Table of contents for No. 38 in Poolside Showcase

With the warmer months upon us, we’re thrilled to bring you a wealth of inspiration and insights to elevate your pool and outdoor living experiences. In this issue, we profile the winners of the prestigious Victorian, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian State SPASA Awards, showcasing the finest pools of the year. These award-winning designs are not only a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, but also a source of inspiration for those dreaming of their own perfect pool. We also dive into the world of fibreglass pools with a comprehensive feature that highlights their evolution, benefits and unique qualities. From their rapid installation and low maintenance to their impressive durability and aesthetic versatility, fibreglass pools are proving to be a popular choice for many homeowners. Discover why they are making…

Fibreglass pools have come a long way since they first became popular in the 1950s when they were playfully referred to as “Tupperware pools”. Thanks to innovation in the shapes, colours and finishes available, along with vast improvements in the manufacturing process, fibreglass pools are now just as popular as concrete. “In the past, fibreglass pools had a bad name and the quality wasn’t great. However, the industry has changed hugely. The construction of fibreglass pools has improved and the benefits are well known. Customers realise fibreglass pools last longer than other pool types and they’re far more accepted.” Bob Biernat, founder of Freedom Pools & Spas, says, “Quite simply, fibreglass is the best product for use in water.” Fibreglass pools are prefabricated, meaning they are built in a factory…

Just outside Brisbane, at Camp Mountain, lies a hidden gem where a busy young family now enjoys its own piece of secluded paradise. Both parents work overseas regularly, so downtime is a must. They requested a visually striking resort-style pool in their backyard so, when at home, they can relax and spend quality family time together. In their discussions with pool builders Queensland Family Pools & Spas, and pool designer Danica Vansleve of Elegance Design & Consultation, the clients envisaged a pool to complement the large acreage property. They had also spent five years building a mini train track on the sloping block, so this had to be accommodated in the design too. The 12.5m-long geometric-shaped pool, built out of ground to complement the railway track that traverses through the…

This family dreamed of a pool that would suit their lifestyle, and the Corbree design that they chose is exactly that. Open, luxurious and spacious, the 10.5m-long pool has ample room for both leisure and fitness, while the addition of an adjoining Space spa and attached fully tiled wet deck water feature with bubblers adds to the wow factor. Accompanied by an amazing light wall to create an enthralling backyard ambience, this pool and spa combination looks stunning both day and night with its incredible light feature. “We always wanted a pool, but we knew we wanted something different,” explains the homeowner. Following extensive research online to obtain ideas, he discovered Rainwise Pools Melbourne, who were engaged to build this pool and spa as part of a much larger renovation…

Anyone with children knows just how vital swimming lessons are here in Australia — they can literally save lives, and do every day. However, the right swim school makes all the difference between a happy, confident swimmer, or a child who simply won’t get into the water. Aquatic Designs is highly experienced in building commercial swimming premises, including learn-to-swim centres, and was therefore entrusted with the very important task of building Allura BluFit Swim School a brandnew wet deck swim centre in Melbourne. The custom-designed 25m-long pool with filtration equipment caters for approximately 2500 students per week. Situated in a modern urban housing development, this lap pool sets the standard for commercial aquatic sophistication, with its meticulous construction designed to handle a large number of swimmers effortlessly. The attention to…

According to pool designer and builder Nick McCarthy of Urban Escape Landscapes & Pools, a pool needs to complement the architecture of the house, relate to the home’s floor levels and be visually inspiring. With these elements in mind, the Urban Escape team designed this pool, spa and landscape on a 700sqm reasonably flat block in Killarney Heights, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Created for a family with three children (aged 22, 20 and 11), the pool was designed to be part of the living area of their home. The brief also noted that the pool was to be integrated into the landscape, offer multiple uses, be architectural and include a spa. Despite its size at just 7.5m long, the geometric design does exactly what it was supposed to; it was…

With a year-round love of water and swimming, these homeowners envisaged their future pool would be a showpiece they could admire from their California-style home, positioned on a special property with an abundance of fruit trees. However, rather than be situated in the backyard, the pool and spa were to be in the front yard, bringing this part of the property to life. As committed swimmers, the clients and their kids love to swim and will even swim in the bay every day of the year. However, they wanted a pool and spa that could be used for leisure too. “For their front yard location, the clients asked for a 3m-deep swimming pool and a raised circular spa with rolled edges,” explains Clinton Bourke, director of Award Pools Construction Group,…

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 situations. 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 which features…

