Table of contents for No. 32 in Poolside Showcase

This year has rocked our world in more ways than we could have ever imagined. Pre-COVID-19, many Australians paid little attention to their homes, using it as a base for sleeping and to prepare for activities done in other, more fabulous places (gyms, restaurants, parks, cafes and the workplace that we ironically are having to spend more and more time at in order to afford the house we are meant to “live” in). Never before have so many of us spent so much time at home and as a result, our homes have become very important. Not only has the pandemic given us time to get on top of many of the house and garden updates or maintenance tasks we’ve been meaning to do, but it’s also given us the…

Waterco continues to invest in Australian innovation by acquiring a leading distributor of hardware for the domestic pool market, Automated Pool Products Pty Ltd (APP) — home of the iconic Kreepy Krauly. The move bolsters Waterco’s extensive range of filtration, sanitisation and heating equipment while consolidating its position as one of the industry’s last remaining Australian owned and operated companies. “Purchasing APP, or Autopool as it’s known, is part of our strategy to strengthen Waterco’s market share, especially in Western Australia and Queensland,” says CEO and chairman, Soon Sinn Goh. “Autopool’s established brand name, excellent market reputation and digital transformation will enable us to offer comprehensive pool and spa solutions to customers throughout Australia.” General manager Grant Craig, who will continue working for Autopool, says he’s excited to partner with…

After a predicted wetter-than-average winter and what is likely to be another long, hot summer, many of us will want to start enjoying our swimming pool sooner than later (if you haven’t dived in already). If your maintenance regime has fallen by the wayside, Swimart’s pool care experts have a few simple tips to ensure it’s ready for when warmer weather arrives. During the colder months, the combination of sun and rain dilutes pool chemicals, especially chlorine and salt. This often turns pool water green while providing ideal growing conditions for algae to bloom. Despite being microscopic in size, algae can quickly multiply when chemicals are unbalanced, turning water varying shades of green and creating patches of yellow, pink or black throughout your pool. The four main types of algae…

A common rule of design is to “choose a hero” which translates to: select one element to stand out as the feature and ensure the others don’t compete with it. Well, this gorgeous pool throws that rule out the window with three stunning features combining together to make a perfect whole. “The best way to describe this project is a three in one: A wet-edge pool that spills over into a large curved stone water feature and a stunning contrasting spa,” explains Chris Jackson, managing director of Aquarius Pools. Situated on a sloping coastal block, the pool and spa boast clever design and positioning to maximise the views of the coastal township towards Port Phillip Bay. “The owner’s brief was for an automated pool and spa with all the bells…

Practise your tumble turns with ease in this example of what is possible when given a large amount of space to work with and a particular environment to work in. Boundaries are non-existent in this pool, where the environment has been respected and utilised in the design. Peninsula Pool Contractors designs and builds pools on larger scales, either in the commercial sector or for individual clients who desire larger pools that can be integrated with the existing environment. As the company’s Chris Pettigrew points out, the aim is to create “the overall result of a pool that looks like it belongs there”. The brief for this project was to allow room for a 25m pool without sacrificing the feeling of space, while making sure the pool would be child-friendly. Peninsula…

This family wanted an outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment but with minimal maintenance, allowing more time for outdoor enjoyment. The result is a recently completed project incorporating a stunning glass-tiled rectangular swimming pool and spa and outdoor entertaining area — a beautiful modern outdoor space that perfectly complements the home. “We designed and constructed the entire outdoor living space including the 8m-long swimming pool, spa and poolside entertaining area complete with outdoor kitchen, barbecue and lounge seating,” say Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools. “The space is equipped with everything the family needs including an outdoor sound system, smart TV and strip heating. We carefully combined the clients’ requirements with functionality and appeal to create an outdoor space with a pool and spa to complement both…

Crystal Pools built this vanishing-edge family pool in a stunning bush setting on Sydney’s upper north shore, overlooking Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. An infinity-edge spillover to both sides of the pool blends the beauty of the bush and home seamlessly with the incredible pool. The stunning 6.5m-long L-shaped design and large pool area are perfect for friends and family all year round. Generous-sized ledges allow a multitude of visitors to enjoy the tranquil surroundings while relaxing and swimming. The vivid water colour has been achieved with a Crystal Resort White pebble interior finish with blue glass flecks, complemented by Leyla Fiji tiles for the waterline. AT A GLANCE Pool built by: Crystal Pools Pool size: 6.5m x 6.2m Interior: Crystal Resort White pebble with blue glass fleck Tiling: Leyla Fiji…

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 features advanced technology, has been developed for Australian conditions and is 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 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…

