Table of contents for No. 27 in Poolside Showcase

Pool lovers rejoice! Winter is now behind us and we can look forward to the swimming season ahead. We have a jam-packed issue full of information on exciting pools and outdoor areas — from cosy courtyard plunge pools to expansive infinity-edge pools with the works. In this issue, we’ve also included a snapshot of some of the winners from the 2017 Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) awards from NSW, ACT and SA. These pool designs, products and suppliers have been awarded for their creativity, innovation and design and offer a wealth of inspiration for anyone looking to build or renovate a pool. Before you get started on your outdoor project, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the trends for 2018 to make sure you choose design components…

There are many reasons for a pool to be built out of the ground or elevated. It often requires less excavation, so it can be more affordable, but an elevated pool can also be better suited to a sloping block, sometimes enabling the pool and living areas to be on the same level. Elevated pools can also save space when land is at a premium, particularly when the space underneath the pool can be utilised for other purposes (storage, alfresco entertaining or living space). Regardless of the reason, elevated pools do require meticulous engineering and experienced construction techniques. Here is a selection of some of the most inspiring and jaw-dropping elevated pools. The construction of this pool didn’t come without its challenges, given the pool was positioned on the edge…

Adelaide’s Entertainment Centre held the industry night of nights, recognising the best of the pool and spa industry in South Australia. Katrina Webb OAM, three-time Paralympic medallist and humanitarian, expertly presented as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, delivering a thoroughly engaging presentation. Awards were given across all sectors of the industry and once formalities were over, guests were treated to Australia’s leading corporate act, Acoustic Juice. Suzie Kent, SA’s executive officer of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA), says, “We are excited to be able to provide an avenue that recognises and rewards our valuable members on their triumphs. The quality of nominations for the awards has been remarkable and the judges were suitably impressed with the calibre of entries for 2017.” Here is a selection…

AT A GLANCE Pool built by: Narellan Pools Port Phillip Design: Symphony 6 by Narellan Pools Colour: Blue Azurite Marbleglass finish Heating: Zodiac MD8 high-efficiency heat pump, blanket and roller Filtration: Enviroswim fresh water system, Zodiac ZT650 media filter with Crystal Clear glass media Lighting: Spa Electrics EM multi-colour lighting Given this Balnarring homeowner is a professional landscaper, standards were always going to be high when it came to the addition of a pool. “We worked very closely with the homeowners so that their new pool looked as though it was part of the very beautiful established landscaping,” says Cary Rowbotham, co-owner of Narellan Pools Port Phillip. The homeowners envisaged clean, modern lines in their pool, so they selected Narellan Pools’ Symphony design, the company’s best-selling pool shape. The Symphony…

AT A GLANCE Landscape design and construction: Fifth Season Landscapes Tiles and furniture: Eco Outdoor Decking: 140mm spotted gum Photography: Natalie Hunfalvay Styling: Emily Hannaford Thanks to the design and construction expertise of Fifth Season Landscapes, the owners of this Sydney property have a garden that exceeds expectations. The enticing, easy-touse entertainer’s garden seamlessly blends classic stone and timber with contemporary polished concrete and curved glass. “The client brief was to update an existing outdoor space by providing an adaptable weatherproof area that would allow for winter sun and natural light. We were also asked to provide adequate space for outdoor dining, along with a built-in cooking area,” says Phil Antcliff, director of Fifth Season Landscapes. Of equal importance was ensuring the new space forged a seamless connection with the…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed and built by: Elite Pool Constructions SA Heating systems: A combination of Sunlover Rigid Panel solar heating and a titanium heat exchanger with an electric heat source Cleaning system: Paramount PCC2000 in-floor cleaning system Filtration: Fibreglass filter Interior: Partially tiled in glass mosaics and glass pebbles to the remainder Pavers: Scala travertine from Eco Outdoors Lighting: LED pool lights Fence: Frameless glass Pool cover: Remco Swimroll Pool size: 15m x 5m More often than not, pool and garden projects are an afterthought and come second to the completion of the perfect house. However, the owners of this Rosslyn Park home in Adelaide had a different plan. With two young toddlers at ages where drawing on the walls is a regular occurrence, the owners chose to…

AT A GLANCE Pool built by: Elite Pools Pool size: 7m x 5m Heating: Solar and gas Cleaning: Paramount PCC2000 in-floor Filtration: Hurlcon cartridge filtration Tiles: Midnight Grey ceramic Lighting: Spa Electrics LED Fence: Frameless glass House built by: Platinum Constructions It’s a long way from South Africa to Melbourne’s suburbs, but this family’s pool back in South Africa made such a big impact on their lives that it became the starting point for their new pool. Nestled in a backyard in North Caulfield, the contemporary rectangular design is 7m long with a Midnight Grey ceramic-tiled interior. It was designed by the homeowner, who drew from his enjoyment of his previous pool. An abundance of concrete is used for the modern two-storey home, built by Platinum Constructions, so Elite Pools…

This dazzling modern pool with feature waterfall shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun thanks to its sparkling interior by the Blue Glass Pebble Company. Made from glass pebbles and New Zealand White pebble, this striking combination is designed to complement the surrounding stone coping and provide a deep, rich, inviting finish while maintaining its clear and lively colour. Blue Glass Pebble Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pool finishes for concrete pools. The product is smooth, faderesistant, easy to care for and easy to install. Fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s famously high-quality control standards, there are no risks taken with sending out raw material for application onsite. Available in 11 stunningly beautiful and vibrant base colours which can be mixed…

The MULTI PLUS LED pool light features four multi-colour modes to suit all occasions and seven static colours that are more intense than ever before. This technologically advanced light has seen the introduction of an RGB+White LED that provides beautifully clean white illumination and stunning colour shows. According to Spa Electrics, the ability of MULTI PLUS to integrate with pool automation systems, the all-new Spa Electrics iRIS lighting controller or just a standard wall switch makes?it the most versatile underwater multi-coloured light on the market.ultiple effects throughout the water so you can set the perfect mood for your backyard and home. The MULTI PLUS is available across the entire range of new pool and retro-fit lights so whether you are building a new pool or looking to bring some life…

CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF THE WHITSUNDAYS Imagine being able to capture the alluring blues of the Whitsundays in your very own backyard. Aristone pool interiors recreate those breathtaking hues through the use of a white base. Similar to white sand, their intensely white render allows the crystal-clear waters of your pool to capture the colours of the sky. As the sun changes intensity through the day, the blues transition from aqua to azure and back again — a mesmerising display of colour. For more information, visit aristone.com.au A TIMBER LOOK WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE Looking for a great deck without the maintenance this summer? HardieDeck is a smart alternative to timber decking because it’s high quality and virtually maintenancefree. HardieDeck is built to last and won’t rot, splinter, warp or fade…

Australia is in a renovation bubble. Given interest rates are at all-time lows and house prices in much of the country continue to rise, it makes sense for people to increase the quality of their everyday lives by improving their properties. However, before you go knocking down the walls, it’s important to have an understanding of the latest trends, which will help you to choose design components that not only work for you and your property, but will also appeal to prospective buyers when the time comes to sell. HOUSE RENOVATION People are more educated about the importance of undertaking a holistic approach to home building projects. Having the inside and outside designed together makes both good design and monetary sense. If the same design company is involved, the finished…

Space is at a premium on this steep harbourside property, so a smart, integrated design was essential. The cleanlined monolithic shape of the 15m-long lap pool complements the contemporary home and fits in well with the natural setting. The well-thoughtout design includes a large feature wall to one end of the pool, which disguises a boatshed, and a timber deck to the other side, which hides the pool filter and equipment. A sandstone-paved walkway and family entertaining area cantilevers over the swimming pool and incorporates a generous-sized wood-burning fireplace, together with a huge external TV screen. “We were engaged by the owners of this property to design and manage the integrated pool and garden areas for this project,” says designer John Storch of A Total Concept. “We undertook the designs,…

With a keen eye for design and a background in landscaping, the owners of this Spence, ACT property knew exactly what they wanted their backyard to look like from the very beginning. The homeowners, a husband and wife, needed a pool big enough for their two young children to learn how to swim, but they also wanted a sizable outdoor entertaining space. Even though the property was a generous 1000 sq m, due to the positioning of the home, scale was still important to make sure the size of the pool didn’t compromise the rest of the backyard. Capital Fibreglass Pools worked with the homeowners to find the right pool to suit the family’s needs. The 9.6m x 4.4m Brooklyn pool by Barrier Reef Pools was chosen because of its…

This dazzling modern pool with feature waterfall shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun thanks to its sparkling interior by the Blue Glass Pebble Company. Made from glass pebbles and New Zealand White pebble, this striking combination is designed to complement the surrounding stone coping and provide a deep, rich, inviting finish while maintaining its clear and lively colour. Blue Glass Pebble Company is one of Australia’s premier suppliers of glass pool finishes for concrete pools. The product is smooth, fade-resistant, easy to care for and easy to install. Fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s famously high-quality control standards, there are no risks taken with sending out raw material for application onsite. Available in 11 stunningly beautiful and vibrant base colours which can be mixed…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed and built by: Steven Lord of Coastal Pools & Spas Heating: Austral Solar and Pentair gas Cleaning: PCC2000 in-floor cleaning Filtration: Pentair sand filter, Pentair filtration pump, AquaLink controller Coping: Granite Tiles: White ceramic mosaics Lighting: Spa Electrics Decking, fence and house build by: M&M Lowe Not everyone has the luxury of an expansive block with unlimited space in which to create their dream pool. However, with a dose of astute design and creative imagination, the ideal pool can still become a reality. Case in point is this property in Edithvale, Victoria, the site of a new house which overlooks Port Phillip Bay. “The homeowners wanted a pool that best utilised the space available, while creating a practical, yet eye-catching feature of their home,” explains…

“We moved into this house in Eltham five years ago and although we really liked the backyard area, the outdoor dining gazebo was small and outdated,” say homeowners Wendy and Damian. “After discovering all the roofing was rotten, we decided we wanted to have a larger entertaining area and make more use of the shape of the block. It’s flat where the entertaining space is, and slopes at the back. Although 700 sq m, a lot of the garden was wasted because the gazebo was octagonal in shape. We were also keen to have a pool for our teenage boys so they could bring their friends over and have fun. “Our 19-year-old son Alex talked us out of a pool and into a spa, suggesting it would get a lot…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed and built by: Landart Landscapes + Pools Landscape design and construction: Landart Landscapes + Pools Paving: Blonde travertine Decking: Sustainable Australian hardwood — spotted gum Pool size: 11m x 5m Plants: Pyrus nivalis, Trachelospermum asiaticum, lilly pilly, viburnum, agave, buxus, liriope Outdoor furniture: Eco Outdoor Photography: Jason Busch Gardens with a compelling classical undertone are always popular. There is something timeless about them and they have a restrained elegance that ensures they transcend passing fads and changing trends. This garden in Seaforth, north of Sydney, is a melodious mix of classic and contemporary notes that strikes a pitch-perfect chord thanks to the expertise of designer Matt Leacy, founder of Landart Landscapes + Pools. “The homeowners’ brief was to create a functional, free-flowing space for the family…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed & built by: Pool Installations Australia Pool style: Corbree 8.3m x 4.6m x 1.1m to 1.8m deep, fibreglass Heating: Supreme Solaire 21kW single-phase electric heat pump Cleaning: Dolphin DB3 robotic Filtration: Theralux glass media filtration system (using magnesium) Water circulation: Theralux eight-star energy-rated variable three-speed pool pump Chlorination: Theralux Magnesium Mineral SMC25 digital chlorinator Water chemistry: Magnesium Mineral Blended pool water Pool lighting: PAL 1-Touch Wi-Fi remote-controlled LED multi-coloured Spa: Bespoke six-jet spa system, installed into the side seat/step area by Pool Installations Australia Pool coping tiles: Natural Bluestone sawn-finish drop-faced pavers 800mm x 400mm x 30/60 DF Paving: Natural Bluestone sawn-finish square pavers, 500mm x 500mm x 20mm Fencing: Frameless glass fencing supplied and installed to Australian Standards including certification Homeowners Frank and Rosemarie,…

YOU CAN DROP AQUABOCCI DRAINS ON BONDI BEACH AND THEY ARE GUARANTEED NOT TO RUST OR TEA STAIN Revolutionary drainage products A drainage system should do more than carry water to the outlet – it should be a design element that is versatile and functional. At the core of every Aquabocci product is a specialized drainage system that has been designed for a specific purpose – draining a door track, a shower or even an overflow swimming pool. Aquabocci’s uncompromising originality has won international acclaim, with many installations completed on high-end projects around the globe. A timeless linear design and bold colour selection is consistent throughout the entire product range. The result is a brilliant blend of form and function that looks back to straight lines of the 1980s and…

Extraordinary achievements in creativity, innovation, design and service from NSW & ACT pool and spa companies were recognised at the recent SPASA Australia Awards of Excellence. Representatives from all sectors of the pool and spa industry gathered to celebrate the industry’s ‘best of the best’, at Luna Park’s Crystal Ballroom in Milsons Point on July 8. SPASA Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Spiros Dassakis says, “The annual celebration of excellence is the culmination of months of tireless work by SPASA members who constantly strive to set new pool and spa industry benchmarks. “Every year we are seeing more and more amazing entries for pools, spas, products, service and sales —this year will be no exception. Consumers are ultimately the winners with such a high calibre of industry professionals servicing our industry.”…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed by: The client in conjunction with Aquarius Pools Pool built by: Aquarius Pools Heating: Viron 450 gas, Sunbather Premium solar Cleaning: Paramount PCC 2000 in-floor Filtration: Astral FG 805 32in filter Coping: Travertine Tiles: Ezzari white glass mosaic tiles Lighting: Spa Electrics underwater LEDs Fence: Powdercoated steel pool fence combined with hedge screening House build by: S. Smith Builders Pty Ltd Situated on a large, sloping coastal property formed by undulating sand dunes, this pool was inspired by the lifestyle and long-term vision of the owners who use the pool and spa for relaxation and entertaining. “The brief from these homeowners in Portsea was for a pool that allows for fun, fitness, relaxation and entertaining,” explains Chris Jackson, managing director of Aquarius Pools. “They wanted…

Pride Pools has been trusted to create pools and outdoor living spaces in some of Sydney’s most prestigious locations, so the company was more than qualified to build this pool area, which stretches magnificently from the rear windows of the house to the back fence. Natural tones were selected for the materials used in and around the pool to create a feeling of authentic tranquillity. Without doubt, the most soothing aspect of the design is the inclusion of a pond, with water flowing over the slate-tiled edge of the pool into the pebblecretelined pond. The sound is soothing and blocks out the world beyond. A timber deck at the far end of the pool, along with a paved entertaining deck, provides ample room for stylish outdoor furniture and creates a…

COMPANY PROFILE Southern Cross Pools A: 11 Hilldale Close, Ringwood North Vic 3134 P: 03 9580 1955 F: 03 9580 2619 E: joshschwal@bigpond.com W: southerncrosspools.com.au Southern Cross Pools was established in 1961 and has consistently provided an excellent product. Working on around 10 pools and landscaping surrounds per year, the company strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for its clients, specialising in project management and design and consultation. Southern Cross Pools is a founding member of SPASA, having been involved in the organisation’s formation. If ever there was a place for the entire family to gather, it’s a backyard with a pool and spa. This family has three children who are all busy with weekend sport and social commitments, but their pool and backyard is now an area that’s…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed and built by: Iconic Design & Landscaping Heating: Electric Cleaning: In-floor cleaning Pavers: Black granite Lighting: LED warm lights Landscaping: Iconic Design & Landscaping Plants: Catalpa, Tiger grass, Ghost bamboo Pool size: 7m x 4m The brief for this backyard from a family with two young kids and a huge extended family was twofold. First it needed to be a tranquil place for relaxing, and second it needed to feel large enough to regularly host extended family gatherings. The homeowners also requested a modern look that was balanced by lots of greenery. Iconic Design & Landscaping ticked all of the clients’ boxes with this innovative and impressive design. “The outdoor space was quite small, so we came up with a concept that made the space…

Modular, or above-ground, pools offer a more affordable and convenient alternative to their concrete and fibreglass counterparts. Sterns Pools is dedicated to providing Australian pool owners with high-quality modular pools that won’t break the bank, yet still make a stunning visual statement in even the most discerning landscapes. This featured product by Sterns Pools is no exception; it offers style and sophistication without the high costs that are usually associated with such a luxurious backyard addition. For homeowners who are on a budget or have difficult access sites, Sterns Pools is the company to talk to. Its affordable modular components can be easily transferred to the backyard through a side pathway and professionally installed in less than a day. These pools are low maintenance but highly durable due to superior…

This sloping block called for a unique pool construction to create a seamless flow from multi-level entertaining spaces. Kings Landscaping created a great design that incorporated numerous entertaining areas, an elevated spa and a 7m x 3.8m pool. Having partnered successfully on many projects in the past, Kiama Pools was the obvious choice to build the pool and spa, bringing the design to life. The site was complex and provided challenges which were embraced by Kiama Pools. The company used the elevation variation of three to four different ground levels to create a more interesting space. The elevated spa, a sizeable 2.6m x 2.5m, is positioned at one end and boasts a clear feature window with overflow into the 7m-long pool. Iridescent Pearl White tiles continue from inside the spa…

Over the last 30 years, Remco has produced some of the highest-quality pool products in the country. The products, which are designed in Germany and made in Australia, combine functionality with design. Remco has long been a leading manufacturer of automatic pool covers, hidden pool covers and, more recently, its innovative SwimJet. THE SWIMJET The SwimJet allows homeowners to add a new dimension to any type of swimming pool. Designed for people who have a small pool but would like the option of swimming laps, the SwimJet system uses innovative turbines to create an adjustable underwater current for them to swim against. SwimJet is ideal for active individuals looking to incorporate regular swimming into their fitness routine or as a way to help children become stronger, more capable swimmers. With…

The notable tile series KAURI from Jasba inspires imagination with its mysterious sea shell blends. Grey-blue and aqua-green mosaics represent the various nuances of the ocean to create a magical water appearance.…