Table of contents for No 62 in Poolside

Once considered a luxury indulgence, the backyard pool is increasingly becoming a symbol of conscious living. Today’s homeowners want more than just sparkling water — they’re asking what’s in the water, how it affects their skin, hair and eyes, how the pool is cleaned, what chemicals are used, and what impact it all has on the environment and their energy bills. As sustainability moves from trend to standard, the demand for eco-friendly pool solutions is rising across Australia. From energy-efficient technology to water-wise landscaping, pool designers and builders are embracing new ways to create stunning aquatic spaces that tread lightly on the environment. It’s a shift that’s not only good for the planet, but also smarter for long-term maintenance and household costs. One of the biggest game-changers in sustainable pool…

A stunning blend of form and function, this custom-designed pool turns a challenging block into an extraordinary residential showpiece. Nestled in a suburban enclave, the aptly nicknamed Urban Reef showcases a modern interpretation of luxurious outdoor living. Designed by Contour Landscape Architecture and built by Equilibrium Pools & Landscapes, this rectangular 6m x 3m pool combines cutting-edge design with thoughtful craftsmanship to create a seamless connection between home, landscape and leisure. Tackling the terrain The steep topography of the site posed significant challenges, with dramatic falls from the rear to the front of the block. Adding to the complexity, the location’s narrow street access made it impossible to position a crane onsite. These obstacles were carefully navigated through innovative engineering, expert project management and sheer determination, particularly when installing the…

WINNER BEST POOL AND SPA COMBINATION Set within a sprawling rural retreat close to bushland, this stunning poolscape from Prestige Landscape and Construction is a resort-style masterpiece. The homeowners’ vision was an oasis that would allow them to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy lives and enjoy quality family time together. Prestige Landscape and Construction delivered with this thoughtfully executed, elegant space. The 10m x 4.2m rectangular pool, complemented by sandblasted marble coping and French pattern tiles, delivers both visual appeal and functionality. One standout feature is the curved step-off from tiles to artificial turf, a meticulous design choice that provides a low-maintenance and unique transition. The pool also features a children’s splash beach area, offering a playful, safe space for the kids to cool off. Prestige Landscape…

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, scenic lookouts and sun-kissed holidays. Home of the iconic rainbow-coloured bathing boxes, it’s a destination favoured by generations of Australians. The picturesque peninsula is also home to Cahill Building Group, a boutique construction company known for redefining its residential landscape with spectacular properties like this one in Mount Martha. The architecturally striking modern farmhouse — designed in collaboration with DX Architects and Studio Griffiths — features a sprawling pool pavilion, fully tiled infinity pool, spacious 10-person spa, and state-of-the-art water management systems powered by Davey. “Davey’s pool, spa and irrigation solutions were a key factor in bringing this endeavour to fruition for our clients,” says project manager Jonathon Cahill. “It takes a lot to do a build of this size and…

Sitting quietly on a small acreage lot in leafy Wakerley, Queensland, this resort-style pool by Norfolk Pools is a lifestyle centrepiece. Designed by Danica Vansleve-Sheil and built by Norfolk Pools, this project weaves together relaxation, function, and a touch of indulgence into one show-stopping space. From the first glance, it’s clear this pool was made to impress. Its crisp geometric lines contrast beautifully with soft landscaping and natural stone elements, delivering a visual punch that’s both modern and inviting. With a negative-edge, raised spa that practically begs you to soak away the day, and a sunken lounge with its own firepit for cooler evenings, this is outdoor living done right. A space designed to be lived in Built within a retained and levelled building envelope, the pool sits proudly at…

General manager of Interlink Pools & Landscapes, Lincoln Courtney, has a very personal link 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…

Prestige Landscape & Construction has delivered a resort-style masterpiece with Project The Acres — a fully integrated outdoor sanctuary designed for family connection, entertaining, and day-to-night relaxation. Situated on a spacious acreage block and built in close collaboration with leading trades, this custom landscape combines a 10.5m classic Whitehaven pool, dual spas and a splash pad — all in one flowing fibreglass design, a first of its kind. From the moment you enter the space, it’s clear this project is something special. The pool’s crisp rectangular shape anchors the outdoor zone, complemented by Artisan Stone cobbles, natural stone feature walls, and pristine large-format paving. A beautifully elevated cabana by Standout Home Improvements provides an inviting retreat, while ambient lighting by Nace Electrical sets the mood after dark. Designed by Prestige…

