While overseas holidays – sipping cocktails in Bali or touring Europe – are on hold, feelings of relaxation and escape can still be found in our own backyards. Read on to find our why installing a Compass Pool is one of the best staycation investments available and how it compares to other staycation ideas that you might (or might have not) considered.ho

Five Reasons a Compass Pool is a great staycation investment

Happy Compass Pool owners keep telling us that relaxing by your own swimming pool can’t be beaten by any other staycation ideas. Why is that?

1.  Pools can be used any time – you don’t have to plan or pack in advance to use the pool. Throw on your bathers, grab a towel and you’re swim-ready – whatever the Covid alert level.
2. A sparkling, self-cleaning pool brings visual enjoyment and a sense of relaxation and escape to your property. A well-presented pool can become a real focal point of the home and outdoor dining area.
3. A pool sits well financially over the long term. Unlike other leisure purchases, which depreciate over time, a pool adds value to your home. A self-cleaning, easy-care pool is also an extremely attractive selling point.
4. A pool gives you more family time – pools can be enjoyed together – without a screen in sight! While some opt for a more active swim than others, everyone benefits from the refreshment of a cool dip on a hot summer’s day.
5. Parents will appreciate the ease and entertainment value of a pool. From pre-schoolers to teenagers a Compass Pool offers daily activity and exercise, without having to leave the comfort and safety of home.

Looking for staycation ideas? – A back yard pool might give you those holiday vibes you’ve been looking for!

The global pandemic means Australians are now choosing to staycation at home, and they’re quickly seeking out the most cost-effective ways to enhance their new-look leisure time.

While our flying wings may be clipped, being grounded hasn’t changed anyone’s need for some summer fun and family enjoyment. In fact, the uncertainty of Covid-19 has probably increased our desire for worry-free good times, making memories with the family – anything to take our minds off the pandemic.

There’s nothing like a global event to make us appreciate how quickly life can change. Some of the freedoms we previously took for granted are now gone and new ways of spending our leisure time, closer to home, are being increasingly explored.

With festivals and sporting events being cancelled at short notice, we are all seeking leisure options that won’t leave us disappointed and out of pocket.

With crowds being avoided and some of our favourite restaurants and bars hanging on by a thread, attention is turning to more reliable “Covid-safe’ sources of family fun and relaxation. That’s why searching for staycation ideas has been so popular over the past months.

These kinds of entertainment, in the safety of small groups, are taking the place of public gatherings and anything else that could fall at the mercy of another cluster emerging in the community.

In short, today’s families are seeking out fresh ways to spend the ‘fun’ budget we once allocated to dream trips, work travel or island getaways.

What staycation ideas are proving popular?

For some, this newfound backyard exploration has lured them towards the idea of a caravan or boat to improve their family’s quality of life.  Meanwhile, others are discovering the instant enjoyment and financial benefits of installing a swimming pool in their own backyard.

When relative freedom turns to lockdown overnight, a swimming pool can still be enjoyed unimpeded in your bubble, from the safety of home. Meanwhile, a boat or caravan will be parked up collecting cobwebs – a large investment not providing the leisure time it promised.

Like any home improvement right now, a Compass Pool is one of the few leisure-time investments families can enjoy unaffected by the current Covid alert level.

The property market is booming and any travel funds being diverted towards property, become an investment in your most valuable asset.

For those giving thought to really maximising their leisure spend, a Compass inground fibreglass swimming pool, just a few metres from the lounge, can be one of the smartest and most readily enjoyable leisure choices.

Every day when you come home from work you can choose resort-style living. If the pandemic sees you working from home, you can even take a dip between Zoom meetings!

The kids can jump in after school or swim all weekend with friends. A pool is also a great way to keep them fresh and focussed while their parent’s offer their best efforts at home-schooling. Other staycation ideas can also be appealing but it’s hard to beat the opportunity to enjoy your backyard pool every single day.

