Pool Safety

Supervision

Designing a swimming pool with children’s pool safety needs in mind, will help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe time while in the water. Perhaps the biggest pool safety feature for children around water is active adult supervision. Some great ways you can design supervision into your pool area is by ensuring you can clearly see the pool from your house, back deck, backyard and from any spot within the pool area. This can be done by removing obstacles such as trees, pot plants or objects that may hinder your clear view of the water. Designing a comfortable seated area around your pool is another great way to incorporate active adult supervision into your pool design. The design possibilities for these kinds of areas are endless! You could incorporate comfortable lounge chairs with padded and adjustable backs, large umbrellas and even add tables to ensure you can comfortably relax while supervising. Don’t forget to place your supervision area where you can clearly view and access the pool while also ensuring you are outside the splash zone.

X Trainer 10.2m in colour Pacific. Installed by Compass Pools Christchurch.

Sun Safety

Another great children’s pool safety design feature is sun safe areas. The sun in the hotter months can be strong, increasing the risk of sun burn and heatstroke- especially for children. These days there are a variety of shade options available that suit most pool areas and design styles- ranging from umbrellas, all the way through to permanent shade structures such as gazebos or cabanas. When incorporating these options into your pool area, ensure your shade cover doesn’t block or hinder your line of sight to the water. The way you style your sun safe areas can be endless- you could place the shade cover over the pool, beside the pool, or both. To find out more about the design possibilities for sun safe pool areas, contact your local pool installer.  Another way you can incorporate sun safety into your pool design is by placing a tube of broad-spectrum sunscreen in an easily accessible place close to the pool. Don’t forget to encourage your kids to slip, slop, slap and reapply the sunscreen ever two hours, as the water can cause it to wear off quicker. Encouraging your kids to wear sun protective clothing such as hats, long sleeve rash shirts and sunglasses as well as reminding them to drink water is another great way you can incorporate sun safety into your pool area.

Vogue 10.2m in colour Pacific. Pool with umbrella and shaded seating area. Installed by Swan Hill Pool & Spa Centre

Fencing

A fantastic children’s pool safety feature is a legally compliant fence that has an outward opening and self-latching gate. These days swimming pool fences come in a variety of styles that suit most backyard designs. Make sure that there are no climbable objects near the pool fence, such as trees, pot plants etc. This will help ensure unsupervised children can’t gain access to the pool area. Contact your local council to find out more about the fencing regulations you need to adhere to in your local area.

Design Features

Customised Design

Custom design features allow you to build a pool that is great for children (and adults) of all ages, while helping you get the most out of your pool investment. By incorporating customised design features into your pool, you can create an area that will be child friendly, while also looking fantastic within your backyard. Children love playing and swimming within shallow water spaces as it allows them to gain confidence within the water. Customised design features, such as waders, beaches and benches are a great way to incorporate these water play areas into your pool. As your children grow, you can turn these shallow water areas into a place of relaxation by incorporating options such as in- built water lounge chairs, or simply leave them as the perfect place to rest on a hot day. Other child friendly pool customisation options include water features (such as bubblers), sunpods, and pool toys (such as water slides). These customisation options are popular with children, especially at pool parties. Water features and sunpods are fantastic as they provide hours of fun, while looking visually stunning in any backyard space. Water slides are great for children of all ages, and once your children get too old- they can be easily removed by a professional. When it comes to pool customisation options that provide hours of fun for families of all ages, the skies the limit! Contact your local pool builder to find out more today.

Vogue 8m in colour Quartz. Customised options such as sunpods and bubblers provide hours of fun for the kids. Pool installed By Compass Pools Newcastle.

Vogue 9.4m in colour Pearl with Sunpod and X Trainer Spa. Pool installed by Local Pools & Spas.

Toy Storage

When thinking of child friendly design features in your pool area, make sure you think about pool toy storage. Adequate pool toy storage allows your pool area to remain clean and clutter free, it also ensures that there are no tripping hazards around the water. These days toy storage can be as fancy or as simple as you like. From storage chests that look like bench chairs to simple bucket like containers, whatever type of toys you need to store, there is most probably a storage solution for it! Check out your local pool shop or hardware store to find the right storage solution for you.

X Trainer 10.2m in colour Pacific with pool toys. Pool installed by Compass Pools Christchurch.

Pool Cleaning

When designing with children in mind it is important to think about investing in a pool that is always ready to swim in when you and your family are. On a hot summer day, no one wants to have to stop and clean the debris and leaves out of the pool before swimming. Investing in a cleaning system that minimises the amount of time and energy it takes to keep you pool clean, ensures that your pool is ready to go every time you are. Systems such as The Vantage Self-Cleaning help take the hassle and stress out of cleaning your pool. Vantage works by ensuring adequate circulation is provided throughout the whole pool, allowing for proper water filtration and efficient debris removal. This keeps your pool ready to swim at all times without the need for you to manually clean the debris and leaves yourself! Contact your local pool builder to find out more about The Vantage system.

The post How To Design A Swimming Pool With Children In Mind: Pool Safety & Design Features appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Water Features: A pool customisation that enhances the overall look of your pool

Water features like blades, waterfalls, jets and fountains are a fantastic way to transform your pool area without having to spend a lot of money and are a great hit with the kids as they are highly interactive.  Water features look visually spectacular, however, one important thing to keep in mind is the noise pollution they create through the sound of constant splashing water. Pool areas are often hubs of social interaction, and it can be difficult to compete against noisy water features when holding a conversation, which means more often than not, you may have your water feature turned off. Another thing to know is that water features which constantly circulate water into your pool can cool the temperature down. Keep this in mind if you have a heated pool, as a water feature may mean you have to run your heater for longer, consuming more electricity bills. If you are thinking of building a water feature, contact your local pool builder for more advice.

: 7.15m Vogue in colour Evolution with sunpod and water feature. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

5.8m X-Trainer in colour Blue Granite with water feature. Pool installed by Capital Country Pools

10.2m Vogue in colour Quartz with water feature. Pool Installed by Azure Pools

10.2m X-Trainer in colour Pacific with beach and water feature. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

Sunpods: Perfect for Kids in the Pool Area

Sunpods are a really popular pool customisation option that are a great way to change the look and feel of your pool without having to change the shell shape. Typically, sunpods are added to the area surrounding your pool as a shallow tiled section, and they include central bubbler jets to create a quiet water feature and wet play area. Sunpods tend to be a crowd pleaser, and a fan favourite amongst kids as they are highly interactive and fun. Unlike typical water features, these types of pool customisations are really quiet, and so you will most likely leave these on when you have social gatherings. As sunpods are tiled areas they can be personalised into whatever colour and design pattern you choose, making them a great addition to any backyard pool space.

7m Sanctuary pool in Viridian with sunpod. Installed by SJ’s Pools & Spas

10.2m Vogue in colour Pearl with sunpod. Installed by Central Pools

Lighting: A subtle yet effective pool customisation

Lighting can be a great way to add a personal touch to your pool design. Great pool lighting does not require the pool shell to be altered, and thus makes it a quick and affordable design install option. Custom pool lighting can be added to both the pool and the surrounding pool area. These days there are many different lighting systems to suit most design dreams and budgets, including options that can change colour from an app on your smart phone. Multi coloured LED lights are one of the most popular pool custom options that new pool buyers go for. This simple addition means you can have a different coloured pool almost every night of the year. Great pool lighting at night can bring your pool to life and make your swimming pool the centrepiece of your backyard when entertaining family and friends.

10.2m Vogue in colour Evolution with pool lighting and glow stones in pool paving. Pool installed by Smart Self Cleaning Pools

11.8m X-Trainer in colour Evolution with sunpod and lighting. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

Beaches and Benches: Customise the shape & design of your pool with beaches and benches

By adding a beach or bench to your pool, you can completely change the look, feel and function of your backyard swimming area. Both options are a crowd favourite with children and adults alike due to the shallow water space they provide for lounging, relaxing or playing. Traditionally adding beaches or benches to a moulded fibreglass pool would require developing a completely new mould or shape. However, these days, Compass fibreglass pools can be customised within our factory to place beach zones and benches in various selected areas of any of our standard pool shapes and sizes. We do this by creating a rebate in one of the walls of your pool shell and connecting it to a customised fibreglass beach or bench that is created to suit your design requirements. Essentially, we take a section out of the wall of the pool shell and connect it with a fibreglass ‘mini pool’ or beach zone that has three walls. Beach zones are highly popular as they create a shallow play area for children to enjoy and adults to relax in outside of the main swimming area. Beaches and benches are slightly more expensive than other pool customisations due to the cost of altering the pool shell during the manufacturing process. For many this extra cost is worth it to achieve such a high end and beautiful look. When choosing a beach or bench you are investing in not only your pool, but the overall enjoyment of your pool area.

: 10.2m X-Trainer with Beach Zone in colour Sapphire. Pool installed by Central Pools

9.5m Contemporary with grand entry bench in Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Sydney

Beaches and benches can also be customised to include pool sun chairs. 2.8m plunge/ concrete hybrid pool in the colour Vercoe installed by Bostock Pools

9.4m X-Trainer with Beach Zone in colour Atlantic. Pool installed by Swan Hill Pool & Spa Centre

Pool and Spa Combos: Create an outdoor area that’s uniquely you!

Pool and spa combos are another great way to enhance the look and function of your pool area. Adding a Compass spa alongside any Compass pool in any configuration you choose, allows you to create a backyard space that is uniquely you. Compass pools and spas can be placed separately within the pool area or connected to create a seamless ‘flow on’ look between the pool and spa. Adding a matching spa to your Compass pool opens up a world of design opportunities and allows you to get the best of both pool and spa worlds.

7m Sanctuary with X-Trainer Spa in Pacific. Pool installed by Wimmera Spas & Pools

5m Plunge with X-Trainer Spa in the colour Viridian. Pool installed by Gordon Ave Pools & Spas

8.2m Vogue Narrow with 2.5m beach in Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

: 6.2m Plunge with X-Trainer Spa in colour Viridian. Pool Installed by BG’s Pools & Spas

Infinity or Vanishing Edges: A spectacular out of ground pool customisation option

Infinity or vanishing edges are a fantastic way to showcase your out of ground pool against the backdrop of your surrounding landscape. Vanishing edges are created by removing one edge of your pool shell, allowing water to ‘overflow’ over the side and into a ‘hidden’ catchment tank below. One important thing to consider before purchasing a vanishing or infinity edged pool, is the initial and ongoing cost of running and install. One of the ongoing costs is the expense of continuously running water pumps to return the water from the catchment tank, back into your pool. Another expense is that if your infinity edged pool is heated, it will cost more to keep warm due to the constant return of cold water from the catchment tank into the main pool area. If you live in a hot or drought prone area, it is important to note that infinity edge pools are also prone to high levels of water evaporation due to the constant flow of water over the edge. This means that infinity edged pools may need to have their water topped up more frequently than traditional pools and if you live under water restrictions, you may exceed the level of water you are allowed to use for your pool. The final product of an infinity edge pool is spectacular, however the expenses of running these kinds of pools can be high. To overcome this Compass Pools has invented the acrylic edge fibreglass pool as an alternative, giving you the same high-quality look at a more affordable cost.

Acrylic Edges: Perfect for that high end look without the high-end price

Acrylic edge fibreglass pools are a fantastic option if you want to have the same high-quality look of a vanishing or infinity edged pool, but without the same ongoing hassle and running costs. An acrylic edge pool is designed to look as though one of the edges is non-existent or invisible by using an acrylic see through window along one edge of the pool. This mimics the effect of a vanishing or infinity pool as it looks as though there is no edge, creating a stunning visual flow from your pool area to your surrounding landscape. The beauty of an acrylic edge pool is that there is no catchment tank, so no ongoing costs of extra water or heat pumps, and no increased water evaporation- only the beautiful effect of a visually seamless pool. Contact your local Compass Pool Dealer to find out more today.

8m custom Fastlane in colour Quartz with acrylic panel. Pool installed by Compass Pools Melbourne

7.2m X-Trainer with Acrylic Panel in colour Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Sydney

10.2m Vogue with custom 8.6m Acrylic Panel in Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

Mix and Match: Enhance your backyard pool area through a combination of pool customisation options

With a Compass pool, you can combine almost any of these pool customisation options together- so why not mix and match? Your local pool builder is a professional at bringing visions to life, so contact them today to start planning your dream backyard pool area!

11.8m X-Trainer with X-Trainer Spa & Wader in the colour Pearl. Installed by Compass Pools Melbourne

10.2m X-Trainer in the colour Evolution with sunken sunpod and X-Trainer Spa. Pool installed by Aquastyle Pools

10m Fastlane with wader, beach bench and acrylic edge in colour Evolution. Pool installed by Compass Pools Melbourne.

The post Popular Pool Customisation Options for your Fibreglass Pool appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Below, we’ll go over all of the important factors you want to consider when you’re trying to decide between a plastic pool and something else. These include things like the biggest reasons you’d want a paddling pool, disadvantages, costs and more.

Defining a Plastic Pool

First, what is a plastic pool? If I ask you to imagine an inflatable pool, chances are you’re going to think of the tiny kid’s pools that younger children splash around in. However, there are current plastic pools large enough for several adults to sit comfortably in at one time.

The variety has also evolved over the years. The basic plastic pool is just an oversized paddling pool without many special features. Then, you can go a step or two up and get inflatable pools that have metal frames, or those that have a steel frame with numerous layers of plastic over it to create a more durable option. Vinyl pools are at the top of the plastic pool range, and you can install them above or in-ground. The more sophisticated your plastic pool gets, the more expensive it’ll be to install and maintain.

Five Big Reasons to Consider Getting a Plastic Pool

Why would someone go through all the trouble of investing in a blow-up swimming pool that will break down much quicker than something like a fibreglass one? There are several big reasons for this, and we’ve picked out the most important ones for you below.

1. Cost

As much as it stings, your budget plays a huge role in which pool you choose for your yard. Plastic pools are, in general, much more cost-effective than fibreglass or concrete ones upfront. Buying and installing them don’t cost nearly as much as it would if you went with something more durable. And, maintaining it won’t break your budget either. You can get a plastic pool for as little as $200 or less, and you can get one large enough at this price for the entire family to enjoy.

2. Convenience

Convenience is another big part of why people choose to buy blow-up swimming pools over something more durable and long-lasting. You can usually buy one of these pools, transport it to your home and set it up in your yard without the help of any pool specialists. Additionally, you most likely won’t need any further advice on how to maintain your pool. Some plastic pools don’t come with a pump system to worry about unless you start getting into the higher-end models. All of this boosts your savings and the convenience factor.

3. Easier Access

If you have a pool sitting above-ground, it can be difficult for smaller children to get in and out. Many plastic pools sit lower to the ground, and their walls can bend. As such, your kid can easily step or slide over the wall and into the pool. They can also get back out again without any huge fuss. Depending on the pool size, this also adds a safety element – inflatable pools usually aren’t as big as other types, so you won’t have to worry as much about your kid having an accident. You should monitor them constantly, though.

4. Instant Gratification

If you have kids at home that are too anxious to get in the pool, it can seem like it’s taking ages to fill up and get the water ready for swimming. Blow up swimming pools can give you a feeling of almost instant gratification. You bring one home, set it up, fill it with water and let your kid go. This is excellent for those hot and humid summer days where you just want to cool off and have a place to splash around and have fun right at the moment. Higher-end pools are slightly more complicated and can take more time to install.

5. Portability

Unlike some pools that don’t move once you get them in place, plastic pools are highly portable. You can easily drain them, fold them up and move them from space to space. This is a nice touch if you don’t have a concrete area for your pool to sit and you don’t want it in one place all summer. Most of them are relatively lightweight once emptied and dried, so it’s not too much for one or two people to move them to a new space or fold up to store for the winter months.

Plastic Pools and Safety

Unfortunately, it can be very easy to overlook the safety aspect of your plastic pool because it’s a portable, above-ground option. Your plastic pool has to meet Australian Standard 1926 if it’s over 300 mm deep. This standard dictates that you have to surround your plastic pool with a 1.2-metre-high fence on all sides, and every gate or door must self-latch or self-close.

