Table of contents for No 60 in Poolside

There’s no doubt that a high-quality pool adds a ton of value to your home, in monetary terms as well as in lifestyle and quality of life. But there are your standard, run-of-the-mill pools, and then there are the jaw-dropping, magazine-cover pools that are the envy of all. What is it that makes these pools so special? More often than not, high-end, expensive pools feature a wet edge of some sort in the design. Often built to complement and overlook a noteworthy view, wet-edge wall pools (or infinity pools) create a sophisticated aesthetic found in luxury hotels and top resorts around the world. With water cascading over the pool’s edge, this design offers a pretty special visual and often acoustic effect. From some angles, the water surface appears to blend…

Perched on top of the 14-storey TreeHouse apartment building overlooking the Brisbane River and city skyline, this infinity-edge pool could easily be mistaken for being part of a luxury international resort. Developer Aria Property Group loves building different and amazing spaces for people to enjoy. Working in conjunction with architects Rothelowman, it provided a brief to Ken Jordan Swimming Pools to build a luxury resort-style pool that could be used by the many residents of the West End apartment complex. With its beautiful design and sweeping curves, the modern pool boasts a fast-flowing water feature that connects with the spa then overflows, creating a rapid-like water stream that ends its journey at the pool catchment on the lower deck. Not only is the area very user-friendly, it also has many…

This modern pool design forms the central feature in a minimalist landscape designed to strengthen the relationship between pool, gardens and entertaining areas. This exciting project was the result of an enjoyable commission by engaged clients who pushed the team to create a unique pool. “We were engaged at the house pre-design stage to ensure the landscape design, pool and gardens complemented the homeowners’ new home,” explains Adrian Swain of AEON Pools. “Our clients asked us to design a pool that was complementary to the house architecture and gardens. We achieved this by working with the home’s designer and landscape architect to coordinate the material selections to ensure the materials used complemented the house. The residence was delivered to a very high standard with all luxury inclusions, and the pool…

Situated in a historic village at the foot of the gorgeous Gold Coast hinterland, this Mediterranean-inspired pool is a breath of fresh air and with its exceptional views, allows the homeowners to enjoy the high life — literally. Built out of the ground on a very steep hillside, the pool was constructed to cater to the sloping block. It was also inspired by the need to create a classic modern look to accompany renovations to the existing house. “The pool is 1.8m high out of the ground and built on a cliff so that the owners can look over the mountains to the stunning vista,” explains Mario Lukenda, director of La Vida Pools & Spas Qld. The 8m-long pool appears as though it is seamless to the property. “To achieve…

Rock Pool Project incorporates a unique 800sqm of garden on an elevated site at the north end of Whale Beach, overlooking the ocean. This stunning weekender was created for a prominent Sydney hotelier and interior/fashion designer couple and their young daughter. Outstanding ocean views of Sydney’s Northern Beaches are visible from the elevated swimming pool level, but before this magnificent site could be enjoyed in all its glory, an immense amount of hard work, and a great deal of imagination and vision, were needed. The garden is positioned behind a traditional Palm Beach cottage perched a third of the way up the site. Initially, the space was completely covered in dense vegetation, difficult to access, and it was almost impossible to ascertain what lay beneath. The design, however, evolved with…

When John Storch, the director of A Total Concept, received a call from the owners of this Sydney home — a couple with whom he had worked on two previous projects — he was thrilled. They wanted his help to develop their recently acquired property and John was immediately on board. “The brief for each property we’ve designed for these clients has been very different because each had dissimilar requirements,” says John. “The first, a semi-detached home, was designed to cater for the needs of a young family. The second, a large, highly detailed suburban home on acreage, was planned with entertaining teenagers in mind and as for this third property, the goal was to create a sanctuary to the rear for the downsizing couple. As a pair of empty-nesters,…

