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Making waves

Concrete pool designed and constructed by Premier Pools

Veda Dante looks at the latest trends in pool design, what to think about when installing a pool, and how to keep water sparkling clean throughout summer.

With shrinking land sizes and property owners still licking their wounds from last year’s economic downturn, people are re-evaluating what kind of pool they want to spend their money on, how it will enhance their home and lifestyle, and what long-term benefits they can expect to get from it.

“Pool design is becoming less complicated, using straight clean lines and monochromatic colours rather than multi-shapes and mixes,” notes John Storch from A Total Concept Landscape Architects and Swimming Pool Designers. “People are looking for value and quality - the 'wow' factor in the finer detail rather than in the size of the project.

“We've been doing a lot with chunky square edges to create shadow lines around swimming pools, using some unusual coloured micro grain interiors, and creating entertaining and relaxation areas around pools with paving alternatives,” John explains.

According to SpirosDassakis, CEO of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association (SPASA) NSW, the micro swimming pool model is becoming increasingly popular: “This is particularly the case with people being more environmentally aware, house blocks shrinking, and the fact that water restrictions in many parts of the country are still in force,” he says.

“You’ll find pools are often no larger than six metres long, two metres wide and one metre deep and they can use as little as 12,000 litres of water, compared with the average 55,000 litres needed to fill the traditional backyard pool.”

Other notable pool design trends include:

• Compact styles such as plunge and lap pools
• Triangular designs that nestle into a corner of the backyard
• Courtyard pools that extend out from indoor living spaces
• Small pools that double as a water feature
• Pale, light blue colour interiors
• Infinity/negative wet edges 
• Energy efficient lighting
• Translucent pool walls
• Shallow beach areas 
• Full-length swim out benches 
• Fully automated pool and spa control systems
• Energy and water efficient pool equipment

Seamless living

Polar Pools’ designer and landscape architect, Cameron Leth says that homeowners want a seamless transition between outside dining areas and their swimming pool without having to open and close the pool fence. Not only does this make it easier when entertaining outdoors but also discourages people from propping open the pool fence – a big no-no when it comes to pool safety.

Fibreglass pool from Narellan Pools.

“That’s where the alfresco area becomes a continuation of the house and the areas inside the pool fence are more for lounging by the pool or relaxing on a day bed,” Cameron says

“The outdoor room or cabana doesn’t have to be attached to the house – quite often the desire is to have them located away from the residence in order to make them a separate function of the space and an architectural showpiece as much as the swimming pool is.”  

Adding new structures to your home and property generally require council approval and building permits however some designs are excused from complying with the relevant Codes.

“Exempt Development varies from council to council but after looking at how far the structure is away from the fence, how high the pitch of the roof is, and how big it is, you might not need council approval,” Cameron explains.

Popular pool designs

What differentiates the different types of swimming pools is how the basin or shell is constructed, so here is a snapshot of the four most popular options available to Australian homeowners.

1. Concrete pools are the most popular as they offer infinite design possibilities in size, shape, depth and location. Steel bars are typically woven together to reinforce the concrete and support the pool, ensuring a rust-free shell that lasts for years. While poured concrete was the dominant style for years, sprayed concrete is now a more popular option.
2.  Fibreglass pools are made from fiberglass reinforced plastic and can be manufactured in a range of sizes, shapes, colours and special design features before being delivered to the site. Manufactured properly, fibreglasspools can be very low maintenance and generally only take about two or three weeks for the pool to be installed from excavation to completion.
3. Vinyl-lined pools are vacuum-fitted to the exact shape of the pool shell once it has been installed, providing a smooth but resilient skin. They have great potential for customisation because as they can be tailored to suit each property’s needs. Typically the liner needs to be replaced every 10 years or so.
4. Above ground pools are now referred to as modular because customers have the option of installing them partially or completely underground – even on sloping or difficult to access sites. The cheapest option and the easiest to build, modular pools come delivered to your home to be fitted by yourself or by a professional installer.

