A beautiful low-maintenance designer pool project

Simplicity is the essence of this designer pool. Clean lines, a minimum use of materials and a timber deck around the pool that flows through to the kitchen integrate areas successfully. The 180mm planks give a chunky, wharfboard look and being kiln dried, won't move or dry out over time. Sandstone square-profile coping around the pool enhances the clean lines and emphasises the geometric pool shape.

Further evidence of seamless design is seen with imported Italian Bisaazza glass tiles on the water-feature wall, spa spill-over and steps carried through to kitchen splashbacks, enhancing the oneness of living and water areas. Brendan, of Melbourne Decks and Landscaping, can take the credit for most of the project's design. 

Generous palm plantings provide an instant light and tropical feel, achieving the desired effect of a private oasis. Subtle level changes, like the progression of the deck from the grass, create interest in the yard - a far cry from its former flat state. 

But Brendan's favourite part is the outdoor room - a private sanctuary or entertainer's delight, depending on their mood. It's complete with kitchen boasting a 900 oven, fridge, stove, wine storage, cappuccino maker, microwave, plasma television and heating. 

The ultimate in low-maintenance design, the pool features an in-floor cleaning system, salt chlorination and solar and gas heating, which means the spa can be heated in a mere half-hour in winter. In keeping with the resort feel, colours and décor are modern and light. 

Designed for subtlety rather than dazzle, lighting includes underwater niche lights - three in the pool and one in the spa, with random garden lighting creating interest at night. Subtle water noise and movement were sought in the design, and achieved with three simple spouts (actually tap bases) that form part of the filtration system. Overall, the versatility of the project speaks for itself - a private sanctuary, family and entertainment area in one.

Now, if only it came with a chef.

Dean Jones

SWIM 

What aspect of this designer pool project are you most happy with?

There's no single point really. I guess it's being able to provide an outdoor entertaining space suitable for everybody intended. It's spacious without being oversized and successfully integrates materials and areas. 

How was the living area integrated with the water area?

The outdoor room is completely open, so there's no barrier to the pool area. The sandstone paving goes right to the edge of the room, with no line separating them, and the timber deck carries on the lines to the next level, providing a jumping platform to the kitchen.

What were some of the challenges you encountered with this designer pool area? 

It was fairly simple actually - it was an easy site in terms of access and digging and everything ran smoothly. The real challenge was to create an interesting space from a relatively flat and uninteresting backyard.

Brendan

What was the brief? 

We wanted a family pool we could swim in year-round, a spa we could zone off and an integrated indoor-outdoor living area for our young family and friends to enjoy. 

What's your favourite part?

Resort-style living in our backyard - it's a private sanctuary, dinner and entertaining area in one. It's great on Sundays when we can accommodate three families for a swim, and with heaters in the building and spa, it's appealing in winter as well. In terms of the overall scheme, I'm rapt. 

Were there any challenges along the way?

We had to be careful not to build too close to an easement at the back, and we also had to move a six-tonne palm tree as the pool was being constructed, which involved co-ordinating a power cut to the whole street at one point.

How long did the project take?

About four months - having the contacts in the industry made it pretty quick.