INSIDE OUT Those in the know say there is strong demand for homes that integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces. Crystal Pools agrees, recommending that homeowners come up with their own ideas on how they want the overall outdoor environment to look and function. “Formulating these ideas can be done at the same time as considering the fundamental aspects of the pool design,” says sales manager Andrew Rothery. “All it takes is a bit of forward thinking with regard to foot traffic, garden space, dining and lounging areas, and lighting design. Helping to coordinate the design of your total outdoor space can save you time and money in the long term.” Lighting can play a critical role in setting the right mood and helps to create the perfect backdrop for…

Some homeowners approach their pool and spa company and landscapers armed with an abundance of creative ideas that they want brought to fruition. However, that was not the case with this project. The flat block was essentially a blank canvas for Endless Pools & Spas and Gaffke’s Gardens and Landscaping to produce their own concepts and create an exciting outdoor space for the Victorian homeowners. “We asked the landscapers for ‘wow factor’ and left the design up to them,” explain the homeowners. “Not only did we want an amazing space, but it was to be family friendly, practical and also suitable for entertaining.” The design’s highlights include a colour contrast between foliage and hardscaping, clean lines, and a standout stone water feature in the rectangular-shaped pool by Endless Pools &…

Located in Sydney’s Greater West region, this custom modern European pool design is the stunning result of client ideas combined with skilful design concepts from Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping. The homeowners, a husband and wife with three school-aged children, wanted a pool and backyard design that was not only low maintenance, but also high impact. Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping designed and built this outstanding project, which incorporates six spray jet laminars with custom-cut lids for 360-degree turns, an overhead custom 3.6m water feature, custom crystal pebble mosaics and luxurious marble paving and coping. “This design is an excellent example of a high-end custom design and build,” says Luke Bruni, owner of Transform Pools and Spas and Transform Construction and Landscaping.…

Located in the peaceful Bayside suburb of Mount Eliza, this exquisite pool and outdoor area provide refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The new home was built by Michael Pollock of Privilige Homes, and Personal Pools was contracted to build the pool in conjunction with Privilige Homes. Here, there is truly something unique everywhere you look. The pool sits above the ground, providing opportunities to use acrylic pools and features at ground level in unique ways. Dancing geysers and a splash pad at the front of the pool delight the children, and Laminar jets shoot water and light from the house into the pool. An acrylic window with air bubblers just inside provides another distinctive feature upon entry at ground level. Access to the pool is from…

Inspired by beautiful Balinese styling, this luxurious and elegant glass pool by designer Chris Clout creates a holiday at home all year round. Taking centre stage in this award-winning home, the pool is the jewel in the crown. Encompassed on all four sides by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, it can be viewed from every area of the residence. It features three tiers of acrylic glass, including the 2m x 2m raised spa set into the 8m x 4m infinity-edge pool, with a full acrylic feature wall rising above the fully tiled water feature. The six-car garage boasts an acrylic viewing window that peeks into the sunken water feature, casting a brilliant natural glow into this underground area. Natural Pools & Landscaping also constructed a 2m-high water feature wall, an interior water…

Spa Electrics is excited to introduce the latest technology in outdoor lighting Wi-Fi controllers, the LiT YARD. This advanced system allows you to have full control of your pool lights from the touch of a button. The LiT YARD smart phone app provides the opportunity to completely personalise your outdoor space with a kaleidoscope of colours at your fingertips. There is no mood that can’t be achieved through this system. Consisting of the LiT YARD app, LiT HUB Wi-Fi bridge and LiT YARD4 transformer, the LiT YARD system gives you complete control of your pool lights via your internet connection. The system is also compatible with smart voice products such as Alexa and Google Home, enhancing your home’s automation capabilities. The LiT YARD controller system offers a number of advanced…

In this remarkable pool renovation, in a beautiful waterside suburb in Sydney’s south, Antique Stone pool coping has been specifically made to suit the shape of the pool for both a highly practical and aesthetic finish. For homeowners Andrew and Samantha, it was a natural choice to use Antique Stone as they had known company owner Ian Stott for years, so they approached him to work on their pool renovation. “I already knew Andrew as we are both involved with Junior Aussie Rules clubs in Sydney and have been opposing coaches for a number of years,” explains Ian. “When it came to this renovation, Andrew called me and advised what he wanted to do. We met on site and discussed the options, and he realised there would be plenty of…

With COVID-19 a huge concern for us all, what better way to protect yourself, staff and visitors than with a disinfection system at the entry point to your premises. The Disinfection Tunnel is a temporary outdoor awning that extends from your regular building entrance and automatically sprays a disinfection solution. The solution is harmless to people, clothing and bags but deadly to bacteria and viruses. The nozzles emit a fine water mist that is deposited on all surfaces before quickly evaporating. The system is 2.5m (H) x 1.5m (W) x 3m (L), however these can be adapted to fit your needs. It takes approximately 15 minutes to assemble and simply connects to your main water supply and power outlet. The Disinfection Tunnel is designed and manufactured in Italy by EmiControls…

