Best pool contractor – Compass Pools Australia

2021 Compass Pools Dealer Award Winners Announced

CPA — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:41:01 +0000

Compass Pools Australia has announced their 2021 Compass Pools Dealer Award Winners! The winners were announced at our virtual awards ceremony by our Compass Pools CEO, Anthony Cross and team member Steve Vimpani. This years’ standard of entry went above and beyond expectations, and we would like to say a massive congratulations to all our 2021 award winners and nominees!

Winners of the ‘Excellence in Pool Design’ Award:

Ultimate Pools

9.4m X-Trainer in colour Evolution. Pool installed by Ultimate Pools Ltd

BG’s Pools & Spas

6.2m Plunge in colour Viridian. Pool installed by BG’s Pools & Spas

North West Pools

16.6m Custom Contemporary in colour Evolution. Pool Installed by North West Pools

Compass Pools Newcastle

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

Compass Pools Melbourne

11.8m X-Trainer with Spa and wader in colour Pearl. Installed by Compass Pools Melbourne

Aquastyle Pools

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

Compass Pools Sydney

Central Pools

7.15m X-Trainer Slimline in colour Viridian. Pool installed by Central Pools

Winner of the ‘Most Outstanding Media Presence’ Award:

Compass Pools Newcastle

5m Plunge Pool in colour Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Newcastle

Winner of the ‘Most Outstanding Pool Innovation- Design and Installation’ Award:

Adam Martin

Adam Martin of Compass Pools Melbourne

Winner of the ‘Most Innovative and Adaptive Dealer’ Award:

Compass Pools Melbourne

10.2m X-Trainer with Spa in colour Quartz. Pool installed by Compass Pools Melbourne

Winner of the ‘Trailblazers Award- Women in the Pool Industry’:

Jan Cazemier

Jan Cazemier who co-ordinates the NZ Compass Pools Dealers

Winner of the ‘Compass Values Award’:

Russell Fagan

Russell Fagan of Compass Pools Sydney

Winner of the ‘Barry Vercoe- Excellence in Customer Service Award’:

Luke Geering

Luke Geering of Smart Self-Cleaning Pools

Winners of the ‘Compass Pool Builder of the Year’:

Local Pools & Spas

10.2m X-Trainer in colour Pacific. Installed by Local Pools & Spas

Azure Pools

10.2m Vogue in colour Sapphire. Pool installed by Azure Pools

Get your own Compass Pool

Fell in love with these amazing fibreglass pool installations by our authorised dealers? Have these pool projects made you start thinking of your own swimming pool? If so, it’s super easy to get you started. Use our postcode finder to look up your closest Compass Pool dealer and get in touch with them today for a free consultation and/or a quote.

FIND YOUR NEAREST COMPASS POOL DEALER

The post 2021 Compass Pools Dealer Award Winners Announced appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

How to Find a Reputable Pool Company Near You

CPA — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:07:37 +0000

A pool can be a significant investment, and you want to pick a reputable local pool company. Sifting through pool companies in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not sure what to consider.

Many people choose to search for ‘swimming pools near me’ or ‘local pool builder near me’ to find results. However, we want to tell you exactly how to find the best local pool company, and we’ll outline why it’s so critical that you take your time when you search.

Why Searching for ‘Swimming Pools Near Me’ is Only the Start of Your Search

Some people decide to perform one or two searches for ‘pools near me’ and pick the first company that pops up. However, this is only the beginning of your search. You must screen every company and do in-depth research before you settle on one.

This way, you can rest assured that the pool company can do everything you need them to do. Maybe you need special accommodations, or you have obstacles in the way that makes installation difficult. Some companies will be able to accommodate you while others will not.

Additionally, taking the time to perform these searches will allow you to price check different companies to get the best rate. If you don’t, and you pick one at random, you could end up paying much more for your new pool or spa than you need too. This money is something you could use to add accessories to your pool or use for additional upgrades like eco-friendly pumps or bright colours.

