THINKING ABOUT INSTALLING A SWIMMING POOL TO ESCAPE THE HEAT THIS SUMMER? THEN BE INSPIRED BY THESE GREAT IDEAS FOR YOUR BACKYARD.
STORY: DYLAN BROWN
With Australia’s summer heat, it’s almost become a necessity to have a backyard pool.
When deciding what pool to install, there are numerous factors to consider — including budget, size, style and shape.
Think about the type of pool you want — whether it be a saltwater pool, spa pool, plunge pool or a natural swimming pool, which has become a trend in recent times.
How you will use the pool is also something you must consider — a pool for fitness will be vastly different to one for just general socialising.
It is important to decide which one best suits you and matches your home.
FREE-FORM POOL
Having a concrete in-ground pool is a good option to create a pool that best suits your backyard and is also a good way to save space.
It can copy the shape of your backyard and thus maximise the available space as it fits tidily, no unoccupied corners are wasted.
You can also think about installing a waterfall or fountain to create some soothing background noise.
GARDEN SIDE POOL
Brighten up your garden with the charming addition of a less structured pool to your backyard.
By incorporating natural elements, your pool can look even greater regardless of the size.
When it’s not in use it can look like a pond, water feature or an artificial lake.
LAP POOL
If you have a narrow property and want a longer pool for swimming, don’t fret because you can install a pool running the length of the backyard.
The best method to have a swimmable pool on your property is to have a narrow lap pool go alongside your fence line.
Check with your local council guidelines as some have rules that it must be a certain distance from your fence line.
SPOOL
Make your plunge pool into a ‘spool’ — a combination of a spa and pool.
It’s a space-saver as it serves multiple purposes. Typically, it has built-in seats and jets.
Best yet, during winter you’ll still be able to use it as a relaxing spa because heating the water is fast and economical.
NATURAL POOL
It’s a growing trend to install eco-friendly natural pools in the backyard.
If you like the organic laid-back look and don’t want to use harsh chemicals, this is the one for you.
The pool is maintained thanks to micro-organisms and through the use of small pumps.
SALTWATER POOL
A very popular option across Australia, this is not referring to the design of the pool rather the filtration system.
It uses a saltwater chlorine generator to convert bulk salt into natural chlorine to kill bacteria and algae.
The generator can be added during the building of the pool or added afterwards. A standard pool can be converted by adding key components.
A saltwater chlorine generator can also be added to an above-ground pool, as long as it's made especially for above-ground swimming pools.
Regular cleaning of pool surfaces and filter equipment is needed for maintenance like traditional pools.
PREFABRICATED POOL
A prefab pool is one that is either in-ground or above-ground that is manufactured at a warehouse and is shipped to your home to be installed.
It is faster method to install pools than those built on site.
The two top types of permanent prefab pools are precast concrete pools and fibreglass.
DESIGNER POOL
You can’t go wrong with a modern and sharply-designed rectangular swimming pool, with many people opting for one in their backyards.
This type of pool can be built-in or installed as a prefab, and can be the main attraction in your backyard.