Nestled within a lush garden just moments from Somers Beach, Coastal Builders has brought to life a pool project that feels more like a natural spring than a traditional backyard feature. Designed in collaboration with Alluring Landscapes & Design, this curvaceous, triple-circle pool carves a striking silhouette across a sandy 1055sqm site, just 50m from the shoreline. Every detail has been shaped to honour the coastal setting — from the natural materials underfoot to the soft, fluid forms that echo the ebb and flow of the sea. From above, the pool’s interlocking circles appear carved into the earth, encircled by warm Castlemain Slate crazy paving, curved timber decking, and native grasses that ripple in the coastal breeze. The organically curved layout connects three distinct yet unified zones: a main swimming…

This fully tiled pool and integrated volcano spa create a luxurious backyard statement. By day, the shimmering Leyla Miami and Leyla Istanbul glass mosaic tiles catch the light, but it’s at night when this pool truly comes to life, thanks to an advanced lighting system from Spa Electrics. Measuring 8.6m x 4.2m, this elegant pool is a stunning blend of contemporary style and high-performance technology. The volcano spa, a 2.5m x 2.5m built-in luxury feature, offers the ultimate in relaxation, equipped with powerful spa jets and an innovative heating system to create a soothing retreat. The Leyla Miami and Leyla Istanbul glass mosaic tiles deliver a striking contrast, giving both the pool and spa an opulent finish. Surrounding the pool, Arlo Stone + Finishes Sands Travertine Hybrid Porcelain tiles provide…

WINNER BEST RENOVATION Breeze Pool Projects was tasked with breathing new life into a tired and worn-out pool. What began as a renovation project for a pool suffering from significant wear and tear, including rust, cracked concrete and damaged walls, turned into a stunning transformation — now a fully tiled pool that promises durability and style for decades to come. With a brief to create a low-maintenance, hassle-free space that would be the ultimate Portsea escape, the result is a spectacular pool that enhances the property and stands out for all the right reasons. The owners, a family with a busy international lifestyle, were looking for an easy-to-maintain outdoor haven that would offer them and their guests a perfect space to unwind when in Australia. “They wanted a reliable space…

WINNER BEST CURVED POOL / SPA / DESIGN Astriking statement of modern elegance, this custom-built pool by Norfolk Pools is the centrepiece of Zarma, a breathtaking Broadbeach residence. Inspired by the luxurious aesthetic of The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, this geometric pool seamlessly integrates with the home’s sophisticated open-plan design, offering a serene oasis within the vibrant Gold Coast lifestyle. Designed by Barlow Building and brought to life by Norfolk Pools, this 9m x 6m swimming pool exudes contemporary refinement. The homeowners — a dynamic young couple carving a name for themselves in the luxury building industry — sought a pool that would not only serve as a stunning visual feature, but also function as a space for both relaxation and entertaining. The result is a modern retreat that perfectly…

Waterco remains at the forefront of pool water innovation with Vitale Mineral Salts, a proprietary formula that marks the next evolution in pool water chemistry. “Exclusive to Waterco, Vitale builds on our range of mineral pool solutions designed to be gentle on swimmers’ skin and effortless to use,” explains Waterco’s Water Treatment product manager, Heidi Tran. Vitale combines pure salt and premium magnesium to enhance your swimming experience by softening the water and creating a silky, luxurious feel. The formula’s natural properties also help relax tight muscles and gently soothe sensitive skin, making each swim both refreshing and restorative. “We only use high-quality salt that has at least 95 per cent pure sodium chloride and is non-iodised,” Heidi explains. “Unlike second-rate salt, which contains minerals and metals that can stain…