Pool owners are often busy and time poor. What leisure time they do have they want to spend in the pool or relaxing next to it – not cleaning or maintaining it.

With a Compass self-cleaning Pool you can come home to a fresh, clean, healthy pool, without having to do any hard work or annoying ‘maintenance jobs’ before you get in and play.

You can spend your weekends relaxing poolside with family and friends, and you don’t have to lift a finger to get there.

If you’re thinking about re-directing your leisure spend towards a significant purchase, why not pick the option that offers instant, reliable, low maintenance fun, while also making sense financially.

Yes a caravan allows you to explore more of your home country, but for busy families the somewhat romanticised idea of these trips requires a lot of planning, preparation, and the dreaded packing.

Caravan or boating adventures also rely on Covid alert levels allowing the freedom to travel freely between cities and states.

Elderly family members or parents of children with underlying health conditions also need to feel confident it is safe to venture beyond their immediate community.

The demands of 21^st century work schedules haven’t stopped for the pandemic and planning a weekend away, organising the pets, packing food and clothing for the family before hitting the road can be a stress-inducing exercise.

Despite the best intentions at time of purchase, it’s unlikely families will get daily, even weekly enjoyment, from a caravan or boat.

A pool is an investment in quality time spent with family. Five minutes prep time and both children and parents are away from their screens and interacting together in the pool.

Not everyone has to be in the pool at one time either. Mum or Dad can be entertaining the children while the other cooks dinner – or puts their feet up with a glass of wine poolside!

A Compass Pool is smart way to spend your vacation or “staycation” budget while also investing in the value of your home.

Easy and unrestricted enjoyment of a Compass Pool are not the only major benefits over purchases like boats and caravans.  The life cycle of depreciation for a boat or caravan begins the moment you tow it off the yard. Buying at the height of the market is also unlikely to see you re-coup these costs once the Covid demand has calmed and the borders re-open.

Alternatively, when you install a Compass Pool you’re actually adding to the most significant asset you own – your home.

A swimming pool in the backyard is not only great for your leisure time, it’s also a plus for your wallet. These days pools are high up on the wish list when people are buying their new homes. While you get to enjoy your staycation now, you’re going to get financial returns down the track by making your home more attractive to future buyers.

At the upper end of the property market buyers will seek out family homes with pools – provided they are well designed, bathed in sunshine and have appealing fences and landscaping. If you buy a good quality fibreglass pool there is very little maintenance required once the asset is in the ground (especially if that pool has the Vantage self-cleaning and circulation system!).

You don’t have to re-surface them, you don’t have to re-paint them and if you keep the water balanced, they will look good for many, many years to come.

Alternatively, caravans and boats come with costly and time-consuming annual maintenance and servicing. Every use requires time to prepare, book time off and pack up. Returning means unloading, cleaning and maintenance to keep enjoying the asset and maintain its value.

The benefits of installing a Compass Pool are clear:

• You can use it every day – no preparation required. Options are also available to extend your swimming season by using a solar cover or heat pump to warm the water in cooler temperatures.
• No preparation or effort is required – just change into your bathers and jump in. Compass Pools are self-cleaning and low maintenance. You don’t have to spend hours keeping them looking great – just start swimming.
• Your investment gets a return because you’re adding to the value and appeal of your property.

It’s important to remember – not just any pool will do the job. An entry level pool may not age well, putting potential buyers off if they consider it high maintenance or expensive to run.

Check out some of these self-cleaning Compass Pools installations by our authorised Compass Pool dealers.

Researching staycation ideas? Happy Compass self-cleaning pool owners will tell you that having a pool installed was one of the est decision they’ve made.

Self-cleaning Compass Pools tick all the boxes:

• They are easy to look after.
• They are low cost to run.
• Have a transferable warranty – so the risk is minimised for any future property owner.

All of the above make our self-cleaning pools great to own now and more attractive to future buyers when you go to sell your home.