The outside of the pool’s fence area has to have a non-climbable zone of 900 mm. Inside this 900 mm, you can’t have anything that anyone could climb on, such as furniture or rocks. The goal is to create a flat area that doesn’t allow someone to use it as a stand to climb over the fence.

Downsides of Blow Up Swimming Pools

Plastic Pool Alternatives

If an inflatable pool doesn’t sound like something feasible for your yard, there are several nice alternatives you can consider. They’ll generally last longer, and buying and maintaining them don’t have to break the bank. If space is an issue, consider installing a Little Pool. These are affordable, high-quality fibreglass pools. They have all of the latest technology available on the market incorporated into their design, making them a very safe and durable choice.

Little Pools are very compact, so it is easy to transport these plastic pool alternatives on trucks to your home. They also require very little site maintenance to prepare your yard. All you need to have is a level surface to set your pool. This could be straight on the ground, but a concrete slab is better. All you have to do is hook them up to electricity, fill them up and they’re ready to use. You get lighting, a filtration system, basic pool maintenance kit and more with each purchase. And, there are several colours and shapes available.

Little Pools are very affordable, and you won’t have to put in the same amount of maintenance to keep them looking nice day in and day out as you would a traditional pool. This results in more savings for you, and you can use your excess time to enjoy your pool to the fullest. Staying at home (and planning a staycation) near your Little Pool can be really relacing and exciting at the same time.

Another alternative is a plunge pool by Compass Pools. This pool is perfect for people who don’t have space for a traditional pool but want the durability that comes with having a fibreglass pool in their yard. This is another popular option because it can be very affordable in the long run. You will pay more upfront for them, but they pay for themselves because fibreglass can last for decades without any resurfacing required. The maintenance for a fibreglass pool is lower as well, and the fibreglass won’t erode due to the pool chemicals. It is still important you keep the chemicals well-balanced, though, to keep your pool healthy and safe.

Plunge pools come in eight different sizes, ranging from 2.85 m long and 2.1 m wide to 6.3 m long by 3.39 m wide. This gives you a slightly deeper pool that is very self-contained. They get up to 1.7 m deep, and this is more than deep enough for adults.

Compass Pools Has Fibreglass Pools That Will Last for Years

If you’re in the market for something slightly sturdier than a plastic pool, try Compass Pool’s fibreglass options. We have something for any aspiring pool owner, and our fibreglass pools are some of the best in Australia. They’re durable, and they have the best materials on the market incorporated into their design to ensure that you’re getting a lasting investment.

We’re dedicated to putting out quality products that encourage a love of swimming. Our blog features dozens of articles relating to everything about swimming and pools, and you can find great advice to help you get the most out of your new fibreglass pool.

Anyone who would like to know more about our line of compact pools should contact our expert team at your local Compass Pools dealership. We’re happy to answer your questions and guide you along to picking out the perfect pool for your space.

The post The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Plastic Pool appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

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If you’re one of the many people who have wondered how to get a swimmer’s body, this article is here to help you. You might not achieve an Olympic gold medal – but you’ll definitely impress a few people on the beach!

What makes a swimmer body?

If you have looked at champion swimmers, you will have noticed that the male swimmer’s body and the female swimmer’s body have a lot of things in common:

1. They’re tall

Top male and female swimmers all tend to be tall. Many female swimmers are around 1.83 metres in height, with male swimmers usually even taller. A tall physique helps to improve swimming performance for a number of reasons:

• If you’re tall, it takes less strength and effort to move through the water, so you can keep swimming for longer without getting tired.
• A longer length of swimmer results in reduced wave drag, so the shape of a taller swimmer is more efficient in the pool.

2 They have long limbs

The classic swimmer body has long limbs and a long torso, usually with big hands and feet. Large hands on the ends of long arms act like oars, pushing the swimmer through the water more effectively. Large feet also help with propulsion because they work like fins.

3. They are toned without bulky muscles

The swimmer physique tends to be lean and toned. The muscles are defined without being too bulky. Certain muscles are noticeably more defined than others. These are:

• Shoulders. We all associate the swimmer’s body with broad shoulders. This is because the shoulder muscles are developed by swimming strokes, such as freestyle, butterfly or backstroke.
• Triceps. These are the muscles in the arms used to propel you through the water. All swimmers have clearly defined triceps because they are developed by repetitive arm movements in the pool.
• Latissimus dorsi. The lats are the large muscles located in the middle of the back. These are used in all swimming strokes, and they help to create the classic swimmer physique of a V-shaped upper body.
• Abdominals. All swimming strokes use the core muscles, so swimmers’ abs tend to be highly defined.
• Legs. Swimmers’ legs are powerful and toned without bulky muscle. Strong legs are needed for effective starts and turns, as well as better movement through the water, but too much muscle will increase drag, slowing you down.

Swimmers are also associated with low body fat. Swimming is a great cardio workout that burns a lot of calories and speeds up your metabolism. This cuts down body fat and gives the appearance of a slimmer waist, which is something we also associate with the classic swimmer body.

How to get a swimmer’s body

It’s true that some of what makes a champion swimmer is impossible to achieve through training. Height, limb length and the size of your hands and feet are all determined by genetics, so no amount of exercise will change them.

However, no matter your natural shape and size, there are still a number of things you can do to achieve the lean, toned appearance of a top swimmer. Here are our three top tips for achieving a swimmers body.

1. Swim regularly

This should really go without saying. Achieving a swimmer body takes a lot of hard work in the pool! The top swimmers are practising their sport for several hours each day, perfecting their techniques and keeping themselves in top physical condition.

This results in the clearly defined muscles we all associate with a classic swimmers physique.

If you want to put the hours in, it helps if you have a pool in your backyard. This means you can swim in the privacy and comfort of your own property whenever you want, instead of having to wait to go to a public pool. If you’re serious about swimming, a lap pool would be the best choice for you.

It offers a long, unimpeded corridor of water specifically designed for swimming laps. There is nothing in the design that can get in the way of your swimming, and it’s relatively easy to find a size of lap pool that can fit into the dimensions of your backyard.

This makes it ideal for improving your technique and lap times, as well as developing that all-important swimmer body! Last but not least, what can be better than staycationing by your new Compas lap pool?

2. Do the right exercises

Champion swimmers’ entire lives are dedicated to becoming the best they can possibly be at their sport. But this doesn’t mean they spend all day, every day, swimming. They also hit the gym, usually every day, to improve their body strength and overall levels of fitness.

Most swimmers do regular weightlifting, as well as a combination of other exercises. These include:

• Warmups. Nobody should ever get into a swimming pool without warming up their muscles. A good warmup routine should include stretches, push-ups and sit-ups to improve strength and flexibility, as well as to help prevent you from getting cramps once you get into the pool.
• Planks. Planks are great for strengthening your shoulders, arms and upper body, as well as developing your core strength. When you regularly do planks alongside your swimming routine, you will start to see those highly defined abs that the swimmer physique is famous for!
• Core exercises. A strong core is essential for swimming as it gives you strength and stability in the water. Exercises such as leg lifts and V-sits are ideal for strengthening your core muscles and helping you to achieve a swimmers body.

These are all exercises requiring no equipment – you can easily do them at home or at the poolside before you swim. However, gym equipment can also play an important part in achieving the perfect swimmer body. Exercises you can do at the gym include:

• Rowing. Using a rowing machine is a great way to develop a swimmer physique. It exercises all the muscles you rely on for swimming – the arms, abs, back and legs, resulting in more tone and definition, and giving the appearance of an authentic swimmer body!
• Crunch presses. Combining crunches with dumbbell presses is an ideal exercise for the shoulders, resulting in that broad swimmer look.
• Pulldowns. Pulldowns to the neck and chest exercise the lats, giving strength to your swimming performance and helping you to look more like a swimmer with that V-shaped upper body.

Combine all of these exercises with regular swimming, and you’re well on your way to a swimmer’s body!

3. Eat properly

Swimming is an exercise that burns a lot of calories. If you want to look like a pro swimmer, you have to give your body enough fuel to sustain your training regime. But it isn’t enough simply to eat to transform your body to swimmer’s body – you have to consume a nutritious, balanced diet that gives your body exactly the right types of sustenance.

This means balancing your diet into three core groups:

• Carbohydrates. These are the main sources of energy that the body gets from food, and they tend to make up around 50 per cent of a top swimmer’s diet. Carbohydrates are sugars, starches and fibres that the body breaks down into energy. It is important to eat good carbohydrates, which can be found in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses.
• Proteins. Proteins improve the functions of the body’s organs and tissues. They are also essential for building muscle mass, which you need if you are sticking to an intensive training regime and trying to achieve a swimmers body. Top swimmers get around 25 per cent of their nutrition from protein, which can be found in eggs, milk, fish, nuts and seeds.
• Fats. Healthy fats are good for heart health and help to lower your cholesterol. The healthy fats you should be looking for are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Avocado, olives, peanut butter, tofu and sunflower seeds are all excellent sources of healthy fats.

With so much healthy food to choose from, it isn’t hard to create a balanced eating plan that’s delicious at the same time. As such, you can look forward to mealtimes knowing that you are helping to give yourself a swimmer body!

Find out more about how to get a swimmer’s body

If you’re feeling inspired by this article and can’t wait to get started on your new eating and exercise plan, that’s great! Here at Compass Pools, we’re passionate about promoting the many benefits of swimming for your health and wellbeing. This includes achieving the perfect physique you have always dreamed of!

For more tips, advice and news, keep checking out our blog. Or, if you are trying to find the perfect pool for your backyard, please contact us. With dealers located all over Australia, our team are always happy to help you find the right pool for you.

The post 3 Effective Steps to a Swimmer’s Body: Exercises for Swimmers and Beyond appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Swimming is one of the best all-round forms of exercise you can do, and it’s hugely popular all over Australia. But many swimmers, while enjoying the water, aren’t particularly confident or secure in their swimming technique. This insecurity can dissuade them from getting in the pool often enough to improve their swimming, and it can sometimes take the enjoyment out of the experience altogether.

If this applies to you, don’t worry! We have put together this article to help you learn how to swim better and feel more confident in the pool.

Reasons to practise swimming

There are loads of good reasons to improve your swimming and do more swimming practice. Swimming has a huge range of benefits for your physical and mental health. People who swim regularly notice a huge boost to their energy levels, a better quality of sleep and an improved level of overall fitness. They also feel healthier, more positive and less stressed, demonstrating what an important activity swimming can be for increasing your sense of wellbeing.

Some of the specific health benefits of swimming include:

• Exercise: Swimming is one of the best all-round forms of exercise you can take as it uses almost every muscle in the body. It’s a great way to get a swimmer´s body. Good for increasing strength, toning up and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also extremely beneficial for your cardiovascular health, protecting you against problems such as heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
• Relaxation: Swimming is highly beneficial for improving both mental and physical wellbeing as it promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This helps to reduce your blood pressure and alleviates the symptoms of anxiety and depression, enabling you to manage the stresses of everyday life more effectively.
• Recovery from injuries: Swimming is good for muscular injuries as it is a low-impact sport that you can enjoy at your own pace. You don’t have to put too much strain on yourself while strengthening your muscles and increasing your flexibility.

However, if you want to get maximum benefits and enjoyment from swimming, it is important to get your technique right. Here are our top tips for how to swim better. Improve your swimming with these six simple tips!

How to improve your swimming

Always warm-up

Getting in the pool with cold muscles is a recipe for disaster. You will not have the flexibility you need, and there is a risk of you getting cramps. A correct warmup involves a number of simple exercises that you can easily do at the poolside. Stretches, push-ups and sit-ups are ideal for warming up your muscles and increasing your overall strength and flexibility.

To give yourself an extra advantage, you might also want to do some planks and core exercises, just to keep all the muscles you need for swimming in great condition.

Structure your swimming practice sessions

Jumping into the water and splashing about can be loads of fun! But if you’re serious about improving your swimming technique, you need to structure your swimming practice sessions so you can get some real meaning out of them.

Start off by swimming 200 metres freestyle at a constant pace and pressure. Then help yourself to focus by concentrating on just your arms or legs. This helps you to understand your swimming technique better and create a strong rhythm.

The main part of your session should be dedicated to swimming laps. If you have a lap pool or other rectangular pool in your backyard, this is the ideal environment for learning how to swim better. You can concentrate on improving your lap times and strengthening your technique without any of the distractions and obstacles that you always find at a public pool. And, as you’re in the privacy of your own backyard, you won’t need to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about it!

While you’re swimming laps, try to use as few strokes per lap as possible. Remember, a champion swimmer can do an entire lap in around seven strokes! Nobody expects you to be that good, but aim for less than 20, only starting the next stroke when you start to slow down from the previous one. It’s all about using your body in the most efficient way and creating more length in the water – you might have noticed that the top swimmers all tend to be tall! Creating a longer shape will help you to push the water out of the way more efficiently so you can use less energy and swim for longer.

Finally, make sure you remember to warm down with some gentle swimming before getting out of the pool.

3. Work on your breathing to improve your swimming

Good breathing is key to improving your swimming. A lot of swimmers tend to waste breath by gasping for air every time their face reaches the surface between every stroke. Part of becoming a better swimmer is learning to breathe more efficiently, using the air properly and reducing your breaths to one every three strokes instead of every stroke. This will help to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders as it means you are breathing on alternate sides rather than relying too heavily on one side or the other side of your body.

Learning to breathe more efficiently will also help you to keep your head in the right position when swimming freestyle. Many swimmers tilt their heads too far upwards or hold them too high, causing the rest of their bodies to drop too low in the water. This throws your technique off-course and slows you down. When you’re not breathing, your head shouldn’t move at all – you only need to tilt it slightly to the side to breathe.

4. Get your whole body working together

If you watch a top swimmer, their arms, legs and torsos seem to work together in synchronicity, propelling them forward through the water with what looks like very little effort. This is because they are using their bodies in the most efficient way possible. As you practise swimming, this will become natural to you if you get used to using the right techniques.

Your body position should be as straight as possible from your head to your hips so it can turn into each stroke to add more power. Keep your head low as this will keep your torso in a more streamlined position and reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. Doing this reduces drag and makes swimming easier. You should only tilt your head when you need to breathe.

Use your arms and hands like oars to pull your body through the water. If you hold your hands in a broad, flat position, this will help you to use your entire forearm to dig into the water, keeping your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm. At the same time, your abs and your lower back muscles should be taut as this will help you to propel yourself through the water using your arms and legs.

When it comes to your legs, it’s all down to the way you kick. Keep your leg muscles taut and your feet flexible so they can act like fins. If your feet aren’t particularly flexible, investing in a pair of swimming fins can really help your swimming performance. Small, fast kicks tend to work best as this technique gives your body stability in the water and prevents your legs from causing drag.

5. Work on your different strokes

Most swimmers tend to swim freestyle, so the majority of swimming practice advice is based around this stroke. But there are plenty of other swimming styles to choose from. It is important to be aware of all of them and work on your technique if you really want to be a better swimmer.

Here are some simple tips to consider when swimming in different styles:

Breaststroke

Your arms and legs have to work together here, but it is important to work on them separately if you really want to get your technique right. This is a stroke that requires a lot of coordination, so make sure you have the correct technique for your arms and legs so they can work in synchronicity.

One common mistake that swimmers make when swimming breaststroke is that they pull their arms back too far on each stroke, sometimes reaching almost to the hips. You will be more successful swimming in this style if you use shorter, more powerful arm movements that don’t even reach as far as your torso.

Backstroke

Many people think of backstroke as quite relaxing as it allows you to watch the world go by as you swim. But if you’re serious about becoming a better swimmer, you need to think about the different elements of the stroke so you can achieve more power. Backstroke can actually be one of the hardest strokes to get right.

The arm movement is particularly important here as it needs to come from your shoulders in a fluid, rolling movement. When your hand comes out of the water, your thumb should emerge first. Your arm then needs to twist mid-stroke so your pinky finger goes back into the water first.

Another helpful hint when swimming backstroke is to keep your head low and in a relaxed position. Many swimmers hold their heads too high when swimming this stroke, causing the body to be in an uncomfortable position – the upper body will be too high and the lower body too low. This creates a lot of drag, so it is important to keep your head low, making yourself more streamlined and also more comfortable.

