Buyers’ guide to pools – The West Australian

While the classic kidney-shaped pool on a quarter-acre block may no longer be the norm, Australian homeowners are still finding creative ways to splash out on the great Australian dream even when space is limited.

Andrew Farmer, of Aquatic Leisure Technologies, says shrinking block sizes have forced the industry into manufacturing smaller and smaller pool moulds.

For example, where 8m used to be the average pool size Aqua Technics now offers 11 models under 7m in length.

Bryce Steele, State manager of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Western Australia, agrees that the industry has evolved significantly in response to todays shrinking block sizes.

The variety of models of fibreglass pools has changed greatly in recent years as the manufacturers look to have products suitable for smaller blocks, Mr Steele says.

In relation to concrete pools, these can be built in any shape or size, ensuring that even with the smallest, a compact plunge pool or courtyard pool can be constructed.

Denise Staffa, landscape designer and director at Outside In, says prefabricated round or rectangular concrete plunge pools are a particularly sought-after option when space is limited.

Plunge pools are most certainly super popular these days for small spaces and emanate a real villa style, Ms Staffa says. The round is super sexy and a very creative solution for small blocks.

Small wonders

Matthew Gee, landscape designer at PHASE3, says each site presents a unique set of conditions and in turn, design solutions.

Though not always a simple solution, placing a pool on a boundary is a good option when space is limited, Mr Gee says.

This enables the use of the boundary wall as a feature wall and barrier, reducing the barrier fencing overall, that can be unsightly and obstructive.

When it comes to small sites Nic Crowe, managing director of eScape Landscape Architecture, says it is important to engage your landscape designer or landscape architect early in the home design phase.

Often the optimal location for the pool, particularly on smaller blocks, is for the house and/or boundary wall to sit directly on the pool shell, in this way you can maximise the size of the pool within the block and create a connection to the house and alfresco area for views and outlook, Mr Crowe says.

However, even when access for machinery is a challenge, Brad Hilbert, owner of Barrier Reef Pools, says they always manage to find a way.

We can get into properties with as little as 750mm wide access, Mr Hilbert says. Its not uncommon for us to use the inside of the house as the access for machinery to get in and out. We have taken a micro excavator through a kitchen once and wheeled borrowed sand down a hallway to dispose of it.

We have never not been able to complete a pool for someone yet.

Three things to consider before investing in a swimming pool

1. Budget should be the first consideration, Matthew Gee says. A pool will cost a considerable amount of money and being aware of the associated cost of installing a pool is important.

2. My number one (tip) is to engage a landscape designer before signing up for a pool, Denise Staffa says. It's an absolute must to make sure all surrounding spaces flow seamlessly, be functional and balanced. A landscape designer can assist with choosing the right size, right shape and getting orientation right as this makes or breaks the outdoor space..

3. There are many other considerations such as space requirements, intended use, shape, and material such as concrete, fibreglass or liner, above ground or below ground, heating method and energy use and long-term maintenance and cost over the life cycle of the pool, Mr Gee says. A conversation with a specialist to answer these questions is paramount prior to embarking on any project.

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Buyers' guide to pools - The West Australian