In a country famous for stunning beaches, a pool is a great family asset for children learning lifelong swimming skills.

For parents of teenagers it’s a sure fire way to ensure you know where your children are and what they are up to. Installing a Compass Pool means a lifetime of easy enjoyment for you and your family – both during the season of pandemic staycations, and far beyond.

Look at the pictures of some of the Compass pool installations you might also find inspiring:

Looking at staycation ideas? What about having one of these Compass Pools in your backyard?

Having a swimming pool built in your backyard is an exciting move, and it provides you with a wonderful design feature which adds aesthetic value as well as functionality to your property. But getting your pool landscaping right takes care and consideration, as it can make all the difference to the appearance and usability of your pool.

Here’s everything you need to know about pool landscaping, and why it matters so much.

What is good pool landscaping and why is it important?

Pool landscaping refers to the design of the area around your swimming pool. This includes choices such as paving, fencing, furniture, lighting and plants, all of which can enhance the design of your pool and add to its functionality and safety.

A well-landscaped pool area will take into consideration the ways in which it will be used, so that it fulfils all your swimming, relaxation and entertainment needs, as well as being beautiful to look at from both outside and inside the home. By getting the landscaping right, you can make your pool the centrepiece of a stunning backyard which caters for your lifestyle and is attractive in daylight and at night-time, all year round.

Good pool landscaping can even increase the value of your property. A swimming pool can be an attractive feature for prospective home buyers, but they are much more likely to view it positively if it looks well-cared for and if the area functions well. If they see a well-maintained, beautifully designed backyard, this immediately makes them think you have taken great care of the property, so they will be more inclined to offer a higher price. They are also more likely to fall in love with your property at first sight – and first impressions count!

Because of these important factors, pool landscaping is something you need to consider carefully when planning your pool. Here are some essential tips for getting it right.

1. Build your landscaping around the pool

Your pool is the most expensive element of your backyard, so it should be the centrepiece of your yard’s design. It is important to choose a pool design which suits the architectural style of your home, so that when the construction and landscaping are complete, your entire property will look like a perfectly unified whole. There are many different pool designs to consider: rectangular or round, straight edges or curved, or even a custom design for a truly unique feature. Looking at the style of your home will enable you to make the best decision about the right pool design for you.

The design of your pool will dictate many important elements of your landscaping. For example, the tiling you choose around the pool area should coordinate well with the colour you have selected for your pool’s interior. Remember, the colour of the pool water will appear to change from day to day, depending on the light and the weather conditions, so it can be a good idea to keep a few samples next to the pool for a few days to see which tiling works best in different conditions.

Your pool design will also determine the type and positioning of lighting you need around the pool area, to highlight the pool itself as a standout feature, and make the whole space highly functional and attractive after dark. The right lighting can truly bring your landscaping design to life, so it is worth talking to a specialist about the different effects that can be achieved.

By making your pool the main element of your landscaping design, you can build a space which meets all your usage needs and looks beautiful from all angles, at all times of day and night, and in all conditions.

2. Consider the size and shape of your backyard

A good pool landscaping design will make the best possible use of the available space. If you have a smaller backyard, the pool is likely to take up the majority of the space, so an extremely efficient design is needed. Don’t go overboard on the fixtures and fittings, as too many bulky items can make the space look cluttered. Your design will be more attractive and a lot more functional if you leave more open space.

Allowing plenty of space is key whatever the size and shape of your backyard. Your poolside should be a place where you can relax with family and friends, so the design needs to keep this in mind.

Remember also that you will be looking at your pool landscaping every day for many years to come. The design needs to look good from inside your home as well as outside. Make sure that the pool is in a position which looks attractive through your windows, and that the landscaping is planned to give you advantageous views from the house. Looking out over a beautiful backyard will make you more inclined to spend more time outdoors and get the most out of your pool!

