Table of contents for No.45 in Poolside

Homeowners are increasingly looking for professional assistance to look after their entire projects and A Total Concept Landscape Architects + Swimming Pool Designers provides this complete service. A Total Concept is willing to help as much or as little as their clients need. “We were engaged by the owners of this property to look after the lot, allowing them to concentrate on their own businesses,” says John Storch of A Total Concept. “We undertook the designs, obtained building approval through the council and provided detailed specifications for the project. We recommended and organised both the pool builder and landscape contractor, then undertook the total management of the project for our clients. “We worked closely in conjunction with the architects of the home to develop a seamless integration of the contemporary-style…

This contemporary pool provides a complete landscape for the home’s outdoor area. With a 10m-long, 4m-wide pool for swimming, as well as an unusual raised 10m-long, 2m-wide reflection pool with a bubbling spa area providing a modern feature for the garden, Sunbreaker Pools has come up with a contemporary space that suits the style of the home. This particular pool is made from reinforced concrete and is fully tiled. The spa has six water jets and both the pool and spa have lighting for evening enjoyment. Sunbreaker Pools usually works with architects to design pool areas such as this one, and always draws on the individual nature of each project, from assessing the site to listening to clients’ dreams and demands. Sunbreaker also strives to make the most of the…

Symmetry has long been associated with perfection in nature, art and architecture, so much so that the perceived beauty of a human face is directly correlated with the symmetry of its features. Using a unique symmetrical design, Jakin Pools & Landscaping has triumphed in creating a pool to complement this ultra-modern home. “The client brief was to produce a pool that would be the main feature of the house — visible from both the internal rooms as well as the outdoor entertaining areas,” says James Watkin of Jakin Pools & Landscaping. The result is a contemporary pool with adjacent spa that aligns perfectly with the architectural elements of the existing home. The square 5m x 5m pool has been positioned to precisely line up with a large, square living room…

The Pool Enclosure Company (TPEC) has outdone itself again with the innovative design of the latest addition to its range: the OMEGA model. The first of its type in Australia and the world, TPEC has catered to all pool owners’ needs while maintaining an environmentally friendly edge. The pictured enclosure features the sleek OMEGA model, which complements the already simple yet stylish design of the pool and suits the wooden decking that surrounds it. A sliding door on one side of the enclosure as well as bifold doors the length of the face make for easy access and versatility. A smoked compact polycarbonate roof is used in the design to give required shade when needed while still enabling some of the warm sun to increase the temperature of the water.…

East Coast Swimming Pools outdid themselves when creating this masterpiece that consists of a swimming pool and spa with a negative edge. This company prides itself on quality, service and attentive project management and owner Colin Sloggett and his team have produced a space that is nothing short of amazing. Situated on a difficult sloping site, the pool is built over old septic tanks so that it sits snugly in the backyard and blends perfectly into the modern home. Stylish grey stone defines the shape of the pool and spa and forms steps on one side to enable safe and easy access. Coupled with this is a beautiful spill-over wet edge at the far side of the pool, adding a sleek look to the whole production. Light-blue mosaic tiles envelop…

Situated at the rear of a modern home in Netherby, South Australia, this pool is a contemporary delight. Daydream Pools and Spas constructed the rectangular lap pool to reflect the modern style of the home and fit neatly on the border of the property, allowing room for a full-sized tennis court. The site posed a few design and building challenges as the pool was built after the initial house construction, meaning there was a mere 1m space to the side of the house for tradesmen to transport materials. Nevertheless, Daydream Pools and Spas was able to persevere and create a stunning design with a flawless finish. The lap pool has two deep ends and is shallow in the middle with central entry steps. Deep-blue tiles from Tiles on Bradman adorn…

The latest swim jet system on the market has the power to transform any pool space. The Remco SwimJet is perfect for creating a pool that caters equally for family fun, athletes in training or remedial use. The SwimJet operates with an impeller system, which creates a powerful underwater current to provide a bubble-free swimming stream. With a range of seven speeds operated through a remote-control system, the SwimJet can be used for diverse activities, from an intense athletic workout to a gentle remedial massage. A SwimJet is the ideal solution where size and space are concerns, significantly expanding the functionality of compact pools. The Remco SwimJet promises ease of use with hassle free installation and no pumps or plumbing required. The SwimJet is sleekly designed with functionality and style…

The Blue Glass Pebble Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pebble finishes for concrete pools. The company believes its products offer customers the most stunning results, the best value for money and the most durable, user-friendly finish on the market. The Blue Glass Pebble Company backs its products so much, it offers an industry-leading 10-year warranty on its range of spectacular glass pebble finishes. Glass pebbles are an attractive, colourfast way to achieve a vibrant, colourful water effect. Unique colour combinations set The Blue Glass Pebble Company apart from the competition. The company’s colour recipes are tried and tested and the results are simply spectacular. Glass is fully pre-mixed in a bag in Australia and is put together within 24 hours of ordering. This ensures consistency and…

