Table of contents for No. 37 in Poolside Showcase

A home isn’t just walls and a roof; it’s a canvas upon which we paint our memories, aspirations and desires. Much like a skilled designer crafts a living space to reflect the essence of its inhabitants, pool designers and landscape architects consider the needs and wishes of their clients in every tile, paver and plant choice. As you peruse these pages, envision the personal touches etched into each pool’s design: plants strategically placed, child-friendly wading areas, or the seamless integration of an outdoor shower. Every feature serves a purpose, enhancing the enjoyment and functionality of these pools and outdoor areas. In this edition, we showcase a selection of gold winners from both the 2023 national SPASA Awards and the Master Pool Builders Association Awards. Turn to page 30 to see…

When winter comes around, it’s the prepping of your pool, along with regular maintenance, that is key to ensuring its quality and longevity. WHEN SHOULD YOU WINTERISE YOUR POOL? Depending on your location and how often you use your pool, prepping it for winter will begin at different times for everyone. Some pools get sun all day long, others are shaded. More and more people are using heating technology we recommend to extend their swimming seasons. As we edge into the colder months, you’ll perhaps notice your family using the pool less often than before and may decide you are ready to “close down” your inground swimming pool for the winter. ENJOYING A HOT SPA IN WINTER There’s nothing like that classic onsen, après ski experience of a hot spa…

The SPASA Awards of Excellence showcase achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service from all over the country. The annual awards acknowledge the best, boldest and most creative in the swimming pool and spa industry. In the following pages we have put together a snapshot of some of the gold-winning awards from the 2023 National Awards. POOL OF THE YEAR AND CONCRETE POOL UP TO $240,000 Graziani Pools + Landscapes WA This 12m pool features an infinity-edge wall with a circular window overlooking parkland. Razor-sharp edges are achieved by clever concealment of an overflow trough and technical work below. A wading area allows a comfortable and safe entry to the pool, while steps across it lead to a floating pool deck. This gorgeous pool is perfectly positioned…

Located in Brighton, this above-ground, rectangular-shaped lap-style pool is not just a place to swim a few laps for exercise — there’s so much more. The project also includes a stunning elevated glass-tiled circular spa with a step down to the 10.5m-long lap pool, creating a beautiful outdoor space with multiple entertaining zones including a sunken firepit area, outdoor kitchen and cantilevered sundeck. “The more time you spend here, the more you are immersed in the beauty and quality of this outdoor space,” say Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools, who built the Mark Browning-designed project for the family. “They requested an outdoor area that looks amazing and is somewhere for friends and family to enjoy. To maximise this space, we elevated the pool and outdoor kitchen…

Set on a 20-acre rural property, this classic 8m-long pool was designed to look like it had always been there. The intention was for it to fit seamlessly with the property and existing home in the Yarra Ranges, 45km from Melbourne. “It’s a unique property in a beautiful setting and we have created a pool that is harmonious with both the land and home,” explains Laurie Jacobson, director of Laurie Jacobson Pools. “The objective was to make it seamless with the property so it didn’t stand out.” The owners, a retired couple, moved from Melbourne to this property during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are hobby farmers and enjoy looking after the property, cooking with fruit from their land, tending to their two cows, and enhancing the property with custom-designed features…

Anyone who has either lived or visited South Australia in summer knows just how scorching it can be, and how essential a swimming pool is in those months of unrelenting extreme heat. When it came time to consider how best to cool off and have some fun in their backyard, these homeowners in Mount Barker, just outside Adelaide, opted for the simplicity of the Corbree fibreglass design in Bermuda Blue. Designed and built by Summertime Pools, the pool is open, spacious and luxurious, and provides the family with an abundance of space for either exercise or leisure. The side step and seating configuration ensure the main pool body is left open for groups to splash about together or, for those focused on exercise, laps to be swum. With versatility in…

Crystal Pools has created a stunning oasis of relaxation and refreshment on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Measuring more than 11m in length and 3m in width, this lap pool features a sleek and modern design, with a gorgeous blue glass tile finish that shimmers in the sunlight. In addition to its luxurious design and features, the pool also offers breathtaking views of the Australian bush and is strategically positioned to overlook the lush and verdant landscape, with towering trees and vibrant foliage stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the pool or soaking in the warm and relaxing spa, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. The view is maximised by the wet edge with…

