Table of contents for No. 31 in Poolside Showcase

Hooray for swimming season! To celebrate summer, we’ve curated a bumper issue featuring the hottest pool trends, new products and helpful advice. You’ll also see a selection of the best pools from all over the country so you can take inspiration from ideas you like and designs that might work for your space. There is so much more to a swimming pool than what meets the eye and for those who have never owned a pool, there is a lot to learn! Sanitation, filtration, cleaning… the list goes on. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to pool products (attached to this magazine) so you can get your head around what’s involved in owning a pool and what products will best suit your needs. Knowing how much you love to be…

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…

Essentially, a good 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 swimming pool. Great flow, great layout and great materials combine to make your outdoor living space an extension of your home so that you and your family can sit back, relax and enjoy the swimming pool in the great Australian outdoors. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. Size: To start the design process for your own swimming pool, look at the size of your overall property and determine what other uses you require for it, taking into account your current and future lifestyles. What is the pool to be used for? Exercise, jumping in the water in summer to cool…

On this beachside Queensland property, A Total Concept created an outdoor entertainment space that integrates swimming pool, cabana and garden for relaxing and socialising purposes for the owners. “We are undertaking more and more projects all over Australia, with current projects in every state,” says John Storch of A Total Concept Landscape Architects and Swimming Pool Designers. This property’s owners, two busy professionals with young children, engaged A Total Concept to develop designs, obtain council approvals, undertake specifications and contracts and manage the project. “Our clients had very little time to devote to the project and we acted on their behalf to sort everything so that effectively they were handed a finished product,” says John. The understated design for this space is intentionally simple, emphasising clean lines, and was very…

This immaculately styled Richmond home called for a gorgeous swimming pool to become a focal point from inside the home. Floor-to-ceiling frameless glass windows look out to the pool, which is highlighted both day and night with multicoloured LED lighting. The traditional Grecian-shaped pool — a basic rectangle with truncated corners — was the perfect choice for this elegant home. Four pots frame the edges of the pool, grounding the design and adding a welcome splash of greenery in the low-maintenance paved area. The pre-fabricated modular pool was designed and built by Classic Pools, which worked in conjunction with the owners to select the most appropriate pool for the space and style of the home. As the pool would effectively become a part of the living room thanks to the…

Hidden in a small valley in the inner western suburbs of Brisbane is this architectural gem. You wouldn’t know it, but there are neighbours all around, none of whom can see into this secret subtropical retreat. However, it wasn’t always like this. The site has undergone a significant transformation under the hand of Will Marcus, principal of ARGO. “It was a steeply sloping, dry, rocky piece of land that fed into a dry gully,” says Will of the site when he first saw it. “Mature eucalypts covered the property and their phytotoxins had effectively poisoned the soil, which prevented anything other than sparse grasses and bramble from growing.” Needless to say, it was uninviting and barren — a vast contradiction to how the site appears now. The owner of the…

AT A GLANCE Pool built by: Crystal Pools Pool size: 14m x 9.5m at the widest point and 8m x 3.7m at the shortest Pool depth: 1.2–1.8m Pool pump: P520XT Spa pump: CTX 400 Booster pump: CTX 400 Filter: MultiCyclone 16 centrifugal filter Cleaner: S300i Chlorinator: RC9 20/5 Lighting: 11 Multi LED Home automation: Connect 10 Water features: 2 x 600mm Gas heating: HiNRG 400 LPG Solar heating: Opal 270 solar heating Jets: 4x Jandy deck jets, 8x spa jets House built by: Rawson Homes If you have ever entertained fantasies of your ultimate pool, it’s always nice to seek inspiration from others who have pursued their own dream pool. This dazzling resort-style pool was commissioned by a family in the western Sydney suburb of Luddenham. The five-month construction of…

AT A GLANCE Pool built by: TradeMark Pools Heating: Hydronic Cleaning: Paramount PV3 in-floor Filtration: Waterco Hydrostorm pumps, fibreglass filter Paving and coping: Bluestone Tiling: Ezarri Lighting: Colour-changing LED lights from Aqua-Quip This enticing pool highlights the property’s magnificent ocean views while leaving abundant room to entertain outside. Built by TradeMark Pools, the pool was strategically positioned on top of a vertical sandstone cliff. Following the property’s boundary, the unique, wedge-shaped pool ends in an integrated spa. Together, the pool and spa are a natural extension of the home due to the selection of carefully chosen materials. The formed concrete walls echo the home’s exterior, as does the bluestone paving and coping, while the custom 100-per-cent Beadcrete interior gives the water a sparkling aquamarine hue. Rich timber decking provides a…