This large 10x6m concrete swimming pool is the perfect family pool with multiple zones for all members of the family to swim, play and relax. The pool is lined with pebblecrete, giving it a natural, textured look and feel. Glass waterline tiles add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while the wading ledge with three bubblers offers a safe and fun place for kids to play. A 2.5m x 2.5m fully tiled spa with eight spa-jets is perfect for relaxing after a long day, providing a luxurious and soothing experience. To top it off, the pool has a wet slide to delight and entertain the children and their friends. Beneath the surface of this spectacular design is a beach entry — a gentle gradient or slop to the pool floor,…

Working in perfect harmony with the coastal environment of the Mornington Peninsula, this elevated custom-built pool is the central showpiece and backdrop to a beautiful property. Regardless of the time of day or night, the exquisite pool and its surrounds are, quite simply, spectacular. Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools, a company with a wealth of experience building pools and landscapes on the Mornington Peninsula transformed the large coastal block designed by Mint Landscape Design. “The homeowners are a lovely family and requested a beautiful outdoor space that not only looks amazing, but also blends in with the bush environment, to be enjoyed by the whole family and their friends all year round,” explain Tim and Stephen. “In addition, we also had to ensure it had ‘the…

Curves are very on trend this year, however, in reality, when it comes down to executing design plans with gorgeous curves, quite often builders can run into difficulties in sourcing suitable product 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 perfectly executed look. The Belgium Blue limestone by SAI Stone is an ultra-high-density limestone that is safe for use around salt water. This limestone lasts longer and suffers minimal salt water-induced problems (especially with regular freshwater cleaning). This product is one of the few limestones that has been rated “exposure grade” when tested against salt water by the ASTM International (which is the standards organisation for testing and materials). “The stone is finished with…

SPARKLING POOL INTERIOR The newest colour, Hamptons, from Blue Glass Pebble Company, is a crisp white colour combination creating sparkling blue water. Glass beads and a clever manufacturing process ensure Blue Glass Pebble Company’s pool interiors shimmer and shine for years without fading. blueglasspebble.com.au ENCHANTING TRAVERTINE TILES Beaumont Tiles has announced its exclusive travertine masterpiece, Pompeii, as its Tile of the Year, giving all Australians the chance to celebrate the classical grace and the luxurious comfort this range has to offer. The elegance of travertine is intertwined with all the practicality that porcelain has to offer. Michelle Kearney, Beaumont Tiles product specialist, says the exclusive Pompeii range is the epitome of luxurious comfort and would bring an enduring style to home renovations this year thanks to its incredible detail and…

This family truly loves summer and the outdoor Queensland lifestyle. Their primary school-aged kids are water babies and swim most days. When they aren’t cooling down after weekend sport, their house is full of friends and family enjoying a swim and a barbecue. Therefore, their overall brief was to maximise the space to create fun for everyone in a true family pool. Originally, there was a 25-year-old freeform pool that had been cosmetically renovated to add a Balinese-style pool pavilion with a large tiled area around the pool. The old freeform pool was outdated, leaking and beyond repair. The design process evolved from simply replacing the existing pool to the realisation that a design meeting the clients’ “wish list” would make better use of the space. “Given that replacing a…

As energy costs rise, many Aussie families are looking at ways they can better manage their bills while still enjoying their home lifestyle. Sharon Tucker, the Category Manager for Pool & Spa at Davey Water Products, emphasises that the ProMaster pool pump, with an impressive six-star rating and multiple awards, stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency. Renowned for its reliability and seamless connectivity, it is a favourite among pool owners. “ProMaster is robust, and super quiet at the same time. It is a full variable-speed pump, meaning you have total control over the speed at which the pump operates at to suit your water flow needs. In the cooler months where you tend to not use the pool as much, this can be quite cost effective. In the summer…

This Queensland family purchased their property, a traditional country-style home set on two acres in Wamuran, Queensland, a year ago and decided that the pool needed a major makeover to modernise the outdoor area. Their vision was for a new space to be enjoyed by the whole family — three small kids who love the outdoors and can often be found in the pool, on the tennis court or riding their motorbikes. The family also has many guests who stay over and enjoy the relaxing rural setting. Their plan was to ensure the pool blended in seamlessly with the property. “Our client wanted something simple that didn’t stand out too much, and to appear as if it had always been there,” explains Just Swimming Pool Renovations, who took on the…