The ProMaster pool pump is known for its energy efficiency and is a favourite among pool owners thanks to its reliability and connectivity. According to Sharon Tucker, Davey Water Products Category Manager for Pool & Spa, “ProMaster is robust and super quiet at the same time. It is a full variable-speed pump, meaning you have total control over the speed at which the pump operates to suit your water flow needs. In the cooler months, where you tend to not use the pool as much, this can be quite cost effective, and in the summer months you can adjust the speed depending on your need, with 10 speed settings to really maximise its use while balancing costs. Plus, your neighbours won’t even know when you’re running the pool due to…

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- to 20-degree Celsius mark, it takes a designated heating system to bump it up to comfortable levels — around 25 to 29 degrees. There are three main heating options to choose from: solar, gas and heat pumps. SOLAR Undeniably the most environmentally friendly…

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, as well as 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 range of energy-efficient models from which to choose. 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…

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 basic solution 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…

Pools do require a bit of effort to look after, and while many people choose to add these jobs to their weekly schedule, some opt to hire experts to visit their home regularly and look after the pool. There are specific pool maintenance companies or pool shops around the country as well as landscapers who specialise in pools who can do this work. Pool maintenance programs can be customised depending on what you would like done by the professionals and what you’d like to do yourself. They can include servicing, cleaning, water analysis, chemical balancing, equipment repairs, as well as problem solving should any issues arise with the pool. Regular checkups or visits by the pool shop and service are usually done on a monthly basis but can be as…

Each year, the Master Pool Builders Association (MPBAA) showcases excellence in the swimming pool and spa industry at its annual Australian Pool & Spa Awards. These prestigious awards cover a range of categories, from finished pool and spa installations to the latest equipment innovations. Judges may award Gold and/or Highly Commended awards, or no award, in each category. The Australian Pool & Spa Awards are designed to: • Promote achievement in design, construction, innovation and professionalism across the industry• Encourage a high degree of competency and professionalism by members• Provide the means and opportunity for consumers to identify award winners The following pages feature a selection of some of the Gold winners from the 2023 awards.…

Winner of the 2023 Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Pool Awards for Display Pools up to $100,000, this exquisite swimming pool is a showpiece of the McDonald Jones Hermitage Grande Manor display home in Box Hill, Sydney. Perfect for entertaining, relaxation and exercise, it is sure to be a favourite spot for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. A pebble lining, white-glass waterline tile, stone coping, swim-out bench and stone upstand wall with inbuilt water feature create a beautiful combination and ensure a design that will transform any backyard. At one end of the 9.15m-long pool is a swimout bench, a great place to relax and enjoy the water without swimming. The bench is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive seat, making it easy to…

Based in South Australia’s beautiful Adelaide Hills, this family with school-aged children runs their own business, so were after a pool that is low maintenance and large enough for their kids to enjoy with friends. As their very sloping block had a practically unusable backyard, the family also planned to make the space more functional and level. “The hill and natural vegetation of the area gave us inspiration for the design of this project,” explains Dylan Mason, founder and owner of SA Pool Building. “We wanted to make the most of the views and also utilise the backyard better.” Dylan considered the whole backyard rather than focusing only on the pool. Having built many pools on sloping blocks in the past, Dylan drew on his expertise and came up with…

To complete their property in the coastal Adelaide suburb of Henley Beach South in South Australia, these owner requested a pool that was easy to maintain and enjoy all year round with friends and family. Working with the owners’ design, TG Excavations & Unique Pools created a rectangular 9.65m-long pool adorned with several stepping stones to the deep end, and an internal spa. But that’s not all. “We also built an outdoor pond with a tunnel that passed under the hallway of their home so it can be seen east and west from the hallway,” explains Tony Romeo, owner and operator of TG Excavations & Unique Pools. Surrounded by greystone honed concrete coping, the interior of the pool and spa are tiled in Santorini White tiles to reflect the cool…