Building a new pool, with all of the options available and decisions to be made, can be a daunting process. Most people rely on their pool builder or previous experiences for help, but things have changed a lot over the past few years in relation to trends, regulations and technology. We’ve put together this article to help you understand the natural stone options available for your poolside area. Deciding on the style of pool you want is the first step to choosing a stone. Your stone should complement the water colour and look of the pool. Generally lighter-coloured pool water works well with darker grey-toned stone, and more classic blue water colours work well with beige stone, travertine or limestone. A popular trend at the moment is a grey pool…

The team at Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction recommend the following step-by-step process: 1. If you have a pool cover, use a long-handled brush to remove accumulated debris and drain off any residue water topside of the cover. (Remember not to drain it back into the pool!) 2. Raise the water level to the middle of the skimmer box and allow water to circulate for at least eight hours. (Note: Adding over 2000 litres may require a council permit.) 3. Balance the water chemistry. If you are unsure about this process, or any other aspect of pool maintenance, Beau Corp can assist with advice. 4. Once the water balance is correct, clean the pool filter daily and wait for a week until you can see the pool floor clearly. 5.…

2020 has presented an extraordinary set of circumstances for all of us, forcing changes we never thought we would have to consider. The SPASA Awards of Excellence Program is no exception. From concept to reality, the virtual awards were brought to life by teams of people dedicated to supporting not only SPASA and its members, but the industry as a whole. From the comfort of viewers’ homes or offices, the ceremonies were presented over several weeks by SPASA’s own dazzling duo Luke Daly and David Stennett, who expertly wrangled this year’s new format. Guest appearances were made by SPASA CEO Lindsay McGrath, chairman Stefan Ossenberg and COO Spiros Dassakis, who acted as roving reporter, proving that even COVID-19 can’t keep a hard worker down! With so many worthy entries to…

Servicing a young, water-loving family, this pool was to be the centre of family life for the owners of this Coorparoo property. When not in use, it was important that the pool was an asset to the property, bringing aesthetic appeal. Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction placed the pool in the far right corner of the block to ensure easy access and provide views of the pool from within the home. The placement of the pool also allowed the Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction team to reclaim a large area of sloping land and add turf to create a flat space surrounded by low walling, perfect for a young family. The 7m x 4m concrete pool has a simple geometric shape, with clean lines and little fuss to complement the…

This architecturally designed home required a beautiful outdoor space that was both functional and sustainable. Kiama Pools & Landscapes carefully combined the clients’ requirements with functionality and appeal to create an outdoor space, swimming pool and spa that perfectly complement their home and lifestyle. The company constructed the entire outdoor area surrounding the home. “We carefully considered the levels, materials, plant types, colour and position to maximise the views, highlighting the stunning stone and brickwork of the home, says Tim Sprague, co-owner of Kiama Pools & Landscapes. “Additional gardens were added so every living area could enjoy a stunning garden outlook.” To enhance the elevation of the home, Kiama Pools & Landscapes built multi-tiered garden beds with oversized bluestone steppers leading to the front door. “We constructed courtyardstyle gardens on…

With a state-of-the-art pool and spa, pavilion, art studio and paved terraces, this backyard really has it all. But what makes it so special is how each space flows organically into the next. The whole area feels unified, balanced and organised. “We designed the entire project as a whole,” explains landscape and pool designer Dean Herald from Rolling Stone Landscapes. The awardwinning company was engaged to look after the entire project, from design through to construction completion (including building the pavilion and landscape and contracting pool builder Splish Splash Pools to build the pool). The pool was recognised for its innovation and quality workmanship by being awarded Pool of the Year at the 2017 SPASA NSW awards. When developing the concept for the project, Dean looked to the existing home…

Tasman Grey granite has been utilised extensively throughout this outdoor project in Melbourne, not only for coping and paving around the pool, but also for the tiles in the outdoor entertaining space, brought to fruition by Butterworth Landscapes. For Granite Works, this material was an obvious, natural decision. “Granite is a hard-wearing, durable product that looks amazing and requires almost no long-term maintenance,” explains Jordan Taylor, director of Granite Works. “It’s the perfect choice for pool and alfresco areas, so homeowners can entertain guests without the worry of staining or damaging their stone.” Tasman Grey granite is available in a range of textures suitable for almost any application. For this particular project, Sabo Design opted for a Flamed finish, which boasts incredible slip resistance while retaining a soft texture underfoot.…