Criteria to Help You Find a Pool Company in Melbourne or the Surrounds

Fortunately, we have a guide that outlines everything you need to make a note of when you search for a ‘local pool builder near me.’ These first few essential details you want to apply to any local pool company you find.

Experience

How long has the pool company been in business? Ideally, you want to find a well-established company that has a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied clients. For example, Compass Pools has a Melbourne office and showroom where we’re more than happy to talk about past installs and their options. We have several fibreglass pools available, and we have decades of experience installing them for our customers.

References

Any pool builder you contact should be able to provide you with recommendations for past projects. These should be new and older customers. A company that does quality work will be more than happy to prove it by giving you at least one or two references.

Business or Trade Organisation

Having some degree of involvement with a local trade or business organisation shows that a business commits to the pool building industry. You’re more apt to get a professional company that invests time, money and effort into making their pools and accessories better.

Equipment

Be sure you ask about the local pool company’s heavy machinery and the quality grades and performance levels. The answers will give you a good idea on whether or not they have the equipment available to create, transport and install the pool successfully.

Payment Process

Ask to see a copy of a typical pool build and install contract. Ask about payment terms. Any contractor who asks you for more money than the contract specifies isn’t worth your time. The goal is to stay within the contract’s guidelines from start to finish.

Pool Types

What type of pool comes up when you search for a ‘pool company near me?’ Do the majority of people need in-ground or above-ground? If you have a little space available, can your pool company install a plunge pool? What about a spa or a pool and spa combination? A reputable pool company will be able to walk you through your various options and find the best pool type for your space and usage needs.

Cost

Your budget will also play a role in the company you choose and the pool you get. You have to consider the groundwork, trades, whether or not you want paving or decking, safety features, landscaping, accessories, heating, chemicals, filtration system and cleaning expenses. If you shop around, you can find the lowest prices for your new pool with sacrificing quality.

Will the Company Put the Details in Writing

Finally, make a point to ask the pool companies if they’ll put all of the little details in writing. Getting it in writing will help outline what the pool company and what you will have to cover. The things you want to see include:

What excavation work does the company include in your quote? If the company runs into issues, how will the issues impact the cost?
How will the company prepare your yard for the pool without damaging existing structures? If they have to move things, will they return them to their places?
If you need a fence or deck around your pool, will they put it in or will that be your responsibility?
What equipment will they use, and what happens if something happens to it that causes a delay?
What landscaping and grading company do they use if they outsource?
What will you have to pay with repair and maintenance costs?
What is the warranty coverage?
Is there an itemized list of the costs of the pool and any accessories like a spa, infinity edge, wading area or pool cover.

Six Steps to Follow to Find the Best Local Pool Builder

Now that you have a list of things to consider when you search for ‘swimming pools near me,’ you can use these steps to narrow down your search. Since any given area can have dozens of local pool companies, taking your time and comparing them is critical.

Step One – Determine the Pool Type

The first thing you want to do is decide on the type of pool you want. A quick search will give you a good indication of the go-to Australian pool types. Are they in-ground or above-ground? Concrete or fibreglass? Freshwater or saltwater? In Australia, fibreglass pools are one of the most popular options due to their durability and longevity. Decide which type of pool suits your area, budget and lifestyle.

Step Two – Pick Out the Pool Design

There are dozens of pool designs available. Maybe you want a pool to increase your swimming speed. If so, a lap pool would be the right choice. If you want something more elegant, an infinity pool could be the way to go. Consider how you want to use the pool and your yard space. You could always get a smaller pool and get a few water features added on to make it more functional.

Step Three – Learn About Pool Equipment

You don’t have to be a pool equipment expert, but having a rudimentary understanding of how pool equipment works and the basic pros and cons are helpful. For example, do you want a cartridge, natural or diatomaceous earth filter? Will you use a chlorine generator or a feeder to chlorinate your pool, or will you choose saltwater? Consider a self-cleaning pool system to cut down on the number of chemicals you need and the amount of maintenance you’ll have to do. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be to ask questions and understand your options.