This sleek, light-filled plunge pool in Dee Why proves that even compact sites can accommodate sophisticated design. Measuring just 6m x 2.85m, the pool sits harmoniously within its surrounds, elevating the outdoor area into a calming, useable space with coastal flair. Crystal Pools worked closely with the homeowners to maximise the awkward site, which was bordered by an existing garage and a mains sewer easement. Rather than compromise on design, the team created a highly functional pool zone that feels natural and refined. Finished with Crystal Bay White glass interior and accented by a waterline of Leyla Nice glass tiles, the pool delivers a subtle shimmer and serene tone. The design focused on fitting everything the family wanted into a small footprint while maintaining a sense of openness. Clean lines,…

Set against a backdrop of serene bushland, this bespoke pool and spa project by Jade Pools achieves a flawless harmony between natural surrounds and elevated design. Built in conjunction with a custom home, this water-focused escape exemplifies seamless collaboration, expert engineering, and a clientfirst approach — all while delivering everyday luxury for modern living. A vision realised, from the ground up What began as a concept rendered in 3D evolved into a sophisticated outdoor retreat, meticulously constructed across a steep and challenging block. With limited access via a rear fire trail, the project required careful planning and precision execution. Work commenced in stages — first paused to allow for the home’s construction, then resumed in close coordination with the builder to ensure every element aligned with the overall architectural vision.…

Nestled within a quiet suburban street in Pascoe Vale, this sleek, resortstyle retreat proves you don’t need a sprawling backyard to enjoy a five-star outdoor experience. Created by Rainwise Pools Melbourne, this 6m x 3.2m fibreglass pool is a testament to precision planning, collaboration and the art of minimalist design. The homeowners had a goal — to craft a backyard that would feel luxurious yet liveable, a true extension of their architecturally designed home. They wanted a pool that blended effortlessly with the sleek lines of the house while delivering comfort, elegance, and a refreshing escape from Melbourne’s summer heat. The result is a beautifully integrated space where clean contemporary architecture meets lush, low-maintenance greenery. The Burnley pool by Rainwise — a rectangular-shaped fibreglass pool — is perfectly positioned to…

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 famously high-quality control standards. “Builders and pool owners have been very 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…

Enjoying the lifestyle your pool offers is something you’ve dreamed of, so why not make it even better by talking to your pool builder about a self-cleaning pool? 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 situations. 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…

With a move towards higher-density living, our outdoor rooms are becoming smaller, however our expectations are that all the entertaining requirements of a larger garden will still be included. Small space design is the most fulfilling of all landscape design as it requires talent, intense design precision, and very careful attention to detail. Small outdoor spaces must be designed and constructed very exactly; items that are not designed and perfectly positioned will always seem as if they are not “quite right”. 10 RULES FOR COMPACT OUTDOOR SPACES Keep it simple Clean simple lines and a minimalist approach to design will always provide the illusion of space more than a busy appearance. Less is best A few large pots or planted spaces will look less cluttered than numerous small ones. Avoid…

WINNER POOL OF THE YEAR WINNER BEST OUT OF GROUND POOL / USE OF SLOPING BLOCK The geometric pool, boatshed and gardens of this exquisite waterfront property overlooking Pittwater combine to make a striking statement By day, the geometric pool reflects the surrounding gardens and the tranquil harbour. By night, it captures the light of the house and gardens, becoming a striking focal point. Together, the pool and gardens create a bold statement and enhance the elegance of this stylish waterfront home, showcasing the perfect marriage of architecture, design and nature. The project was designed by A Total Concept and the vision was brought to life by The Mahony Group, who built the pool and surrounds. The Mahony Group’s attention to detail in construction, thoughtful plantings, and commitment to ongoing…

WINNER BEST INFINITY EDGE POOL Located in the serene suburb of West Pennant Hills, this custom-built infinity plunge pool sits gracefully within the bushland surroundings, offering a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Designed to be a tranquil escape, this pool provides a sense of connection with the environment, seamlessly integrating with the forested landscape. The clients, a young professional family with an active lifestyle, sought an outdoor space that would maximise the stunning views of their acreage while offering a private, resort-like area for family and friends. Their brief was clear: create a pool that respects the location and feels as though it’s part of the natural landscape, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest from the comfort of their home. AEON Pools, led by founder…