Anyone who has children knows just how difficult it can be to steer them away from computers, television, iPads, tablets and smart phones in order to enjoy uninterrupted time together, away from the distractions of modern technology. However, a pool may be the ideal solution, and for this family in McKinnon, Victoria, this approach has been highly successful. “Our boys especially are on the computer a lot and we wanted the pool to be a physical activity to get them off the computer and an activity that we can all do together,” explains homeowner Liz. Before deciding on their pool design, Liz, husband Ben and their three children visited the pool show in Melbourne, read a multitude of pool magazines and trawled the internet for photos to give them inspiration.…

There are some things that should simply be left to the experts and laying the foundation for your pool is one of them. Trade Pools specialises in constructing reinforced concrete pool shells for residential and commercial pools. The team of experts work closely with pool companies, landscapers and builders to provide a tailored solution to each project. “It’s the behind-the-scenes organisation and on-site preparation that can be the most timeconsuming but also important part of the pool build,” says Chris Pettigrew, founder of Trade Pools. “Our team has years of experience, the knowledge and the machinery to make the process very smooth.” Trade Pools is often engaged by other companies to erect formwork and install reinforced steel, but can also take a project right through to completion. Trade Pools has…

Over the last 16 years, 496 Australian children under the age of five drowned. While all of these drowning deaths are preventable, it is the 59 per cent that occur in home swimming pools where your immediate action can make a difference. Home pool fencing and effective supervision can reduce these tragic drowning deaths to zero. Royal Life Saving is targeting every home pool owner with a basic reminder to check, fix and maintain their home pool and surrounds this summer in order to eliminate child drowning. Disclaimer: This checklist does not substitute for a pool inspection and is for educational purposes only. Pool owners should consider getting a professional assessment of their pool’s compliance. SWIMMING POOL GATE • Must open outward from pool • Must be self closing and…

An automatic pool cleaner removes a great deal of debris from the floor and walls of your pool. There are four kinds of automatic pool cleaners on the Australian market: suction, robotic, in-floor and pressure cleaners. But how do you know which will be right for your pool? We’ve asked Waterco for a rundown of the features, pros and cons of each type. SUCTION Suction cleaners are one of the most popular on the market. They are fixed to the pool’s skimmer and operate on the suction created by the pool’s pump, acting like an underwater vacuum cleaner. They are also attached to your pool’s filter system as they need to deposit leaves and larger debris in the skimmer box, and the finer sediment is trapped in the pool’s filter…

Ozone is a sky-blue gas formed naturally by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays or when a large electrical discharge, like lightning, passes through oxygen. It is a relatively unstable, highly toxic gas that decomposes to reform oxygen and is very effective against bacteria. TASTELESS AND ODOURLESS OZONE Used for many years in the USA and Europe, ozone is the standard purifier in both water bottling plants and in pools approved by the Olympic Federation. One of the most effective disinfectants and oxidisers, ozone starts killing bacteria and oxidising organic waste as soon as it is injected into the circulation stream. TOXIC TO MORE THAN BACTERIA All traces of ozone must be consumed or removed prior to it reaching the pool, so small amounts of residual sanitiser like chlorine…

POOL PAINT EXPERT COLORMAKER INDUSTRIES, THE MANUFACTURER OF LUXAPOOL SWIMMING POOL PAINTS, GIVES US TOP ADVICE FOR PAINTING A POOL SURFACE It’s often said a lick of paint to the walls can work wonders in updating or refreshing the look of your home. However, what most people don’t realise is that paint can also be used inside and around the pool for a relatively inexpensive and quick revamp. SWIMMING POOL PAINT Specialty epoxy coatings can be used to paint the interior surface of new pools or over an existing pool surface to restore a dated pool. When finished, epoxy paint creates a pool interior that is resistant to chemicals including salt and is easy to clean. The smooth surface is less susceptible to the growth of algae and more hygienic…

Developments in technology have resulted in a flood of new underwater lighting options, all of which are capable of transforming your pool into an inviting, friendly and mood-altering environment. For many owners, traditional incandescent lighting is a popular choice due to the comparatively low cost of installation. However, there are many more options now on the market. They range from halogen lights to LEDs (light emitting diodes), fibre optic, flush-mounted, surface-mounted and multi coloured lights, all in a number of different shapes and sizes. While it seems natural to focus on underwater lighting, the area around the pool is just as important from both aesthetic and safety perspectives. Why not create a welcoming ambience by installing soft lighting around the deck, along the pathways and at the landscaping features of…

