Island living in a designer pool

Creating this effect was the intention of owners John and Barbie from the outset. They wanted their pool to be a central feature of their home, visible from almost every room. The designer pool also had to have a function as a lap pool, a family entertainment area and an eye-pleasing feature.

The project presented the building/design team of Ian Bonney, from Pool Fab Swimming Pools, and PJ Burns, with a few big challenges. Access to the site was limited, so construction of the designer pool began as soon as the slab for the house was laid. The two-storey house next door was built right up to the boundary, and John and Barbie wanted the pool as close as possible to the boundary on their side - not an easy ask. 

"We dug 30 solid concrete bore piers to create an underground concrete wall to stabilise the neighbour’s house," explains Ian.

Once these obstacles were overcome it was down to the task of realising the Thurtells' vision. The end result is a pool that has just about everything you could want. 

The 'lap' part of the pool runs along the boundary; this joins up with the rectangular family pool that flows into two ponds dissected by stepping stones. There is also a feature wall that has a sheer water descent and is spot lit.

The designer pool is finished with mosaic tiles and Pebblecrete (a mixture of concrete and pebbles), and is surrounded by timber decking and paving. There is a Monarch sand filter, salt water chlorinator, and a filtration system with a timer that allows you to turn the filtration on and off at set times during the day.

John and Barbie are thrilled with the result of Ian and PJ's hard work. After all, who in their right mind would say no to living on their own, private island?

Ian Bonney

Pool Fab Swimming Pools

What was the brief?

Our customers wanted to give the impression that the house was surrounded by water and they wanted the pool to be visible from most rooms throughout the house.

Were there any challenges?

Access to this small site was limited, so as soon as the slab for the house was laid we started the pool. The boundary fence was a solid block wall, and because the site had a zero allotment we were able to excavate right up to that wall.  

Are you happy with the overall result?

We are very happy with the result; we have created a very practical and stunning swimming pool that will give our client years of enjoyment. We were very happy to receive a prestigious SPASA Queensland award for this pool in the category of Residential Traditional or Geometric pool.

What's your favourite aspect of the project? 

The shape of the pool and ponds, and the way the pool wraps around the house and creates a beautiful feature to view from inside the house.

John and Barbie

What was the brief?

The designer pool was to be the central feature of the home, starting from the moment you open the front door; visible from the master bedroom and from the family room. The pool had to incorporate a lap pool, a family water entertainment area and a water feature to give the relaxing sound of water.

Were there any challenges? 

The two-storey house next door was built up to the boundary and we wanted the pool as close as possible to that boundary. Our house was built up to the edge of the pool in a number of areas. The pool finish had to blend in with the feel of the house.

How did you choose your designer?

Pool Fab have been building pools on the Sunshine Coast for over 25 years and have won many awards. This year they won SPASA Queensland Pool Builder of the Year; this gave us confidence that they would look after us.

Are you happy with the overall result? 

The pool enables us to swim laps, caters for family entertainment as well as providing a fantastic water feature. We are indeed very happy with the overall look.

What's your favourite aspect of the project?

Everything. The pool is the central feature to our home.