The Mahony Group  – 2026 Pool of the Year Awards Entrant

Set high above Clifton Gardens with sweeping views across Sydney Harbour and surrounding bushland, this elegant residential transformation is a lesson in balance. Refined yet relaxed, contemporary but grounded in tradition, the project brings together home, garden and pool in a way that feels effortless — and entirely tailored to the lives lived within it.

With a steeply sloping site and a brief that encompassed far more than a single element, the clients engaged A Total Concept to design the space and The Mahony Group to construct the pool. The result is a cohesive, layered outdoor environment that feels considered from every vantage point.

The swimming pool anchors the landscape, positioned to capture both harbour and garden views. Its bespoke teal ceramic tiles subtly shift between blue and green, echoing the changing colours of sky, water and foliage beyond. This tonal play allows the pool to sit comfortably alongside the manicured Zoysia lawn, visually uniting hardscape and greenery into a single calm composition.

Surrounding materials were chosen to respect the home’s traditional architecture while presenting a fresh, contemporary edge. Sandstone paving, painted rendered walls and minimalist iron fencing establish a classic framework, while crisp geometry, angled walls and a confident tile choice lend a modern sensibility. The dialogue between old and new is seamless — nothing feels forced and nothing dates.

Planting plays a crucial role in softening the structure and connecting the site to its broader environment. Near the residence, traditional species such as Buxus, Gardenias, Camellias, Clivia and Hydrangeas complement the formal architecture. As the garden moves outward, Lomandra, Coastal Rosemary, Grevillea and Callistemon gradually transition the landscape into the surrounding bushland, blending with native Angophoras beyond the boundary.

Entertaining spaces are layered and intuitive. An understated cabana tucked beneath the home’s undercroft offers a shaded retreat overlooking the pool, while sandstone stepping stones set among Native Violet groundcover lead guests through the terraces. Upper verandahs, lawns and poolside zones connect visually and physically, creating a series of flexible spaces designed for both quiet moments and large celebrations.

Already, the garden has hosted weddings, cocktail parties and family gatherings — a true reflection of the project’s success. It is not simply a beautiful setting, but a place designed to be lived in fully, across seasons and occasions.

At a Glance

Pool built by: The Mahony Group
Design & project management: A Total Concept
Scope: Pool, cabana, terraces, lawns, planting and outdoor entertaining areas
Pool tiles: Bespoke teal ceramic tiles reflecting harbour and sky tones
Hardscape: Sandstone paving, rendered walls, minimalist iron fencing
Plants: Buxus, Gardenias, Camellias, Clivia, Hydrangeas, Lomandra, Coastal Rosemary, Grevillea and Callistemon

Company Profile

The Mahony Group is a leading Sydney-based construction and landscaping company, delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end approach to residential building. Their reputation has been built on genuine relationships, a down-to-earth attitude and a commitment to going above and beyond for their clients. Since 2003, the Mahony brothers have developed the business into a full-service residential construction company, bringing five specialised divisions together under one roof: construction, electrical and data, landscape, pools and maintenance.

For more information

The Mahony Group
P: 02 9999 1079
A: 18/2 Daydream St, Warriewood NSW

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Stretching confidently along the length of the property, this striking lap pool is a masterclass in contemporary restraint. Designed by the clients in collaboration with their architect as part of a knock-down-rebuild, the pool was conceived as an extension of the home itself — a space to move, unwind and gather, all within a clean, modern framework.

The brief called for a pool that could keep pace with a busy family lifestyle while offering moments of calm at the end of the day. Jade Swimming Pools delivered a sleek concrete and reinforced steel structure measuring an impressive 17.7m in length, anchored by a spa nook and swim-out zone at one end. Whether used for early-morning laps, children’s play or relaxed evenings with friends, the pool adapts effortlessly to each moment.

A defining feature of the project is the integral retaining wall that runs the full length of the pool. Rising 1.5m high, this 17m feature wall not only resolves the site’s slight slope, but also creates a strong architectural edge, enhancing the sense of linear flow. Fully tiled in Ezarri Iris Mix Diamond mosaic tiles, the interior finish delivers the crisp white-and-blue palette the clients envisioned, shimmering beautifully under both natural light and evening illumination.