WINNER BEST FAMILY POOL This large 10x6m concrete swimming pool is the perfect family pool, with multiple zones for swimming, playing and relaxing. 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 slope to the pool floor, giving users…

When landscape architect John Storch of A Total Concept Landscape Architects and Pool Designers first inspected this site, he saw the potential to create something unique where three other landscape designers were baffled. The brief from the clients was to incorporate a new swimming pool for family entertaining in an extremely elevated backyard on a very steep sloping block, integrating the area with the home. The new dwelling had been placed at a much lower level than the rear garden and there was no access between the two spaces. “What I really love about this project is the challenge to get the design right at a reasonable construction cost,” says John. “Everything must be considered.” The home’s kitchen and living areas had no outlook, opening immediately onto a cut rock…

Nestled in the heart of Malvern, this sophisticated pool and outdoor living area offers a striking blend of modern design and refined functionality — a private sanctuary brought to life by Award Pools Construction Group. For homeowners Nick and Pia, the vision was clear: a sleek, architectural pool that would elevate their newly built home while providing a serene space for entertaining and relaxation. Designed by renowned landscape designer Jack Merlo and executed by Award Pools, the finished space speaks to the strength of considered collaboration. Measuring 7.5m x 4.5m, the fully tiled pool is defined by clean lines and minimalist elegance. Its sharp geometry is softened by curated planting and a carefully layered palette of textures — from the etched concrete coping by ELK Landscapes to the lush greenery…

A beautifully integrated pool and garden escape in the heart of suburbia, this Doonside project by AEON Pools is the embodiment of clever planning and calm sophistication. Seamlessly tying together architecture, landscaping and leisure, this outdoor space balances restraint with refined detail — a modern sanctuary for a young family with an eye for design. Turning challenges into opportunities Positioned on a sloping corner block, the site posed a few early challenges. “We discovered remnants of an old pool — poorly demolished and filled with contaminated material,” says Adrian Swain, founder of AEON Pools. “We had to excavate and remove the fill, and then collaborate with engineers to stabilise the new structure with additional piering. It wasn’t straightforward, but it was essential.” A pool designed to belong What emerged from…

This stunning backyard oasis delivers effortless resort-style living. Installed by the expert team at Pool Installations Australia P/L in collaboration with Miami Pools Melbourne, the result is an inviting pool area that speaks volumes when it comes to luxury, comfort and clever planning. From the moment Craig and Danielle engaged Wayne Gibson — CEO of Pool Installations Australia — things began to take shape quickly and confidently. With a longstanding connection between Wayne and Craig’s fathers from their days in Swan Hill, there was an instant sense of trust. A few site visits and detailed consultations later, their backyard vision was well on its way to becoming a reality. “Our clients are a young family who wanted to bring a bit of resort-style living into their home,” says Wayne. “The…

The team at KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions love working with designers and clients who challenge themselves to bring out the best in their homes. Case in point — this major renovation to a 1930s Malvern bungalow, which presented myriad interesting challenges, including a rear garden and pool area that required a completely different look and feel to the front garden. In addition, a multi-car garage was to be housed under a concrete slab beneath the front garden. The client also insisted Australian bluestone pavers be installed over a waterproof membrane. Finally, a car lift platform required a low-profile tile with enough strength to handle vehicular traffic. For the front garden, 40mm-thick Australian bluestone in an ashlar pattern was laid on paver supports to ensure the membrane was protected. This allows…

Chris Howley - Owner/Builder SPASA Pool Pool of of the the year year winner 2022 and and 2023 The client sought a luxurious yet family-friendly pool design that seamlessly complemented their large-scale custom home. Their vision was a statement pool that not only reflected modern elegance but also featured curved, sexy lines and high-end design elements. A key request was a curved negative edge wall, strategically designed to enhance the panoramic views from the home while maintaining a cohesive architectural flow. Our team meticulously designed a stunning geometric pool that blends modern aesthetics with functional elegance. The curved negative edge wall was carefully engineered to create an infinity-like effect, amplifying the visual connection between the pool and its breathtaking surroundings. The design integrates smooth, flowing curves that echo the home’s…