Every swimming pool owner knows that maintaining a clean, sparkling pool comes at a price. In fact, the traditional method of cleaning swimming pools — using an AC circulation and filtration pump — is typically the second-largest consumer of household electricity. Depending on the size of the pool, AC filtration pumps can cost owners between $1000 – 2000 in electricity bills each year and contribute somewhere in the vicinity of six tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. However, thanks to German manufacturer LORENTZ, swimming pool owners now have the opportunity to protect their hip pockets, and the environment, by taking swimming pool filtration off the grid. LORENTZ has introduced a range of long-life solar pumps that use zero electricity and are almost twice as efficient as traditional AC pumps. They are…

Your swimming pool is an important investment, adding value to your home, health and lifestyle. Why let it sit unused for half the year or more? A Heliocol solar pool heating system can double your swim season in all regions of Australia, stretching your swimming days well into spring and autumn. A warm, heated pool instantly transforms your backyard into a private oasis where family and friends can gather for fun and exercise. No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, a solar heated pool can be the centrepiece of your lifestyle. Early-morning exercise, children and grandchildren learning to swim, personal quiet time and even late-night swims are all part of the Heliocol solar pool experience. It’s easy to get a free, no-obligation quote. A site visit performed…

Building a pool in conjunction with a house ensures the end result will be nothing short of stunning. This is exactly how this sophisticated pool by Aquarius Pools came to be, as it was built to complement the contemporary Toorak home. The project required some complex engineering and a high degree of collaboration between the architect, Steven Mittelman of SVMSTUDIO, the house builder, Bayside Construct, and Aquarius Pools, as the pool abuts a basement making it difficult to construct. All involved worked tirelessly together to guarantee a flawless final product that would exude luxury. A screen wall sits between the pool and entry pond providing privacy to the swimmers and an inviting entry to the home. An overflow wet-edge wall ties the pool and pond together enabling a glimpse of…

This space was designed to bring home the resort feel of a recent coastal holiday so the family could enjoy it every day. Designer Sean Lynch succeeded in filling the brief with his clever use of lines and ground levels to create depth and a relaxed, beach-style atmosphere. Beautifully, the observer’s eye is drawn out from the entertaining deck towards the glass mosaic feature water wall. The contrast between the coastal ocean-blue glass-bead pool interior, cyan-blue glass waterline pool tiles and white beach coping and surrounding tiles also lends a timeless beach-style aesthetic to this resort-like space. All requirements of the pool energy systems, including the garden feature lighting, are operated via solar energy harvested from the solar panels on the roof of the house. The pool and gardens are…

The owners of a tired backyard in Sydney’s Neutral Bay wanted to transform their space into a tranquil haven, perfect for relaxation, while still providing room for their children to play. Enlisting the help of architect Chris Owen and Artesian Pools, the backyard was given a total overhaul and now features a new pool, stunning landscaping and beautiful stone retaining walls. Being a busy family, functionality was a key element of the pool design. The new pool was constructed inside the original kidney-shaped pool, which was set at the rear of the property. The site had difficult access points so keeping the pool in this part of the backyard was the best solution possible and kept the largest grassed area for entertaining and children’s activities. A new rectangular pool, measuring…

Easily accessible from both upper and lower levels of the home via two sets of stairs, this pool bridges traditionally separate living spaces by providing outdoor pool access for both levels. An undercover area to the lower level offers a space off the kitchen for entertaining, with a view of the top of the pool, while an expansive balcony on the second level provides a bird’s-eye view of the pool. Swimmers can lounge on a paved area directly adjacent to the pool or on the grass behind the glass fence to soak up some sunshine. Steppingstone pavers surrounded by loose stones provide access to the storage area behind a unique feature wall and a quaint row of trees lines the fence. Built from travertine blocks to match the paving, the…

Take a step into this impressive outdoor living area and you will no doubt be amazed by the innovative design and inspired craftsmanship. This contemporary outdoor pool by Kiama Pools has been cleverly designed with limited space and functionality in mind. Positioned along the side wall of the house, the pool is visible from the kitchen and bar area, the multi-level decking and surrounding windows. Encased by a tinted glass fence, the pool acts as the central feature of the architecturally unique outdoor space. The modern design uses clean endless lines that create a smooth transition between the ground decking level and the pool. Internal pool lights have been installed to highlight the white interior and allow the pool to be the star attraction of the home by night. If…