Butterfly

The butterfly is all about the arms pulling you through the water. You should pull with your arms once for every two kicks. This synchronisation can be difficult to get right. It can be a good idea to practise with one arm at a time – do one lap just using your left arm and your legs, then another lap with just your right arm and your legs, before putting the whole thing together.

Doing one-arm drills will help you to keep your body in a more stable position and ensure that your arms are pulling with equal strength. This will result in a more balanced stroke, which is easier for you and looks better, too!

Flip turns

One simple way to improve your swimming is to master the flip turn. This is the way of turning in the water that top swimmers use at the end of each lap so they don’t have to stop swimming between laps. Mastering this technique will vastly improve your swimming and quicken your lap times as there is no pause between laps.

If you can do a somersault in the water, you can do a flip turn. It is important not to look at the wall as you approach it. If you look at the wall, you will slow yourself down by keeping your head up and also worry yourself about making the turn in time. Instead, look down at the bottom of the pool. Start to turn a half somersault when you see the “T” shape on the floor of the pool that marks the end of the lane.

Tuck your chin in, kick hard once and pull your arms down until they are at your sides. Then tuck your knees up to your chest and push with your arms to roll you over onto your back. At this point, when your half somersault is complete, stretch your arms over your head with your hands together pointing into the pool, away from the wall. Uncurl your upper body so it is in a streamlined “torpedo” shape. Extend your legs so your feet are planted on the wall, with your knees and hips at 90-degree angles.

Push off from the wall using your legs and feet so your whole body is now in a straight streamlined shape. You should still be on your back at this point. Use dolphin kicks or flutter kicks to propel you, and twist your whole body to one side so you roll over onto your front. Keep your body in a straight line the whole time to maintain as much momentum as possible.

6. Improve your swimming practice with the right pool

If you really want to improve your swimming and you don’t currently have your own pool, having your own pool can be a great investment. It is so much easier to practise swimming when you have a pool in your backyard – you can just step out of the door and into the water, any time you choose. There’s no more need to wait for public pool opening times; you can get some practice in before work or enjoy a dip to relax you at the end of a busy day. Or spend the holidays at home and swim as much as you like!

With so many pool shapes and sizes to choose from, it is easy to find a pool that can fit into your backyard and fit in with your lifestyle. The expert team here at Compass Pools Australia are always happy to help you find the perfect pool for you. Please contact your nearest dealership, and our friendly team will be glad to discuss your requirements.

For more swimming news and tips, check out our blog, which is regularly updated with articles about swimming and pools. We want to help you become the best swimmer you can be, and encourage a lifelong love of swimming for all!

The post 6 Top Tips for Getting Better at Swimming appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Just like any kind of sport, you need to warm up your body and always make sure it’s ready for any tedious activity. For golf, you would need to perform golf exercises, for basketball, you need to exert effort in circuit training, but since swimming is a watersport, exercises tend to be more difficult, but we’ll help you through it in this article.

There are several exercises to improve swimming available, and we’ll outline how you can use them to get better at swimming. Also, the type of pool you use can impact whether or not you swim better – we’ll go over several that are excellent choices below. Read on to get to our tips for getting better at swimming now!

Three Easy Exercises to Improve Swimming

You can focus on one area at a time to help you learn how to swim better. Dedicate time to each area of your body, and go as quickly or as slowly as you like.

1 – Planks

You don’t have to do all of your exercises in the pool to strengthen your body. One effective way to strengthen your glutes, arms, shoulders, upper and lower body is with planks. Position yourself like you’re going to attempt a pushup with your arms grounded slightly wider than your shoulders. Squeeze your glutes to stabilise yourself and use your toes to hold your feet. Your head should be in line with your back, and you hold this position for 20 seconds. Your legs shouldn’t hold any of the pressure. Planks, loved and recommended by (almost) all PTs, can significantly help you with getting better at swimming.

2 – Warmups

Before you get into the pool, you should be performing warmups to loosen your muscles up. This session should stay under 30 minutes. Do prone holds, stretch your hamstrings, do push-ups, burpees, and sit-ups. You can do this right alongside the pool, or you can do it in your home before getting into your pool. This reduces the risk of developing cramps.

3 – Core Exercises

Your core is the one place that will go through the biggest workout when you swim, so it makes sense to strengthen it any way you can. Start with the bird dog position. Get on your hands and knees and make your spine flat. Extend your right leg and left arm out, keeping them below your spine. Hold this position for five seconds before switching limbs. For V-sits, start in a seated position before raising your legs to a 45° angle. Extend your arms out to your knees and hold for 30 seconds. Strengthening can contribute to you getting better at swimming.

Six Big Benefits of Exercising in the Pool

There are several benefits that come with exercising in the pool or any body of water. These benefits are why many forms of therapy take place in the water, especially if people have injuries and they need to restrengthen their muscles. We’ve picked out the biggest ones and outlined them below.

• Low Impact – Unlike traditional exercise that can put more stress on your joints, swimming is very low impact. Water gives you buoyancy. This means you float once you enter the water. When you do your exercises, the water will save your joints from excess stress and reduce your risk of injury.
• Built-In Resistance – When you push against the water, you meet resistance. This resistance makes your body work harder to complete whatever exercise routine you have set up. You can adjust your resistance level depending on what you’re doing and the water depth. Deeper water has more resistance than more shallow water.
• Slowly Increase the Intensity – Water exercising is beginner-friendly. It allows you to start out slow and gradually work your way up to more complicated routines. To do this, you increase your time in the pool and take shorter rest breaks between exercise sets. You can also go to a greater resistance level.
• Tones Muscles – Working out in the water allows you to tone a huge range of muscles that you may not work out if you exercise on land. You can focus on more than one muscle group at once as well, and it helps keep your joints nimble because it’s so low-impact.
• Whole Body Support – No one wants to hurt their back because this can set you up for a lifetime of problems. Water exercises help to protect your body, particularly your back and spine. The water will support your weight and keep it off of your spine.
• Heart Healthy – Swimming laps, water jogging, or other water exercises are all aerobic. They get your heart pumping faster and encourage your vascular system to work. In turn, this can improve your heart health. Water also has a naturally cooling effect that lets you exercise for longer periods without feeling uncomfortably hot or sweaty.

Consider Investing in a Lap Pool

Lap pools are designed for swimming and swimming laps in your own lap pool can become an excellent way of getting better at swimming. We have several great lap pool models available at Compass Pools. They feature a narrow design that fits into more versatile areas, and they’re big enough to help you practice your swimming strokes. You can have this pool right outside your door, and this gives you the freedom to practice your swimming in the comfort of your own home. Spend the holidays at home and swim every day!

First up is the Fastlane lap pool design. This pool is excellent for serious swimmers because it offers lengths up to 30m. There are also two standard lengths coming in at 12 and 10m. This is more than enough space to help you clean up your strokes and improve your swimming speed. The flat bottom allows you to swim unhindered, and you can add optional external steps in several places along the pool wall.

Locate Your Nearest Compass Pools Dealer to Design Your Lap Pool

If you’re ready to try getting better at swimming in your own home, locate a Compass Pools dealer near you. They’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and help you decide which lap pool would work best for your needs. With dozens of colours and sizes available, you’ll get a pool you can’t wait to use for years to come!

The post 3 Exercises for Getting Better at Swimming appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Why Pool Water Circulation is Important

What happens when water stands still? It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and algae, and it can look cloudy, muddy or dirty. Debris gathers in these stagnant areas, and it creates an environment that isn’t healthy for anyone to swim in.

The water also won’t be evenly distributed throughout the pool. This can cause chemical imbalances, leading to dirty or cloudy water. Also, you’ll spend more money trying to balance out the chemicals in your water, not to mention the waste.

Proper pool circulation takes care of all of these issues. It pushes the water through your filter system to catch and screen out dirt, bugs, grass and any other particles in the water. It can even get rid of the oils left by your skin or cosmetics. As long as your swimming pool circulation system is in good shape, it’ll help your water stay clear throughout the season.

How Pool Water Circulation Works

Pool circulation starts in your pump. You need to select the correct pump for your pool size and water volume, to ensure that it can cycle the water through several times a day. The pump connects to a horizontal hose that runs to your pool’s skimmer. Once you switch the pump on, it’ll create suction that starts to pull the water through the skimmer.

There is a vertical hose on top of your pump that will connect to your filter system. The water will travel through the skimmer and pump before entering the filtering area. The filter is the component that will screen out the debris and microscopic particles that could turn your water cloudy. A second hose connects to the pump’s exit and pulls the clean water back into the swimming pool.

When the water travels back into the swimming pool, it’ll circulate throughout it and mix with any chemicals you add into the water. It’ll spread the chemicals out in the pool and evenly distribute them. If you don’t have a pool circulation system, you have to drain and refill it on a weekly basis.

Pool Circulation Technology: Old Versus New

An old-fashioned eyeball and skimmer system works to clean the surface of the pool. This traditional water circulation system uses a pool skimmer box and a pump. The pump draws the water through the pool filter box before it returns it to the pool jets (eyeballs). These eyeballs are only 30 to 60cm below the water’s surface, and so only clean the shallower section of the water, leaving other areas untouched.

But new technology goes further than this. This technology allows for you to circulate and clean all of the water in your pool, and not just the surface.

At Compass Pools, we offer the Vantage cleaning system. This is an in-floor cleaning system that uses a series of nozzles embedded in the pool’s floor. They lay flat when you don’t use them, so they are out of the way. When you switch them on, the nozzles move to point upward and shoot the clean water towards the surface of the pool. This moves the water in a circular motion that drives it through the cleaning system.

Another option you have available to you is the Logic water circulation system. This system incorporates a skimmer and two wall drains. Once the water passes through the skimmer, the clean water is returned through the swing jets and is evenly distributed to every area of your pool.

How to Avoid Pool Circulation Problems

There are several things you can do to avoid pool circulation problems. First, you want to ensure you set up a proper cleaning routine for your pump and filter system. Even newer technology requires routine cleaning to keep it working in top shape.

To start, make a point to clean your pool pump filter at least once a week. If you notice that your water pressure has dropped, you may have to clean them sooner because there is a clog somewhere that stops the water from flowing through.

If your swimming pool has a cartridge filter, you’ll have to routinely spray it out. This will get rid of a lot of the trapped debris or particles and make it easier for the water to flow through. You should replace your filters every two to four weeks, based on your manufacturer’s instructions.

You may also want to backwash your filter system. When you backwash it, you make the water go through the system in the opposite direction than it would during normal operation. This can help dislodge any stuck-in debris or clogs, and the backwashed water is directed to the drainage port.

Maintain your pool’s recommended water levels. Ideally, the water levels will reach halfway up the skimmers. If they don’t, it can decrease the amount of water your system can screen. If there is too much water, you can overwhelm your system and harm circulation. This can also make it difficult to balance the chemicals in the pool water.

Locate Your Local Compass Pools Dealer Today!

Would you like to know more about the Vantage or Logic pool circulation system? Come and visit your nearest Compass Pools dealer. We are looking forward to helping you select the best pool water circulation system for your new Compass fibreglass pool!

The post Easy Ways to Improve Your Swimming Pool Circulation appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Compass Customers Love Their Self-Cleaning Pools

Learn why it’s so much easier to maintain your pool if you opt in for the Vantage self-cleaning pool system, unique to Compass Pools!

More about the Compass self-cleaning pool

The post Swimming Pool Maintenance for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Compass Customers Love Their Self-Cleaning Pools

Learn why it’s so much easier to keep your pool clean if you opt in for the Vantage self-cleaning pool system, unique to Compass Pools!

More about the Compass self-cleaning pool

Compass Customers Love Their Self-Cleaning Pools

Learn why it’s so much easier to keep your pool clean if you opt in for the Vantage self-cleaning pool system, unique to Compass Pools!

More about the Compass self-cleaning pool

The post 6 Useful Tips for a Clean Pool appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

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It’s not as simple as asking how much a swimming pool will cost, as clearly there are many different sizes, shapes and specifications of pools. There are a few basic rules, for example pool prices will vary according to the size and style you go for. Total above ground pool prices installed could, in fact, really surprise you if they’re an option you hadn’t considered before! The cost will also depend on whether you’ll decide to go for a DIY pool installation or you’ll go with a professional pool builder.

Groundwork

The cost of groundwork to prepare your area for your pool is a factor that can vary greatly according to the challenges presented by your site and the amount of time it takes to overcome them.

If you are planning an inground pool, this could be the most expensive option. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact figure for this, as it will depend on the total amount of labour hours spent on preparing your area and equipment hire, such as diggers.

Above ground swimming pools prices can, in certain cases, represent a more affordable option, and are worth investigating if creating an inground pool would involve a lot of work on a difficult site. For example, if you have difficult access or rocky ground on site, you can take advantage of Compass Pools’ unique Maxi Rib technology to provide an appropriate level of support. Generally, though, because of the more expensive fibreglass pool shell and more demanding landscaping, a high-quality above ground pool can be cost more than a standard inground option.

Pool

It’s hard to give an estimate of an inground pool. Prices will vary greatly according to the size and shape of your pool.

One way to know for sure how much your pool will set you back is to purchase a prefabricated fibreglass pool shell.

Compass Pools provides a wide range of sturdy, hygienic and long-lasting pool shells to suit a variety of backyard sites, design aspirations and styles. Ranging from a 12.34 m long Fastlane lap pool to a compact 2.8 m plunge pool perfect for small plots, you will find a pool to suit your lifestyle and budget.

For more elaborate projects, for example for infinity pool prices, expect to pay more to reflect the extra work involved. In fact, an infinity pool is one of the most costly pools, adding up to $35,000 to a pool project, with the total setting you back up to $70,000+ for the pool shell and installation alone. This cost is due to the specialised nature of the infinity pool – you will need a special edge to your top pool and the addition of a hiding pool to accommodate the water that flows over the infinity edge.

Concrete pool cost tends to come in at more than fibreglass shells due to the more complex nature of their design and installation. You will also find that you are hit with higher maintenance costs with a concrete pool, and on average you will have to have it resurfaced once every 15 years.

Another factor to consider if you are thinking about a concrete pool is whether your soil is stable enough to accommodate it. If not, this could be a very costly mistake. It’s worth bearing in mind that a fibreglass pool has the ability to move with the soil, so it is a safe bet wherever you live.

Trades

Your pool installer will provide the expertise to safely install your pool and in most cases, he will provide tradespeople to complete the works once the pool is situated on the block.

You’ll need a plumber to connect the pipe from your filter to your discharge point, and possibly also to carry out drainage on site. To give you a starting point, the average cost of a plumber per hour is $75 per hour for a master plumber.

Next, you will need an electrician to provide circuit-to-pool equipment, with heat pumps and control systems being hard wired. Electricians charges can oscillate around $85 per hour.

Paving or decking

Once your pool is safely installed, you will need to finish off the surrounding area to make it a suitable place to relax and enjoy your new feature.

If you go for paving, you can work out a price based on a range of $35-$60 per coping paver. If you’re after a rough estimate at this stage for a 7 m swimming pool, it would be wise to budget between $6,000 and $10,000 for paving, including some extra for a seating area.

There are other options besides paving, of course. Decking is popular and stylish. The average cost for the materials for a standard size deck is between $3,400 and $6,500, but of course, this can vary wildly according to the type of material – treated pine is very affordable, or you can splash out on hardwoods such as spotted gum or merbau.

Artificial turf is another practical option, and you will find this good value for money, so for each square meter expect to pay around $80.

Remember you will also have to factor in labour costs to install any of the above materials.

Fencing and safety features

Australian regulations state that fencing is a safety requirement around pools, so this is a cost you won’t be able to avoid.

Again, the cost depends on what sort of material you choose for your fencing. The price is around $200 per metre for timber fencing, up to $600 per metre for glass fencing.

If you’re on a tight budget, you could go for aluminium fencing which is around $150 per metre.

Pool house

An optional extra is a pool house to provide shelter and shade when you’re having a break from the pool.