TERRA FIRMA AQUATIC ACCESS COVERS TO STAY AT ST. KILDA SEA BATHS The St. Kilda Sea Baths may be getting refurbished yet again, but the Terra Firma Aquatic access covers installed there are still going strong after nearly eight years. The Terra Firma access covers continue to look fantastic in this harsh, commercial, saltwater environment. Like most commercial pools, the Sea Baths’ access covers needed to be securely lockable to protect pumping equipment and to ensure a safe environment for the public. Manholes located in the access ramp to the Sea Baths had been a special challenge for public safety — problem solved with Terra Firma’s foot-friendly, ultra-non-slip surface. The Sea Baths’ covers were colour-matched to surrounding tiles for extra appeal. Rust and chemical–resistant, Terra Firma Aquatic covers integrate seamlessly…

The SPASA Australia Awards of Excellence showcase achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. These awards are an opportunity for SPASA members to showcase their best efforts and to be acknowledged for being leaders in the field. Showcased on these pages is a selection of some of the gold-winning projects. For a full list of the award winners visit awards.spasa.com.au/winners/ CONCRETE POOL UP TO $100,000 Sponsored by Pentair Placid Pools CONCRETE POOL OVER $100,000 Sponsored by Pentair Splish Splash Pools Pty Limited POOL & SPA COMBINATION — CONCRETE Sponsored by Pentair Urban Escape FIBREGLASS POOL UP TO $40,000 Sponsored by Fluidra Rainwise Clearview COURTYARD / PLUNGE POOL Sponsored by ProTrade United Cronulla Pools LAP POOL — CONCRETE Sponsored by Sunbather The Waters Edge Pool Design & Landscaping…

Space-efficient plunge pools are, according to Everlast Pools & Spas, a popular design choice for many inner-city residents and tick many boxes. “Built in East Geelong, this pool is not only compact, easy to look after and keep clean, but it is also economical to heat, used for entertaining all year round and allows the owners to keep fit and healthy thanks to a swim jet,” explains Javen Nawodycz, owner of Everlast Pools & Spas. Homeowners Cameron and Martine have four older children and are interested in fitness, their pets, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Fortunately, their small, flat site did not limit their imagination or creativity. “Their vision was for a space-efficient plunge pool that could be used year-round and could accommodate both exercise and relaxation,”…

This fantastic infinity-edge pool was built completely out of the ground and has an array of exceptional features. Most important is the choice of location and the pool and spa’s placement, on a downward-sloping site on a cliff that looks out to Gulf St Vincent in the south of Adelaide. “A lot of people want negative-edge or infinity-edge pools, but they choose to put them in unusual places where they’re not suited,” explains Dean Peterson, owner/operator of Synergy Pool and Spa. “Allowing an architect or pool builder/designer to help choose the best pool for your location is what steers clients towards an amazing finished product.” As this skewed rectangle pool was built out of the ground, it had to be formed mostly from core-filled concrete blocks. The pool was then…

Positioned directly outside the family room and adjacent to the alfresco entertaining area, this fully tiled pool draws the eye from indoors to out. It was designed not just for cooling off from the summer heat but also as an attractive feature that can be enjoyed all year round. A high priority for these homeowners was to maximise the available land on their sloping block and to create a usable space for entertaining friends, relaxing, and an area where their teenagers could socialise. An entertaining patio adjacent to the pool provides space to sit and enjoy the view of the pool and the sea. Glass fencing makes the pool safe without detracting from the spectacular view. For an extra indulgence, the salt chlorinated pool can be transformed into a luxury…

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, coowners 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…

For many, the desire of pool ownership becomes a distant dream after the costs are unveiled. Modular pools, however, can provide a far more affordable, quicker and superior-quality alternative, making pool ownership a reality for all Australians. Being a part of Australian backyards for more than 70 years, Clark Rubber is a well-known brand and a trusted swimming pool supplier. The company is a member of SPASA and was highly commended at the 2019 awards for the vinyl-lined modular pool category. Clark Rubber offers over 40 pools in a variety of shapes, sizes and depths to suit your backyard and budget. Designs include round, oval and squareend pools that can be installed completely inground, partially in-ground or above ground. Some models can even include a deep end. Complete pool packages…