When these homeowners called upon Baden Pools to build their third pool, the team knew they had to create something even more spectacular than the last. Working in conjunction with the clients’ architect, Ekberg Architecture, this sophisticated pool design was conceived, inspired by a similar pool Baden Pools built at the owners’ Brighton home. Perched on the side of a sandy hill in Portsea, Victoria, the site posed some challenges. However, the award-winning team at Baden Pools completed the build without a hitch. A rectangular shape was decided upon to complement the modern home and entertaining area. A separate circular spa with custom-made coping and white glass tiles further enhances the elegance of the space while providing the optimal place for relaxation. Water-retaining glass to the far side of the…

A highly demanding job needs to be balanced with plenty of relaxation. What better way to achieve this than to build a tranquil escape in your own backyard? For the owner of this modern pool, Jade Swimming Pools created a stylish backyard retreat. For Jade Swimming Pools, designing and building pools that have their own identities and are suitable to the individual requirements of each client is paramount. This pool was no exception and was created in conjunction with the owner’s architectural design, then fine-tuned to suit any special requests. As a knockdown-rebuild project, the removal of an old pool was required before construction. Rock excavation was then completed in the backyard space and the pool was only built once the home construction was completed. The pool was designed to…

Set in the quaint country town of Goulburn, NSW, Capital Country Pools has created a simple yet modern pool design that embraces the less-is-more principle in balance with the existing home. The owners of the pool had a clear vision of their desired design, with low maintenance being a top priority. To achieve this, Capital Country Pools constructed a large, 8.2m x 4.2m, Compass pool in the centre of the backyard space. Pristine white pavers surround the pool, highlighting the royal-blue colour of the water and adding depth to the unassuming design, leaving plenty of room for sun lounging. Sunlover solar heating and Astral Viron gas heating ensure the owners can utilise the pool year-round with optimal water temperatures. Simple design choices were made to avoid unnecessary clutter, attune with…

Modular pools, also known as above-ground pools, are a great alternative to concrete and fibreglass pools due to their significantly cheaper purchase and installation price, and greater ease of installation in difficult access sites. The speed and ease of installation are astounding, with rapid delivery and build time and the ability to be installed on almost any site. Unlike concrete and fibreglass pools, Sterns Pools’ modular components may be transferred to your backyard through a side pathway and can be installed by a professional installer in as little as a day. Sterns Pools is dedicated to providing pool owners throughout Australia with high-quality modular pools at an affordable price. Guaranteeing excellent value at a low cost, Sterns Pools constructs pools that are stylish and sophisticated without the high-end price tag.…

Free heat from the sun Davey’s new Premium pool heating system captures the heat generated by the sun and transfers it into your pool. The installation of a Davey Premium solar pool heating system means you can extend your swim season and enjoyment throughout the year. Regardless of where your pool is located, there will always be a significant difference in your pool’s water temperature, even in the middle of summer. Those extra few degrees provided by solar heating can have a huge impact. Your swimming pool is a major investment so you deserve to enjoy it more, for longer. This can all be achieved with the installation of a Davey Premium solar pool heater. A Davey Premium solar pool heating system is: •Suited to pools between 20,000L and 65,000L…

The perfect pool surrounds require almost perfect chemistry. It’s about having a beautiful look, a soft feel underfoot and a safe surface that remains slip-resistant when wet. The most suitable surfaces include softer, natural stones, concrete or terracotta paving and brick, but these are often also the most porous, readily absorbing liquids that can stain or damage the paving. Food and beverages are the obvious enemies. When oils are absorbed into the paving, the marks can be hard to clean, sometimes becoming permanent. Water can be an even more serious problem. Rainwater and groundwater are full of dissolved minerals that can mark, clog and even break up a porous surface. Water from saltwater pools can be especially damaging, causing salt efflorescence and rapid deterioration of softer materials if not properly…

Selecting the size and shape of your swimming pool is the most important part of the planning process, according to A Total Concept principal designer John Storch. Poolside asked John what factors need to be considered before homeowners pick a design — such as the size and shape of their garden space, the function of the pool (leisure, entertainment or exercise), when it will be used and who by, as well as relevant approval processes and planning rules. Backyard space There’s no sense putting in an Olympic-size pool if you have nowhere to fit the bins! If you have a yard with size constraints, you may need to consider a smaller pool that doesn’t look disproportionate to your property. A big pool on a small block can look very strange…

Perched high on a sloping block with spectacular views of the surrounding eucalyptus trees, rolling hills and uninterrupted skyline, this pool has become the showstopping feature of this rural home. While boasting beautiful views from inside the house, the Hoddles Creek site sloped so much that the land behind the home was deemed unusable space. Integrated Pools by Canny came to the rescue with a pool design that would not only give purpose to the large unused area, but would also enhance the existing views. A new concrete pool was elevated 10m out of the ground to create a level surface with ample space for a cabana, lounge chairs and a dining table. Together, the owners and Integrated Pools decided a T-shaped pool with a dramatic curved edge would best…