3. Put safety first

Putting safety first is essential when planning your pool landscaping. By law, you must have pool fencing which meets Australian Standard AS 1926. This stipulates that you must have a fence or barrier of at least 1.2 metres high all around your pool, so that the pool cannot be accessed directly from your home. This fencing must also be surrounded by a Non-Climbable Zone of 900mm on all sides, so there must be no large objects within this zone which a child could climb to get over the fence.

Because of this, you need to consider the positioning of your poolside furniture very carefully. Objects such as chairs and tables must not be placed within the Non-Climbable Zone, so you must ensure your landscaping allows enough space for this.

You should also think about the practicality of supervising children in the pool. Even if you don’t have children, you could decide to sell your home one day, and potential buyers will be looking for a design which is as child-friendly as possible. Your landscaping should keep all lines of sight as clear as possible, so that children can easily be supervised from all angles while they are in the pool.

4. Think about your entertainment needs

A backyard pool has a wide variety of uses. It’s great for health, fitness and relaxation, but it can also provide you with an ideal entertainment area, especially during the summer months, when pool parties and barbeques provide the perfect settings for catching up with friends. This means you will need to think about your entertainment needs when planning your pool landscaping.

A paved area with seating is a great advantage, and this needs to be large enough so that everyone can feel comfortable and relaxed at your gatherings. You might also want to think about cooking facilities. These can range from a simple barbeque to a full outdoor kitchen with an oven, grill, sink and even a fridge, so you can still be part of the action even while you are preparing the food for everyone.

If you are serving food, it also makes sense to provide tables, so your guests can comfortably eat outdoors. You will need to think about the right amounts of fixtures and furniture to fit within the space, and consider the styles you like, to create a poolside area which is a relaxing and attractive area for entertaining.

5. Talk to your family

You and your family are going to be using the pool more than anyone else, so the landscaping design needs to be carried out with all of your specific objectives in mind. What will make the space as relaxing as possible for you and your loved ones? Does the design offer peace and privacy? Is there sufficient space for the kids to play?

You might want to include elements such as outdoor lounges for comfort, or even a pool house where everyone can get changed after using the pool, to save dripping water through the house.

All of these elements need to be discussed with those who are going to be using the pool regularly, so it is important to talk about the landscaping with your family while you are planning your design. They might have considered some factors which you have not thought of, so everyone’s ideas need to be heard. This way you will create a highly functional space which works well for everyone.

6. Plan the aesthetics

Once you have established the functional elements of your pool landscaping design, you then need to think about the aesthetics. You will get much more satisfaction from your pool if the landscaping looks attractive from inside and outside the pool.

The design of your pool area needs to take the surroundings into account. One of the most enjoyable aspects of swimming is feeling as if you are part of nature while you are in the water, so you need to think about the natural forms you want to see around you. Some pool owners choose to create a forest-like effect by adding rockeries, ferneries and water features, to make it feel as if you are swimming in a secluded lake. However, you may prefer a more modern, streamlined look, with a few planters dotted around the poolside area to add some subtle natural touches.

Again, you can take inspiration from the architectural style of your home, and the plants that grow in your backyard and your neighbourhood. Choosing the right plants will make all the difference to the overall look and feel of your pool area. It will also influence other elements such as your lighting design.

Selected Pool Landscaping Ideas

Swimming pools are extremely popular in Sydney backyards, and it’s easy to see why. A pool offers a great way to stay fit and healthy, relax with family and friends, and enjoy the wonderful Sydney climate for many months of the year.

But before you buy a swimming pool, there are some major factors to consider. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about pools in Sydney to help you make the right choice.

What Are the Laws and Regulations for Pools in Sydney?

Planning laws are set by your local council, so you need to check with them to find out what the approval requirements are for swimming pools in your area. You should also request a copy of your site plan to find out if any essential cables such as water pipes run underneath the ground in the area where you want to position your pool.

If there are any power lines located over your planned pool site, you should check with your local electricity authority or Transgrid before your pool building work starts.

