Buying a swimming pool for your backyard is an exciting and worthwhile experience. But it is important to plan carefully if you want this important investment to offer you maximum value for money.

Here are some of the main factors you need to consider, and some of our favourite pool design ideas, to make sure your project runs smoothly and your pool can be a beautiful central feature in your backyard.

What is the size and shape of your backyard?

The right pool design is likely to be dictated by the size and shape of your backyard. It is important that the pool should fit well into the space, with enough room around it to meet safety regulations in your state or territory. Remember, your pool will need to have fencing covering its entire perimeter, as it must not be directly accessible from your house. If you want to include a patio and dining area, this will require even more space, as regulations state that you must not position any large objects such as chairs or tables close enough to the pool fencing for a child to use them to climb over the barrier.

Some backyards lend themselves more naturally to pools than others, but this does not mean a pool is impossible if your backyard is an unusual shape. If your yard slopes, for example, you might need to have your pool partially or fully built above-ground. These days, this is not a problem. Modern technologies such as Compass Pools Australia’s super-strong Maxi Rib technology create a structure strong and durable enough for a fibreglass pool to be built above ground just as safely as if it was installed in-ground.

What will your pool be used for?

Different pools have different purposes, and how you will use your pool needs to be taken into account when choosing the shape, size and style of your pool. If you have children, you will want to use the pool for playing games and spending quality time as a family, and therefore you will need the space and safety features that a family pool can offer.

On the other hand, if you are a serious swimmer who will mainly be swimming laps, you might prefer a lap pool. These are long and narrow, specifically designed for swimming laps without any obstacles in the way. They can also look extremely attractive in a wide variety of backyards.

If you primarily want your pool as a means of relaxation, a spa pool might be more appropriate for you.

Reputable manufacturers will offer their pool designs in a number of different lengths, widths and depths, so you should easily be able to find a pool design you like in a size that suits your backyard and your usage needs.

How well do your pool design ideas suit your property?

Your pool design has to fit with the overall appearance of your property. It must blend seamlessly into the space of your backyard, so it looks like part of your home and becomes a beautiful design feature in your yard.

This means you need to look at the architectural style of your house when choosing your pool. Would a contemporary or traditional pool coordinate better with your house? Should the edges be straight and streamlined, or would a softer, more rounded look suit your property? Many pool manufacturers enable their pools to be styled in different ways, with either straight-edged or rounded-edged paving around them. This can completely transform the look of your pool and enable it to blend in better with the rest of your property.

Another element to consider here is the right pool colour to choose. If you are having a concrete pool built, you can choose from any number of different tiles. Fibreglass pools, on the other hand, come with gelcoat surfaces, which are easier to keep clean, but they are only available in as many colours as the manufacturer provides. Take a look at your home and yard, and consider which colour would coordinate best with the surroundings. Choosing the right colour can make all the difference when it comes to fitting your pool with the landscape and helping it to stand out as a feature.

What is the right placement for a pool?

You will be looking at your pool every day, and it will be the main focal point of your backyard. While it might be tempting to tuck the pool into an unused corner of your outdoor space, this will not show it off to best advantage. With the right placement, your poolside area can become the ideal spot in which to enjoy an alfresco breakfast, or the perfect setting for a pool party after the lights come on at night.

The right pool placement can also add value if you ever decide to sell your home. Prospective buyers will be more inclined to offer a higher price if they see a beautifully designed backyard with a magnificent swimming pool as its main feature. If the pool and the yard look as if their layout has not been designed carefully enough, this will make your property less attractive, and may result in a lower price being offered.

Some pool buyers ask if having their pool built in a particular position can cost less than positioning it elsewhere in the yard. This depends entirely on the size and shape of your backyard. While some positions are easier than others from a construction point of view, and could therefore be cheaper, the difference is not likely to be great. It is much more important that the placement of the pool works practically with the rest of your property and looks attractive.

Of course, the most important element when deciding where to place your pool is that you like it. You should enjoy looking at your pool almost as much as you enjoy swimming in it, so it is essential that you think the positioning looks right. Remember, too, that you will be viewing your pool from all angles, including from inside the house. Looking at your backyard out of a window in your house can give you ideas for the right placement of your pool, as well as inspiring the design.