Step Four – Make a List of Potential Local Pool Companies

When you get a good understanding of what you want for your new pool, make a list of reputable local pool companies. Ask for references from co-workers, family and friends who have or had pools installed. Once you get a list, start comparing them to see which ones offer you more bang for your buck. Use the criteria list from earlier to help weed through your potential companies. The goal is to narrow your choices down to the top three to five.

Step Five – Schedule Appointments

Take your final list and start scheduling appointments. You should schedule them a day or two apart, so you don’t mix up their offerings, and it’ll also give you time to jot down a few comparison notes. Make a short pro and con list and pay attention to each company’s sales pitch. Also, make sure to get any promises, discounts or promotional offers in writing. Don’t sign any contracts until you visit your entire list of potential companies.

Step Six – Compare and Choose

Finally, you’ll want to take a day and compare all of your options. Were there a couple that stood out from the rest? Use the process of elimination to narrow your results down until you get one company. Call and schedule another consultation, or ask them what the next step is and what they need from you. You can now move forward with your build while staying confident that you chose the best option to give you the pool of your dreams.

Compass Pools Has Reputable Pool Dealers in Several Locations

Compass Pools has a reputation for installing high-quality fibreglass pools. We bring years of experience to each customer we take on, and we’ve honed our craft over the years. Additionally, we also have a host of offices and showrooms throughout Australia that makes it easy to come directly to our customers. There are no long wait times, and we’ll work with you to ensure you get an excellent finished product. We have authorised dealers in:

Melbourne

Compass Pools is the pool company Melbourne residents turn to when they need dependable and professional service. We bring over 30 years of experience selling and installing fibreglass pools throughout Melbourne and Victoria. Each member of our staff commits themselves to showcase the highest quality fibreglass swimming pools available. Additionally, each of our pools is low maintenance, but they all last for years.

We have a showroom where we can walk you through the various fibreglass pools, spas and accessories we have available. We’ll also show you the different colour ranges and finishes. We also encourage you to ask about our past installations! We’re happy to showcase our work and help you choose the best swimming pool for your lifestyle.

Sydney

The Compass Sales Centre is your point of contact for a quality pool company in Sydney North and Sydney South. We’ve showcased our pools and had a decade to build our portfolio of satisfied customers and completed projects here. We faithfully serve the Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Castle Hill, Central Coast, Gosford, Hurtsville, Mosman, Northern Beaches and Northshore communities from this location.

When you drop by, our friendly and professional staff are on-hand and ready to walk you through your pool options. We can compare sizes, shapes, colours and exterior finishes to help you decide on the best choice for your needs.

Brisbane

If you’re looking for a reliable pool company in Brisbane, rely on our authorised Compass Pools dealer for this area.

You can drop by and view our exclusive range of fibreglass pools, spas and water features that help you customise your new pool. If you have questions, the friendly staff are ready to answer them, address your concerns and guide you through the process of picking out a new pool.

Newcastle

When you look for a pool company in Newcastle, look for Compass Pools. Newcastle is home to our display centre, and we have several high-quality fibreglass pools to show our customers. We specialise in complicated site installations, and we have hundreds of satisfied customers throughout the community.

This location is right next door to Compass Pools Australia – NSW Manufacturing Facility, and this means you get lightning-fast service with quick turnaround times when you order. If you’d like to know more, we offer no-obligation quotes on your new spa or pool project!

Stop by Your Local Compass Pools Showroom Today!

No matter where you are in Australia, you can find a local Compass Pools showroom or shop. We invite you to drop by and see what we have to offer, or you find your nearest authorised dealer to request a free, no-obligation quote right now!

The post How to Find a Reputable Pool Company Near You appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

How long does it take to build a pool?

Steve Vimpani — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 20:13:16 +0000

One common question we get asked is “how long will it take to build my new pool?” The answer to that question depends on a number of different factors which include (but are not limited to):

The planning process
The type of pool (concrete or fibreglass for example)
The time of the year
Your local consent authority
Other contractors

Let’s take a look at how these factors can influence your pool construction.

