They replaced a messy garden with a pool

The couple are involved in the plumbing industry and had a lot of friends and contacts help cut a few costs. Nick dug the hole himself and friends chipped in with tree removal and landscaping.

Pool builder Simon Howell specialises in both in-ground and above-ground pools, but rarely does he have the chance to combine the two. Nick and Melinda had seen first hand from friends the advantages of having an above-ground pool put into the ground. By running with this idea they saved time and money, without compromising the style they wanted.

Above-ground pools are a cheap and easy way to incorporate the swimming experience in your own yard. But just plonking the pool on the grass won't do much for the aesthetics of the place. Some above-ground pool owners build up a decking area level with the top of the pool, but by placing it in the ground, Nick and Melinda have been free to choose whatever surrounds they like.

The stone look-alike tiles around a large section of the pool add to the professional look, cleverly disguising the coping so that it looks like a normal in-ground pool. The look-alike option is another money saver, with these concrete tiles costing substantially less than the stone from which they were inspired. 

"It goes straight over the coping. The pool has been built into the ground and then the coping has been laid straight over the top of the pool. It looks good," says Simon.

The wood decking adds a touch of class to this pool and also works as a concealer to the filter and other unsightly bits and pieces. It's the trimmings that have stepped this basic pool design up to the next level. Simon is proud of the job, citing it as a great example of what you can do when the pool budget is low.

"They've got LED lights underwater so it looks great at night. At first glance you wouldn't realise it's an in-ground pool, "he said.

Simon Howell

Pool World

What did the clients want from you?

They wanted an above-ground pool that looked like an in-ground pool.

Why did they want an above-ground pool?

I think it was a cost issue. Concrete was going to cost twice that and fibreglass was expensive as well. It's come up well - at first glance you wouldn't realise it's an above-ground pool.

Were there any challenges involved?

No, none at all. Above-ground pools are much easier to install, as you haven't got all the other trades, like concrete finishing, concrete sprays, tilers and excavators to deal with. With this one it's just the pool builder.

Who decided on the surrounds for this pool?

The customers had a fair bit of choice in that. They wanted something that looked like stone but wasn't, so we ended up going with concrete tiles and timber decking, just to break it up a little. I think they've done a good job with it.

What do you like most about this pool?

'It looks every bit an expensive pool that's worth twice as much and it was installed inside three days. This would suit a lot of people on a lower budget – it's a really viable option. When they've got renovations to do on the kitchen and bathroom, before they know it the budget's blown out.

Melinda

What inspired you to get a pool?

We have a little girl, so we pretty much built it for her. We also think it might increase the resale value of the house. We have been in this house for a while and I just got sick of cleaning up the leaves from three huge trees. So we pulled them out and put a pool in.

Why did you go for the above-ground pool?

A friend of ours has done it and it's cheaper than other options. We didn't want to spend too much on a pool and we know concrete pools can be up expensive. Then you've got to wait for the concrete to cure. This one was ready straight away and we could start swimming in it.

How did you save money on the construction?

We're in the plumbing industry and we do a lot of work with builders, so we know a lot of sub-contractors who helped us out. My husband did the excavation himself: we dug the hole ourselves, got the truck and everything.

Was the plumbing more complicated for this pool?

No, it's pretty much the same. It all still comes in the inlet and out the outlets. You can't see the plumbing to the pool as it's covered by the deck.

What do you like most about this pool?

Just having a pool is good. The fact that it was quick and easy to install was a bonus. We dug it and installed it all in one weekend.