Table of contents for No 57 in Poolside

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 recently purchasing this property on a steep Middle Harbour block, not only wanting to admire the 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 area…

The 1980s were known for lots of fabulous things — fantastic movies, music, fashion and big hair, but sadly, timeless pool design does not make this list. Located in Turramurra on Sydney’s North Shore, these clients had an existing 1980s pool that had received a couple of facelifts over the past 30 years, and was also surrounded by an old timber deck in need of repair. The pool and deck were situated approximately 600mm lower than the outdoor entertaining area and internal house slab. The existing pool was also close to the house and did not allow for any connection between the house, entertaining area and pool. In the design process, the clients asked Kieran Devlin and his team from KMD The Outdoor Construction Company to design a new pool,…

This dramatic infinity-edge pool and spa were built on a very steep block to take advantage of the beautiful views over Brisbane Water National Park 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…

Located in the peaceful bayside suburb of Mount Eliza, this exquisite pool and outdoor area provides refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 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. Laminar jets shoot…

Davey has put together some great ideas about how to make the most of your own outdoor oasis come summer. Don’t spend winter dreaming; use this period to get ready for a summer full of swimming. Covid has accelerated the trend of homeowners in all areas looking to improve their property and their lifestyle with a pool. The industry has never been busier than it was in 2021. Some pool builders are still catching up with orders from last year. If you think the pool trend will slow now that we’re able to travel beyond our front fence again, remember there are other reasons why people want a pool these days: Parents really want their kids to be active. There’s nothing like a pool to get them outside and away…

For this tight courtyard space in Glen Iris, Melbourne, Laurie Jacobson Pools has worked wonders with a limited area. The homeowners, a family with older young adult boys, wanted to use their space wisely and ensure it was somewhere they could enjoy their time outside, as well as utilise the alfresco area that was part of the landscape renovation to be carried out by the architect, MAAV Architecture. The architect designed the landscape area and pool in consultation with the client. Unfortunately, there was very tight access to the site as the pool is right up against the house, with neighbouring properties also close to the boundary fences. Despite these challenges, it’s safe to say the finished product has been a resounding success. “It’s a really neat-looking project that’s been…

This pool house takes the backyard pool to the next level, providing a sheltered area to dine, entertain, get changed and relax in all weather conditions. Royal Wolf Geelong branch manager, Justin Van Loon, reached out to local landscape builders for quotes on a custom pool house to complete his backyard. When these reached $80,000, he decided to approach Royal Wolf engineers for a more economical solution. “The quote to do it using two shipping containers was significantly cheaper and we actually ended up with a larger pool house than we initially planned,” says Justin, who lives in Leopold, Victoria. “All up it cost about $30,000-$32,000, which included buying two containers, all modifications done by Royal Wolf, and then completing other works ourselves like electrical and flooring.” Aside from being…

The loving renovation of this Cheltenham home retains the charm of an original yellow-brick home while introducing the sophistication of modern living. However, it could be said that the highlight of the property is the seamless transition from inside to out, brought to fruition with gorgeous granite from Granite Works. The homeowners were looking for a spacious area to enjoy with friends and family, with a seamless transition from inside to out. High Level Renovations undertook the renovation of the home and worked with the landscapers and pool builder, Good Soil & Water, to ensure a coherent union of the areas. A vaulted ceiling and concrete floors open up to an expanse of sleek Aston Grey granite paving and pool coping. As a result, the outdoor alfresco area now functions…

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…

With the temperature set to rise after months of rugging up, it’s now time to start thinking about whipping yourself into shape and getting the long-neglected pool freshened up to help turn your backyard into your very own summer oasis. But while a pool refresh has traditionally conjured up images of a blue liner supplemented with a line of blue tiles, Australians are increasingly swapping out that look with fun, on-trend designs that make a splash with friends and family. According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Rachel Gilding, two years of lockdowns seeded the emergence of a range of trends that can transform any pool into a stylish entertainment statement that celebrates Aussies’ love of the outdoors. “We’re seeing some inspiring world-travelled style trends starting to emerge in projects across…

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, low-maintenance 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 in 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…