The planning process

Planning your new pool can be a lengthy process as there are many decisions to be made:

What type of pool is best for you?
What shape?
What size?
What colour?
Where will you place the pool?
If you’re building a new house, should the pool be installed before or after?
What landscaping should happen before or after your pool is installed?
What kind of pool fencing will work best for you?

It stands to reason that one of the biggest influencing factors of how long it will take before you are swimming in your new pool, is the time spent making decisions on your preferences. For some people pool planning can be a relatively quick process, but for others it can take months of discussion and design work, especially when a more complex concrete pool is involved.

The reality with swimming pools is that once they are in the ground, they are there forever, so it pays to give yourself a comfortable timeframe to ensure the right decisions are made.

The type of pool you choose

The length of time it takes to build your new pool is heavily influenced by the type of pool you choose. The difference in construction time between a fibreglass and concrete pool can be significant. One of the benefits of installing a pre-moulded fibreglass swimming pool is that the pool shell arrives pre-built. Instead of having a number of different contractors on site for several weeks or more (standard procedure with concrete pools), your fibreglass pool can usually have water in it within a couple of days and the installation completed with a couple of weeks.

While one benefit of concrete pools is that you are not limited by shape or size, it pays to remember that concrete pools, especially if you opt for detailed and complex shapes, may take several months or more to complete.

Of course, the installation of the pool is only one aspect of the pool project. While it may only take a couple of weeks to install a Compass fibreglass ceramic pool, it takes most households between 3 and 6 months on average to feel satisfied that they have completed their pool landscaping. That means that your pool can be up and running while you add the finishing touches at your own pace.

The time of the year

As you can imagine, when weather gets warmer more people start to think about swimming pools. In summer time, most pool builders are inundated with enquires from people who want to be swimming in their new pools as soon as possible. If you want to enjoy a lengthy first summer in your newly-built pool it’s a good idea to be talking with your pool builder at the June/July point or even earlier. During February/March for instance, many pool retailers are prepared to offer extra incentives to fill their books for winter.

Naturally, summer weather lends itself to construction. Many people choose to renovate, build and undertake other major projects when the weather is more stable. Because of this, the demand for mid-summer pool builds does increase dramatically and spaces fill up quickly.

That’s not to say that if you enquire in November (or even December) you will miss out on swimming that season, however it does pay to get in early!

Often in January or February people make the mistake of thinking “we’ve missed out on this summer so there’s no rush”. The reality of the situation is that if you plan your pool, install it early and then complete the landscaping in spring, you will have a pool area that is finished and ready for the entire next summer. No mess and no disappointment at a time when you want to be enjoying your pool.

Local consent authority

Every new pool that is built needs to be passed by the local authorities. Once you have completed your planning process, a development application (or complying development certificate, or permit submission) will need to be lodged. In most cases this is something that your pool builder will do for you (although separate fees may apply). This application needs to show the details of the construction process and outline how safety standards will be met.

The processing time for a permit varies from town to town and can also change depending on demand (4-6 weeks is not unusual). As mentioned above, summer is a busy time for the pool industry so processing times during peak season are often at the higher end of the guidelines you are given.

The construction of your pool cannot start until approval has been given from your local authority. The earlier your application is submitted the more likely your project will be finished on time.

Other contractors

Most pool projects require several different contractors from electricians to concreters, fencers and pavers. The availability of your contractors can also have an effect on how long it takes before you are swimming in your new pool. In most cases your pool builder will have a list of preferred contractors whom they trust and work closely with.

From time to time there are elements of a pool installation that will rely on another contractor completing their part of the project first (for example your pumps cannot be switched on unless an electrician has established a power supply). Because of this, we suggest having a firm plan before the project commences. If each contractor knows when to show up and is aware of the scheduled timeline of events, you lessen the risk of having your project delayed.

