Table of contents for No. 40 in Poolside Showcase

Once seen as purely recreational or aesthetic features, today’s pools are being reimagined as holistic wellness zones — places to recharge, recover and reconnect. Across Australia, homeowners are embracing the restorative power of water, blending design innovation with health-led thinking to transform their backyards into true sanctuaries. FROM LAP LANES TO LIVING RITUALS Wellness pools are as much about how they feel as how they look. Designers are integrating temperature variation, texture and sound to create immersive sensory experiences, from the invigorating chill of an ice plunge to the gentle hum of circulating jets. Warm and cold therapies are now essential inclusions, inspired by a global spa culture and the rising popularity of recovery routines among athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike. Hydrotherapy jets, resistance swim systems and spa zones are…

Perched high in the Northern Rivers of NSW, this 15m lap pool by Dynamic Pool Designs is as breathtaking as the landscape it overlooks. Designed to follow the natural slope of the land, the pool blends seamlessly into its elevated setting, offering uninterrupted views of rolling hills, forest and distant ranges. Whether bathed in morning light, glistening in the afternoon sun, or glowing softly under the evening sky, the pool is a striking focal point that transforms with every hour of the day. The clients approached Dynamic Pool Designs with a dream of a lap pool that was both practical for daily exercise and aligned with the site’s dramatic terrain. The design needed to harmonise with the contours of the land while accentuating the sweeping vistas. Working closely with the…

When John Storch, the director of A Total Concept, received a call from the owners of this Sydney home — a couple with whom he had worked on two previous projects — he was thrilled. They wanted his help to develop their recently acquired property and John was immediately on board. “The brief for each property we’ve designed for these clients has been very different because each had dissimilar requirements,” says John. “The first, a semi-detached home, was designed to cater for the needs of a young family. The second, a large, highly detailed suburban home on acreage, was planned with entertaining teenagers in mind. As for this third property, the goal was to create a sanctuary to the rear for the downsizing couple. As a pair of empty-nesters, they…

This stunning backyard oasis delivers effortless resort-style living. Installed by the expert team at Pool Installations Australia P/L in collaboration with Miami Pools Melbourne, the result is an inviting pool area that speaks volumes about luxury, comfort and clever planning. From the moment Craig and Danielle engaged Wayne Gibson — CEO of Pool Installations Australia — things began to take shape quickly and confidently. With a longstanding connection between Wayne and Craig’s father from their days in Swan Hill, there was an instant sense of trust. A few site visits and detailed consultations later, their backyard vision was well on its way to becoming a reality. “Our clients are a young family who wanted to bring a bit of resort-style living into their home,” says Wayne. “The brief was clear:…

There’s nothing quite like summer by the pool. It’s where families gather, friends connect, and warm days turn into memorable nights. Whether you’re entertaining, exercising or watching the kids float around on their inflatables, your pool is the heart of your outdoor lifestyle. That’s why choosing the right water care solution matters more than ever. Now is the time to think about healthier water to swim in — whether you’re constructing a new pool or considering adding minerals to your existing one. With Vitale Mineral Salts, every swim can leave you recharged and ready for more. What makes Vitale different Vitale is a premium blend of pure salt and magnesium, carefully developed by Australian-owned Waterco. Unlike standard mineral products, Vitale contains higher levels of magnesium, is non-iodised, and free from…

RETRO UMBRELLAS THAT STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT The Desert Sand umbrella is the newest addition to Retro Umbrella Co’s Palm Springs Collection. This stone-inspired neutral made its debut in Brit and Taz’s backyard reveal on The Block, where it framed their outdoor entertaining area with timeless resort style. Crafted with marine-grade, solution-dyed acrylic and Retro Umbrella Co’s signature double-tiered canopy, Desert Sand is both elegant and durable — designed to pair beautifully with travertine paving, limestone, timber decking, rattan lounges and coastal tones. retroumbrella.co…

A swimming pool today is more than a backyard luxury — it’s a lifestyle statement. When designed as a feature visible from inside the home, it becomes both a showpiece and a safe haven, elevating daily living while adding undeniable value to the property. A POOL THAT STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT Sunlight shimmering across clear water or the soft glow of underwater lights at night can transform your pool into a living artwork. Framed by windows or sliding doors, the reflections and movement bring energy, calm and inspiration into the home, making the pool part of everyday life, not just a place to swim. LIFESTYLE, LIVEABILITY AND WOW FACTOR Outdoor living is central to the Australian way of life, and a pool visible from the kitchen or living areas extends entertaining…