Some trees in areas of Sydney are protected by preservation orders, so you may need to contact your local council to check whether or not you are allowed to cut down any trees to build your pool.

Do Swimming Pools in Sydney Need to Meet Safety Standards?

The safety standards for pools in Sydney are all related to pool fencing. Your fencing must comply with the Pool Safety Standard AS1926.1 – 2012, according to NSW laws. All pool fences must be at least 1.2 metres tall from the ground, and your pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching. It also has to open away from the pool.

Any large objects, such as chairs, pot plants, or barbeques, that a child could climb on to get over the pool fencing must be located at least 90cm away from your pool fences. This is something you will need to consider when planning your pool landscaping.

How Does the Sydney Climate Affect Swimming Pools?

We are lucky in Sydney to enjoy a pleasant climate for most of the year. The summer months can be extremely hot, so having a pool in your backyard is ideal, as it offers you a convenient way to cool down!

However, the hot season often ends abruptly, with thunderstorms and strong winds causing a sudden drop in temperatures. The coastal areas tend to have more rain and wind all year round than the CBD and inner-city suburbs, but these conditions can affect any part of Sydney.

This means that, if you want to enjoy your pool in the spring and autumn as well as the summer, you should consider a heating system for your pool. Solar heating is the most popular type of pool heating in Sydney, as there is enough sunshine here most of the year to heat your pool to a comfortable temperature. This is also the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method available.

Another factor to consider when planning a pool in Sydney is the condition of the ground where your pool will be built. It might be worth getting a geotechnical survey before you start. This will show any rocks or unstable soil which could complicate your pool installation process.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Pools in Sydney?

The right type of pool for you will depend on your individual circumstances and what your pool will be used for. Generally speaking, there are three types of swimming pools in Sydney that are more popular than the rest.

1. Family Pools

These are large pools, generally measuring an average of 8m x 4m. Family pools offer plenty of swimming space, and often have varying depths to facilitate games in the water.

As you might expect, another defining characteristic of a family pool is the number of safety features it contains. Family pools tend to have non-slip surfaces, wide steps, and ledges around the perimeters for the kids to hang onto. They often also contain generous seating areas.

2. Lap Pools

Lap pools are designed for more serious swimmers to practice swimming laps. Longer and narrower than family pools, they are rectangular in shape, with a clear, unobstructed swimming lane. The sides of the pool are straight rather than angled, and the steps take up only a minimal amount of space.

3. Plunge Pools

Plunge pools are becoming increasingly popular in smaller backyards. Measuring on average 3m x 2m, they are much smaller pools, so they are ideal for areas such as the inner-city suburbs, where backyards are also smaller.

However, a plunge pool is still larger than a spa, and it offers a great way to relax, while still having a small space for swimming. Plunge pools can also be highly attractive design features.

Other types of pool are gradually becoming more popular in Sydney. For example, many people now want to combine the flexibility of a swimming pool with the benefits of hydrotherapy, so they are choosing a pool and spa combination.

Infinity pools are also increasing in popularity, particularly in more hilly areas. The “disappearing edge” enables you to feel like part of the scenery as you swim, offering stunning views over the surrounding area.

The type of pool you choose will depend on the size and shape of your backyard, and the purposes you want to use it for.

What Makes a Reputable Pool Builder?

Pool owners in Sydney are covered by a variety of laws that pool builders must adhere to. It is important for you to have some knowledge of these laws to make sure you are choosing a reputable builder who is operating legally.

Any building work in Sydney costing more than $5,000 must be carried out by a licenced swimming pool builder. Licences are issued by NSW Fair Trading, and your pool builder must be prepared to show you their licence. The name on the licence has to be exactly the same as the name on the contract for the work being done.

If your pool installation is costing more than $20,000, your pool builder needs to provide you with a certificate of insurance under the Home Building Compensation Fund. The period of cover must include the construction time and all warranty periods.