For this modern rectangular pool built by Aquadreamz and landscaped by Adam Hompas Landscapes, the use of Kent Grey sandblasted marble has created stunning pool surrounds that exude both timeless touches and modern elegance. Supplied by KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions, the Kent Grey marble used for the 8m-long pool’s paving and coping features cloud-like greys, pewters and silvers, interwoven with naturally occurring veins. Easy on the eye and in a neutral palette, the stone marries perfectly with the colour of the internal pool tiles, supplied by The Pool Tile Company. The 60mm drop-down edge is used to give the effect of solid stone coping. Meanwhile, Kent Grey marble also works well as an option for wall cladding. Using marble is an investment in your property; coupled with its long-term durability,…

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 circumstances. The focus of a QuikClean system is you. Three superior systems, all with distinctive 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 which features…

So you’ve made the decision to install a pool in your property, great! Now you need to decide what type of pool to install. We know there is a lot to get your head around, so we’ve put together this simple guide to 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, above-ground 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…

Pool filters are absolutely essential pool equipment as they screen debris and unwanted particles out of the water, keeping your pool looking crystal clear and free of potentially harmful pollutants. The type of filter you need depends on the type of pool you have, your budget, and how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. The quality of filtration depends, to a large extent, on the size of the filter media — the finer the media, the higher the purity of water achieved. There are many options, including sand/media filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, as well as filters that use crushed glass/glass beads and ZeoPlus rock. CARTRIDGE FILTERS Cartridge filters typically use a number of cylindrical accordion-pleated filters to filter impurities larger than 30 microns. Key…

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 one 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 cleaners 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…

If you’re Australian and you like to cook and entertain outside, a barbecue will be at the top of your must-have list. If you like to entertain a lot, then you might go a step further and set up an “all the bells and whistles” outdoor kitchen. After all, having everything at your fingertips, which means no more dashing inside the house for this or that, translates to more time spent relaxing with family or chatting with friends. Outdoor kitchens and well-equipped barbecue areas can be found in backyards all around Australia as people move out of their interior kitchens and into their gardens to entertain, says Ben Farley of Bar-Be School. And what is the focal point of these outdoor kitchens? That’s right, the not-so-humble barbecue. Today, says Ben,…

Pools have changed greatly in the past five years and will continue to do so this year. Industry expert John Storch, director and senior designer of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, discusses the most significant trends and predictions that will ensure your money is spent well. QUALITY DESIGN “We are seeing more and more homeowners choosing to engage a specialist design company like A Total Concept for a high-quality design concept,” says John Storch. “Typically we are engaged to look at a pool and garden holistically, providing a design that considers the entire property rather than looking at a pool in isolation. We offer unbiased advice on what materials, builders and equipment are suitable for a project.” SIMPLICITY IN DESIGN Connection of indoor and outdoor spaces for easy flow, with…

Marketing terms like “low maintenance”, “automate your pool” and “more time swimming, less time cleaning” have long been used in the industry to sell the dream that owning a pool — one of life’s biggest investments — can be easy. There’s no doubt that automation and advances in pool technology have transformed the way we maintain our pools. What used to require a trip to the plantroom can now often be achieved with a flick of a switch or download of an app. These innovations enable homeowners to enjoy a resort-like swimming experience in the comfort of their own backyard without the level of maintenance and attention required just a few years ago. Waterco, which started as a pool equipment manufacturer, is at the forefront of this movement. The technologically…

Brought to life by Artesian Pools, this project was not just about building a swimming pool, but also about creating a lifestyle space that has become a standout feature of the home. Beautifully bright, the contemporary pool is built to effortlessly fit with the modern architectural design of the dwelling, situated on a sunlit, elevated block in Dover Heights in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The in-ground rectangular concrete pool and poolside space blend effortlessly into the backyard and alfresco area, allowing for maximum integration of the pool and entertaining elements of the home. The clean architectural lines of the 8m-long pool, cool colour scheme of the interior tiles and surrounding coping, teamed with the clever in-built design of the poolside furniture such as the curved daybed, allow for optimal maximisation of…