How should your pool area be landscaped?

Some people’s pool design ideas include landscaping designs from the very beginning of the project. They have a clear vision of how they want the pool area to look, including fencing, paving, plants and water features, all worked out before the construction work has even started.

However, for many other pool owners, the landscaping design grows gradually once the pool itself is completed. Living with your pool can show you how different the colour of the water can look on different days, depending on the weather. This will also affect how your paving appears, so it is a good idea to keep several samples by the side of the pool so you can view them in different lights and weather conditions, before making your decision.

It is important that your pool area is landscaped in a way that suits you and your property. If you have clear ideas, you should communicate them at the beginning of the project, so they can be brought to life. If not, it is worth talking to a professional landscaping designer who can offer you plenty of advice.

Pool design ideas should start with the pool

Until you have chosen your pool, it is practically impossible to put anything else in place, as the design of the pool will be central to the entire appearance of your backyard. This is why the most sensible strategy is to choose your pool first, then plan all the other design elements around its shape and style.

Remember, your pool is a big investment and selecting it is a hugely important decision, as you have to be happy with your pool and the appearance of your yard for many years to come. Don’t rush the decisions here. Take your time choosing your pool and designing your landscaping, and do not be afraid to delay the project if there is any element of it you are unsure about.

By giving it plenty of careful thought, and making sure you are completely happy with every part of the design, you will have a pool you can enjoy looking at, as well as using, long into the future.

If you would like any advice about different pool designs and how they can be customised to work more effectively in your own backyard, please contact us. Our highly experienced pool consultants will be happy to discuss your requirements and give you all the help and support you need.

Get inspired: Selected pool design ideas for 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:

Many residents of Melbourne enjoy having their own swimming pools in their backyards. A pool is a wonderful addition to any home — you can spend quality time swimming and relaxing with family and friends, host pool parties, or simply indulge in some quiet time alone in the water.

Owning a swimming pool in Melbourne is an ideal way to stay fit and healthy, and it is also a stunning feature that will bring your backyard to life and increase the value of your property. But if you are planning on buying a pool, it is important to do your research carefully. This is a major investment, so it is essential that you get all the details right if you want to enjoy your pool for a long time to come.

Here’s what you need to know about building pools in Melbourne, and how to make sure you are choosing the right pool for you.

Planning and Safety Laws for Pools in Melbourne

Like all states and territories in Australia, Victoria has its own building regulations which you need to follow if you want to build a swimming pool in Melbourne.

Your pool area must not be directly accessible from any other part of your property, as all pools must have a safety barrier or fence around them of at least 1.2 metres high. The pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and you must never prop them open. Additionally, the safety barriers should have a clear space around them, so there are no objects which children could stand on to climb over the barriers.

If you are building a pool in Melbourne, you must take care with your choice of pool builder. All pools here must be constructed by a builder who is registered with the Victorian Building Authority. You and your builder must sign a domestic building contract before any work on your pool can begin.

Also, before your pool construction begins, you must obtain a building permit from a registered building surveyor. You can either use a private surveyor or apply to your local council’s municipal building surveyor. The permit must cover both the pool and the safety barriers, even if they are being constructed by different builders.

Once your pool is completed, it will need to be inspected by the building surveyor, who must issue a certificate of final inspection before you can use the pool.

Which Types of Swimming Pools Are Best for Melbourne’s Climate?

Melbourne is famous for its changeable weather conditions, and it is often said to have “four seasons in one day.” The weather is particularly unpredictable in spring and summer, although storms and strong winds can happen at any time of the year. Temperatures can suddenly drop, causing rain, wind, and thunderstorms, although these sometimes only last for a few minutes before the conditions return to their previous state.

With weather conditions like these, it is important to install a good pool heating system if you want to be able to use your pool regularly throughout the year. Most pools in Melbourne use solar heating systems, but during the cooler months it can be a good idea to have this system linked to electric or gas pool heating for those times when there is not enough sunlight to produce sufficient solar power.