Generally speaking, fibreglass pools can be ready to swim in sooner than you might expect, and our authorised Compass pool dealers typically plan to complete a standard installation in around 10 working days. However, outside influences can delay this process so the earlier you can speak to your pool builder the better, to ensure that your pool is ready to swim in when you are.

How Much would YOUR POOL Cost?

Plunge pool, family pool or a lap pool? Fill in your details to find out how much a Compass Pool would cost at your place. No obligations!

Congratulations to Local Pools and Spas on their SPASA Awards

CPA — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 17:52:56 +0000

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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Our wollongong fibreglass pool builders do it again!

Steve Vimpani — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:36:39 +0000

Bostock Pools named Master Builder “Pool Builder of the year” for the third year in a row

The mum and daughter team from Bostock Pools in Wollongong have done it again, taking out the prestigious Master Builders “Pool builder of the Year” award in the Fibreglass category for the third year in a row.

Diane and Alicia were over the moon at the announcement in September when it was revealed that they had taken out the title in this highly contested category again in 2014. “We were just blown away that we have won this award for the 6^th time (the girls also won in 2004, 2005 & 2006) , there was some amazing pools entered this year and we are extremely proud to be chosen as the winner again in 2014”.

Diane Bostock – Bostock Pools

So why have Bostock Pools been so successful, I believe it’s their ability to truly listen to their customers needs and find out exactly what they want to achieve from their new pool and backyard design, plus their ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries on conventional fibreglass pool design. It’s definitely a winning combination…

2014 Fibreglass Pool of the year

This year’s winning pool installed in Cordeaux Heights near Wollongong had a very special brief by the client. They decided after coming back from holidays that they wanted to bring that resort-style living into their own backyard for the family to enjoy all year around. As they had purchased a pool previously from Bostock Pools, they knew they were up for the challenge.

The Bostock team was faced with a challenging sloping block, with a fall of 2.5m over the area where the pool was to be installed. Engineered retaining walls created an elevated platform which provided fluid interaction between the home and entertainment area. The pool-and-spa combination has been designed to be highly functional, suiting outdoor entertaining and exercise all year round.

Colourful co-ordinated glass mosaic tiles on the spillway created a seamless integration between the two bodies of water, with LED lights in the water bubblers between the stepping stones further enhancing the design which looks stunning at night.

The landscaping around the pool utilises natural products such as travertine stone, tiles and pebbles to perfectly complement the surrounding environment, allowing the pool area to blend in with the home and surrounding bushland. Frameless glass fencing allows uninterrupted views of the natural landscape and mountains.

The feature wall is a contemporary design and has strong visual appeal, while serving as a barrier for filtration. It also incorporates a custom-designed mirrored water feature which provides relaxation, tranquillity and serenity to the pool area.

2013 Fibreglass Pool of the year

The customers from Barrack Heights, Wollongong requested a contemporary look to complement their modern home. The challenge was to create this with only a very limited area between the boundary of the home and the existing gazebo area.

With a young family, the clients also wanted a fun shallow area for the kids to play in. Taking advantage of the latest innovations from Compass Pools, the pool shell was customised to link both the 7m pool and the 3m wader to form a beach style swim-out for the children to wade in. The wader wraps around the corner of the gazebo and becomes the focal point, while also providing hours of amusement for the kids.

The tiled spillway with raised travertine stepping stones creates a seamless integration between the two bodies of water, and the L-shaped pool design provides an excellent use of the limited space with entertaining in the gazebo literally poolside. A fantastic result.

2012 Fibreglass Pool of the year

An unconventional block, a sewer main and size limitations didn’t deter Bostock Pools’ vision with the 2012 winning entry. Diane from Bostock Pools wanted to design an area of simplicity and sophistication for this family from Helensburgh near Wollongong. With a creative use of space, the pool offers something for everyone in the family and was designed to complement their new home and maximise the limited space available.

The 7m Vogue – one of Compass Pools’ latest innovations in design also features Compass’s unique and patented Bi-luminite pool shell surface, an exclusive multi-layer colour system which creates a luminous 3D water colour effect.