Like many other items, the cost will depend on how elaborate a model you choose. A simple timber pergola is often a good place to start. For an average-sized pergola of 5 m by 3 m, you could pay around $2,550 for one fashioned from treated pine, while an insulated model made of hardwood would set you back in the region of $3,750.

Pool landscaping

Landscaping around your pool area can be as simple or as complex as you like. For the lower end of the budget scale, you could spend a few hundred dollars on foliage that thrives in pool areas and plant it up yourself, perhaps splashing out for some extras like gravel or ornaments.

At the other end of the spectrum, a full landscape of your pool area with copious, plants and trees, and other elements such as garden ornaments, sculpture or other such accessories could set you back tens of thousands of dollars.

Accessories

It’s not just about the pool…think of the loungers or deck chairs you will need to fully enjoy your new feature, as well as other furniture, such as outdoor tables or sofas, and even maybe a fire pit or some striking sculptures. The sky is really your limit here, and a conservative estimate of the minimum you would spend on some simple loungers or chairs would be in the region of a few hundred dollars.

Heating

The cost of heating your pool is an ongoing one. Unless you live in one of Australia’s hottest climate zones, you will need to heat your pool to make it useable during the cooler months of the year.

Of course, solar heating is the most reasonable way of funding your heating costs. In this case, the cost to set up your solar heating system would be up to $4,500, with running costs of approximately $250 a year – as you can see, it’s a pretty good value for your money.

Running costs for other systems would average at around $500 to $1000 for electrical heating and $500 to $1,500 for gas heating. The prices and running cost vary according to the climate and size of your pool. Please refer to our Pool heating article for more insights into different pool heating systems.

Chemicals

Another ongoing cost is that of the chemicals (usually chlorine) needed to keep your pool sanitised. This tends to be around $100 per year. Note that how often you need to top up your pool chemicals will depend on how often you use the pool and whether you cover it when not in use.

Filtration system

Your filtration system is essential to keep your pool safe and free from debris such as leaves, dirt or anything else that makes its way into your pool. You will have a choice of a regular cartridge filter, a sand filter or a glass filter. The one factor to bear in mind here is that a cartridge filter requires more maintenance than the other types.

The typical cost to install a filter system is around $1,500-$3,000, which includes the plumber and electrician fees. Then you have to factor in the cost of running your system. On average, the cost of running your filtration equipment will be approximately $0.50-$1.00 per hour depending on your energy provider.

Typically, you will need to run your filtration system for six to eight hours per day in the summer months, and up to four hours per day in winter, but you may need to alter this according to the size of your pool, how heavily it is used and weather conditions.

An economy pump that runs at different speeds could save you up to as much as 60% off your bill, or you could work your system only in off-peak periods to slash your bill even further.

Cleaning

For cleaning – an absolutely vital part of your pool care programme – you have a number of choices: robotic systems, cleaning your pool yourself or having it cleaned by a professional team for a monthly fee, to name three of these.

A robotic cleaner will set you back in the region of $1,500. They are pretty efficient, working independently of your pool filtration system, and can even be controlled by your smartphone.

It’s hard to put a figure on the cost of employing a professional to come and clean your pool on a regular basis so it’s probably worth you doing a bit of research in your local area or asking neighbours for recommendations if they already have a pool.

One way to avoid cleaning costs is to purchase a Compass Pools self-cleaning pool. The cost of the self-cleaning system is built into the price of the pool you purchase, so you won’t have to find extra money in your budget for this.

The system is pretty ingenious. It’s based on circulating the water, keeping it debris-free, safe and clean. Nozzles embedded in the floor of your pool keep the water circulating around the pool, ensuring that water is distributed evenly from top to bottom keeping the temperature constant and spreading chemicals to eliminate bacteria evenly throughout the pool.

One of the great advantages of this system is that your bacteria-killing chemicals will work more efficiently, therefore saving you money. In terms of power, it’s also affordable to run.

They also work automatically every day, so their operation takes up very little of your time and thought, which is not the case with robotic cleaners which you will have to unpack and set up on each occasion.

The verdict

It’s really tricky to put a price on the total cost of a pool project without looking at every aspect of your lifestyle, design dreams and choices. As a very rough figure, for a fibreglass pool installed by professionals, you would need to allocate between $45,000 to $75,000 with very basic landscaping. Of course, this figure will vary according to what accessories and extras you choose, and also the level of landscaping you opt for. For an above ground infinity pool, you should expect to pay between $70,000 to $110,000.

The best way to get a feel of how much a pool project will set you back is to ask the experts and get a quote based on your individual circumstances and choices. Contacting a Compass Pools dealer is the first step in your exciting journey to pool ownership, and a lifetime of enjoyment.

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Lap pools are long, slim pools whose primary function is to allow you to swim laps, as their name suggests.

They are an excellent addition to anyone’s backyard, allowing you to exercise at home whenever you want, and obviously perfect for anyone who enjoys clocking up those laps around the pool!

You may be surprised to learn that lap pool size is variable, so even smaller backyards would be able to accommodate one of the more compact pools.

Lap pools can be inground or above ground, making them a versatile and stunning feature for any backyard.

Built to similar quality standards as regular pools, lap pools are becoming increasingly popular as a way to enjoy your favourite exercise at home.

Why are they popular?

Lap swimming is a much-loved sport and leisure activity in Australia, and of course, we have the perfect climate to make it possible to enjoy outdoors! This makes lap pools an increasingly popular choice for homeowners.

Ideal for its promotion of cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, swimming is an all-rounder. It also brings benefits for mental wellbeing and relaxation.

Lap pools are perfect for teaching kids to swim, given their narrow widths and resting ledges to give them a breather as they learn.

Having a lap pool in your backyard is also something of a statement: no matter which length you choose, the result will be a stunning addition to your home. Lap pools regularly feature in lifestyle media and are a sought-after design statement for those with impeccable taste.

Types of lap pools

You can opt for either an above ground lap pool or in-ground lap pool, which will usually be made from a fibreglass shell or constructed on site from concrete.

Compass Pools Australia provides a wide choice of lap pool designs.

The Fastlane pool is perfect for serious swimmers with its unobstructed swimming corridor. It offers an attractive feature for your backyard, with customisable options such as a range of vivid colours to really make a statement.

Compass Pools Australia offer a range of Fastlane fibreglass lap pools at two standard sizes: 10.34 m x 2.78 m and 12.26 m x 2..78 m. We also have the ability to tailor make a lap pool to fit your backyard, up to 30 m in length. Or, if you have a smaller outside area, they can be scaled down to even 6 m or 8 m in length.

The shells of our Fastlane fibreglass lap pool shells are almost 1.5 m deep, which is perfect for jumping into, swimming laps, and using it for relaxation.

Meanwhile, the X-Trainer pool is a great solution for families. Its wide steps and ledges make it easy for children to get in and out. Its shallow-to-deep floor and slip-resistant surfaces are also fantastic additional features. It goes without saying that it boasts an unobstructed swimming corridor for those serious about exercise. Customisable options are also available.

Finally, the Vogue pool is practical on many levels, with an unobstructed swimming corridor as well as central entry steps, wide step ledges at both ends, and a step ledge providing a safe place for children or less-confident swimmers to relax. Its contemporary design makes it a stylish addition to your backyard.

Why choose a lap pool with fibreglass shell?

Fibreglass shells for lap pools offered by Compass Pools Australia are high quality, durable and low maintenance, holding on to their stunning appearance for years.

Installation is made easier with the shell delivered directly to your property.

As mentioned previously, fibreglass lap pools come in two standard sizes or can be customised bigger or smaller depending on the space available in your backyard.

One great advantage of using fibreglass is that its surface is resistant to both bacteria and algae, making it a safe and hygienic option. It’s also able to resist chemicals such as chlorine, as well as diverse weather conditions.

What’s more, fibreglass lap pools will not require repainting or resurfacing, making them ideal for people with busy lives.

Concrete lap pools

It is also possible to create a lap pool using concrete. This is a flexible option, as you can customise the design according to your taste, and also be an asset if your backyard is difficult to access for delivery of a fibreglass shell.

Concrete lap pools are best suited to sites that are difficult to access and that would struggle to accommodate delivery of a fibreglass shell.

If you opt for a concrete lap pool, there is plenty of flexibility and you will be able to contribute your ideas to its design.

They are also great for irregular or hard-to-work-with ground as they can be customised to suit the terrain.

It’s worth knowing that as a material, concrete is more susceptible to bacteria and algae due to its porousness.

What features can I expect with a lap pool?

The step ledges and wide steps of the lap pools described above make them perfect for families and for relaxation, while the unobstructed swimming corridors ensure they are suitable for serious exercise.

Choosing a fibreglass shell will mean you can customise your colours and can be assured that you have invested in a long-lasting and practical pool with a minimum of maintenance.

The Vantage self-cleaning system, using a series of efficient cleaning nozzles, will keep your pool in top condition with a minimum of effort.

Did you know that your lap pool can double up as a spa? The versatility of a Compass Pools model means that you can customise your pool, adding jets to transform it into a relaxing spa, perfect for hydrotherapy or aquatic exercise. The wide steps and ledges allow you to sit back and enjoy the soothing water.

Why would a lap pool work for us?

Lap pools are so versatile – serving the serious swimmer who enjoys clocking up the laps to those who simply want to relax and enjoy the water. They are also perfect for anyone who enjoys gentle aquatic exercise such as aqua aerobics or water walking, as well as soothing away aches and pains.

Thanks to their slim dimensions, they can fit even into smaller backyards and combined with thoughtful landscaping, provide a stunning focal point.

The fact that lap pools can be self-cleaning is often a deciding factor for families with busy lives.

Why do they look good?

Lap pools are distinctive for their long, narrow silhouette, creating a feeling of elegance in your backyard.

Because the fibreglass shells provided by Compass Pools Australia are customisable, you can even extend the length of your lap pool to create a truly stunning feature.

What you do with the surrounding area can also produce a stunning effect. Decking or tiling around the pool will give your backyard a relaxed vibe, while the plants, trees and flowers you choose to enhance your pool area can produce any effect you want, be it tropical, Mediterranean. or contemporary.

Lap pool ideas – landscaping

As mentioned above, you can opt for decking around your pool to give the area an inviting feeling and encourage long, lazy hours of lounging by the pool with family and friends.

Tiling adds a sophisticated feel to your pool area. Try pure white or off-white tones to recreate the feel of a Mediterranean retreat, or more vibrant tones for a Moroccan vibe.

Safety features including gates and railings can blend into the environment while providing total peace of mind.

Your choice of planting around the pool area is key. You can go full-on with dramatic grasses and bamboo to give you an instant burst of greenery. Cactuses and succulents can provide interesting shape to your pool area, while bougainvillea will provide vibrant colour, and lavender will scent the air with its relaxing fragrance.

Lap pool prices

A fibreglass lap pool represents a value-for-money choice, allowing you the freedom to exercise whenever you want in your own backyard.

A standard fibreglass pool from Compass Pools Australia will range from $45,000 to $75,000, depending on the options you choose to go with it.

If you’re looking for an individualised lap pool that joins two or three standard pools together, then expect to pay around $95,000 to $130,000, depending on your package.

Remember to factor into your budget items such as landscaping, decking, and safety features such as gates. Learn more about the cost of your pool project here.

What next?

Make sure you check out your local council approval requirement, as well as there are any preservation orders on trees that will need to be cleared before you start work. You can also find out whether any cables or pipes run under your planned pool area by consulting your site map.

Lap pool design inspirations Melbourne

If you live in the Melbourne area, you have the perfect climate to enjoy a beautiful lap pool all year round, or simply to sit around and take in the relaxing atmosphere on cooler days. Think about installing a heating system, so you can enjoy your pool even in less summery weather.

Check out the details on safety standards for swimming pools in Melbourne here before you embark on your dream project.

Then all that remains is for you to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will be able to efficiently install your above ground pool with the minimum of hassle. Compass Pools Melbourne service all Melbourne suburbs. Gordon Ave Pools & Spas are your Compass fibreglass pool builder for Geelong and adjunct areas.

Lap pool installations Sydney

Sydney offers a warm and pleasant climate nearly all year round, and any backyard would benefit from a stunning lap pool. Because there is plenty of sunshine, the most efficient way of heating your pool in the cooler months is with solar heating, so you may want to factor this into your budget.

Find out about the safety standards regarding pool fencing and gating for the Sydney area before you start. You can find out the details here.

The final piece of the jigsaw is to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will start making your pool dream a reality. Local Pools & Spas are your fibreglass pool builder for southern Sydney suburbs. If you are located to the north of Sydney CBD, talk to Compass Pools Sydney.

Lap pool designs Brisbane

Brisbane’s sultry climate makes it an ideal location to install a striking lap pool in your backyard. Blessed with all-year-round balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, Brisbane is an ideal location for you to install a stylish, practical lap pool.

You will need to be fully aware of safety regulations, which you can find here, before you start your project.

Now you’re ready to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will get your inground or above ground pool lap pool up and running in no time!

The post Lap pools: the lap of luxury appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

They are ideal for aquatic exercise and hydrotherapy, or simply to soak away the cares of the day. They are also favoured by people who enjoy a rigorous workout, as they provide the perfect, relaxing environment to unwind in after intense exercise.

They can be installed above or in-ground, and because of their smaller size, they are cost-effective and a great solution for someone who has limited space and budget.

Plunge pools are built to the same high standards as regular-sized pools, and the beauty of them is they come with seating and so are the perfect environment for relaxing and enjoying the water.

Why are plunge pools so popular?

Australian plunge pools are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as new build homes jostle for less and less space.

Their compactness and versatility mean they are perfect in a smaller backyard and have cheaper running costs than normal sized pools.

Design-wise, they add an attractive and striking aspect to your backyard, creating a truly luxurious feel within a small footprint. For anyone who thought a backyard pool was beyond their wildest dreams…think again!

The icing on the cake is that small pools such as plunge pools are environmentally friendly, using up less water and fewer chemicals than conventional pools.

Types of plunge pools

Plunge pools can be installed above ground or in-ground, and are usually made from a fibreglass shell or constructed on site from concrete.

In terms of dimensions, plunge pools tend to be between 2.85 and 7 metres long, with depths up to 1.42 metres, lending themselves to many water activities and perfect for gentle relaxation.

Plunge pools with fibreglass shells

Plunge pools are available with fibreglass shells, such as those provided by Compass Pools. This long-lasting material is the same as that used for regular pools, so rest assured that the quality will not disappoint. Fibreglass also retains its good looks over time, so you can enjoy an attractive, low-maintenance feature for many years to come.

The ready-made fibreglass shell will be delivered directly to your backyard ready for installation.

Fibreglass shells can be provided in a range of designs and shapes, with customisable options for landscaping around the area.

One of their winning features is their algae- and bacteria-resistant surface, making them easy to keep clean and fresh. The material is also hardy enough to withstand constant contact with pool-cleaning chemicals and all the weather conditions the Australian climate can throw at it!

There is no requirement to resurface or repaint your fibreglass plunge pool, making them a low-maintenance, attractive and durable choice that should last for many years to come.

Concrete plunge pools

Plunge pools can also be made from concrete, constructed on site so that you have a say in the result concerning design and looks.

If you have a backyard that’s irregular in shape, this can be a good way forward, as the pool can be customised to suit the terrain.

You can tailor your concrete plunge pool with a tiled or painted finish, and just like the fibreglass versions, concrete pools can come with self-cleaning systems to make life easy.

Be aware that because concrete is a porous material, it is more vulnerable to algae and bacteria.

What features can I expect with a plunge pool?

As mentioned above, many plunge pools come with seating built in, making it possible to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing effects of water.

If you choose a fibreglass shell, you can easily customise your pool by choosing from a range of colours, from deep blues to greys and sand.

An optional extra is spa jets, which are especially appropriate if you are intending to use your plunge pool as part of hydrotherapy to soothe aching joints and limbs, for example.

You can also install a self-cleaning and circulation system with a series of cleaning nozzles, which is a great asset to keep your pool sparkling clean. As they are often installed on small plots, your pool will be visible from the house, so keeping your plunge pool pristine is always a good look.

Why would a plunge pool work for us?