GOODMANORS pool + garden prides itself on attention to detail, simple elegance and the mantra “less is more”. When designing and building this pool and garden area, it became clear the team at GOODMANORS is loyal to their word. The result is this ‘60s-inspired, contemporary outdoor room and pool design that focuses on complementing the architecture of the existing home and the owner’s interior styling. The owners wanted to integrate a pool for leisure purposes into their small garden, with plenty of privacy from neighbouring properties and apartment blocks, but were on a strict budget. A redesign of the backyard was required to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Clever use of levels allowed for the limited space to be utilised to its full potential. Steps…

Owning a wide and steeply sloped block in Sydney, these clients enlisted Darryl Walters of Pride Pools, a specialist in building pools on difficult sites, to create their lap pool. Eighty contiguous piers, 7m deep, stabilised the house and yard above, reinforced by a large retaining wall. A cascading water feature was incorporated into the practical wall to turn it into an aesthetically pleasing feature. The 20m-long pool was positioned so as to be protected from southerly winds, ensuring, with the help of an Astral Viron heater, that it is ready for use at any time. A Remco automatic pool cover keeps the heat in and also protects the pool from a nearby fig tree. A PCC2000 in-floor cleaning system and water storage tanks were also included in the pool’s…

Elegance and sophistication are the first words that come to mind when discussing Southern Cross Swimming Pools, and the company’s latest creation, a stunning rectangular-shaped pool. Set to one side of the backyard, the pool and entertainment area are in perfect balance with each other. Steps on either end of the pool make for easy access and lights run along the length of each step. Spa Electrics LED lights inside the pool evoke the bright blue colour of the water, complemented by professionally laid gloss white tiles. Safety is paramount at Southern Cross Swimming Pools so all pools feature safety requirements with elegance and style. This is evidenced through the crystal-clear glass fence that spans three-quarters of the pool. The fence also separates the pool from a stylish outdoor eating…

At the heart of the featured pool was the drive to create a space that would accommodate the owner’s three children, act as an ideal place for entertaining and generate the ultimate “wow” factor. Using clever design and a combination of textures, together with bursts of fresh colour, Innovative Pools and Spas delivered exactly that for the overjoyed owners. Designed and built by Innovative Pools and Spas, the challenging site inspired an innovative design that cleverly utilises the otherwise unused backyard space and sloping block. The pool, spa and decking area are designed in three tiers so that each element blends into the next. A spa sits at the top so that the overflowing water cascades down into the large pool. An infinity edge to the pool continues the flow…

This pool’s simple and seamless extension of the open-plan backyard exceeded the homeowners’ dreams of a swimming pool that was elegant in appearance and also functional for their enjoyment. Featuring an infinity edge and bright-blue mosaic tiling, this masterpiece has become the focal point of the home. Intimate blue LED lighting has been installed to highlight the water spilling from the water feature and to bring the pool to life during the evenings. Millboard decking has been incorporated to enhance the contemporary and stylish feel of the overall space. This pool has been cleverly designed to fit the sloping, rectangular area while still leaving plenty of room to enjoy summer barbecues with friends and for kids to play. Transforming a simple backyard pool into a stunning water feature has never…

If you are finding that too much time is spent cleaning your pool, a practical investment into a premium pool cover may be the solution. Remco pool covers are designed to significantly reduce your cleaning time by protecting the pools surface from dirt and debris leaving your pool sparkling clean all year round. All Remco pool covers are specifically designed with safety, sustainability and style in mind. Not only do they look beautiful, but Remco pool covers will also save you money. Engineering and design reduces water consumption and energy usage and the covers fit perfectly over your pool to maximise insulation and decrease evaporation of heat, water and chemicals. This allows pool owners to save significant on ongoing costs without continually filling and treating their pool. An attractive feature…

The initial excitement that comes with a new swimming pool is often diminished as the days grow shorter and the water colder. To get maximum use out of your pool, comfortable water temperatures are a must. A solar system is the most economically attractive option for pool heating and for extending your swim season even into the colder months. Manufacturer of the world’s leading solar pool heating system, Heliocol provides the ideal solution for pool owners. With more than 30 years in production, the company has been able to design the safest and most environmentally sound product of its type on the market. The unique polypropylene formula used in each Heliocol panel is known for its high levels of performance and UV resistance. Durability Heliocol solar panels have incredible durability…

It wasn’t all that long ago that the dream of a DIY pool fence that was stylish, modern, made of glass and capable of offering uninterrupted panoramic views was nothing more than a fairy tale. Industrial, hulking, metal fences were the go and any semblance of sophistication was inevitably lost. Thankfully, times have changed and pool owners now have the opportunity to live happily ever after. Everton supply the glass pool fencing and balustrade market with affordable and stylish DIY solutions. The company was founded on the belief that a good DIY product design should be easy to install with a mate, look great, be trade quality and provide savings for the consumer without compromising on safety. Offering the perfect combination of form and function, Everton’s stylish range of pool…