It also features the inconspicuous Vantage in-floor cleaning and circulation system for effortless maintenance and the safest, healthiest water. The 150mm-deep sun pod which was custom designed at the Compass factory in Newcastle matches the width of the spa nook entrance on the opposite side of the pool. LED lights mounted horizontally in the water bubblers positioned between the three stepping stones have become a play area for the family’s three daughters plus create a spectacular night feature.

The water feature wall conceals the filtration with a water feature cascading from the wall onto the sun pod which then spills into the pool. Modern glass fencing with stainless-steel fittings provides uninterrupted views of the stunning pool.

This winning pool provides a tranquil landscape and fun for the whole family all year round – it’s perfect for cooling off in summer or for entertaining in winter. Close collaboration between the owners and the ladies from Bostock has resulted in this pool being a spectacular success.

What’s in store for Bostock Pools in 2015

Bostock Pools are celebrating their 15^th year in business this year but by no means do they think they have done it all “We have some amazing pools in the pipeline for 2015, and with Compass Pools continued innovation in fibreglass pool shell technology and our desire to provide our customers with a unique and personal design, we think the best is yet to come” Alicia Hutton – Bostock Pools

The post Our wollongong fibreglass pool builders do it again! appeared first on Compass Pools Australia.

Compass Pool’s Swimming Pool Construction Process

Steve Vimpani — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:54:47 +0000

Swimming Pool Construction: How does it work and what’s involved?

Video transcription: I guess first off most clients have a bit of an understanding of what they want. From there I lead into what they’re going to use the pool for, how much room they think they might need, how many kids, do they entertain a lot. It’s basically finding out what they need. From there we can work out the best way to go about that.

I guess the most common questions that we’re always asked is should I lay pavers on sand or should I lay them on concrete? Traditionally, we used to lay all our pavers on sand around a pool. Most of the time they were a small format, so we could get away with laying them. These days, most people want large format pavers, large format concrete or natural stone. So nowadays you can’t lay pavers on sand around the pool purely because of the movements around the sand that washes out. You get a far better job on concrete.

A lot of the time we go to do houses they’ve either left their al fresco so we can tie in with the pool or they’ve already got tiles. Typically I say this is your pool area. You want it to be slightly different than the rest of your house if you’ve already got matching tiles. So you want the pool area to stand out and make that the showpiece for the house.

Every pool that sells obviously has to have a bond beam. A standard beam is suitable for one paver to go all the way round and that maintains the structural integrity of the pool. We can go anywhere from a standard paver up to whatever distance you want to go out from the pool depending on the size of your yard and the living area that you want.

To determine how far we go out, sometimes we try to match the area of what they’re laying with the size of the paver. That is so you can have a seamless line between the whole area reducing the cutting down. This is not for labour but more for the visual aspect of the job. So we try to help them out to whatever size paver to make that look good going round the whole job and working out with our fence lines and things like that.

A bond beam is a concrete beam, a structural beam that goes round the ring of the pool. That maintains the structural integrity of the pool. Typically it is 370mm wide. That suits a 600 x 400 paver or a 400 x 400 paver. You’re not limited to just the beam, you can extend that beam to whatever distance you want. It is better to extend the beam out so we have one seamless pour. Otherwise you’re going to have an expansion joint between the bond beam and the coping paver and the rest of the paver, whether you have concrete or whatnot. You want to try to eliminate that. If you can do it all in one pour, it is going to a lot stronger and you’re going to get a far better job.

Personally for me as a contractor for the type of work that we do, as much as I can, I like to try to speak to the owners of the pool before the pool goes in. That way you can eliminate any problems. You can get the right heights, you can work out where a cut and a fill may be, any retaining walls, any plumbing, where you’re going to run electricity so you don’t have a problem in the future. Probably the most important thing is the height of the pool, getting the height of the pool in relation to your al fresco area, your entertaining area, whatever it may be. That’s very critical because once the pool is in, you can’t move it.