Despite a challenging construction period marked by an unusually wet season and clay conditions, the Jade Pools team navigated the site complexities with precision. Additional formwork and excavation management ensured the structure remained sound, allowing the project to progress without compromising the final result. The outcome is a pool that feels calm, balanced and deeply considered — a functional asset that elevates everyday living.

Completing the experience, the spa nook is fitted with eight Venturi jets, transforming the swim-out area into a dedicated relaxation zone. Advanced filtration, mineral sanitisation and energy-efficient heating systems ensure the pool is as practical as it is beautiful, allowing the family to maximise their time at home, together.

Company Profile

Founded by John and Helen Daniel, Jade Swimming Pools has built a reputation for turning family pool dreams into reality across Sydney. Constructing approximately 30 to 40 pools each year, the team works throughout the Lower Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Northern and Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West and Western Sydney.

Specialising in bespoke family pools, Jade Pools is known for tackling complex sites, limited access and challenging terrain with confidence and care. Their process is streamlined and transparent, from approvals and excavation through to curing, cosmetic finishes and final handover — whether the pool is delivered alongside a new home build or completed after construction.

As a long-standing member of SPASA (NSW & ACT), the MBA and the HIA, Jade Swimming Pools has earned numerous industry accolades, including multiple Gold awards at regional, state and national SPASA levels. With decades of experience and an award-winning portfolio, Jade Pools continues to create swimming pools that enhance lifestyles, strengthen family connections and stand the test of time.

At A Glance

Pool built by: Jade Swimming Pools
Construction: Concrete and reinforced steel
Dimensions: 17.7m x 1.8m (depth 1.0m–1.8m), including 3.4m x 3.5m spa nook with swim-out
Filtration: Waterco 32in filter with EcoPure glass media
Pumps: Waterco Hydrostorm 200 (circulation) + Waterco Hydrostorm 200 for spa jets
Sanitisation: Waterco Vitale Mineral Plus low-salt chlorinator with pH control
Heating: Oasis C42 stainless-steel heat pump
Cleaner: Maytronics Dolphin M600 robotic cleaner
Lighting: 8 x EVOMax multicolour LED lights with remote control
Interior tiles: Ezarri Iris Mix Diamond mosaic tiles from Europe Imports
Coping & paving: Azuma Up White (Abruzzo Ceramics) and Noosa Cobblestone (Sydney Tile Gallery)
Special feature: 17m integrated tiled feature/retaining wall
Fencing: Frameless glass fencing

For more information

W: Jade Swimming Pools
A: 488 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW
P: 02 9686 6000
E: jadepools@jadepools.com.au

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Nestled in the heart of Malvern, this sophisticated pool and outdoor living area offers a striking blend of modern design and refined functionality — a private sanctuary brought to life by Award Pools Construction Group.

For homeowners Nick and Pia, the vision was clear: a sleek, architectural pool that would elevate their newly built home while providing a serene space for entertaining and relaxation. Designed by renowned landscape designer Jack Merlo and executed by Award Pools, the finished space speaks to the strength of considered collaboration.

Measuring 7.5m x 4.5m, the fully tiled pool is defined by clean lines and minimalist elegance. Its sharp geometry is softened by curated planting and a carefully layered palette of textures — from the etched concrete coping by ELK Landscapes to the lush greenery that wraps the space with a sense of calm enclosure. The pool fencing, minimalist and architectural in its execution, provides safety without disrupting the visual flow between spaces.

A Paramount in-floor cleaning system, Pentair filtration, and dual heating via solar and gas ensure this pool is as functional as it is beautiful — ready for year-round enjoyment. Lighting and additional landscaping touches complete the scene, bringing warmth and atmosphere long after the sun goes down.

Award Pools Construction Group, based in Moorabbin, is no stranger to delivering standout outdoor projects across Melbourne. With an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and collaboration, the team worked closely with Inform (the home builder) and ELK Landscapes to integrate the pool into the overall architecture and garden design seamlessly.

“This project was all about restraint and cohesion,” says Clint from Award Pools. “Every element had to work together — from the material finishes to the mechanical systems. The aim was to create something that not only looks beautiful, but performs exceptionally well.”

The result is a refined outdoor environment that speaks to lifestyle, not just looks. Whether it’s a quick dip on a summer’s evening or a weekend gathering around the alfresco lounge, this Malvern home now has an outdoor space that lives up to its design credentials.