Installing a pool

Owning a swimming pool is one of life’s great pleasures. It can bring years of entertainment and enjoyment while significantly adding to the value of your property. Homeowners are turning their properties into private sanctuaries and the pool is considered an important element in achieving this.

A modular pool from Classic Pools

There are so many factors involved in pool construction that it’s quite easy to overlook vital information if you don’t know what you’re doing. At best it can blow your budget; at worst can get you into hot water with your local council. To help you start the process of installing a new pool, here are three simple steps to get you started:

1. Be clear on what you want to use your swimming pool for. Do you want it for the kids or something you can swim laps in? Do you want the pool to be separate from the house or a direct extension of it?
2. What’s the best location for your pool? Right next to your outdoor eating area or down the back next to the boundary fence? Consider possible constraints such as difficult access for construction crews, the type of soil, slope of the block, and environmental factors such as sun, shade, wind and surrounding vegetation.
3. Thoroughly research the advantages and disadvantages that come with the four main types of pool construction (outlined above, and the various filtration, sanitation and cleaning equipment you’ll need.Ensure local pool companies have the relevant experience and expertise and visit showrooms to see a range of pools already in place. The Swimming Pool & Spa Association (SPASA) in your state can also provide contact details for reputable consultants and speaking to friends who own pools is also a great way to unearth questions you may not have already thought of.

Your design wishlist

So, you’re ready to take the plunge but not quite sure what style of swimming pool you want? Start by looking at pool, architectural, interior design and travel magazines and put together a scrapbook of your favourite details like the water colour, tiles, paving, textures, steps, spa shapes, garden layouts and so on.

The key here is to let your imagination run wild. The clearer you are about your needs and expectations the better you will be at articulating them. While not everything on your wish list may come to fruition it will give you and your designer something tangible to work with.

Here are some important design factors to consider:

• Purpose — do you want your pool to simply look good or be long enough to swim daily laps in?
• Safety – can the kids be easily supervised from indoor living or outdoor entertaining areas?
• Shade – are there shady places to escape the sun when it gets too hot? Is there so much shade that you need to heat your pool year round?
• Wind – will swimmers need a windbreak when they’re in the pool?
• Shape – do you like curves or straight lines, or a combination of both?
• Special features – how about underwater ledges, water features, swimouts, caves, bars, lap lanes or mosaic features?
• Lighting – how many underwater lights do you want? Are there any special features you want to illuminate?
• Spa and swim jets – where do you want them and how many do you need?

Summer checklist A Swimart technician undertakes a pool water test  “Just like the family car is serviced regularly to ensure safe and economical driving, the family pool should also be checked annually and be regularly maintained to ensure optimum performance,” says Chris Fitzmaurice, national manager for Swimart, Australia’s largest pool and spa specialists. “Doing so will help avoid costly repairs at a later date. “With the temperatures heating up, it’s essential that your pool water is correctly balanced for the long-term health of your pool surface and equipment, and also to ensure a sanitised and safe environment to swim in. At Swimart we test pool water free of charge, and it’s something pool owners should be doing every two weeks in the high season,” Chris adds. Keep water sparkling clean during the summer swimming season with these top 10 pool care tips: 1. Operate the filtration system six to eight hours a day 2. Regularly check sanitiser levels, ideally on a daily basis 3. Check the pH every two days 4. Check the Total Alkalinity (TA) weekly 5. Check and clean the skimmer basket and hair and lint pot basket weekly 6. Have your pool water checked at your local pool shop every two weeks 7. Thoroughly backwash your sand or DE filter or remove and clean the cartridge from     your cartridge filter, depending on pool use 8. Maintain the water level at least half way up to the skimmer box opening 9. Clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor of the pool regularly 10. Keep pets out of the pool

 
Homeloans is also giving lucky customers the chance to win one of six pool floats from Swimart. Click here for further details and to enter the competition*

* Terms and conditions apply.