Thanks in part to a generous donation from Spa Electrics, The Next Step (TNS), leader in spinal cord injury recovery, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the addition of a brand-new wellness hub. The wellness centre features a new level dedicated to the holistic wellness of TNS clients (referred to as athletes) as well as their family and support networks that are an integral component of the athletes’ ongoing recovery. TNS founder Rhiannon Tracey understands the challenges of living with a spinal cord injury as she was diagnosed a C-5 quadriplegic following a swimming pool accident. The new and improved wellness centre features additional rehabilitation areas and a meditation space on a newly constructed second level of the recovery facility. This much-needed new space was only possible thanks to a…

Relaxing with family and friends, enjoying a pool in your backyard oasis, is something you’ve dreamed of for ages. Why not make your life easy by talking to your pool builder about a self-cleaning pool? 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 range 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…

The pump is the heart of your swimming pool’s filtration system; without it, your pool would lose its sparkle and soon turn green. Choosing the right pump will ensure you experience fewer problems and enjoy more efficient energy use and lower running costs — not to mention better pool water clarity. Whether you’re after a pump for a new pool or a replacement pump for an existing pool, there is a wide range of energy-efficient models to choose from. Many incorporate the latest technology to deliver the right combination of performance and energy savings. WHAT TYPE OF PUMP? The first step in choosing such a pump is to determine the volume of your pool. Match the figure to a pump which will, ideally, pump all the water in the pool…

Adding character and style to your outdoor space can be achieved with authentic natural stone. The matchless variations of colour and texture within stone will provide a classic look to outdoor areas that is visually interesting and impossible to replicate, making it unique to your space. Stone is a safe and appropriate surfacing material for hard landscaping that will not fade in extreme weather or wear under general use, remaining attractive and solid for years to come. And, being a product of the earth, it is naturally ecofriendly and recyclable. “One significant benefit of using natural stone is the adaptability of the product to suit any home design, whether contemporary or traditional, providing a long-lasting, value-adding finish to the home,” says Andrew Lotter, Outdoor Product Manager at Amber Tiles. An…

The health hazards associated with early- 20th-century swimming pools without modern forms of sanitation are well documented. Simply replacing dirty water, the common solution back in the day, did nothing to halt the formation and growth of algae and harmful bacteria. The obvious need for more effective pool sanitation methods led directly to the development of the first chemical form of sanitation, chlorine/bromine. Variations of this are still in use today as chlorine remains the most popular solution when it comes to reducing the levels of microorganisms and pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and algae) in pools. However, for many years pool owners and users have complained about allergies such as asthma, eczema and eye irritations that can be triggered by chlorine. Today, the focus of the swimming pool…

Thanks to advances in technology, pool ownership is today easier, simpler and more cost-effective than ever before. From programmable cleaners, automatic lighting and heating, water features and swim jets to chemical dosers that automatically control the pH and pool water sanitisation, there is an automatic device — or devices — to suit all needs. These can significantly cut the time you spend on maintenance while, as a bonus, they also reduce your energy and chemical use. Automation has now reached the level where you can connect all your pool devices to a central control and manage them according to your personal needs. And thanks to improvements in wireless connectivity, the range of remote controls has broadened, which increases the appeal of these systems. CHEMICAL DOSING One of the most time-consuming…

With more than 1.2 million Australians owning a pool and council laws across the nation requiring many property owners to have a pool fence — even if retrospectively installed — the balance between legal compliance and great landscape design is becoming increasingly difficult to strike. With this in mind, here are my top tips for installing a pool fence without ruining the look and feel of your outdoor space. THE KEY IS IN COLLABORATION One of the best ways to ensure you get the fence installation right is to get a landscape designer involved from the start of the process to ensure that proper design considerations are factored into the installation plan. A landscape designer is going to look at things from a different angle and can help you explore…

Swimming is one of the few sports or activities that doesn’t cost a lot of money or require any equipment. Swimming holds no age or ability barrier. There are health benefits from swimming pools and spas for people of all ages. As baby boomers age, they are looking for exercises to stay active without putting extra strain on their joints. At the same time, millennials seem more health conscious at an earlier age than their predecessors. Many people turn to water therapy and exercise as a way to get fit, change bad habits and feel better. CEO of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASA Victoria) Chris Samartzis says, “Swimming pools and spas are wonderful additions to the lifestyle of every Australian home. Exercise — and the social…