Swimming pool ionisers, as we know them today, made their way across the Indian Ocean from South Africa in the 1960s. So well were they received that some manufacturers began offering their own versions. Aquavic recognised the advantages and began to develop their version. “The heart of all ionisers are the sacrificial anodes, but the prohibitive cost of the alloy was their Achilles heel,” explains John R. Horwood, director of Aquavic. “By late 2023 we were considering whether we should concentrate only on the industrial arm of our business until a lightbulb moment caused us to revisit our archives — and the next generation of ionisers was born. “Trials of the new system, both here and overseas, began in 2023, and when the data was analysed, the numbers confirmed the…

Davey Water Products W: daveywater.com Every pool owner aims to have a sparkling clean pool. Not only are good looks important, but sparkling clean pool water is equally as important for the safety, health and mechanical integrity of the pool and its equipment. Getting that beautiful pool water involves dealing with the two major areas, which must work together: 1. Filtration: This is the process of removing particles from the water. Most of these particles are individually smaller than the human eye can see, but in volume will cloud the water. Depending on the filtration system and media used, the particles will usually be filtered down to 20 microns or less. The smaller the micron rating, the better the pool water will look.2. Chemistry: This is vital to manage scaling,…

The SPASA SA Awards of Excellence are the swimming pool and spa industry’s most prestigious state awards, attracting entries from all over South Australia, showcasing achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. Here we showcase a few of the standout Gold winners from this year’s awards. To see all of the award winners, visit spasaawards.com.auseasons/2024/region/sa…

It’s difficult to believe that where this elegant pool and spa combination now sits was once a large yet generally unusable backyard. Brought to life by Rogers Pools, the enticing outdoor space now offers hints of distinctive Greek island style, and with its white and bright design elements, it would be right at home in a luxurious island resort. The very sloping 800sqm block is located in the quiet streets of Jindalee in Brisbane. The homeowners, a young family with two young children, envisaged a pool with a large ledge that the children could enjoy, and a space that could also entertain adults. “The family wanted to create a level backyard, so this pool is situated 2.4m out of the ground on one side and has helped retain their large,…

This project has redefined backyard entertainment with its inviting oasis tailored for family gatherings and relaxation. The client’s vision was clear: to design an outdoor space that features all the essentials, including a pool, spa, covered alfresco area, firepit, pizza oven, lush coastal gardens, level lawns, a storage shed, and side road access. However, the site presented unique challenges — a sloping and oddly shaped lot, plus it was important to tie the design into the home’s distinctive architecture. With the primary living areas situated upstairs, the garden needed to beckon those above to enjoy its offerings. The clients desired minimal pool fencing to preserve the open flow and functionality of the space while ensuring safety. To complement the striking recycled red brick tower at the front of the property,…

The SPASA NSW Awards of Excellence showcase achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. The state awards acknowledge the best, boldest and most creative in the swimming pool and spa industry of NSW. In the following pages we have a snapshot of some of the gold-winning entries from the 2024 NSW state awards. To see all of the award winners, visit spasaawards.com.au/seasons/2024/region/nsw…

A Total Concept Landscape Architects was engaged by the owners of this Beauty Point property to design then manage the redevelopment of all external spaces for their home. The work was to take advantage of the magnificent northerly views over Middle Harbour and surrounding bushland. “We undertook the designs, obtained building approval, provided construction documentation, and recommended and organised the builder, pool builder and landscape contractor,” explains John Storch, director of A Total Concept Landscape Architects. “We then managed the construction of the project for our clients.” The company’s involvement started with looking at different external finishes for the home. A washed render that evokes a Parisian feel was ultimately selected. The traditional hardsurfaced entry courtyard was paved in a French-patterned limestone, gated with sentinel Italian Cypress. Also selected were…

Nestled amid the breathtaking Mornington Peninsula landscape, this 14m-long freeform pool and spa boasts a unique blend of innovation and sophistication. With its striking curve, four straight edges, an impressive wet edge extending across all sides, and opulent Bisazza pool tiles, every detail whispers indulgence. The client’s brief was to create their dream pool, which would set an extraordinary standard for aquatic design excellence. They requested a sizable free-form design that included a wet edge, and one that would accommodate both lap swimming and a spa for relaxation. In terms of styling, they expressed a desire for the pool’s aesthetic to seamlessly intertwine with the architecture of their residence, as well as take inspiration from the greenery of the local landscape. This project epitomises TJ Pool Plumbing’s unwavering commitment to…

From dirt, rock and weed to a luscious home resort, this project shows how a holistic plan and dedicated team of designers and tradesmen can completely transform a landscape. Every part of the project has been carefully considered to develop a sense of continuity and integration between the house and the landscape. The brickwork and stone from the pool and cabana tie into the materials on the exterior of this knockdown-rebuild home to create a unified look. The open cabana is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the pool. It provides a space for the homeowners to relax and unwind with a drink in the evening, or escape the sunshine during the heat of the day. A WC and shower have been built into the cabana…

