Pool water feature plus oodles of style - and bubbles!

Textured levels of water and stylish pool paving create visual depth in this amazing new pool by Oxygen Pools, featuring remote-controlled bubbles, automated cleaning and a stunning aesthetic!

Sophistication and child friendliness don't often co-exist, but this stunning pool is indeed an exception. What was formerly an unassuming eight metres by eight metres courtyard was transformed into a wondrous water playground by Oxygen Pools.

"With two small kids and a small backyard, we wanted a pool big enough to play in, but not a deep plunge-type pool," says owner Steven. "Aesthetically, we desired a pool that would merge indoors and outdoors and blend seamlessly with our modern house. I also wanted all the mod cons so I didn't have to clean it."

Oxygen Pools builder Andrew Ross says the small area had its challenges. "We worked with the levels of the patio and built everything accordingly," he says. "The pool was raised over the patio, the existing awning extended and a few different levels of paving were used to create depth."

In a look befitting the stylish inner-city location, the light grey granite of the pool is married with a surrounding band of polished granite tiles. "Because the tile band is polished to a mirror finish, any marks can be wiped off with a cloth - it looks sensational," Andrew enthuses.

Black and white speckled paving completes the modern look, while open beams in the roof create an almost semi-industrial feel. Another design highlight is the pool water feature - hand-built and fully integrated with the pool. At 1200 millimetres long, the trough-like structure fills with water then cascades into the pool.

At an almost uniform 1.4 metres depth, and with a below-water handrail and extended bench areas, pool access is easy. Complete with a custom-built poolside sandpit and spa-like bubbles from champagne blower points, it's no wonder this pool is a huge hit with the kids.

Consistent with the brief, the pool is virtually 'no maintenance', with the PC2000 in-floor cleaning system. It's also fully heated, offering a generous 11-month swim cycle, and everything from the lights to the bubbles is remote controlled, meaning the family can sit back and enjoy.

Andrew Ross, from Oxygen Pools

What's your favourite feature of the pool?

I like how the swimming pool water feature is integrated seamlessly. Its shape is truly unique. At 1200 millimetresm long, it's like a trough that fills with water, which cascades into the pool and is highlighted by iridescent lighting.

What was the brief?

Steven and Lisa wanted something modern and kid friendly, with easy access and no deep water. The pool also needed to be heated and integrated with the modern house, which features concrete and glass.

Were there any challenges in the design or construction?

Access was difficult, with a block wall needing to be knocked down and rebuilt.

How did you create visual depth in the small area?

We worked with the levels of the patio and built everything accordingly. The pool was raised over the patio and the existing awning extended. A few different levels of pool paving were used for layering.

Steven, the Homeowner

What was the brief?

With two small kids and a relatively small backyard, we wanted a pool big enough to play in, but not a deep plunge-type pool. Aesthetically, we desired a pool that would merge indoors and outdoors and blend with our modern house. Having not had a pool before, I also wanted the mod cons so I didn't have to clean it!

Is it as kid friendly as you'd hoped?

Yes, it's great. The sandpit was an impulsive decision but a good one - the kids use it all the time. Because we're very safety conscious and my wife suffers from arthritis, the shallow depth is ideal - she can touch the bottom of the pool at all times and feel safe supervising the kids.

How does your use of the space differ from how you used it before?

Previously the patio wasn't big enough, so the rain and sun prevented use of the verandah. With the extension of the patio and pool, we're using the outdoor area and backyard a lot more. People have commented that the backyard looks bigger than it did, and our kids love the new grassed area.

What's your favourite feature?

I love how the pool is integrated - it looks like it's always been part of the house rather than 'added on'. The other feature I really like is the frameless glass fence - we almost didn't go for it, but I'm glad we did. Because it's a small block, it opens the whole area up and makes the yard look bigger.

Featured Pool Products

Pool interior - Aristone 'Brilliant' interior 1mm
Pool exterior - Polished granite tile band
Waterline - Polished granite
Pool water feature - 1200mm hand built
Fencing - Frameless glass
Heating - 20kW Eco Smart heat pump
Cleaning/filtration - PC2000 in-floor cleaning system
Landscaping - Hand-built sandpit, Zoysiagrass, white pebble

To find out how to overcome the limitations of a small backyard and get the most from your outdoor area this summer, find a pool designer in your area: