Table of contents for Issue#28 2018 in Poolside Showcase

Have you ever been on a holiday and found yourself so relaxed and happy that you wanted to recreate the vibe back home? It’s a story we hear time and time again when we ask homeowners where the inspiration for their pool and outdoor design stemmed from. Sometimes they’re inspired by the style typical of a particular destination — the blue and white hues of Santorini or tropical Balinese style, for example — or sometimes the inspiration stems from a particular pool setting at a hotel or home they may have visited. We have seen entire outdoor designs based on recreating a homeowner’s holiday experience but, more often than not, owners choose one or two elements to remind them of their holiday — say a tile or paving choice, the…

MrTrampoline trampolines are used by elite athletes from all over the world, but they’re made right here in Australia. “The frame, springs and performance bounce bed are all lovingly made by our team in suburban Melbourne,” says Adam Richards, managing director of MrTrampoline. But these high-quality trampolines are not only used by athletes. Thousands of families have grown up with a MrTrampoline product in their backyard as the business has been in operation for almost 70 years. “The trampoline frame is made from all-Australian steel; we fabricate, modify and weld the components and then send them off to be hot-dip galvanised. This gives the frame decades of serviceability over our nearest rivals. “Many readers will be familiar with the Victorian coastal town of Lorne, where we have 15 trampolines on…

This relaxing Sorrento coastal pool, just a short distance to the beach, perfectly complements the house and its ideal location adjacent to the alfresco dining area on the deck. The owner’s brief emphasised the need for an inviting entertaining and relaxation area, and Aquarius Pools has fulfilled this with a contemporary rectangular pool that exudes a chilled beachside vibe. A beautiful mix of natural materials complements the 6.398m-long pool, such as the rammed-earth wall, clever stone paving, timber furniture and timberwork in the house and deck set into the green lawn. In addition, the modern house design flows and blends with the indoor/outdoor living spaces. “Thanks to the pool’s position, the clients’ lifestyle and the flow of the indoor/outdoor living areas, this pool ticks all the boxes,” says Chris Jackson,…

For this family’s very steep waterfront block, which boasts stunning multi-million-dollar harbour views, a glass infinity-edge pool design was chosen and brought to fruition by Artesian Pools. It not only fulfils the family’s need for an entertaining space, it also capitalises on the spectacular outlook. The company is a firm believer in making the most out of the available space and taking advantage of the natural focal points of each property, and this rectangular pool and its enviable location in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is no exception. “The pool is located as close to the water as possible to take advantage of the harbour views,” explains Zeb Rodrigues of Artesian Pools. “All of the available space has been utilised and the addition of the cabana means there are facilities close to…

It’s hard to beat the beachside location of this Mount Martha property, so a spectacular pool and spa was top of the agenda for these homeowners to really appreciate the view. The owners are an active family who enjoy entertaining. They approached Endless Spas and Pools for a dual-zone pool and spa combination that would provide year-round use and take advantage of their enviable waterfront vista. The 6.65m-long Dual Zone Sabre Combo rectangular pool from Endless Spas and Pools operates autonomously from the spa and together they provide year-round enjoyment. The inclusion of AstralPool cleaning, heating and filtration products makes both the pool and spa easy to maintain. Major construction works were required for the foundations of the very sloped block but, as anyone can see, the final result is…

They say the simplest things are often the best and in this sleek and sophisticated Melbourne pool and spa project, these words couldn’t be more fitting. The homeowners, a family with two young children, chose a simple, modern style for their home and opted for the same look for their pool and spa. They did lots of research before deciding on the pool’s layout and shape. “The homeowners wanted the pool to be a focal point of the house as it is visible from all of the rooms,” explains Josh Schwal, owner of Southern Cross Pools, who built their vision on the family’s very flat suburban block. Boasting sharp lines, the rectangular design is 8m x 4m with a swimout and spa. “Strong elements surround the pool, and the simple…

Not all homeowners are blessed with a spacious suburban block of land, so often, when installing a pool, it’s a case of making the best of what’s available with some clever design approaches. Case in point is this tight-access, compact site in the inner-city area of Carlton, belonging to a young family with active children. Despite living in Melbourne’s inner city, the homeowners wanted their children to be able to enjoy their own backyard swimming pool. Their approach was to raise the pool fully out of the ground in order to avoid the use of pool fencing and to make the pool a real feature of the space. They designed their 7m-long rectangular pool in conjunction with their architects and pool builders from East Coast Swimming Pools. Set against a…

Look carefully at this award-winning pool by Urban Oasis, in particular the tiles. The high-quality ceramic Sea Mist pool tile isn’t a plain-coloured tile. Presented in an alternating pattern, the tiles contain various shades and no two tiles in the range are the same. The gradient changes within each tile from inside to out. “The alternation provides a natural, classic finish to the pool,” says Gian Battista, business development manager of Tiles on Bradman Drive. “It is a timeless tile that provides a natural finish that will not date. Unlike other tiles, Sea Mist varies its colour not only through each tile, but through the variety of blues that mimic the sea’s clear blue waters.” This means it is perfect for almost every application and delivers a clear, crisp blue…

