A good place to start your process of researching is with family and friends who own pools. Their personal experiences involving colour, size, location, equipment, finishes, landscaping and building both positive and negative will be invaluable in helping you determine what's right for you.
Pool designs and features are virtually unlimited these days. To narrow down the options, consider how your pool will be used and by whom.
Will the primary use be for exercise, family play, wading or sunbathing? Exercise enthusiasts like long lap pools with anchors for in-pool exercise, while family players want wide swim areas, big shelves for sunning and differences in water depths.
Determine who will be the primary users - Adults or Children? Adults appreciate gathering and entertainment areas like outdoor kitchens. Young children need wading areas and resting benches as they learn to swim. Older kids want slides and water features that encourage activity and hanging out.
How many people will be using the pool? Smaller pools create a more intimate atmosphere whereas bigger pools are more practical for families or those who entertain around their pool regularly.
When it comes to determining your lifestyle needs, it is best to think current as well as long range, since this is a long-term investment.
Once you've determined your lifestyle needs, you need to work out where you are going to position your pool. Whether you have a small yard or lots of land it's worth taking the time to think carefully about what will work for you.
Where you want to put your pool may have some bearing on the type of pool you can have. In general though pools can be located wherever Council permission can be obtained. But, one important factor to think about is orientation.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to positioning your pool. You can have it close to the house and designed to be a landscaping feature, allowing the inside and outside environment to blend or, it can be sited away from the home.
Size
Big is not necessarily better, so consider both your lifestyle and the size of your block before installing a pool. During summer a pool is a great asset, but if it takes up all of the available space, where will the kids play when they are not swimming?
Sun
Will the pool get plenty of sunlight to keep it warm during the day? Does the sun shine in areas intended for sunbathing? A general rule in swimming pool design is to locate the pool in an area that receives the largest amount of direct sunlight during spring and summer.
Shade
Too much sun is just as bad as not enough! are there shady spots to escape the sun when it gets too hot? Does it cover the pool so much that it stops it naturally warming up?
Wind
Does the wind blow hard, or swirl around the area? If so, a windbreak may be necessary.
Vegetation
Are there trees and shrubs close to the pool area that will shed leaves and insects into the pool?
Slope
If the location is on a slope you may need to consider additional expenses such as excavating, supporting walls and building up around the pool to support the structure.
Services
Consider the placement of services such as water pipes, sewerage lines and electricity cables that may be situated around the proposed area.
Once you've established where your pool will be located, it's time to decide which type of pool best suits your needs, and budget. This includes deciding whether you want to go for concrete, fibreglass, above ground or vinyl-lined.
New technology in above ground pools means they no longer have to be installed above ground, but instead partially or completely in ground. They cost significantly less than inground pools, and can be moved from one house to another. Modular pools come in a variety of styles, shapes and models, and are great for sloping or difficult-to-access backyards. They include a generous warranty and are delivered to your house, ready to install.
Fibreglass pools have become a very popular option in Australia due to the introduction of new technology that has made them both durable and flexible. Fibreglass pools come in an incredible range of sizes, shapes, colours and finishes. They require little maintenance, and can be installed in as little 2 weeks.
Concrete pools offer countless design possibilities, created to fit your property any way you like. They can be installed on almost any site and can incorporate many features that can't be used in other pool styles.
With recent technology advancements, vinyl-lined pools have become increasingly popular. Vinyl-linings are customised for each individual pool. They are generally less expensive than concrete pools, and are attractive and easy to maintain. Vinyl-liners can last for 15 years or more, and can be renovated easily and simply.
suggested products
Salt Chlorinators
Tri-XO Crossover Salt Chlorinator
Discontinued products
Nature2 Express
Chemical Feeding Systems
Zodiac pH Perfect
Suction Cleaners
T5 Duo
Pressure Cleaners
Polaris 3900 Sport
Water Features
Mini Jets
Salt Chlorinators
Tri-XO Crossover Salt Chlorinator
Discontinued products
Nature2 Express
Chemical Feeding Systems
Zodiac pH Perfect
Suction Cleaners
T5 Duo
Pressure Cleaners
Polaris 3900 Sport
Water Features
Mini Jets