Cooling off on a hot summer’s day, staying fit and healthy, keeping the kids entertained — there are many reasons why owning a swimming pool remains an integral part of Australian culture. And with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting daytime temperatures are “very likely” to be above average across Australia for the remainder of 2019 and into early 2020, it’s important we keep our pools clean and healthy. That’s because the weather has an effect on water chemistry, often providing the perfect breeding ground for algae to grow. “Hot weather causes evaporation, which in turn leads to water imbalance and chemical loss; storms blow in debris and contaminants which lead to algal growth; and heavy rain dilutes pool chemicals causing water imbalance,” says Swimart Executive Officer Rick Graham. The best…

While the kitchen may be the social hub of the home, the swimming pool is the place everyone wants to be when they’re outside. And with a pool, spa and cabana combo as beautiful as this one, the full resort experience is on tap, day and night. Designed by Nick McCarthy, founder of Urban Escape Landscapes & Pools, this trans-seasonal, multi-functional outdoor retreat exceeds expectations and was awarded the SPASA National Pool of the Year 2019. “We were really proud of winning just the NSW award,” he says. “Then to get the national award — we were blown away! I thought the other entries were just stunning so we really weren’t expecting it,” says Nick. “I’m so proud of this pool because the owners use it every day; they love…

Kangaroo Point, a peaceful yet prestigious suburb in Sydney’s beautiful Sutherland Shire, is home to some of the most luxurious waterfront properties in the area. This stunning property was no exception; however, the existing pool and spa required extensive renovations to ensure they too were deserving of their prime position overlooking the Georges River. “When these homeowners purchased their house, they wanted to update the pool as it looked dated and in need of a makeover,” explains Zeb Rodrigues, director of Artesian Pools. Their block slopes down gently to the water below, and the location of the pool and position of the spa above the pool give uninterrupted views of the Georges River. “Their pool has been renovated using natural colours and tones that blend in with the surroundings without…

AT A GLANCE Pool designed and built by: Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction Size: 10m x 5m Interior: Fully tiled in tumbled Jericho Limestone large-format 600mm x 400mm tiles Coping: Jericho Limestone tumbled 600mm x 400mm coping Automation: Fully automated Heating: Heated Filtration: DE Filtration Water purification system: Advanced oxidation process — highest-quality chemical-free water (ozone, AOP and UV) Special features: Massage jets and swim jets Lighting: LEDs With teenage children who love to dance and exercise, this Queensland family wanted their indoor pool to integrate with their newly built dance studio and be used year-round for relaxation, fitness and healing. As part of their home renovation, the family opted for a 10m-long indoor pool and the stunning indoor area seamlessly integrates with the existing residence. “The renovation was an…

It’s difficult to not be impressed with a high-end pool of this calibre, built in Hawthorn, or the story behind its creation. For their property, the homeowners, a family of six including four teenagers, envisaged a contemporary, low-maintenance, self-cleaning pool that could be positioned to avoid fencing between the pool and residence, given the house’s close proximity and the window as it’s seen from all angles inside the home. Designed by Sabo Design and brought to fruition by Aqua Dreamz and Garden Constructions, the elevated pool is square with a rounded corner, with the pool’s large curved window the star attraction of the backyard. Unfortunately, the family’s three-tiered block meant extremely difficult access. “Access was always going to be a major challenge on this site,” explains Joel Kean, owner of…

The owners of this new home were looking for a great outdoor entertaining package with various activity areas their teenage children could enjoy. The result is an impressive pool construction that can be seen from every room in the house. The rectangular 10m x 4m pool features a half-circle infinity edge that disappears into the foot of the Dandenongs. “This pool has got everything,” says Tim Sprague of Kiama Landscapes & Pools. An elevated spa adjacent to the undercover kitchenette is the perfect area to enjoy during the cooler months, and the circular infinity edge provides a great place to rest and appreciate the views. A swim-up bar adds a resort element to the design as well as making the space feel connected with swimmers — and those resting or…

This family of four, with an 11-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son, moved to Adelaide from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales nearly three years ago with a plan in mind. “One thing we promised ourselves that we would get when we moved was a pool,” says homeowner Dan. “We viewed the pool as a way to make an impractical space into something special. While we were largely putting it in to provide something for the kids so they could be active even with a small yard, we were also very conscious that we wanted to create a space that didn’t look like a kids’ playground.” Lachlan Scammell, owner of Outside Developments, sat with the clients and discussed their needs — something that he does with all clients. “The…