I always like to speak to the clients about exactly what they want so we can map out the whole yard and get the result that they’re after. We always notify the client when we’re going to be there. We ring up a couple of days before, notify them what time we’re going to arrive on site, if they’re going to be home. Normally I like them to be there for the first day so we can go over the whole job and make sure they understand exactly what is going on. We make sure they understand what they are getting and how it is all going to look.

From there we set out the process of what happens, the order of operations of the job. We explain whether it is retaining walls first, whether it is concreting, we form up. Typically on a standard job, once Compass has finished installing the pool, we will come in and form up and pour the concrete. That cures for approximately two to three weeks and then we can come back and lay all the tiles or paving or whatever you choose. That can take anywhere from a day to two weeks depending on the size of the job.

Definitely get a contractor who can understand pool surrounds, typically a professional landscaper. Try to stick to one trade if they can, without having multiple trades. That way it cuts down on how many people are on the site. It cuts down any errors of communication between one trade and another trade. That’s why we’re experts in what we do because we can handle the whole lot.

I had a client yesterday. I said if they want to see the finished product, I can give them names and numbers or even organize for myself to go out there and take them out there. We can have a look at the products so they can feel it, so they can see what it is going to look like before they actually get the product installed.

People ask my opinion all the time. There are so many options you can have. Some people choose a longer coping paver and then they have a 400 x 400, a square paver for the surrounding area. People do the opposite. They have a smaller paver and then they have a longer paver for the outskirts or they have one product. There are so many different options.

I think when you try to overcomplicate a pool area that’s when it starts to get a bit messy. We try to keep one product and then split it up with a feature tile all they way through, something small that is not going to stand out too much. I think the subtle touches that you do are far better than trying to do different colours or mix and match that way.

Once we’ve finished laying the tiles or pavers, you have to wait a minimum of seven days before we can seal the pavers, just to let the grout cure and let the moisture come out before we seal them. Then after that, within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, they can start enjoying their pool. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

If you are looking for a swimming pool constructor, please go to our Pool Builders page to select your closest authorised Compass Pool Dealer. Or give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

Best pool contractor – Compass Pools Australia

2021 Compass Pools Dealer Award Winners Announced

Winners of the ‘Excellence in Pool Design’ Award:

Ultimate Pools

BG’s Pools & Spas

North West Pools

Compass Pools Newcastle

Compass Pools Melbourne

Aquastyle Pools

Compass Pools Sydney

Central Pools

Winner of the ‘Most Outstanding Media Presence’ Award:

Compass Pools Newcastle

Winner of the ‘Most Outstanding Pool Innovation- Design and Installation’ Award:

Adam Martin

Winner of the ‘Most Innovative and Adaptive Dealer’ Award:

Compass Pools Melbourne

Winner of the ‘Trailblazers Award- Women in the Pool Industry’:

Jan Cazemier

Winner of the ‘Compass Values Award’:

Russell Fagan

Winner of the ‘Barry Vercoe- Excellence in Customer Service Award’:

Luke Geering

Winners of the ‘Compass Pool Builder of the Year’:

Local Pools & Spas

Azure Pools

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How to Find a Reputable Pool Company Near You

Why Searching for ‘Swimming Pools Near Me’ is Only the Start of Your Search

Criteria to Help You Find a Pool Company in Melbourne or the Surrounds

Experience

References

Business or Trade Organisation

Equipment

Payment Process

Pool Types

Cost

Will the Company Put the Details in Writing

Six Steps to Follow to Find the Best Local Pool Builder

Step One – Determine the Pool Type

Step Two – Pick Out the Pool Design

Step Three – Learn About Pool Equipment

Step Four – Make a List of Potential Local Pool Companies

Step Five – Schedule Appointments

Step Six – Compare and Choose

Compass Pools Has Reputable Pool Dealers in Several Locations

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane

Newcastle

Stop by Your Local Compass Pools Showroom Today!

How long does it take to build a pool?

The planning process

The type of pool you choose

The time of the year

Local consent authority

Other contractors

How Much would YOUR POOL Cost?

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