Nestled in the serene suburb of Balnarring, Victoria, a tranquil area known for its natural beauty, this residential project epitomises elegance and functionality. The exquisite pool, designed and built by East Coast Pools, is the centrepiece of a family compound that has become a cherished oasis for its owners. KHD Landscape Engineering Solutions proudly supplied the pool coping and pavers and feels honoured to have played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. The owners are a couple who dreamed of building a family home to enhance their lifestyle. The inspiration for their pool’s design stems from a blend of contemporary aesthetics and the desire for a functional family space. Its standout feature is the harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. At…

When it comes to choosing the right pool builder, it pays to compare beyond the photos. Crystal Pools has been in business for more than 65 years and builds pools with the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. WHY CHOOSE A CONCRETE POOL? While initially concrete swimming pools are slightly more expensive than fibreglass or vinyl liners, there are many more advantages to choosing a concrete swimming pool: Flexibility: Concrete pools offer more flexibility as they are built to suit your unique location. You can choose the shape, size or depth you want, and the pool can be designed to meet your specific requirements. Contrary to common belief, concrete swimming pools can be built both in-ground and out-of-ground. Customisation: Because they are so flexible, concrete swimming pools allow…

The SPASA VIC Awards of Excellence are the swimming pool and spa industry’s most prestigious state awards, attracting entries from all over Victoria, showcasing achievements in construction, design, manufacturing, supply, products, retail and service. Here we showcase a few of the standout Gold winners from this year’s awards. To see all of the award winners, visit spasaawards.com.au/seasons/2024/region/vic…

In the bayside suburb of Mentone, a remarkable transformation has taken place, breathing new life into an underutilised backyard. “Toutes Saisons” is a vibrant project designed for family outdoor living 365 days a year. The homeowners sought to create an inviting oasis that would serve as a gathering space for family and friends. Their primary request? A small plunge pool and spa that would not only enhance their backyard, but also foster a sense of community and togetherness. The project began with a comprehensive brief that emphasised the importance of a fresh and open entertaining space. The challenge lay in maximising the area while ensuring it didn’t feel cramped or cluttered. Multiple layouts were explored and plans were carefully considered for a design that prioritised efficient use of space and…

Berry, a quaint small town on the picturesque and tranquil NSW South Coast, is a favourite location for Sydneysiders looking for a quick or longer getaway, and when the weather really heats up in summer, an Airbnb holiday house with a pool is a must. At this Berry luxury barn house, Barrier Reef Pools Sydney South was entrusted to install a pool for multiple generations to use and enjoy during their stay. The design chosen was the 12.2m-long rectangular Brooklyn spa/pool combination, a stunning one-piece fibreglass configuration that has been designed with the whole family in mind. With its square lines and designer looks, the Brooklyn pool and spa will be perfect for every family. The generous swimming area has been designed to be totally unobstructed, which is ideal for…

Ideal for swimming laps, relaxation, play or just simply enjoying time with family and friends, this sleek lap pool design integrates seamlessly with the spacious surroundings and is easily accessible from the property’s outdoor entertaining space. Elevated and heated for year-round swimming, the spectacular pool with swimout is an eyecatching water feature framed with a fabulous combination of warm timber bollards and glass fencing, the raised position enhances both its visual appeal and provides an effective safety barrier. Designed and built by Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, co-owners of Kiama Pools, the mosaictiled lap pool and swimout is yet another superb example of just what this highly experienced company can do to transform a plain and ordinary backyard into the ultimate outdoor space. COMPANY PROFILE Co-owners of Kiama Pools, Tim…

The Gold Coast site chosen for this stunning infinity-edge pool, two acres in Upper Coomera on the side of a hill, exudes an abundance of peace and tranquillity. However, in late December 2023, the story was very different, with a tornado passing through and either destroying or badly damaging many of the surrounding homes, including this one. The pool, however, stood strong, and offered the family some enjoyment as they rebuilt their lives. The homeowners, Matt and Missy Emery, also own Driftwood Pools, so it was only natural they would take on the design and build of their new pool. “We created this pool as part of a huge home renovation project, and also to kickstart our new business — Driftwood Pools,” explains Matt, who has worked in the pool…

With a request for a low-maintenance and family-friendly pool design, Newtech Pools was tasked with the design and build of this in-ground rectangular concrete pool, situated on a generous-sized 1350sqm block in the Melbourne suburb of Langwarrin. The family of five — two adults and three children aged eight, four and two — had just completed their new home build with Newtech Homes, so it was a natural choice to select Newtech Pools to bring their pool dreams to life. “The family wanted a pool that was easy for their young children to swim in, so we designed one with a shallow beach swim-out area (roughly 3x3m),” says Newtech Pools. “This was their favourite feature of the pool by far!” The 11m-long pool is positioned on the side of 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 to begin with. 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 really 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…

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 thanks to how…