Melbourne is also prone to occasional earthquakes. These are not usually too severe, but it is important that your pool is made from a strong, durable material that will withstand ground movements without being weakened.

Most swimming pools in Melbourne are made from either fibreglass or concrete. Both are extremely strong materials specifically designed to cope with extreme weather conditions and ground movements, thus lasting for many years. However, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are extremely easy to customise to suit your own tastes and the shape of your backyard. They are built from scratch in your backyard, so you can have a great deal of input into the design. However, the building process is complex and may take months to complete.

Concrete is also the most expensive material used for swimming pool construction. There is more work involved in the construction, and once it is completed, a concrete pool needs to be lined with tiles or pebbles.

Maintenance is another important consideration. Concrete pools are notoriously difficult to clean, and they are prone to algae. This means you will have to spend time cleaning and maintaining your pool regularly.

However, concrete is a proven material which has been used to build swimming pools in Melbourne for many years. It is known to withstand all aspects of the climate, and it’s a good all-round choice if your budget can stretch to it.

2. Fibreglass Pools

In recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of fibreglass pools in Melbourne. Modern technological advancements and Compass innovations mean that our fibreglass composite pools are now built with ceramic core technology. This makes our pools strong and durable, and it has been proven to withstand severe earthquakes in other parts of Australia and New Zealand, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Fibreglass pools are also extremely easy to maintain — they do not attract algae and bacteria, and they can even be installed with self-cleaning systems, so maintenance takes virtually no time or effort.

The main disadvantage of fibreglass pools is that the pool shells are pre-made in factories. This means you can only choose from a range of available sizes and designs, rather than being able to create your own bespoke pool design to suit your property. With our pool customisation options, this is not much of a drawback anymore, enabling you to combine your pool with a spa, have a custom-length lap pool installed, accompany your pool with a wader or beach, have your fibreglass pool installed above the ground, as an infinity pool with a negative edge or even with one edge replaced by glass. The advantage of deciding for a fibreglass pool is that the installation process is much easier. Once work begins, it is likely to be completed within a couple of weeks, enabling you to enjoy your pool practically straight away.

What Are the Most Popular Designs for Pools in Melbourne?

Pool designs vary throughout Melbourne, as different pools suit different backyards and lifestyles. Most families in the suburbs will choose a family pool, as this offers a large area for swimming and games, as well as plenty of safety features and seating areas so the kids can rest whenever they need to.

Singles and couples in the inner suburbs are choosing plunge pools. These small pools only measure 3m x 2m on average, so they are perfect for smaller backyards and still offer enough space to swim and relax in the water.

However, even if your backyard is not particularly large, you may prefer to install a lap pool. These are ideal for anyone who is serious about their fitness — they are long and narrow and designed to give an unimpeded stretch of water for swimming laps.

Pool and spa combinations are also being seen more regularly in Melbourne. This gives the ultimate flexibility, as it is a full-sized swimming pool with a separate spa section containing hydrotherapy jets. You can relax in the spa while the kids are playing in the pool, or enjoy swimming while your other half has hydrotherapy treatments. Even better, the pool and spa can be arranged in a number of ways, creating an impressive design feature that makes a perfect centrepiece for your backyard.

Find Out More About Building Swimming Pools in Melbourne

If you are interested in having your own pool in Melbourne and would like to consult with an expert about the best choices before going ahead, Compass Pools is happy to help. We have two long-established dealerships servicing Melbourne and surrounding areas of Victoria, with friendly professionals always glad to offer all the help and support you need.

Compass Pools Melbourne

Compass Pools Melbourne covers Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, and surrounding areas. A family business with over 30 years’ worth of experience, our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the highest standards of service and using the latest pool installation technologies.

Check out their latest awesome pool installations in Melbourne:

Gordon Avenue Pools and Spas

Gordon Avenue Pools and Spas services Geelong, Werribee, Surf Coast, and surrounding areas. Their expert pool builders and dedicated sales staff will ensure you get the excellent service you deserve at all stages of the process.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about the different options available for pools in Melbourne.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about the different options available for pools in Melbourne.