Before any work begins, make sure you get a detailed quote from your pool builder so you know exactly what costs will be involved before the building work starts. You also need to study the terms of the warranty carefully to check that it gives you the required levels of protection. Last but not least, try to view some of the builder’s previous work to make sure it meets the standards you expect.

Find an Experienced Pool Builder in Sydney

If you would like to find out more about swimming pools in Sydney or want to contact a reputable pool builder, Compass Pools can help. We have two authorised pool builders located in the Greater Sydney region who will be happy to speak with you in more detail and help you find the right swimming pool for you.

Pool Builder for Sydney South

Local Pools and Spas is a family business servicing South Sydney. Established in 1988, the company is highly experienced at installing pools in backyards of all shapes and sizes. For more information, speak to Justin and Renee Magro.

Here are some of the pool projects in Sydney that Local Pools and Spas have completed:

Pool Builder for Sydney North

Compass Pools Sales Centre Sydney services the North Sydney and Central Coast and West Coast areas. The highly specialist team here have been building pools for over 10 years. They also enjoy great relationships with local tradespeople for pool surrounds, fencing, and landscaping. Recently moved home in North Sydney? Get in touch with your North Sydney Compass Pool dealers to start talking about your dream pool.

Here are some of the pool projects in Sydney that Compass Pools Sydney – Central Coast – West  Coast have completed:

If you have any questions about the X-Trainer pool shell, its features and qualities, use the first button below to search for the nearest Compass swimming pools dealer to you or call our 1300 number (1300 667 445). If you like to make your own research before making the decision of starting the swimming pool project, explore our online resources, especially features of our swimming pools, our promise to you and the Pool 101 section. For those preferring to go through the information in a form of a hard copy booklet, click on the second button below and request a free printed pool magazine (pool buyers guide) which contains valuable tips for prospective swimming pool buyers.

To learn more, watch our 3 videos below explaining the 3 selected benefits of Compass fibreglass swimming pools: The infloor self-cleaning system, ceramic core technology and the Maxi Rib technology enabling the installation of our swimming pools in difficult conditions.

No Need to Clean Your Swimming Pool

Let the Compass Vantage pool clean itself. The Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system is an inconspicuous network of cleaning nozzles built into the pool floor and steps (optional). These nozzles take turns to pop up and push water across the pool floor, forcing the dirt, sand and leaves towards the fixed head and MDX main drain for automated removal.

Our Pools Are Built Stronger to Last Longer

All Compass Pools come with a Ceramic Core. When looking at a cross-section of a Compass composite swimming pool, the ceramic core can be clearly seen. It’s this core that sets Compass apart. It’s this core that gives increased panel stiffness and improved impact resistance. It’s this core that ensures you are buying the toughest, most durable and innovative composite pool in the world.

Sloping Site Or Difficult Sites Are Not a Problem

We can build a swimming pool almost anywhere from hillsides, cliffs and even apartment rooftops! Thanks to our award-winning Maxi-rib technology, a system with a set of engineered rib-like structures which support the pool walls when installed above ground, Compass can offer an affordable and reliable option to anyone looking to install a swimming pool on a difficult or sloping site.

If you have any questions about the X-Trainer pool shell, its features and qualities, use the first button below to search for the nearest Compass swimming pools dealer to you or call our 1300 number (1300 667 445). If you like to make your own research before making the decision of starting the swimming pool project, explore our online resources, especially features of our swimming pools, our promise to you and the Pool 101 section. For those preferring to go through the information in a form of a hard copy booklet, click on the second button below and request a free printed pool magazine (pool buyers guide) which contains valuable tips for prospective swimming pool buyers.

To learn more, watch our 3 videos below explaining the 3 selected benefits of Compass fibreglass swimming pools: The infloor self-cleaning system, ceramic core technology and the Maxi Rib technology enabling the installation of our swimming pools in difficult conditions.