A plunge pool provides the perfect environment for all the family to relax and let off steam.

Of course, their star feature is their compact size, making them increasingly popular in built-up environments where space is at a premium. They can fit comfortably into small backyards, and indeed provide an attractive focal point from all areas of your yard or house. Combined with clever landscaping, they make a truly stunning and unique feature of your home.

While you may not be able to swim laps in a plunge pool, if you enjoy gentle exercise one of these small but perfectly formed pools will provide the perfect environment for activities such as aqua aerobics, water walking and stretching. You can even add jets giving you a current to push against! For anyone who is reluctant to exercise, they can be a game changer, persuading them that activity really is fun!

And if anyone in the family suffers from conditions such as arthritis, a plunge pool is an easy and enjoyable way to soothe the aches and pains away.

What’s more, plunge pools make a value for money addition to your home, requiring less water, cleaning products and heating than a regular size pool.

Why do they look good?

Small and perfectly formed, plunge pools make the most of the space you have, providing a beautiful focal point in your backyard.

If you go for a round plunge pool, you can create an infinite number of classic looks for your backyard. Surrounded by decking, it can become the ultimate place to unwind with family and friends on lazy summer days. Alternatively, plant the surrounding area with lush, green foliage such as bird of paradise, Hawaiian hibiscus and Martha Washington geraniums. Make sure that they will withstand the humid conditions and occasional splashes from chlorinated water. Plan carefully, and you can create a tropical hideaway.

For those who favour a more contemporary look, square plunge pool designs are ideal. Surrounding tiling in a cool white shade will bring a fresh look to your backyard, transforming it into a Mediterranean paradise. Or, a clever use of glass screens will give it that luxe look that you would find in a five-star resort. You really don’t need heaps of space to give your backyard the “X factor”!

Plunge pool ideas – landscaping

Landscaping around your small pool or plunge pool will give it the essential finishing touches to transform your backyard into a magical, yet practical environment.

When planning your backyard landscaping, think first of all about the area immediately surrounding the pool. Decking gives a casual, relaxed vibe, ideal for entertaining, while quality tiles in light, bright colours will give your pool area a fresh, contemporary look.

You can add safety features such as railing and gates that blend seamlessly with your environment, giving you complete peace of mind, especially if you have young children at home, or visiting your property on a regular basis.

Trees, plants and flowers in your pool area can create vital shade, colour and a natural, relaxing ambience. Choose your plant varieties wisely, looking out for species that won’t be affected by splashes from pool chemicals. Some examples are banana trees, which give a real tropical feel, and ornamental grasses and Egyptian papyrus, which will add structure and drama to your pool area.

A final tip: try to avoid trees or plants which will shed their leaves into your plunge pool, giving you a constant clean-up job!

Small courtyard ideas

A small courtyard garden can be brimming with design features to create a tranquil oasis– a space that will be the envy of your friends and neighbours.

In fact, courtyard spaces are ideal for plunge pools, providing the perfect ambience and setting.

Small courtyard designs can easily accommodate a small pool, such as a plunge pool, which given their compact size doesn’t have to take up the entire area. You have several options for fitting your plunge pool into your courtyard. To make a bold statement, a circular pool in the centre of your space will make a real impact.

Or you can position a square pool in a corner of your courtyard, creating the impression of a private retreat or oasis. Adding some leafy plants in the area will add to this feeling of an exclusive, tranquil place.

There are lots of different looks you can experiment with, and size doesn’t have to be an issue. Create a vibrant Moroccan look with brightly-coloured walls surrounding your pool area, colourful tiles, and plants in earthenware pots. For a magical, relaxing space, dress your plunge pool area with candles or fairy lights to create a special atmosphere.

Plunge pool cost

Given plunge pools’ compact size and ease of instalment, fulfilling your dream of enjoying a plunge pool in your backyard or courtyard could be more affordable than you think.

When you draw up your budget, think about the various considerations such as the material your pool will be made from.

You may also want to add to your budget extras, such as landscaping or decking, and don’t forget all the necessary safety features.

As we’ve seen before, the joy of a fibreglass pool is that the shell is delivered ready to install, cutting right down on the construction work required for in-ground pools, making it a convenient option for many.

Thinking of your new plunge pool project?

Make sure you check out your local council approval requirement, as well as if there are any preservation orders on trees that will need to be cleared before you start work. You can also find out whether any cables or pipes run under your planned pool area by consulting your site map.

Courtyard designs Melbourne

If you live in the Melbourne area, you have the perfect climate to enjoy a beautiful courtyard design with plunge pool all year round, or simply to sit around and take in the relaxing atmosphere on cooler days. Think about installing a heating system so you can enjoy your pool even in less summery weather.

Check out the details on safety standards for swimming pools in Melbourne here before you embark on your dream project.

Then all that remains is for you to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will be able to efficiently install your above ground pool with minimum hassle. If you are from the Geelong area, be sure to talk to Gordon Ave Pools & Spas.

Courtyard designs Sydney

Sydney offers a warm and pleasant climate nearly all year round, and any backyard would benefit from a stunning courtyard design complete with plunge pool. Because there is plenty of sunshine, the most efficient way of heating your pool in the cooler months is with solar heating, so you may want to factor this into your budget.

Find out about the safety standards regarding pool fencing and gating for the Sydney area before you start. You can find out the details here.

The final piece of the jigsaw is to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder in Sydney North or Sydney South, who will start making your pool dream a reality.

Courtyard designs Brisbane

Brisbane’s sultry climate makes it an ideal location to install a striking courtyard design with a plunge pool in your backyard. With Brisbane’s all-year-round balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, there is no greater addition to your home than a stylish and practical plunge pool.

You will need to be fully aware of safety regulations before you start your project, which you can find here.

Now you’re ready to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will get your above ground pool up and running in no time!

The post Plunge pools: small is beautiful appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Above ground pools available for sale come in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes, and can be accommodated even in smaller backyards or on uneven terrain, so are the ideal choice for many people.

Why are above ground pools popular?

Above ground swimming pools offer an alternative to in-ground pools, which may be difficult to install in some backyards because of access or the type of ground you have.

This makes them a relatively straightforward way to transform your backyard–and even your lifestyle.

Quality is uncompromised. At Compass Pools, we combine value for your money with durability and design excellence, allowing you to achieve your dream of enjoying your very own pool.

They are suitable for all different types of terrain, whether it’s rocky, uneven or sloping, and are also great for smaller gardens that can’t accommodate a conventional in-ground pool.

Above ground pools are versatile, coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and crafted from different materials such as concrete or fibreglass.
Just like in-ground pools, above ground pools can be heated to make swimming all year round a pleasure. You can also use your pool as an above ground spa – somewhere to go and relax and soothe away your stresses and strains.

Safety features such as fencing and gates that lock to keep your little ones safe can be added. (Note that children should be supervised around swimming pools at all times.)

It’s good to know as well that above ground pools are safer simply because of their higher entry points.

A bonus is that depending on the materials used for their shell, they are simple to maintain and require fewer chemicals than an in-ground pool.

Types of above ground pools

Above ground pools are commonly made from fibreglass, but you can also install an above ground concrete pool, a pool made from plastic, rubber or vinyl, or even an upcycled shipping container!

More about plastic, rubber and vinyl pools

There are many different types of these pools, ranging from inflatable pools, up to those with metal frames, to pools with reinforced plastic or vinyl shells for durability. These can often be an affordable solution, are usually straightforward to set up, and you can take them with you if you move house. However, although they come with repair kits, they tend not to be the most durable pool available, and you need to take great care not to tear their lining. Generally speaking, you will need to replace the liner once every five to seven years.

More about fibreglass pools

A fibreglass above ground pool shell provides a sturdy and durable basis for a lifetime of swimming pleasure. Working with high-quality manufacturers such as Compass Pools means you will have access to a unique and exclusive technology called Maxi Rib, providing appropriate support for the ceramic fibreglass shell on any terrain. Its rib-like structure offers support to allow the pool to be fixed above ground level on a concrete platform or directly on the ground. The pool can then be installed on uneven or sloping sites.

And because the shell is manufactured off-site and delivered to you ready to install, it can be set up for use relatively quickly compared to in-ground pools.

While the shell will be pre-designed, you may not have as much ability to customise them as concrete pools which are constructed on site. However, many fibreglass shells come in a range of shapes and sizes, and landscaping allows you to add individual touches.

Another major consideration is hygiene. Fibreglass pools have an algae- and bacteria-resistant surface, making cleaning easy. This means they don’t need as many chemicals to keep them clean, which makes for a more comfortable swimming environment, particularly if you or a family member has sensitive skin.

It’s also good to know that fibreglass pools don’t need repainting or resurfacing, so they are ideal for busy families.

More about Maxi Rib technology

The Maxi Rib technology we offer at Compass Pools surrounds the shell of your pool in a unique rib-like structure, customised to fit the shape of your backyard. These ribs hold the whole pool structure and contents securely in place, which means any kind of land can accommodate a pool – even if you live on the side of a hill or have a yearning for a rooftop pool!

This innovation also means that pools built with Maxi Rib technology can withstand all kinds of weather and wear and tear, and will serve you reliably year after year.

This technology opens up the possibility of installing an affordable pool on almost any kind of site, making what used to be a dream for many people a reality.

What about concrete pools?

The great advantage of concrete pools is that they are made on site, so you will have the chance to offer your input into their design. This is great news if your backyard is an unconventional shape and you need to customise your pool’s design to make it fit.

Because of the nature of their construction, installing them is a longer process than pre-made fibreglass pools, and they will need to be surfaced with tiling or pebbles once construction is complete.

Due to their porous nature, above ground concrete pools are more susceptible to bacteria and algae, so they will need diligent cleaning and more chemicals.

Is it true that above ground pools can be made from shipping containers?

Yes, it’s absolutely true and not surprising when you consider that their long and narrow shape lends itself perfectly to swimming pools!

Steel shipping containers require preparation before they are ready to be transformed. They are cleaned out and rust-proofed, then lined with steel, vinyl or a fibreglass shell.

They are popular in major urban areas such as Melbourne and Brisbane, where space is at a premium.

They can be installed much like the fibreglass shells by fixing them on an above-ground platform.

On the downside, they come in a choice of only two lengths – six or 12 metres – but only one width. And of course, just one shape – a long rectangle. If you’re into swimming laps, this is ideal, but many families may wish for greater flexibility in design.

Because they are not that easy to customise and resemble a big box, you can use clever landscaping to make their appearance more attractive.

What’s great about them is that they can be transported with relatively little hassle, so if you move house you can take your pool with you!

Why would an above ground pool work for us?

As we’ve already seen, above ground pools open up a whole world of possibility to potential pool owners.

They come into their own on difficult sites. For example, if your outside space is on a slope or hillside, or particularly uneven terrain, above ground pools are ideal. These factors are no barrier to an above ground pool. With the Maxi Rib fibreglass technology, you can rest assured that it will fit securely on your site, no matter the geography or weather.

So you thought an infinity pool was the preserve of the super wealthy? Think again! The versatility of fibreglass above ground pools means that an infinity pool can be created with the minimum of fuss in your backyard.

And even if you have a tiny backyard, you might be surprised at how well above ground swimming pools can fit right in. Your pool contractor will be able to advise on how to use landscaping and positioning to make the most of your compact space.

Why do they look good?

Above ground pools can bring a vibrant, luxurious look to any kind of backyard – big, small, uneven or awkward-sized!

While the shells come in standard designs, clever landscaping can bring a variety of looks to your pool along with careful choice of plants, accessories and poolside furniture. So, you can make your above ground pool the stand-out feature of your backyard, or let it blend into the background as a natural extension of your outside environment.

You can also add your own personal touch by choosing external steps, pool heating, water management system, and lighting in a range of colours.

Even a simple design will bring the wow factor to your backyard and completely change how it looks and feels. But if you want to really pull out all the stops, you can even go for an infinity pool. This type of above ground pool has “disappearing edges” which create the illusion of the water having no boundary and flowing seamlessly into the ocean or sky, and are a truly stunning addition to any backyard.

Above ground pool ideas – landscaping

A key design tip is to make your above ground pool the focal point of your backyard, and landscape around it, creating an attractive and practical space.

Landscaping incorporates many elements: decking and railing, safety features such as locking gates and the inclusion of plants, trees and flowers which can provide shade or simply a beautiful, natural backdrop.

Bear in mind that the plants immediately surrounding your pool should be able to tolerate pool-cleaning chemicals, as these will be present in the surrounding soil.

So, go for specimens such as peach-leaved bellflower, swamp daisy, pineapple sage and ajuga for their hardiness and tolerance.

If you want to create a screening effect, try olive trees, bay laurel or coastal banksia.

You can use rocks placed artfully around the pool to emphasise a rustic look or use spotlights to create a more contemporary vibe.

Consider, too, whether you want an entertaining space around your pool for relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. Paving and decking can be great if you dream of barbeques by the pool and lazy days just dipping in and out.

Above ground pool prices

The cost of installing an above ground pool can vary according to what type you choose. The most affordable sort of above ground pool tends to be the rubber, vinyl or plastic pool, although we have seen earlier on that, within this category, there is in fact also a spectrum of prices, and how much you pay will depend on whether you opt for a basic inflatable pool, or one reinforced with a metal frame or with a more durable liner.

Heading further up the budget scale, higher quality container pools, for example reinforced shipping container pools, are next, followed by self-standing fibreglass pools. Fibreglass pools with Maxi Rib technology are a little more costly.

If you’re pulling out all the stops with an infinity pool, this is likely to be the most expensive option due to the need for a concealed pool and the extra work required.

There are several other factors to take into consideration when planning your budget. What size and design are you hoping for? How easy is it for contractors to get to your backyard to install it? All these will have some influence on the final price of your pool.

You’ll also need to consider what optional extras you want with your pool – decking or landscaping around the pool to enjoy it to its full capacity, perhaps, or extra lighting, or even a pool with an infinity edge.

As mentioned earlier, pools with a fibreglass shell are generally cheaper and more straightforward to install than concrete pools, so that is another consideration to take into account.

With an above ground pool for every budget and type of backyard, the possibility of having your very own swimming pool is a reality, not just a far-off dream!

What next?

Make sure you check out your local council approval requirements, as well as whether there are any preservation orders on trees that will need to be cleared before you start work. You can also find out whether any cables or pipes run under your planned pool area by consulting your site map.

Above ground pools Melbourne

If you live in the Melbourne area, you have the perfect climate to enjoy an above ground pool all year round, or simply to sit around and take in the relaxing atmosphere on cooler days. Think about installing a heating system, so you can enjoy your pool even when the weather is less summery.

Check out the details on safety standards for swimming pools in Melbourne here before you embark on your dream project.

Then all that remains is for you to contact your local authorised Compass Pools dealer, who will be able to efficiently install your above ground pool with the minimum of hassle.

Compass Pools Melbourne are specialists in constructing fibreglass swimming pools in the Greater Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Latrobe Valley Gippsland areas.

Gordon Ave Pools & Spas install swimming pools in Geelong, Melbourne’s Western suburbs and along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.

Above ground pools Sydney

Sydney offers a warm and pleasant climate nearly all year round, and any backyard in the area will benefit from an above ground pool. Because there is plenty of sunshine, the most efficient way of heating your pool in the cooler months is with solar heating, so you may want to factor this into your budget.

Find out about the safety standards regarding pool fencing and gating for the Sydney area before you start. You can find out the details here.

The final piece of the jigsaw is to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder, who will start making your pool dream a reality.

For Sydney North the Compass Sales Centre North Sydney and Central Coast are your local swimming pool professionals.

For Sydney South try Local Pools and Spas.

Above ground pools Brisbane

Brisbane’s sultry climate makes it an ideal location to install an above ground pool in your backyard. Blessed with all-year-round balmy temperatures and plenty of sunshine, there is no greater addition to your home than a stylish and practical above ground pool.

You will need to be fully aware of safety regulations before you start your project, which you can find here.

Now you’re ready to contact your local authorised Compass Pools Australia pool builder for Brisbane to get your above ground pool up and running in no time!