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. When it is coupled with the all-new iRIS remote, you can experience instant control of colours, shows and brightness all via the remote handset. Its two channels give you the ability to control your pool and spa separately or sync them together to create…

RAK Ceramics’ extra-thick outdoor tiles are not only super easy to install and a breeze to clean, they’re also highly durable. This collection is perfect for terraces, balconies, outdoor paving, patios, gardens or compound pathways. With strong technical characteristics including high breaking strength, resistance to wear and tear and thermal shock, as well as the ability to cope with heavy footfall, this outdoor series is perfect for use in both residential and commercial areas. Visit elegancetiles.com.au to find a store near you.…

Inverter heat pump technology is an effective and economical way to heat your pool, generating an energy saving of up to 30 per cent compared with conventional heat pumps. Although these pumps are ideal for use during winter, working effectively in temperatures down to -10 degrees, the temperature settings can also be adjusted so the pool water remains at an optimum temperature and ready for use at any time throughout the year. Inverter heat pumps are available through AstralPool. The company’s website now includes a handy calculator that will help you find the best heating solution for your pool based on its size and your requirements. Visit astralpool.com.au/heatpumpsizingguide to view your options and see the approximate monthly running costs.…

Pool building contracts can be confusing. The Swimming Pool & Spa Association (SPASA) of Australia produces extensive building contracts for its members, ensuring peace of mind for both parties. These contracts comply with local state legislation and are consumer-friendly agreements that are presented in a clear and concise manner, easy for all parties to read and follow. Only SPASA pool builder members can issue you with a SPASA contract, but the organisation has provided some important advice for homeowners to consider before signing any contract. ⃞ Never sign a contract without first having your site inspected by a qualified pool builder. ⃞ The pool location on the property and the position of the filtration equipment must be clearly shown on a diagram, and the contract price must allow for the…

This first-floor courtyard pool and grassy terrace is encapsulated by the original factory facade of a former sweets factory in Prahran. Architect Stephen Jolson has transformed the interior of the three-storey 1950s Melbourne factory — Sunrise Confectioners — into a stunning home and studio. The grassed seasonal garden extends across the entire width of the site and the new swimming pool has been designed to complement the garden. The pool’s circular shape is seemingly held between the facades and the climbing fig landscape around the pool, carefully planted so that the pool will one day become a “hedge of green water” within the garden walls. The climbing fig, which will eventually envelop the pool’s shell, contrasts with the deciduous leaves and scale of the Boston ivy on the surrounding courtyard…

The owners of this impressive residence on Sydney’s stunning northern beaches are blessed with a captivating location. They called on the expertise of Urban Escape Landscaping & Pools to create a custom-built, contemporary pool that would make use of their sloping block with sweeping views. “The previous space was steep and unusable, and the client wanted the block levelled out to provide useable room for family, pets and entertaining,” explains Nick McCarthy, owner of Urban Escape Landscaping & Pools. “They requested a garden space that was level with the house and its kitchen/entertaining areas. Despite the enviable waterside location, unfortunately, the space was in a designated landslip zone, which required extensive engineering for all pool piers and retaining walls.” A large retaining wall was constructed to create level and usable…

Suzanne and Daniel Maher run a luxury Hamptons-style B&B in Gleniffer, NSW. Understanding their pool would be used by many guests for years to come, they required a stylish design that would not only fit their aesthetic vision for the property, but would also be low maintenance, high quality and exude an upmarket impression for their guests. Suzanne and Daniel selected Narellan Pools’ Symphony design, the company’s best-selling pool shape. The Symphony fuses elegance, style and sophistication and, according to Narellan Pools, is the pinnacle of fibreglass in-ground pool design. The Symphony is perfect for families as it offers nonslip surfaces, a child-safety ledge around the pool perimeter and a gradual depth for wading and learning to swim. Wide steps with a seating ledge also feature along the length of…

The setting for this family pool is both special and unique, offering rural views of lush, rolling Victorian hills. With an amazing backdrop to their property, these homeowners wanted their pool to be visually striking, as well as a focal point of the home and a centre for entertaining and enjoyment for their children as they grow. Presented with a simple flat site, East Coast Swimming Pools’ owner and principal, Colin Sloggett, had to create a pool that would blend with the residence. “The house has architecturally designed, straight, clean lines and is rectangular in essence, so the pool was designed to reflect that,” says Colin. The 9m-long rectangular pool boasts a 400mm-wide ledge that runs the full length of the pool, as well as 4m-wide offset steps, with a…

The owners of this Glen Iris home came to Shawn Townsend, director of Ashtown Landscaping & Pools, hoping he could turn their backyard into something that not only matched their contemporary home, but also suited their lifestyle. “The homeowners have primary school kids and love the outdoors. They’re also big entertainers,” says Shawn. “They were looking for a pool and garden design that was practical, easy to maintain and allowed for relaxed entertaining.” The homeowners had a plan, but needed help finalising the detail and perfecting the design. Shawn positioned the 7m x 3.5m pool and spa to align with the second storey of the home, the visual continuation creating a nice balance. There is now also ample entertaining space either side of the pool — a paved area on…

