Poolside

Welcome to the summer issue of Poolside magazine. Our favourite time of the year, when pools are used to the max and our builders are racing to finish projects for families eager to entertain over the school holidays. And while our summer might look a little different this year to what we’re used to, for those lucky enough to have their own backyard pool, it’s a blissful holiday at home. Having spent a lot of the past two years at home myself in Melbourne’s many lockdowns I have some great tips for a poolside summer at home, whether enjoying the company of a few treasured friends or bunkering down for social distancing. Here are a few simple tips to make your at home holiday feel and look more exciting: 1. Invest in…

HIDDEN POOL COVER The Aussie UnderCover® is the only hidden pool cover system on the market that lets you choose your finish. This Aussie UnderCover® under-deck installation in the Melbourne suburb of Balwyn North features a 138x22mm spotted gum covered lid frame, completely concealing the pool cover within the pool deck. Matthew of Mackenzie Landscape Constructions adapted the lid frame to fit three wide boards, so the lid is seamless within the deck. The Aussie UnderCover® is positioned in front of the spa, in a high traffic area, and again is only visible when you need to remove or restore the cover to the pool. This installation also features the Power21 semi-remote-control system. aussieundercover.com.au…

As of 2021, The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASAVIC) will be known as Master Pool Builders Association Australia. Originally established in 1961, the group has undergone several name changes over the years, but remains an integral body to the pool and spa industry. From SPAV to CASPA to SPASA and more recently SPASAVIC, it has now moved up a level to become the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA). “The pool is a part of the core fabric of Australia, a place of connection and a symbol of progress over generations. As an association, we have, for more than 60 years, built a legacy of enduring quality, sustaining and celebrating Australia’s innate connection to, and love of, the pool. We are both a facilitator for our country’s aspired…

Incorporating the element of fire into your outdoor design can really take it to the next level. Fire is mesmerising to watch and a great firepit will create a fun area to socialise with friends, particularly at night or during the cooler months. We asked Unique Firepits for some top tips for using an outdoor fire. 1. Place your firepit 1m away from an above-ground pool and at least 1m from other structures.2. Place a buffer between the base of a firepit and a deck as the heat can burn the deck (a 40mm-50mm-thick concrete paver will do the trick).3. Be careful not to over-stack the firepit.4. Keep your fire safe by placing an ember screen over the firepit or a flat metal lid once the night is over so embers…

Rectangular and geometric pools are both a classic and contemporary design, a shape that will stand the test of time unlike the kidney-shaped pools of the ‘80s, but it is easy to fall into the trap of doing the “same old, same old”. Here are a few tips to bring life to your pool landscape. CREATIVE USE OF MATERIALS How you finish your pool will give life to its surrounds and to the pool itself. Look for unique materials to use around the pool. Using the same materials in an unexpected way can also focus your attention on elements of the design. Pay attention to the smaller details, coping sizes, rebated edges, continuation of colour palettes plus contrasting aspects to create depth in your project. POOL POSITIONING AND FLOW Think about what you want…

A good renovation adds value to a property, whereas a bad renovation may potentially reduce the value of a property. 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 looks great but is also 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 Concept has…