The post All about above ground pools appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Shipping Container Pools

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Alternative: Express Pools

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Container Pools: Pros and Cons

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Shipping Container Pools

Alternative: Express Pools

Pros and Cons of Container Pools

Shipping Container Pools Are Popular

But are they the best solution?

The trend for shipping container pools in Australia is sweeping the nation. These above-ground swimming pools made from upcycled shipping containers are quite popular, due to their convenience and relatively affordable price tags.

The Rise of Shipping Container Pools

When introduced to the market several years ago, shipping container pools captivated the imagination of the nation. The idea of being able install a pool in the backyard with little fuss and construction is certainly appealing.

The Shipping Container Pools Concept

The idea for shipping container pools came from re-purposing shipping containers when they are no longer used for sea transportation. Because shipping containers are long and rectangular in shape they lend themselves well to being used as the framework for smaller backyard swimming pools.

To put it simply, decommissioned shipping containers are rust treated, painted and then lined using a fibreglass pool shell or vinyl liner to create a free-standing swimming pool that can be installed above the ground.

Sydney Shipping Container Pools

The world first saw shipping container pools in Sydney, where the climate is ideal for swimming but land is at a premium. Property owners needed compact swimming pools which could fit easily into small backyards. Once the concept was successful in Sydney, it then spread across Australia, where we now see large numbers of shipping container pools in Brisbane, Melbourne and other major cities. Their compact size and easy installation make them ideal for highly populated areas where property does not always come with a lot of land. However, they are also gaining popularity in more rural areas, thanks to their newfound fashionable status.

Is a Container Pool the Right Choice for You?

And are there any alternatives which might better suit your needs? Before we tell you everything you need to know about Aussie container pools, we’ll proudly present you a shipping container pool alternative – the top quality and fantastic looking Express Pools by Compass Pools Australia.

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All the Benefits of an Instant Pool without the Pitfalls of a Shipping Container Pool

Compass Express Pools

Looking for an instant pool in your backyard that requires minimal site works? The Compass Express range is the pinnacle of fibreglass technology. These lightweight, portable pools arrive plumbed and ready for swimming from the day the are delivered. Express Pools are designed to last a lifetime with no risk of steel corrosion, no wooden framework, and no heavy concrete! Ask your Compass Pools dealer how the Compass Express range also saves you thousands on installation and landscaping costs when compared to shipping container pools and concrete plunge pool alternatives.

Main Features:

• A unique freestanding fibreglass pool
• Pre-fabricated for faster installations
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Great looking pool colours
• Attach cladding directly to the pool frame to create your preferred exterior finish
• Can be installed partially in-ground (up to 600mm)

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The Express Pool Shapes

Choose Your

• Relax Pool Range
• Plunge Pool Range
• Lap Pool Range
• Refresh Range
• Spa Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

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Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

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Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

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Refresh Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
6.1 Max	5.88m x 2.75m x 1.46m	6.60m x 3.05m x 1.49m
6.1	5.79m x 2.19m x 1.41m	6.50m x 2.49m x 1.44m

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Express Pool Shape

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Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

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Relax Pool Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

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Plunge Pool Range

Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

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Inspirations Gallery

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about our Plunge Express Pool Range

Lap Pool Range

Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

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about our Lap Express Pool Range

Refresh Range

Refresh Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
6.1 Max	5.88m x 2.75m x 1.46m	6.60m x 3.05m x 1.49m
6.1	5.79m x 2.19m x 1.41m	6.50m x 2.49m x 1.44m

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Express Pool Shape

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Spa Range

Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

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Inspirations Gallery

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about our Express Pool Spa Range

• Relax Pool Range
• Plunge Pool Range
• Lap Pool Range
• Spa Range

Relax Pool Range

Relax Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL (LxWxH)
6 with beach	6.0m x 2.03m x 1.36m	6.72m x 2.33m x 1.39m
5.2	4.99m x 2.03m x 1.36m	5.70m x 2.33m x 1.39m
4	3.75m x 2.03m x 1.36m	4.47m x 2.33m x 1.39m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Plunge Pool Range

Plunge Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
3.8	3.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	4.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m
2.8	2.67m x 1.93m x 1.21m	3.37m x 2.22m x 1.24m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Lap Pool Range

Lap Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
10.0	10m x 2.5m x 1.46m	10.81m x 3.03m x 1.5m

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about our Relax Express Pool Range

Spa Range

Spa Range

MODEL	INTERNAL (LxWxH)	EXTERNAL CLADDED (LxWxH)
XT Spa	2.5m x 1.5m x 1.14m	2.83m x 2.12m x 1.14m

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Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Pools

By Type/Intended Use

Container Pool Advantages

Price

One of the most attractive elements of shipping container pools is the relatively low cost. The average container pool price is between $20,000 and $30,000, so they are well within reach for many homeowners. You can purchase a container pool for as little as $6,000, but be warned – the build quality may not be up to the standard you need for a large investment like a swimming pool, which has to last for many years.

Instant Installation

The other main advantage of the container pool is that it can be installed and used almost instantly. As shipping container pools are above-ground pools, no excavation work is required on your property. The pool simply needs a level surface to sit on, so you do not have to suffer the disruption to your lifestyle that goes with having an in-ground pool installed.

Complete Pool Kit

Additionally, a container pool comes as a complete kit, complete with filtration system and even lighting, so it simply needs to be connected to an electricity supply and then it can be filled and used straight away. Pool builders tend to get booked up quickly over the summer, so if you want an in-ground pool built, you may have to wait months before the work can even begin. As a container pool does not require any building work, it is the ideal, speedy solution for this time of year.

Finally, shipping container pools can easily be transported by truck, so if you ever decide to move home, you can take your pool with you and continue to enjoy it at your new property.

Container Pool Disadvantages

With so many advantages, a container pool might look like the ideal solution for you. However, they do have a number of disadvantages which need to be pointed out.

Limited Choice

Firstly, shipping container pools do not offer a lot of choice, as their shape is restricted to that of a shipping container. They are usually available in a choice of two lengths, either six metres or 12 metres, but the width is the same on every model. This means they might not be suitable for all shapes and sizes of backyard.

Restrictive Shape

The shape of the container pool can also be restrictive in other ways. It might be perfect for swimming laps, but it is not necessarily the best solution for families, who need more space if they want to play games in the water with the kids.

Inability to Customise

The appearance is also an issue here. Shipping container pools are difficult to customise as, ultimately, they all look like shipping containers – long rectangular boxes made of corrugated steel. The only customisation options available involve cutting windows into the sides, or painting the container in a different colour, neither of which is particularly satisfactory when you are trying to create a stylish look for your property. For a shipping container pool to look good, it tends to need some really clever landscaping around it to disguise the more unsightly elements of its appearance.

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the perfect container pool alternative!

Exploring the Container Pool Alternative

Get to Know Express Pools Closer

EXPRESS POOL SHAPESOUR DIFFERENCE

Exploring the Container Pool Alternative

Get to Know Express Pools Closer

EXPRESS POOL SHAPES

EXPRESS POOL DIFFERENCE

Why Express Pools Are So Popular

More About Express Pools

• They offer you more choice: Express pools can be customised to include windows, swim jets spa jets and so much more. Most of these things (ex windows) can be added after purchase because the fibreglass shell can be easily access for retrofitting jets etc.
• More freedom with exterior finishes: Express pools can have your choice off cladding fit directly to the exterior support frame. You are not limited to a shipping container exterior or specific cladding option. You can literally do whatever you want.
• Lower landscaping costs: Decking frames can be attached directly to the pool structure which dramatically reduces decking material costs and labour when surrounding the pool with decks.
• Lower crane costs: Express pools are approx. half the weight of container pools and about 8t less than concrete plunge pools which makes them far cheaper to crane into place.
• Better colour choices: Express pools are made but one of Australia’s leading pool manufacturers who have awesome colour technology and superior fiberglass pool shells.
• Better warranties: The fibreglass interior of every Express Pool is made by Compass Pools Australia and backed by our triple warranty.

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Express Pool might be the solution!

The post Shipping Container Pools: Introducing this new swimming pool trend and alternatives appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Here we take a look at the many factors that make rectangular pools are so popular, and how the Compass Pools range is leading the way when it comes to this iconic swimming pool shape.

1. They are incredibly easy to swim in

It may seem obvious, but a rectangular pool offers the perfect shape for swimming. It offers a long, unimpeded stretch of water which is ideal for doing laps, and it is no coincidence that Olympic swimming pools are always rectangular in shape.

One of the main advantages of having your own backyard pool is that it offers a private place where you can improve your health and fitness. Swimming laps is the ideal way to achieve this, as swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do, toning almost every muscle in the body and improving your cardiovascular health in the process. In order to get the full benefit of this exercise, you need an expanse of water which allows you to swim laps. There is no pool shape more suited to this than the rectangle.

2. They are also ideal for relaxation

Another benefit of having your own swimming pool is that it gives you a secluded place to relax in comfort on your own property. There is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool at the end of a difficult day, and spending time in the water has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, making your day-to-day life easier to deal with and increasing your general sense of wellbeing.

While this can be achieved in pools of all different shapes and sizes, rectangle pools are particularly suited to relaxation, as it is extremely easy to design large, comfortable seating areas around these pools. This offers you a perfect spot to enjoy the water when you don’t feel like swimming.

3. They are a practical choice for families

Choosing a family pool can be particularly difficult, as you have a variety of different needs to take into account. You need a pool which offers enough space for the whole family to swim together and play games in the water. A rectangle pool is perfect for sports such as water volleyball, which the whole family can enjoy, reinforcing your bond and giving you the ideal way to spend quality time together.

However, when you are looking for a family pool, the most important consideration of all has to be safety. Again, rectangle pools score extremely highly here. As their shape is open, with no shady corners or hidden areas, it makes it much easier to supervise the kids and ensure that they are enjoying the water safely.

In addition, all private pools in Australia must comply with Australian Standard 1926, which specifies that your pool has to be fenced on all sides, making it safer for children. While this is possible with other shapes of pool, it is much easier to build a level fence around a rectangle pool, making your pool installation easier.

4. They coordinate well with most properties

When you are having your own backyard pool built, it is important that the design of the pool suits the style of your home. Achieving a good match of styles will enable you to create a cohesive and unified design for the whole of your property. This looks much more stylish and gives the impression of a well-cared for property, which is attractive to potential home buyers. By doing this, you can add value to your home and achieve a higher sale price if you ever decide to move.

Some homeowners have strong views about pool shapes, and do not want a conventional type of pool. This is perfectly fine, as your pool should reflect your personal tastes and preferences every bit as much as the rest of your property does. But if you are looking for a pool shape which will coordinate with the widest variety of architectural styles, the rectangle pool is the obvious choice. It has the clean lines and streamlined shape to suit modern homes, while still being classic enough to coordinate well with more traditional properties. It is very difficult to go wrong with a rectangle pool.

5. They are easy to landscape around

Landscaping is an important consideration when choosing to have a backyard pool installed. Ultimately, this will have a huge impact on how good your pool looks once it is finished, as well as determining the level of functionality for your backyard.

The first thing to establish is the right positioning for your pool. It needs to look good from all angles, when viewed from both outside and inside the home. You will be looking at your pool for many years to come, so it is essential that it provides you with an attractive view which will encourage you to venture outdoors and take full advantage of the pool.

A rectangular pool is the easiest type of pool to position. As houses are almost universally built on straight lines, a rectangle pool will automatically look good whether it is positioned close to the house or parallel to it at a further distance away. Additionally, a rectangle is a standard shape, so it is easier to achieve a look which is attractive when viewed from every vantage point.

Your landscaping should also make the best use of the remaining space in your backyard, as you also need to consider other elements of your outdoor lifestyle. With a rectangular pool, this is easier to do, as the regular shape makes it easier to plan the rest of your backyard design, enabling you to create space for socialising and relaxing at the poolside while also taking full advantage of the other areas of your backyard.

Attractive and highly functional landscaping is essential if you want to add maximum value to your home. A rectangular pool enables you to create a cohesive flow which looks stunning while still offering all the practicality you need to enjoy an active and fulfilling life outdoors.

6. They make the best infinity pools

The infinity pool is a major swimming pool trend at present, and is viewed as the ultimate in luxury. These beautiful pools have a “disappearing edge” so it looks as if the water is simply falling away. An infinity pool can offer beautiful views over the surrounding area, whether this is a rural landscape or a bustling city. It is also an extremely peaceful way to enjoy the water, making you feel as if you are directly part of your surroundings, unimpeded by barriers.

Rectangle pools are the best choice for an infinity pool by a long way. The long, straight design is ideal for creating a disappearing edge, enabling you to feel like a part of nature as you swim, and becoming the envy of your friends with the most luxurious pool in the neighbourhood!

Rectangle pools in the Compass Pools range

At Compass Pools Australia, we offer a wide range of fibreglass swimming pool designs to suit all tastes and usage needs. However, it is no surprise that many of our top sellers are rectangular pools.

The Contemporary is a rectangular family pool which is available in three different sizes to suit most backyards. It offers plenty of space for swimming and games, and is ideal for families with kids, as it will continue to meet your needs as your family grows. With chic, clean lines and a wide choice of pool colours available, the Contemporary is designed to suit the vast majority of property styles.

The X-Trainer is an extremely popular lap pool. Its long, narrow rectangular shape is perfect for swimming laps, as it offers a clear water corridor with nothing getting in the way. However, as it is available in different lengths and widths, the X-Trainer can also be a great pool for families.

If you are looking for a smaller rectangle pool, you might want to consider our Plunge pool range. These are compact pools which are deeper than regular pools, so they are ideal for relaxation, as they give you an immersive experience perfect for creating calm and relieving stress.

All of our rectangular pools come with safety features such as seating areas and non-slip surfaces, and they can easily be customised with a wide range of pool colours available. Thanks to their strong ceramic cores, they are also built to withstand all climate conditions and usage demands, and will last a lifetime.

If you would like more information about the rectangle pools we offer, please contact us. Our team will be happy to assist you.

The post Rectangular pools: Why the rectangle is still the perfect swimming pool shape appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Here are some handy tips on how to select the best pool for you, ensuring that you make an informed choice and invest in a pool which will continue to make you happy for years to come.

1. How will your pool be used?

People use their swimming pools in many different ways, so the right pool will depend on your usage needs. Those who are serious about their swimming will probably find that a lap pool offers the most advantages, as these long, narrow pools are designed to offer a clear corridor of water with no obstacles or design features to get in the way. This shape is ideal for swimming laps and improving your health and fitness.

Large swimming pools are usually the best pools for families. Your kids may be small now, but they will quickly grow, and your pool needs to offer enough space for all of you to swim together and enjoy quality time by playing games in the water. You also need to think ahead to when the kids become teenagers. This is the time when they are likely to want to invite their friends over for pool parties, so it makes sense to invest in a pool which can accommodate this, enabling all of you to enjoy the range of social benefits that a backyard swimming pool can bring.

However, if you intend to use your pool primarily for relaxation, the ideal pools are usually plunge or courtyard pools. These are designed in more compact sizes, so they offer less length and width, but the depth is increased. This way, you can completely immerse yourself in the peace of the water, enjoying total relaxation and rejuvenation in the comfort of your own backyard.

2. How will it fit into your backyard?

You need to look carefully at the size and shape of your backyard when choosing the right pool. If your outdoor space is particularly large, this is less of a concern, as any pool will fit into the space. However, you do have to ensure that the design of the pool suits the architecture of your home, and that it can be positioned so it looks beautiful from all angles, including when viewed through the windows from inside your home.

When working out how much space your pool will need, you must remember that it has to comply with safety regulations. Your pool must be fenced on all sides, with no direct access from your house. There also needs to be a “non-climbable zone” of at least 90mm on all sides, where no large objects such as garden furniture are placed, so children cannot use them to climb over the pool fence.

If your backyard slopes or is an awkward shape, you should think about choosing a pool which can safely be built partially or even fully above-ground. This means that you can still get the most usage out of your backyard space while still being able to enjoy a strong, safe swimming pool. Sloping sites also lend themselves well to infinity pools, so this is something you might want to consider. These luxurious pools have a “disappearing edge”, enabling you to enjoy beautiful views over your surroundings as you swim, and really lose yourself in the outdoor environment.