Designed by Archestral Designs and built by Swimmore Pools, this out-of-theordinary pool in Camberwell is far from your average rectangular shape, with the infinity/negative-edge design resembling an unusual quadrilateral kite. “The design was based on best utilising the site by building an out-of-ground pool with surrounding deck covering an easement area,” explains Adam Moore of Swimmore Pools. An infinity overflow wall is a striking addition to the space. “The design not only provides the functionality of a pool but also a water feature, with the tranquil appearance and sound of the infinity wall,” says Adam. A mix of stunning materials has been used for the 5.3m-long pool, including sawn bluestone coping, 48mm Ice Blue ceramic mosaics for the interior and honed Ash Marblano pavers on the overflow wall. “The pool…

Why wait till summer to enjoy your swimming pool? With the Heliocol Solar Pool Heating system you can take advantage of the sun’s energy and enjoy your swimming pool more often during the year. Heliocol agrees that installing a swimming pool is a considerable investment for your property, and by installing a solar heating system you can extend your swimming season by four to five months, making it not only economical but also more fun for the whole family. WHY CHOOSE HELIOCOL SOLAR POOL HEATING? The team at Heliocol Solar know that a good solar heating system is a solid investment for your swimming pool needs. Maintenance-free, solar heating systems will save you on running costs associated with gas and electric heaters. They provide a rapid return, with the only…

You’ve made the decision to install a pool and now you need to decide what type of pool will suit your needs and family. We know there’s a lot to get your head around, so we’ve put together this simple guide on the types of pools available so you can find the best option for your property, lifestyle, budget and timeframe. ABOVE-GROUND POOLS Often chosen due to the quick turnaround between purchase and installation, an above-ground swimming pool can be installed within a day and used that night. As the name suggests, aboveground pools sit on top of the ground and don’t require land excavation. They are prefabricated, meaning they’re built off-site and delivered to your property complete. Above-ground pools can be either vinyl-lined or fibreglass and come in a…

Being able to use your swimming pool throughout the year should be a goal for pool owners who want to gain maximum returns on their investment. Installing the right pool heater can extend your swimming season by up to four months and beyond. Today, trans-seasonal pool heating is becoming even more commonplace, with a range of pool heating solutions to choose from, depending on your budget, location and lifestyle. Creating and maintaining the ideal pool temperature doesn’t come naturally. While pool water predominantly hovers around the 18-20°C mark, it takes a designated heating system to bump it up to comfortable levels — around 25-29°. There are three main heating options to choose from: solar, gas and heat pumps. SOLAR Undeniably the most environmentally-friendly option of all, solar pool heating operates…

CERAMIC AND GLASS TILES Ceramic and glass tiles are one of the more expensive pool interior choices due to their high-end look and high durability. Pool tiles are available in a wide array of colours, textures and sizes, giving the homeowner a chance to add personality and interest to their pool. Pool tiles can be small and laid in a mosaic pattern, or larger and grouted in any colour to either blend or contrast with the tile. Some people choose to use pool tiles just above the waterline to create the illusion of a tiled pool without the cost. While they’re initially a more expensive option than other pool interiors, tiles do stand out due to their glamorous and timeless look. VINYL LINER Vinyl-lined pools can be manufactured in a…

Swimming pool covers used to be as simple as a piece of plastic stretched across the surface of the water to keep leaves, dirt and other debris from being blown into the water. But as technology has advanced, so too have pool covers improved. Today, not only do they form a barrier to debris, they save you money by preventing evaporation and chemical loss as well as maintaining water temperature. THE EVAPORATION CHALLENGE Evaporation is likely to be the biggest source of energy loss in your swimming pool. Approximately every millimetre of evaporation equates to one litre of water per square metre, resulting in a potential loss of thousands of litres of pool water per season. “Enclosing your pool reduces evaporation, meaning you’ll spend less money and time topping up…

Sometimes garden lighting is a bit of an afterthought. A lot of care goes into choosing the paving, plants and pots, but not enough attention is given to what should be illuminated and what type of fittings are used — let alone important issues such as the placement of wiring and how many power sources will be needed. Thinking about how you will light your garden during the design stage makes all the difference to how it will look — and feel — at night. Integrating lighting into your original garden design plan means the end result will look planned rather than added on. And it can save you money and hassle in the long run. “I always thought it was a shame that we lost a great deal of…