Set against the tranquil bushland of Mittagong, Tranquilla is a pool that lives up to its name. Constructed by Zen Building, Pools & Landscapes, this spectacular curved, multi-level poolscape is more than just a swimming pool — it’s a private resort experience nestled in the rural landscape. The clients sought a luxurious outdoor sanctuary, one that combined relaxation, entertainment and low-maintenance living. The result is a three-tiered design that cascades elegantly from a circular spa into a smaller lounging pool, before flowing into the expansive main pool via a dramatic curved infinity edge. This striking water feature not only creates visual impact, but also establishes a constant connection between the pool and its natural surroundings. Working with Living Image Landscape Architects and Jason Hodges & Co, Zen Building integrated the…

From the moment the clients first described their vision, it was clear this would be no ordinary project. They dreamed of a pool that felt as though it had always belonged — nestled amongst the trees, shaped by stone, and softened with lush planting. The goal was to create a private rainforest escape right in their backyard, anchored by a Japanese-inspired tea house and a pool that blended seamlessly with the land. The 12.5m x 6m freeform pool, built by Folbigg Pools and designed by Fluid Design, flows organically across the steeply sloped site. Its curved edges hug the terrain, weaving between sculptural boulders and timber-look tiles, while built-in seating pockets invite relaxation at every turn. At the heart of the design is a handmade 5m-long natural rock creek, shaped…

It’s Saturday morning. The sun is already warming the deck, the kids are bouncing with excitement, and the unmistakable scent of sunscreen fills the air. You glance at your pool, sparkling, perfectly clear and just the right temperature. No test kits, no fiddling with timers, no worries. You simply dive in. This is what life feels like when your pool works for you. For many Australians, the dream of a backyard pool is about creating a haven, a space to slow down, cool off and make memories that feel a little like holidays at home. But behind that dream, there’s often the reality of constant maintenance: testing pH, topping up chlorine, managing heating and filtration. That’s where Davey, a trusted Australian brand with more than 90 years of experience in…

Good design is about balance — and sometimes, restraint. Rather than adding more, focus on one striking element that anchors your pool design. Whether it’s a sculptural form, a play of light and water, or a textural structure like a cabana, a single thoughtful addition can elevate your entire outdoor experience. THE FIREPIT EFFECT A built-in firepit instantly turns your pool area into a year-round destination. It brings warmth, light and a natural gathering point once the sun goes down. Tips: • Position close enough to enjoy pool reflections, but far enough for safety. • Choose materials that complement existing stone or tile finishes. • Consider gas for clean, instant flames, or wood for classic crackle and charm. SCULPTURE OR WATER FEATURE Art isn’t just for interiors. A well-placed sculpture…

Set in the leafy surrounds of Karalee, Queensland, this elegant fibreglass pool by MFP Easy is more than just a place to swim — it’s a space designed to bring generations together. Aptly named The Grandkids’ Retreat, the 9m x 4m Westminster Silver Mist pool was envisioned as the heart of the backyard, where children can play freely and adults can relax while keeping a watchful eye. Purchased just months earlier, the property offered ample land but required clever design to transform the sloping site into a user-friendly retreat. The clients, keen to recreate the joy of pool ownership after relocating from a much smaller block, wanted an outdoor environment that felt integrated with their new home and spacious enough for grandchildren to explore safely. A key challenge lay in…

On Sydney’s beautiful and relaxed Northern Beaches, an expansive integrated swimming pool acts as the central focus of this stunning Avalon home, wrapping around the entire dwelling. It’s the result of a two-part request to Crystal Pools by the homeowners, who wanted their new pool not only for entertaining and leisure, but also as a contemporary design feature that enhances the look of their overall property. To bring their vision to fruition, Crystal Pools designed two separate pools with very different purposes. One is the 18.5m-long main pool that the family enjoys for leisure and entertaining; the secondary 8.5m-long feature pool offers a raised in-pool lounging area for relaxation, three water features, and its own independent filtration system. Both pools are adorned with Crystal Resort White Pebble with 10 per…

Enjoying the lifestyle your pool offers is something you’ve dreamed of, so why not make it even better 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 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…