3. How much control do you want over the design?

The best pools are those which suit your tastes and blend well with the style of your home. Creating a cohesive look gives your entire property a more stylish and sophisticated effect which will appeal to home buyers and increase the value of your property. This is another factor to consider when deciding how to select the best pool.

If you have a complete vision in your head of how you want your finished pool to look, and it cannot be matched by any of the designs you have seen, you should probably choose a concrete pool. These can be created in any style you choose, so no matter how unusual your pool concept, there is a high chance that it can be accommodated by a good pool builder.

However, if you are not a designer and you would prefer to find a more generic solution which can easily be tailored to match your tastes, you would probably be more suited to a fibreglass pool. These are prefabricated solutions which are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and designs, so it is easy to find a style which suits your property. These can be customised with different pool colours and lighting options, so your pool will still have an element of originality.

4. What is your budget?

This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing the right pool. For a pool to be the best choice, you have to be able to afford it. This is why you need to sit down and work out a detailed budget before you take the project any further, as this will determine the pool options which are available to you.

At the cheapest end of the market you will find vinyl-liner pools. These can have very attractive price tags, but the reality is that the linings can easily be torn or damaged with regular use of the pool, so you can end up facing considerable bills for repairs. In addition, the lining will need to be completely replaced approximately every five years, at a cost which will add up to a significant amount over the lifetime of your pool.

Fibreglass pools sit in the middle of the market. Many pool owners consider these the best option, as they are affordable, yet still offer the strength and build quality of a concrete pool. Compass Pools, for example, make fibreglass pools with ceramic cores, so they are designed to withstand even the heaviest usage, as well as the demands of the climate and even extreme natural events such as earthquakes.

Concrete pools are the most expensive options. This is because they have to be built completely from scratch in your backyard, unlike vinyl-liner or fibreglass pools, which are prefabricated and then simply transported to your site. Due to the amount of work involved in creating a concrete pool, it can take weeks or months to build, so the labour costs are considerable. Concrete pools also need tiling or cladding once they are built, which adds extra time and cost to the project. However, concrete pools are extremely strong and durable, so your pool will be built to last a lifetime.

5. How much time can you spend on pool maintenance?

Swimming pools can be time-consuming to maintain. We are all looking for ideal pools which require very little maintenance, but the time you will have to spend caring for your pool depends on the type of pool you choose.

In many ways, vinyl-liner pools are the most high-maintenance, as the linings are not strong enough to withstand heavy use. This means you will have to learn to be adept at spotting wear and tear, and check it regularly if you want your pool to remain safe and healthy in the long term.

Concrete pools also require considerable maintenance. This is because concrete is a porous material, so it provides an ideal breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Because of this, you will have to ensure your pool is cleaned regularly and thoroughly to ensure it stays hygienic and safe to swim in. Additionally, concrete pools can require retiling or repainting once or more during their lifetimes, which is a significant job.

Fibreglass pools are the easiest to maintain. They have smooth, non-porous surfaces which are resistant to algae and bacteria, so they require less time and less chemicals to keep clean. This benefit is enhanced still further by technology like the Vantage self-cleaning system from Compass Pools, which drastically cuts down on the amount of time you will need to spend cleaning and maintaining your pool.

Find out more about ideal pools

If you are still having trouble deciding how to select the best pool, Compass Pools is happy to help. Our specialist team can provide you with all the advice you need, ensuring you can find the perfect pool for you. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

The post Ideal Pools: how to select the right design for you? appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

If you are building a new house, it can make sense to include a swimming pool from the beginning of the project. Here are a few good reasons why.

1. A pool offers increased quality of life

The whole point of designing and building a new house is to own a home which is built around your lifestyle. It is designed to be as functional as possible, with every space serving an important purpose.

The backyard plays an important part in this. The indoor and outdoor areas of your home should flow seamlessly into one another, to create a complete usable space which offers plenty of benefits unique to your own lifestyle needs and preferences.

Having your own swimming pool turns your backyard into a multi-functional leisure space, providing you with opportunities for fitness, relaxation and entertainment. The pool offers a great way to stay fit and healthy, as swimming is one of the best all-round forms of exercise. Water is also highly beneficial for stress reduction, relaxation and mental wellbeing. If you have children, a swimming pool is also a great place for family bonding, as you can all enjoy spending quality time playing games together in the water.

Additionally, your poolside area will provide you with an ideal space for entertaining guests. Hosting barbeques and pool parties are great ways to get to know your new neighbours, and also gives you an outdoor area where you can spend relaxing days with family and friends.

A pool can improve your quality of life in many different ways, and make your new home even more special for you and your family.

2. A pool makes your backyard more attractive

When you are planning the design of your new home, you will also need to think about the aesthetics of the outdoor areas. Good landscaping is needed to ensure your backyard is as attractive as possible.

Including a swimming pool goes a long way towards solving this issue. A pool is a beautiful design feature which acts as the centrepiece of your backyard. Once you have chosen the size and style of pool you want, you can decide where to position it, and the rest of your backyard can be planned around it.

This way you can make sure the design of your backyard is beautiful, with all the other elements coordinating with the appearance of the pool. You can include lighting to showcase the pool at night, and choose the right tiling and paving to make the pool area a seriously attractive place.

By creating this beautiful feature in your backyard, you can also improve your enjoyment of your new house, as you can look out onto a stunning view of your pool from your windows.

This is another reason why it makes sense to build your pool at the same time as building a new house, as you can create the layout of your backyard from the beginning, positioning your pool and all other elements of your yard so they look great from every angle, including from inside the house.

3. A pool is a large-scale construction project

Building a new house is a long and complex process, and it can cause disruption to your life while the construction process is going on. You just want the job to be finished so you can get the keys and move in.

While you are settling into your new home, you will want as much time to relax as possible. It will take time to get used to your new surroundings, so the last thing you need is any more construction work disrupting your lifestyle at this stage.

A pool is a large-scale construction project which can take weeks to complete. This is something you are unlikely to want to undertake if you have just gone through the process of building a new house. But you might realise that a pool would increase your quality of life, which means you will have to go to the trouble of excavating your new backyard and rethinking your landscaping. You will also have to be prepared for another construction project, with builders on your property each day until the pool is finished.

This is why, if you think you might want your own pool at some point in the future, it makes sense to have it built at the same time as the house. The pool then becomes part of the construction process, so it’s installed and ready to use as soon as you move in. This can make the settling in process even more enjoyable, and saves you the disruption of another building project in the future.

4. Building a pool requires access

In order to construct a swimming pool, your pool builder will need to have good access to the area where you want to position your pool. Most people choose to have their pools installed in the backyard, as this provides you with plenty of privacy, so you can swim, relax and entertain in comfort.

However, some backyards can be very difficult to access, which can cause complications when building a pool. This can increase the cost of your pool project, as more work will often be required to install a pool in an awkward place.

Because of this, if you are building a new house, it can be easier to build the pool first or at the same time as the house, as this offers the pool builder better access to your land. Once the house is completed, it may be far more difficult to access your backyard depending on the design, so you could save yourself a considerable amount of money by having the pool built first.

5. A pool is a good investment

A swimming pool can actually increase the value of your home. Potential buyers can see a swimming pool as a great asset if it looks attractive and is relatively easy to maintain. It also gives them a beautiful first impression of your backyard if your landscaping is designed around the pool.

If you want your pool to offer real value, it makes sense to choose a pool shape which will not go out of fashion. Rectangular pools with clean lines have remained popular for many years, so this is a safe choice which looks classy and coordinates well with all architectural styles. This helps you to create a unified look for the indoor and outdoor areas of your property, which helps potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Maintenance is another important consideration here. Some of the features which can make pool maintenance a lot easier, such as an in-floor self-cleaning system, have to be installed at the time when the pool is built, and cannot be added later. This is why it makes sense to think about this at the time when you are building your new property. Future potential buyers will be much more enthusiastic about a swimming pool if they won’t have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. These features also give you much more time to enjoy your pool yourself, and make pool ownership easy from the very beginning.

Want to build a pool at the same time as building a new house?

If this article has convinced you of the benefits of building your pool at the same time as your new house, Compass Pools Australia is always happy to help you take the next steps. If you would like any help and advice, or want to find out more about our range of pools and features, please contact us.

The post Building a New House: Why It Makes Sense To Include a Pool appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

An infinity pool adds a real touch of exclusivity and luxury to your backyard, as well as making your swimming experience more relaxing. But what does an infinity pool cost? How is it constructed? And what are the main benefits for you and your family?

Here we answer all your questions about infinity pools, to help you decide if this stunning feature is right for you.

What is an infinity pool?

You will have seen infinity pools in advertising materials for luxury hotels around the world. They have a “disappearing edge”, so it looks as if the water along one edge of the pool is falling away into nowhere.

This gives the swimming experience a whole new dimension. The disappearing edge makes you feel less confined in the pool, so as you swim you feel more like a part of the surrounding landscape. This enables you to become at one with nature, making your pool an even more relaxing place to be. In addition, you can enjoy the sound of rushing water and the gentle movement of the water as it cascades over the disappearing edge, which add to the benefits of your pool for relaxation.

Infinity pools are usually built on sloping sites, making them ideal vantage points for looking down over the surrounding area. Whether this is a rural scene or a cityscape, it provides a beautiful view while you are swimming, sunlit in the day and illuminated with thousands of lights by night.

As infinity pools are so closely associated with luxury, they bring an instant touch of opulence to your backyard, making your pool design the envy of all your friends. This highly unusual and attractive design feature can also be a great selling point when you are trying to achieve the highest price for your property.

What does an infinity pool cost?

Many homeowners believe that infinity pools cost too much for them to ever own one themselves. However, more and more Australians are now opting for infinity pools in their own backyards, as they are so enjoyable and relaxing to swim in, and uniquely beautiful from an aesthetic point of view.

It is true, however, that infinity pools are not cheap. Including a disappearing edge will add between $25,000 and $35,000 on average to the overall cost of your swimming pool. This means that an infinity pool does require a considerable initial outlay, when you consider that a fibreglass pool alone can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000, even without a disappearing edge.

However, the benefits of this attractive pool will last you for a lifetime, and there are a number of good reasons why an infinity pool costs so much:

1. It has a specially adapted design

Fibreglass pools are not constructed in your backyard from scratch, which is why they are cheaper than concrete pools. The pool shells are prefabricated in a range of different shapes and sizes, to suit most customers, making them easy to transport and install.

However, an infinity edge pool requires the design of the pool shell to be specially adapted so the disappearing edge can be included. As this is not part of the regular manufacturing process, it adds to the cost.

2. It requires extensive structural work

Installing an infinity pool is much more complex than installing a regular fibreglass pool. A significant amount of extra structural work is required during the pool construction process to ensure your infinity pool is strong and durable enough. The type and extent of this work will depend on the shape of your backyard and the design you want for your pool.

If the pool can be installed in-ground, like a regular pool, it will still require concrete beam retaining work to support the sides and top of the disappearing edge.

However, if your pool needs to be installed partially or fully above-ground, as most infinity pools do, this requires a different construction process to give the pool the strength and support it needs. Compass Pools Australia’s pioneering Maxi Rib technology has been designed specifically for this purpose. Exclusive to Compass Pools, the Maxi Rib system can support a fibreglass pool either partially or completely above ground, by creating a super-strong rib-like structure beneath the pool to hold its weight. Your infinity pool is then guaranteed to be strong, safe and durable for many years into the future.

Maxi Rib technology enables infinity pools to be constructed on the vast majority of sites, whether sloped, flat or raised. Thanks to this innovation, fibreglass infinity pools are now being created on many sites where previously this might not have been possible, or the owners may have had to opt for a much more costly concrete pool instead.

3. It’s actually two pools in one

The main reason why infinity pools are so expensive is because two pools essentially have to be constructed on the same site at the same time. The main pool that you swim in has the disappearing edge, but the water that falls off this edge has to go somewhere. This is why another smaller pool is constructed at a lower level, which catches the water that spills over the infinity edge.

This second pool is completely hidden so you can’t see it at all from the main pool, as it is built beneath the infinity edge. However, the second pool still has to be able to hold one-third of the water capacity of the main pool in order to be fully functional.

This makes the construction process of an infinity pool more time consuming and complex, requiring a great deal more work than the process of installing a standard pool, as two pools are being built at once.

4. It needs an expert engineer

Each infinity pool construction project requires a specialist engineer on-site. This engineer is responsible for the design of the entire project, including hydraulics, ground support, the design of the pool support and the holding capacity.

This gives you the reassurance that your infinity pool installation has been overseen by an expert at every stage, ensuring that everything goes to plan and your finished infinity pool will be a safe and relaxing environment for swimming.

Does the size affect the infinity pool cost?

The size of your infinity pool does not affect its cost as much as you might think. The same technology is used to create infinity pools of all sizes, and the amount of work required in the construction process is practically the same. Because of this, the total costs for infinity pools of different sizes are surprisingly similar, so there is no need to limit yourself to a smaller infinity pool if a larger pool would be more appropriate for your needs.

However, infinity pool costs can be affected by a number of other factors. For example, the cost can increase if you want your disappearing edge to go round a corner, as this makes the construction process more complex.

You can also pay more for your infinity pool depending on the extras you choose. A self-cleaning system, for example, will increase the cost of your pool. However, you may decide this is worth it in the long run. An in-floor cleaning system such as the Vantage system designed by Compass Pools Australia saves you the time and hard work of cleaning your pool manually, leaving you with more free time for enjoying your pool. It can also help you save money long-term, as it requires far less chemicals than manual cleaning, which also makes your pool safer and healthier to swim in.

Your pool company will be able to advise you on the range of optional extras which are available for your infinity pool. It is then up to you to work out your budget and stick to it while deciding what your infinity pool should include. Remember, you will also have to consider elements such as lighting, heating and landscaping, so your infinity pool is highly reliable and looks as beautiful as possible in your backyard.

More advice about infinity pools

If you would like to find out more about infinity pools, or discuss the specific options available for creating an infinity pool in your backyard, please contact one of our experienced Compass Pools builders who will be happy to answer all your infinity pool questions.

Infinity pools inspirations

The post Infinity Pool Cost: Why It’s Worth It appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

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

or head to our pool inspirations gallery for more pictures

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Homes are becoming smarter all the time. But is your swimming pool keeping pace?

Here’s everything you need to know about smart pools, and what you should be looking for in a smart pool system.

What is a smart pool?

A smart pool is just like a smart home. Modern technology and innovations in the swimming pool industry have now made it possible for more elements of a swimming pool to be automated than ever before. This enables you to spend less time maintaining your pool, and more time enjoying it. If you already own a traditional pool, you will appreciate how much of an advantage this is, as pool maintenance can be extremely time-consuming.

A smart pool can light, heat and even clean itself, and can be operated at the single touch of a button on your smartphone, tablet or PC. It is a highly convenient solution which makes your swimming pool fit for the future.

What are the advantages of smart pools?

Smart pools have a number of important advantages over traditional pools:

1. They are easy to operate

Swimming pool maintenance is complicated. There are so many different tasks to think about – cleaning, lighting, heating and making sure the water contains the right level of chlorine to keep it safe and healthy.

Smart technology can make all these processes extremely easy. Your pool systems can be controlled from an app on your smartphone or tablet, so they are all easily accessible in one place and can be operated at your fingertips. This means there is no need for you to take care of anything manually, or even for you to pre-program any of your pool systems.

Better still, a smart pool can be managed from anywhere via the app, so you can adjust your settings while you’re at work, and your pool will be ready for you to get straight into the water when you arrive home.

2. They save you time

None of us really want to spend our precious weekends cleaning and maintaining our swimming pools, when we could be enjoying them with our family and friends. A smart pool takes care of many of the most time-consuming elements of pool maintenance all by itself, saving you the time and trouble.

Thus, an intelligent swimming pool leaves us much more free time to enjoy the water and to spend quality time in the pool with those you care about the most.

3. They can also save you money

Many pool owners assume that upgrading to a smart pool will be too costly. However, as technological solutions become more widespread, smart pool systems are increasingly affordable, making it easier for you to have the latest smart technology in your own pool.