After being presented with a steep front yard that slopes approximately 6m from the front door down to the front gate, there was a clear solution for the Rogers Pools’ team when designing this pool — a custom-designed, out-of-the-ground concrete pool. Sitting approximately 2.5m above ground, the resulting terraced rectangular pool with stepout truly suits the slope and maximises the site. Situated in Hamilton, Brisbane, the 5m-long pool and spillway edge is fully tiled in stunning glass Bisazza mosaics. It’s also fully automated and app controlled, including the on-demand spillway edge. In addition to the pool, Rogers Pools designed and built the retaining walls around the pool, the concrete concourse and the blackbutt timber deck, steps and seat. A hidden filtration system is also nestled under the decking — the…

On a property on Sydney’s leafy North Shore, this fully tiled, multipurpose pool and spa balances great enjoyment and year-round swimming with easy maintenance. Expertly designed, this Crystal Pools’ creation also received praise and recognition as the joint winner of the 2021 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Pool Awards for Concrete Pools $100,001-$150,000 — and rightly so. The owners of the Wahroonga property wanted a multi-purpose pool to cater for any occasion. Their spa is well positioned to the pool entry area and the pool cover is cleverly hidden in the deck of the stylish and relaxing cabana. Heating makes this 10m-long pool swim-ready for most of the year and meets the needs of even the most health- and fitness-conscious individual. Whether it’s exercise, relaxing or cooling off…

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 they requested a pool that would allow them to truly enjoy their free time with the family at home. They gave 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 construction 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…

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…

With a request to bring the beachside lifestyle home for them to enjoy, this young family envisaged a swimming pool and spa that had both form and function. It was to provide a great area for the whole family and when not in use, an incredible view over the rolling paddocks of Point Leo, a quiet rural surfing locality on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Designed and built by Coastal Pools & Spas, this sleek 10m-long rectangular pool and spa captures the best of rural and coastal living, while also entertaining the whole family regardless of the time of year or weather conditions, courtesy of gas heating. “This pool and spa combination really is the perfect family entertainer for year-round enjoyment,” says Steve Lord of Coastal Pools & Spas, whose company specialises…

Kiama Pools has created a luxury swimming pool and spa that simulates the night sky, courtesy of fibreoptic pool lights installed into the pool floor. Built out of the ground within the slope of the site, this pool and spa build is unlike most others. “The clients wanted a stunning outdoor space, with the centre showpiece a beautiful pool and spa with lights on the pool floor to illuminate like stars in the night sky,” explain Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools. “They had a specific vision for their outdoor space and we were able to construct a spectacular pool for day use that transforms into a breathtaking outside entertaining area at night.” The lighting installed in the beautiful 8m-long concrete pool and spa features individual fibreoptic…

Looking at this incredible outdoor project, it would be easy to imagine that 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 that can viewed from all four levels of the house and outdoor kitchen. When planning their epic 18m-long design, the homeowners requested everything 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 each end of the pool and a large front pond, combine to make this a truly standout…

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…

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…

Want to make the most of your poolside area? Cantaport cantilever shade systems provide a unique way to cover your outdoor area, with an overhanging roof and supporting posts on one side only. Engineered, designed and manufactured in Japan, the shade systems provide unobstructed views, easy flow between outdoor areas and ventilation circulation. The roof sheeting is constructed from polycarbonate resin, reducing heat by 83 per cent and blocking out 99 per cent of ultraviolet (UV) rays to ensure reflection and glare is avoided when you are enjoying your swimming pool or spa. cantaport.com.au…

Every pool owner aims to have a sparkling clean pool. Not only are good looks important, but sparkling clean pool water is equally as important for the safety, health and mechanical integrity of the pool and its equipment. Getting that beautiful pool water involves dealing with the two major areas, which must work together: 1. Filtration: This is the process of removing particles from the water. Most of these particles are individually smaller than the human eye can see, but in volume will cloud the water. Depending on the filtration system and media used, the particles will usually be filtered down to 20 micron or less. The smaller the micron rating, the better the pool water will look. 2. Chemistry: This is vital to manage scaling, discolouration, comfort, pathogen levels…

Properties in Avalon, on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, are generally amazing to say the least. So when landscape designer/architect Space Landscape Designs was asked to design an infinity-edge pool and spa to work with the architectural form of this modern beach house, the company knew it had to develop something truly spectacular, particularly when pool builder Splish Splash Pools was involved to bring the concept the fruition. “We love turning backyards into dynamic, visually stunning areas that you and your guests will love spending time in,” says Space Landscape Designs. In line with this philosophy, this backyard is completely focused on entertaining. The wetedge lap pool, built by Splish Splash Pools, was designed by Space Landscape Designs at a midlevel for the backyard, creating a layered effect and the sense…