Created as the display pool for McDonald Jones Homes’ Hermitage Grande Manor display home in Sydney’s Box Hill, this compact concrete swimming pool by Crystal Pools measures just 4.3m in length and 2.2m in width, making it a cosy oasis for relaxing and swimming. Situated in front of the alfresco, the pool creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The tranquil and inviting pool area is a perfect place for entertaining, relaxation and fun. The pool’s top edge features a striking white-glass waterline tile that enhances the design’s sophistication and elegance. These glossy tiles reflect sunlight, creating a sparkling effect on the water and giving it a crystal-clear appearance. Meanwhile, the curved corner of the pool adds a special element to the design. A beautiful pebble lining…

After being presented with a steep front yard that slopes approximately 6m from the front door down to the front gate, there was a clear solution for the Rogers Pools’ team when designing this pool — a custom-designed, out-of-the-ground concrete pool. Sitting approximately 2.5m above ground, the resulting terraced rectangular pool with step-out truly suits the slope and maximises the site. Situated in Hamilton, Brisbane, the 5m-long pool and spillway edge is fully tiled in stunning glass Bisazza mosaics. It’s also fully automated and app controlled, including the on-demand spillway edge. In addition to the pool, Rogers Pools designed and built the retaining walls around the pool, the concrete concourse and the blackbutt timber deck, steps and seat. A hidden filtration system is also nestled under the decking — the…

Nothing says luxury like crystal-clear pool water sparkling in the sunlight. However, achieving this look isn’t just about keeping the water clean with chemicals and cleaning systems. It starts with the pool interior you choose. Blue Glass Pebble Company offers a selection of award-winning pool interiors that have a luxurious texture and create a mesmerising sparkle. A combination of glass pebbles and New Zealand pebbles is fully premixed to ensure batch consistency and to maintain the company’s infamous high quality control standards. “Builders and pool owners have been really happy with our product over the years — we’re very proud of the way it looks, feels and lasts over time,” says manager Michael Kettewell. The company’s pool interiors were originally created by former pool builders who wanted to fill a…

Have you dreamed of an indoor pool to use in all weather conditions? With TPEC Pool Enclosures, you can have the best of both worlds with a customised, European-manufactured retractable enclosure for your pool, spa or terrace. “Our retractable enclosures are the ultimate solution for a swimming pool, allowing year-round usage, and when the weather permits, your pool or outdoor area can be opened within minutes, providing the most versatile, stylish and cost-effective solution for enclosing a pool, spa or outdoor space,” explains Marcus Tame, managing director of TPEC Pool Enclosures. A pool enclosure can reduce pool maintenance as less dirt and debris will enter the water, and pool running costs are also reduced due to less water and chemical evaporation as well as better heat retention. Pools with a…

The SPASA Awards of Excellence are the swimming pool and spa industry’s most prestigious awards, attracting entries from every region in Australia and New Zealand and showcasing achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. We have put together a selection of some of the gold award-winning products from the national awards. PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCT AWARD Maytronics Australia NSW The new Poolside Connect™ is a simple and aesthetic inductive link solution for underwater power and communication with the robotic cleaner. Supporting selected Maytronics Dolphin robots, Poolside Connect enables a cable-free poolside area, even when the robot is working in the pool. NEW PRODUCT AWARD Pool Controls WA Ozone One is a stand-alone ozone generator and can be retro-fitted to existing water management systems. Ozone…

CERAMIC AND GLASS TILES Ceramic and glass tiles are some of the more expensive pool interior choices due to their high-end look and 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. “A fully tiled pool is also often easier to clean…

Have you been dreaming of a calm oasis to put you and your guests in a relaxing mood when they enter your pool area? A waterfall is a simple and effective way to add a soothing feature to your pool, pond or spa. Waterfalls can create a calming, tranquil ambience with the gentle noise of flowing water and the sight of soft-moving water. Not only do they create a spa-like atmosphere, they also are a delight for children, often becoming the catalyst for creative games and lots of family fun. ADDITIONAL FEATURES Some waterfalls have colourful LED lights incorporated into the design, which can be switched on to create mood. These inbuilt waterproof LED lights add colour to the cascading water and are operated through a panel or remote control.…

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 and automated pool covers, there is an automatic device — or devices — to suit all needs. These devices 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…