A smart pool system can also help you reduce your energy bills by using less power. For a start, the latest systems are designed to be more energy-efficient than their predecessors. In addition, as a smart pool can be operated from anywhere using your phone, you can turn the lights or heating system off remotely if you suddenly remember you have left them on. This not only saves you money, it is also much kinder to the environment.

4. They can increase the value of your home

A swimming pool is a highly attractive addition to your property, and a great way to stay fit and healthy in your own backyard. This makes it an asset when you are trying to sell your home, certainly, but these days prospective buyers are looking for more than this; they are looking home solutions which utilise all the latest technology. They are more likely to want an intelligent pool where the maintenance is not going to prove time-consuming and costly.

A smart pool is the best way to guarantee an increase in your property’s value, as it makes many aspects of pool ownership that much quicker, simpler and cheaper. It also future-proofs your pool, ensuring that it uses technology which will be fit for purpose for many years to come.

Which elements of your swimming pool can be automated?

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Here’s what you need to know about the different types of pool heating to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Why You need a Pool Heating System

All outdoor pools in Australia need a helping hand when it comes to heating the water. This is because pool water is not as warm as you might think. For example, a swimming pool in Melbourne is only likely to reach 16 or 22°C in the middle of summer.

Even if you live in one of the warmer regions of Australia, you will still need a pool heating system. The water might reach a temperature of almost 30°C at the height of summer, but during the winter months it could easily be 10 degrees cooler than this. You want to be able to enjoy your pool for most of the year, not just for the three or four months when the weather is at its hottest and you need to jump in the pool to cool off!

You also need to bear in mind that the sun’s rays hit the surface of the water, so this is always the warmest part of the pool. Even if it feels warm enough when you dip your toe into the water, the temperature beneath the surface is likely to be around three degrees cooler.

Remember, one of the main functions of having your own swimming pool in the backyard is to provide you with a place to relax. Cooler water might be bearable if you are constantly swimming laps, but if you want to take things a little easier sometimes, you need the water temperature to be comfortable. As a guide, public spas are heated to a temperature of 36°C. This is a water temperature in which most people can comfortably relax.

So, no matter where in Australia you are based, you need to choose a water heating system for your pool. But which is the right type of heater to choose?

What Are the Different Methods of Heating a Swimming Pool?

There are three main types of pool heating available for backyard swimming pools in Australia:

1. Solar Heating

Solar heating is the most popular method of pool heating, as well as the most cost-effective. It harnesses the natural energy from the sun to heat your pool, so it is safe and healthy for the environment, and saves you a lot of money on your household bills in comparison to the other available methods of heating your swimming pool.

Solar pool heating works via a solar pump, which is run using a very small amount of electricity — usually under 1 kW per hour. The solar pump pushes the water through a network of capillary tubes, ensuring the water stays heated to a constant temperature throughout the pool.

Solar heating systems work best in regions that get a lot of sunshine, as the solar power will be more reliable for more months of the year. On a warm, sunny day, a solar heating system can increase the temperature of your entire pool by two degrees, which makes a great amount of difference to the level of comfort you will experience in the water.

2. Electric Heating

Heat pumps are popular with Australian pool owners. By reusing the energy from the air, heat pumps can heat your pool without breaking the bank. Electric heat pumps are a relatively cost-effective means of heating your swimming pool. They work by collecting heat from the air and transferring it into your pool water via a heat exchanger.

Depending on the climate where you live, an electric heating system can sometimes be more effective than solar power, as it can still collect heat from the air during cloudy weather and at night, when the sun obviously is not shining. Electric pumps also tend to heat your pool water more quickly than solar heating systems.

However, electric heat pumps require a significantly greater amount of electricity to run than solar heating. This makes them more expensive and less environmentally friendly. A dedicated power circuit for the new electric heating will be required to accommodate your heat pump.

An electric system is also likely to give you a smaller increase in water temperature, so your pool might not feel so comfortable, even though you may be able to use it for more months of the year.

3. Gas Heating

Gas is the most expensive method of heating your pool, but in some ways it is the most effective, as it does not rely on the sun or the temperature of the air. A gas pool heater can maintain your pool water at practically any temperature you choose, at any time of year.

This is why gas heaters are the most popular means of heating spa water, as spas are used for hydrotherapy treatments to relieve pain and help people recover from muscular injuries. For this reason, spa water has to be maintained at a comfortable and relaxing temperature. If you are planning a spa or a pool and spa combination, gas might be the right choice of heating method for you.

Another advantage of gas heating systems is their ability to heat pool water quickly. A gas system, depending on its size, can heat the water in a spa in just under an hour, so it is ideal for those occasions when you want to use your pool in a hurry but the water is too cold.

Gas has a number of disadvantages as a pool heating system, however. It is not a clean form of energy, so it is harmful to the environment. In addition to this, it is extremely costly to run. This is why gas heaters are often only used as secondary systems to heat the water at times when the sun is not providing enough solar power.

Which Type of Pool Heating System Should You Choose?

The best type of heating for your swimming pool will depend on your individual circumstances. You will need to consider a number of factors, including:

• The average temperatures where you live
• The amount of sunshine your area gets
• How often you want to use your pool
• Whether you want to swim all year round
• What your pool will be used for (swimming, relaxation, hydrotherapy)

You should also consider the needs of the other people who will be using your pool. For example, if you have young children or elderly relatives, they may need a warmer water temperature to feel comfortable, as they are unlikely to be swimming as intensively as you. If anyone using the pool has an injury or a condition that causes pain, they will also benefit from the pool water being a higher temperature.

Another important factor to think about is the size of your pool. A larger pool will need a more efficient heating system to ensure that the entire pool can be heated to a constant temperature.

Because there are so many different factors to consider when choosing a heating system for your pool, it is extremely important to consult with a plumber when you are planning your pool design and installation. They will be able to give a professional opinion on the best type of heater for the area you live in, as well as taking all your other needs into account.

It is essential that you consult with the plumber before your pool is installed, as most heating systems need to be installed at the same time as the pool. They usually have separate lines and pumps, so the plumbing firm will need to access everything they need in advance, ready to install the heating system as the pool is being built.

More Information About Pool Heating Systems

There are many things to think about when choosing your pool heating system. Perhaps one type of pool heater stands out as the obvious choice. Maybe you will need a combination of two different systems to suit all your lifestyle needs.

If you need any more information about pool heating systems or help choosing the right system for you, please contact your authorised Compass Pools dealer. Their pool builders have extensive experience in installing pools in a wide variety of different locations and climates, so they will be happy to answer all your questions and help you make an informed choice about the most appropriate heating system for your pool.

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All of us at Compass Pools want to send our huge congratulations to our Sydney dealers, Local Pools and Spas, who won four awards at the prestigious NSW SPASA Awards recently. It was a hugely successful night for them. We’re delighted at their success as we enjoy a long-lasting and highly productive relationship with them.

The Local Pools and Spas team scooped a total of four awards at this year’s Gala Dinner, which was held on July 8^th at Luna Park Ballroom. The awards they won are:

• Gold – Residential Fibreglass Pool over $60,000 (Metropolitan)
• Silver – Residential Fibreglass Pool over $60,000 (State)
• Bronze – Residential Fibreglass Pool up to $40,000 (Metropolitan)
• Bronze – Residential Fibreglass Pool $40,000 – $60,000 (Metropolitan)

This success boosts the excellent reputation of Local Pools and Spas even further as a highly respected pool and spa company in the Sydney area. We want to congratulate them on a wonderful result.

What is SPASA?

SPASA (The Swimming Pool and Spa Association) is Australia’s peak body for the swimming pool and spa industry. It represents all sectors throughout the industry. Its aim is to maintain and improve standards and growth throughout the industry nationwide, representing it to state and federal agencies as well as overseas bodies.

The SPASA Awards of Excellence are held regionally every year – 2017 is the 31^st year they have been held. As one of Australia’s most prestigious prizes for the pool and spa industry, competition is fierce, and the Awards ceremony is a highlight of the annual calendar for the pool and spa industry in each state.

What are the NSW SPASA Awards and why do they matter?

The NSW SPASA Awards of Excellence are given to the “best of the best” pool and spa industry businesses from NSW and the ACT. The Awards are judged by an independent panel who select the best pool and spa industry contributors from a number of areas:

• Retail
• Sales
• Service
• Manufacturing
• Products
• Construction

With many excellent companies to choose from, the selection process is rigorous. The Awards demonstrate the excellent standards set by their recipients at all times. Only companies which are members of SPASA are eligible for the awards, which shows a commitment to quality and compliance.

What makes an excellent pool builder?

Most pool builders who are serious about their craft are members of SPASA, which they join voluntarily. Membership is only available to licensed specialist pool builders. Once they join, they are bound by a strict Code of Ethics, demonstrating that they offer the very highest standards in swimming pool and spa construction.

All materials used and services offered by SPASA members must meet established industry standards and comply with all relevant state and federal legislation. This offers you increased protection as a consumer, as all SPASA members must provide statutory warranty entitlements.

To become a SPASA member, a pool builder must be able to demonstrate a history of excellent industry knowledge and ethical trading practices. Members can complete a SPASA Industry Training Program each year to maintain the highest standards and stay informed about all the latest developments within the swimming pool and spa industry.

This is why, if you’re looking for an excellent pool builder whose work will last, it makes sense to choose a SPASA member.

About Local Pools and Spas

Local Pools and Spas is the most awarded pool building company in the whole of NSW. A family-run business established in 1998, it has been working with Compass Pools from the beginning to provide the highest quality fibreglass swimming pools to homes and families in and around Sydney. Its products have won numerous awards, as has its beautiful Display Centre in NSW.

We want to let everyone at Local Pools and Spas know how thrilled we are at their latest successes, and we hope to continue working with them for a long time to come.

MORE ABOUT LOCAL POOLS AND SPAS

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Multiple 2017 SPASA Victoria Awards for Our Melbourne Dealer

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Each year, SPASA Victoria showcases excellence in the swimming pool & spa industry at the annual Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner. These prestigious awards cover a range of categories from finished pool & spa installations to the latest equipment innovations. Compass Pools Melbourne, our dealer building pools in the Greater Melbourne region, has again received multiple awards this year.

Paradise in the Country

Sitting gently in the environment, the two lanes lap pool allows multi purpose swimming. The pool features a glass wall which is still a very new technology in the fibreglass pool building industry.

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Renovation Designed Around the Pool

The customer wanted their courtyard to be part of their everyday living. Their daily life ‘lives’ with the pool – morning, noon and night. Glass panels were positioned to be ‘balanced’ with the courtyard.

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Project 1: Paradise in the Country

Photography

Paradise in the country. Living out of town this client wanted to have the swimming and aesthetic pleasures of a river or natural body of water view. They wanted the pool to sit gently yet tastefully with the view.

Artistic Design

The customer did not want a negatived edge due to the evaporation rate of the water running over the edge but did want the look of extended water view or disappearing edge. This was the reason the glass edge was added to the project. They didn’t want blue water to contradict the landscape. They wanted to enhance not contrast.

Originally looking at a long lap pool they decided that they needed more lap swimming but in proportion to the large deck space. A skinny pool would look wrong in size. Hence, they made it two lanes instead of one!

Degree of Difficulty

This site was very easy due to wide access, however, the height difference did cause some complexity. The pool was engineered by Compass Pools Australia the Maxi rib technology to allow the pool to be ‘free standing’. This pool was originally sold with the base of the pool shell sitting on the natural ground. This would have meant the client had to walk 5 or 6 steps down to the pool from the house (as the house was sitting high on the hill). The pool was then re-engineered to have a floating slab constructed so that the pool was raised to sit almost level with the finished height of the house. They didn’t want long continuous deck so they broke it up with one step down.

Obvious Perceived Qualities

The aim in fibreglass pool building is to make sure edges still look sharp. To do this, as the pool builder you have to combine existing manufactured practises that are not easily changed with on site adjustments. Manufactured pools do restrict the individual aspect of a look and as the builder, you need to push the boundaries of what the shell was originally designed for ‘to get the look’. An experienced fibreglass pool builder can do this and make it look like all one beautiful vessel.

Innovation

Glass is common with pools, but only with concrete construction. Glass has very rarely been used with fibreglass pool given the fibreglass shell is flexible by nature. Any people who wanted a ‘wow’ factor with a swimming pool always had to revert to concrete pools.

PWe had the manufacturer build one edge with a ‘drop edge’ on the pool shell. Once in position, the Compass Pools Melbourne team could measure and have a custom made stainless steel channel designed.This was then fixed and sealed to the pool. The glass then sits in this and it is hidden so it doesn’t look ‘tacked’ on, The inside of the pool shell then has a matching tile to cover this edge.

Desirability

The client wanted the benefits of fibreglass pool with the smooth surface and ease of maintenance but was worried it would look like an old fashioned pool. By giving clients the advantages of these pools but constructing it with the ‘wow’ factor it gave them the best of both worlds.

Amenity

This pool was designed for regular lap swimming but they also wanted to have a pool proportion to space. They wanted it to be easy to get to (not having to walk down many steps to get to the pool). They also recognised that it enhanced their view and made them enjoy it more.

2017 SPASA Victoria Awards

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool $40,000 – $60,000

Best Innovative Pool or Spa SPASA Victoria Award

Project 2: Renovation Around the Pool

Photography

This house renovation was designed around the pool. The customer wanted their courtyard to be part of their everyday living. This photo captures how their daily life ‘lives’ with the pool – morning, noon and night

Artistic Design

When designing this pool with the client, Compass Pools Melbourne had to work out where the glass panels could be positioned so they were ‘balanced’ with the courtyard yet had to be built between the fibreglass structural support ribs. These engineered free standing support were non-negotiable as to their position. They had to work with a prefabricated product and manoeuvre it in an existing space and we needed to make it look ‘balanced’ and not have the windows ‘off centre’.

Degree of Difficulty

This site proved to be somewhat difficult for many reasons. Inner city Melbourne (Richmond) meant that the fibreglass pool delivery had to consider trams/clearways and working in a small space. The house was existing and with the tight space in Richmond, we couldn’t have a crane lift the pool into space. They had to use two small cranes and a custom built trolley to end up wheeling it through the kitchen area into position.

Obvious Perceived Qualities

The pool shell is manufactured with a ‘void’ to allow them to build the glass windows. It’s important that the fibreglass shell look like one with the glass and not just ‘inserted’ in ….i.e. not two different structures. It had to blend. It is not till you explain how it’s built that people realise there is a marriage between the fibreglass and landscaping (or deck fit out & tiles) to make this look complete.

The fibreglass shell was manufactured with recesses built into it. These recesses were trimmed out on site. Glass was measured up and glued into position and sealed watertight. Secondary glass window – removable for cleaning was used on the outside so that the pool would comply with fencing regulations.

Innovation

Glass is common with pools but previously only with concrete construction. Glass has very rarely been used with fibreglass pool given the fibreglass shell is flexible by nature. Any pool buyers who wanted a ‘wow’ factor with a swimming pool always had to revert to concrete pools construction. This is not the case anymore. This client wanted the colour of the water visual from the house. The pool was only able to be positioned free standing (due to site conditions) and they did not want to look at ‘box or wall’. It brings the pool and the life of the pool into the house.

Desirability

The client wanted the benefits of fibreglass pool with the smooth surface and ease of maintenance but was worried it would look like an old fashioned pool. By giving our clients the advantages of these pools but constructing with ‘wow’ factors gives them the best of both worlds.

Amenity

This pool is used day and night and we are not even talking about when the kids are swimming. At family meal time, the pool lights are on, the pool has in-floor cleaning so it always looks crisp and clean. It had to have infloor cleaning given it was on show every time anyone was in the kitchen. The beautiful pool colour had to be sparkling all the time.

2017 SPASA Victoria Awards

Best Residential Fibreglass, Acrylic or Vinyl-Lined Lap Pool

Best Residential Fibreglass Pool Over $60,000

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The post Multiple 2017 SPASA Victoria Awards for Our Melbourne Dealer appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

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The post Build a beautiful infinity pool with Compass appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.