In the harbourside suburb of Bellevue Hills in Sydney’s Easter Suburbs sits a hidden gem — an inviting garden with a pool, spaces for relaxed entertaining and a laidback tropical vibe. The well-considered design, devised by Concept Pools and executed with precision by Jason Chapman and the team at Elegant Landscapes, makes the most of the awkward, steep site and the shaded aspect to deliver something that feels very welcoming. “The clients requested a fresh, open, tropical-style oasis with a Balinese feel and low-maintenance plants. They also wanted a nice place to relax where they could enjoy the pool,” explains Jason. “The tiered landscape features a decked outdoor entertaining zone that steps down from the rear of the home and sits adjacent to the pool. This alfresco entertaining area is…

Inspired by the lifestyle of a growing family, this fully integrated pool and spa showcases luxury poolside living at its finest, within walking distance to the light sands of McCrae on the gorgeous Mornington Peninsula. The homeowners, a family with older children and grandchildren, enjoy living on the Mornington Peninsula and its proximity to surf beaches. Following completion of their home build, they wanted a pool and spa to use not only for their leisure, but naturally it also had to be low maintenance to ensure maximum time for enjoyment. The site provided to Coastal Pools & Spas for the pool design was a flat sandy backyard. The team proposed positioning an 8m-long rectangular pool, spa and beach area close to the dining space of the house and surrounding the…

With a year-round love of water and swimming, these homeowners envisaged their future pool would be a showpiece they could admire from their California-style home, However, rather than be situated in the backyard, the pool and spa were to be in the front yard, bringing this part of the property to life. The clients and their kids love to swim and will even swim in the bay every day of the year. They also wanted a pool and spa that could be used for leisure. “For their front yard location, the clients asked for a 3m-deep swimming pool and a raised circular spa with rolled edges,” explains Clinton Bourke, director of Award Pools Construction Group, who was entrusted with the build. Minimal fencing, low maintenance and a complementary California-style design…

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 which features…

A good renovation adds value to a property, while a bad renovation may potentially reduce its value. John Storch advises to “spend the money on a professional designer”. INDOOR/OUTDOOR FLOW A good renovation design for your swimming pool and outdoor area should look good but also be functional. The design should create a seamless integration between the indoor spaces of the home and the external area and the various components within it. Great flow, great layout and great materials combine to make your renovated pool and outdoor living space an extension of your home so that you and your family can sit back, relax and enjoy the great Australian outdoors. RENOVATION IDEAS Even a simple upgrade can improve the look and function of your outdoor space. Some projects A Total…

General manager of Interlink Pools & Landscapes, Lincoln Courtney has a very personal attachment to this glorious outdoor project on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In fact, it’s safe to say it will forever be part of his family’s memories. “I designed the pool for my family to enjoy,” explains Lincoln of this infinity wet-edge pool and spa at Whale Beach. “It was actually my house; our two young kids loved bombing off the spa into the deep end. Unfortunately, we had to sell the house during the pandemic due to financial restrictions.” Interlink Pools & Landscapes designed and built the entire area, including the 7m-long rectangular pool. “I always like a pool to fit in with the landscape and become a visual feature, and this pool certainly catches your eye from…

Crystal Pools has created a stunning oasis of relaxation and refreshment on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Measuring more than 11m in length and 3m in width, this lap pool features a sleek and modern design, with a gorgeous blue-glass-tile finish that shimmers in the sunlight. In addition to its luxurious design and features, the pool also offers breathtaking views of the Australian bush, and is strategically positioned to overlook the lush and verdant landscape, with towering trees and vibrant foliage stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip in the pool’s cool water or soaking in the warm and relaxing spa, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. The view is maximised by the wet edge with a spillover tank for…