One of the many benefits of building in Sydney’s Hills District is the select number of large blocks that are available in certain areas. And with a spacious site comes the opportunity to have a generous-size pool, which is exactly what these homeowners wanted. “For their acreage, the homeowners envisaged a large resort-style pool with wow factor, and something that would look amazing both during the day and night,” says designer Gavin Bazley of Aquastone Pools & Landscapes. “It had to have a heated spa for year-round use and it needed to be grand in scale to suit the acreage property.” The 15m-long rectangular pool is a focal point of the home and allows the owners to swim laps for exercise, while the 2.5m x 2.5m heated spa is great…

This modern pool design forms the central feature in a minimalist designer landscape and was to complement, not override, the composition. In addition, the exciting project had to meet numerous other client requirements, both aesthetically and from a lifestyle perspective, for all members of the family. “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 Eco Design. “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 and ensure the materials used complemented the house. The home was delivered to a very high standard, with all luxury inclusions, and the…

This new custom-built pool deserved only the best finishes to bring the homeowners’ vision to life. Pool interior expert, Quasar Pools, was chosen to complete the project with impeccable waterproofing, interior tiling and coping. The beautiful craftsmanship and quality of this interior set this project apart, with Ezarri glass mosaic tiles in Iris Ocean and classic light travertine coping and surrounds. A swimming pool is a large investment and can be costly to fix down the track if it’s not constructed and finished perfectly, so it’s important to choose a company you can trust. With more than 20 years of experience in pool interiors, Quasar Pools understands exactly what is required and has the trade contacts to make it happen. Quasar Pools knows that sometimes, making a decision can be…

This heated pool, with its extensive infinity edge, provides the perfect place to daydream while looking over Pittwater towards Lion Island. Designed in a geometric style, the pool beautifully reflects the harbour, garden and house lights at night and mirrors the vegetation of the gardens during the day. This state-of-the-art project was designed by A Total Concept and built and landscaped by Mahony Group. The surrounding, partially shaded poolside entertaining area has all of the necessary entertaining and recreation features needed, including inbuilt lounges, gas flame torches and firepit. Together, the pool and gardens make a bold design statement that showcases the stylish contemporary home to create an outdoor masterpiece. Being on the waterfront, the home only had access by inclinator, so the pool was excavated by hand and small…

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 a…

This Mount Martha holiday home was a challenging site that was steep and difficult to access, giving rise to this exquisite pool and spa design. Despite the challenges that arose from day one, the result is, quite simply, nothing short of spectacular. For their Mornington Peninsula getaway destination, the owners requested the inclusion of a family-size pool and spa, while also retaining their current garden and taking advantage of bay views down the disused side of the house. In addition, they wished to extend their entertaining capabilities, cater to grandkids, provide a source of entertainment for the family and a space of focus for the entertaining area. Aquarius Pools designed and built the pool and spa and in doing so, also encouraged the clients to change their existing outdoor kitchen…

If you have ever entertained fantasies of your ultimate pool, it’s always nice to seek inspiration from others who have also pursued this dream. This dazzling resort-style pool was commissioned by a family in the western Sydney suburb of Luddenham. The five-month construction happened shortly after a new house build by Rawson Homes. To call it resort-style living might be an understatement. This amazing white-pebble pool is positioned off its own purpose-designed alfresco entertaining area. Adjoining the main pool is a separate pond featuring water bubblers. The feature pond has a fully tiled interior in a darker blue tile. Within the pool fence boundary is the home’s outdoor room, partitioned from the pool by retractable screens. At first sight the scale of the pool adds to its majesty amid its…

A pool’s design should work in unison with the home, so at times during the year when it’s not being used, the pool will still provide an atmosphere of relaxation. It should also be functional for the owners and offer a value-add to the property. With this design philosophy in mind, Swimmore Pools set to work to create a modern, rectangular, L-shaped pool that its Mordialloc clients could use all year, regardless of the Melbourne weather conditions. “The homeowners wanted to have a clean transition from their entertaining area to the pool with a priority of maximising the waterline in the space we had available,” explains designer Amanda Hebdige of Swimmore Pools. Consideration also had to be given to the safety of existing structures such as their home, the large…

Curves are very on-trend this year, but when it comes down to executing design plans with gorgeous curves, quite often builders can run into difficulties sourcing suitable products to make the curved designs work in reality. 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 a sandblasting…