A self-cleaning pool allows you to spend more time enjoying life while your pool cleans itself. Your pool will also be easier 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 features advanced technology, has been developed for Australian conditions and is proven in even the most demanding circumstances. 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 are…

Lifestyle BBQs’ Forno Allegro Nonno Peppe wood-fire oven is beautifully designed and handcrafted by Italian artisans. Unlike many other clay wood-fire ovens available, the Nonno Peppe is made from 100 per cent pure stainless steel, making it less prone to cracking. The Nonno Peppe comes with a wood caddy and chimney flue kit, so all you need is some wood to get the fire going. Twin wall insulation ensures the oven stays hotter for longer, with a slower cool-down period, which is particularly useful for slow cooking. It weighs only 65kg, so it can be positioned on your outdoor kitchen benchtop without heavy lifting equipment. Visit lifestylebbqs.com to learn more.…

Keep it simple Clean, simple lines and a minimalist approach to design are better in small spaces and courtyards rather than a busy appearance. Less is best A few large pots or planter boxes will look less cluttered than numerous small ones. Flexibility of use is important Ideally, the courtyard should be able to be used for family Christmas and birthday gatherings, as well as for an intimate romantic dinner setting. Create a thematic link between indoor and outdoor areas Thematically linking a courtyard to the indoors makes the total area appear larger and avoids disjointed spaces. This is done by using similar colours, paving materials and decorations both inside and out. For courtyards positioned within a home, consider providing visibility to the courtyard on all four sides and placing…

A Total Concept Landscape Architects & Swimming Pool Designers was engaged by the owners of this amazing Sydney property to manage their detailed and controversial pool and garden project. “After a concept was agreed upon with the owners, we needed to undertake lengthy negotiations with local council for approval to build the project,” says John Storch, principal of A Total Concept. “This was because the design was elevated above ground, in excess of council planning policies, and the design could not meet with soft-area coverage compliance for the property as stipulated by local council. We were able to successfully guide our clients through the planning, specification, tender and construction processes.” The resultant 18m-long lap pool is designed with simple, clean lines constructed as concentric circles, which increase in size as…

These homeowners dreamed of a fabulous feature pool at the front of their beautiful Bellarine Peninsula property, which not only enjoys amazing water views but also provides fantastic street appeal. Their luxurious beachfront property in the coastal town has a 2m slope from one side to the other. “To balance the 2m slope of the land and add appeal, we built a glass-tiled wet edge,” explain Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools. “The wet edge creates the illusion of a continuous flow of water from the pool to the ocean.” The stunning glass-tiled pool is an irregular shape — 6.7m x 4.2m at the east end and 3.6m at the west end — with a beach area and infinity edge. Full Aqualink automation was installed, with water…

Any young family knows the endless fun and enjoyment that can be derived from a swimming pool, but with the constant demands of work, school and extra-curricular commitments, pool maintenance and upkeep can suffer. A case in point is this family in Melbourne’s Park Orchards, working parents with children aged from five to 13, who wanted a pool and spa to add to their property. “Their brief was for functionality — they wanted their new pool and spa to be as usable as possible, with the least amount of maintenance,” explains John Negri, co-owner of Minke Avant-Garde, who designed the family’s geometric, rectangular pool in consultation with homeowners Daniel and Nicola. The couple incorporated a host of imaginative features into the 9m-long design, including a 2m x 2.05m spa, a…

This space was designed and built to provide the privacy, entertainment and functionality the homeowners desperately required of their inner-city Enmore residence. The result of a clever design by GOODMANORS Pool + Garden, the space now boasts an impressive alfresco area, outdoor lighting and a sleek and unexpected plunge pool. The well-executed outdoor space not only offers room for wining, dining and swimming, but also provides the practicality of hidden built-in storage for the pool equipment, dryer and bins, plus a secure parking space for the residents’ car. To maximise the tight space, it was decided the pool would sit right on the boundary, with the rendered blockwork rising out of the pool as the boundary barrier. High-level consideration at the design stage and complexity in construction technique ensured that…

This impressive pool embodies the opulent baths of the Roman Empire. Everything about it oozes elegance, from the clean, structured lines to the luxurious daybeds and strong pillars. The pool was designed by the homeowner in conjunction with Michael Suttor Architects and built by Pride Pools. Its generous proportions and balanced design create a unique space that resonates with a feeling of grandeur. The pool is fully tiled in pink, giving it a subtle and soft blue hue. A wide internal step leads onto an expansive leisure ledge, which continues down the length of the pool. Although reminiscent of another era due to its classic styling, the pool is packed with 21stcentury technology. A PCC 2000 in-floor cleaning system is programmed for every contour, while an automatic pH and liquid…

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 dazzling modern pool area with a feature waterfall shimmers brilliantly in the bright Australian sun thanks to its sparkling interior by Blue Glass Pebble Company. Made from glass pebbles and New Zealand White pebbles, 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 simple 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 on-site. Available in 11 stunningly beautiful and vibrant base colours, which can be…