Looking at this incredible outdoor project, it would be easy to imagine it’s part of a luxurious Queensland resort. However, for this home in Melbourne’s Beaumaris, Personal Pools worked in conjunction with award-winning building designer Chris Clout Design in Noosa and some great clients to build a standout, curvaceous pool design that can be viewed from all four levels of the house and the outdoor kitchen. When planning their epic 26.5m-long design, the homeowners requested everything that the industry could offer and more in terms of full automation. The addition of acrylic windows above a wall of lush greenery, a raised spa, firepit, curved glass fencing, limestone paving and coping, as well as pond features at the pool and at a large front pond combine to make this a truly…

When Australia’s first Climate Care Certified swimming pool featuring Waterco’s energy-saving Hydrostorm ECO pump and water-saving MultiCyclone technology was revealed in 2020, it signified a new era for homeowners — especially those living in regions where water restrictions are commonplace and energy bills continue to soar. Since then, Waterco has developed a suite of products and systems sporting the “CCC” logo, ranging from the latest energy-efficient variable-speed pool pumps, centrifugal and water-saving cartridge and media filters, to technologically advanced chlorinators. While highly efficient on their own, these savvy solutions enable consumers to reach the highest levels of environmental sustainability when combined and operated in the correct way. “Consumers have become more aware of their impact on water and power consumption and are increasingly taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint,”…

Vitality, individuality and a strong sense of belonging are just some of the hallmarks of a well-designed garden. Irrespective of its style, the garden should have a discernible sense of place, which means it should work with the topography, the plant life, the built elements, the climate and the overall environment to look as if it was “meant to be”. It should present a pleasing vista when viewed from inside the house — and it should draw you out. And once you are out, it should make you want to linger. But functionality is just as important, which is why it is pure folly to start building a deck, laying a garden path, erecting a gazebo or planting a garden bed without proper planning. Thinking about what activities you and…

Following the purchase of their Woollahra house, these homeowners engaged designer Mike Cass, of Mike Cass Creative, to work within a relatively small space to create a functional outdoor area. “Our clients asked us to create a dynamic space that caters to leisure and relaxation and offers visual appeal,” explains Mike. However, there was a twist — it had to feel larger than it actually is. “The client wanted more, they always do,” says Mike. “Our job is to provide as many of these requests as possible, while retaining proportion and sensitivity. We had to ensure we did not miss any components requested by the client.” The design provides captivating moments and functionality for spending quality time outdoors. “We incorporated a striking balance between tranquillity and vibrant energy,” says Mike.…

Juggling the demands of a busy work schedule, these clients wanted to enjoy their free time with family at home in Gladesville, on Sydney’s lower north shore, and a dedicated pool and spa area on their sloping block was the answer. Designed by the clients in conjunction with their architect, the modern rectangular pool and spa area was to take advantage of and lead up to the top part of the backyard. An oasis for recreation and entertainment, this designated space also incorporates a retaining wall, stairs and extended paving. “The pool has been constructed to be a feature of the raised area at the rear of the site and become another entertainment spot in the backyard,” explains Jade Swimming Pools, who built the 8m-long pool and 3m x 2m…

A stunning visual impact in your garden, as well as hours of fun and relaxation with family and friends – what’s not to love about that? The homeowners of this Mount Barker, South Australia, property opted for the simplicity of the Corbree fibreglass design in Bermuda Blue. This family chose the 6m-long design which perfectly fits their space and also chose to add their own touches with Hewnstone coping surrounding the pool. All Adelaide Fibreglass Pools shells are designed and manufactured by Summertime Pools –leaders in the fibreglass pool industry providing premium quality shells. Summertime Pools offer ingenious shell styles and are regularly updating their range with exciting new additions, such as the anticipated Portsea range which offers spacious, luxurious shells featuring contemporary lines and details in four sizes (7m,…

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 infamous 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 to…

Innovezza brings 30 years of experience in both pool construction and design. If you need engineering expertise, a structural pool inspection or certification for your new pool, 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 market-leading products and visceral engineering methods to provide its clients with a commercial advantage. “Our drive to achieve these goals will deliver lower cost solutions, sound engineering, and quality service without the large price tag,” adds Mario. INNOVEZZA A: 1/115 High…