, landscapers, designers and also directly with homeowners throughout Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and other areas in Victoria,” explains co-director, Tom Graham. With more than 18 years’ experience in the business, the team have built a reputation for professionalism, quality and attention to detail. “We’re always on…

Curves are very on trend this year, but when it comes to executing design plans with gorgeous curves, quite often builders can run into difficulties in sourcing suitable products to make the curved designs work. In this situation, a perfectly round spa and oval-shaped pool required special curved limestone coping to create a flawlessly executed look. The Belgium Blue limestone by SAI Stone is an ultra-high-density limestone that is safe for use around saltwater. This limestone lasts longer and suffers minimal saltwaterinduced problems (especially with regular freshwater cleaning). This product is one of the few limestones that has been rated “exposure grade” when tested against saltwater by the ASTM International (which is the standards organisation for testing and materials). “The stone is finished with a sandblasting treatment that gives the…