At a Glance

Pool built by: Award Pools Construction Group
Pool design by: Jack Merlo
Size of pool: 7.5m x 4.5m
Heating: Solar and gas
Cleaning system: Paramount in-floor
Filtration: Pentair
Coping: Etched concrete by ELK Landscapes
Tiles: The Pool Tile Company
Landscaping: ELK Landscapes
House built by: Inform

For more information

W: Award Pools Construction Group
A: Moorabbin, Vic
P: 0433 813 769
E: clint@awardpoolsconstructiongroup.com.au

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This stunning backyard oasis delivers effortless resort-style living. Installed by the expert team at Pool Installations Australia P/L in collaboration with Miami Pools Melbourne, the result is an inviting pool area that speaks volumes when it comes to luxury, comfort and clever planning.

From the moment Craig and Danielle engaged Wayne Gibson — CEO of Pool Installations Australia — things began to take shape quickly and confidently. With a longstanding connection between Wayne and Craig’s fathers from their days in Swan Hill, there was an instant sense of trust. A few site visits and detailed consultations later, their backyard vision was well on its way to becoming a reality.

“Our clients are a young family who wanted to bring a bit of resort-style living into their home,” says Wayne. “The brief was clear — a pool that felt like part of the home, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and growing with their family.”

With a Summertime Pools Flinders shell chosen for its elegant rectangular shape and integrated seating, the pool measures 7.3m long and 3.9m wide, with depths ranging from 1.2m to 1.75m. Stylish dark pavers frame the pool and flow effortlessly into a lush garden of layered greens and climbing vines, enhanced by the clients’ thoughtful landscaping.

The installation wasn’t without its challenges. “There was virtually no access to the backyard, and power lines out front posed a real issue,” explains Wayne. “Thankfully, the neighbour generously allowed us to use their driveway for access and we brought in a mini crawler crane and our Pool Installations trolley. This way we could safely manoeuvre the shell into place.”

Fitted with a Vortex EXE 17kW electric heat pump, Theralux mineral filtration system, and a Dolphin robotic cleaner, the pool is as smart as it is stylish. Two PAL Colour Touch LED lights provide ambient lighting, while custom lounge seating and chic landscaping make the pool zone as comfortable as it is eye-catching. A magnesium-based water system further enhances the eco-conscious credentials of this modern build.

The finished space is sophisticated and considered; every detail, from the curved paving edge to the pristine white sun lounges, delivers a sense of calm and cohesion. “Good design is all about flow,” Wayne notes. “This pool doesn’t feel like an add-on — it feels like it’s always been part of the home.”

Operating since 2001, Pool Installations Australia and Miami Pools Melbourne are trusted names in Victoria’s pool industry. With decades of combined experience, specialised equipment and a hands-on approach, they offer end-to-end pool solutions, from initial consultation to installation and finishing touches. Whether facing tricky access, tight timelines or unique design requirements, this team has the tools and talent to bring dream pools to life.

At a Glance

Pool built by: Pool Installations Australia P/L
Pool design by: Summertime Pools — Flinders Shell
Pool size: 7.3m x 3.9m, 1.2m–1.75m deep
Filtration: Theralux Mineral System
Heating: Vortex EXE 17kW Electric Heat Pump
Cleaning: DB2 Dolphin Robotic Cleaner & Caddy
Lighting: 2 x PAL-Colour Touch LED lights with remote

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The active family with a passion for fitness dreamed of a large pool in which to relax at the end of the day in their peaceful surrounds as well as a great space to share with family and friends. With a minimalist design in mind and the need to complement their new home and entertainment area, the family turned to Swimmore Pools.

The pool house was constructed from the original modest dwelling on the site and the 12m-long pool was situated to make best use of this area, while also providing a visual aspect from the newly constructed home.

“A pool should be cohesive with the home so that at times of the year when you’re not using the pool, it still provides an atmosphere of relaxation,” explains Amanda from Swimmore Pools, who was entrusted with the design and build of this pool. “A pool should also be functional to the needs of its owners and provide a value add to the property.”

The modern rectangular pool designed by Amanda features a beach ledge at one end on which to lounge, and a feature line running down the centre to enable lap swimming. Surrounded by granite coping and tiled with matt-grey mosaics, it provides a naturally clean space to take in the ambience of the surroundings. The pool is solar heated and has a Sunbather DownUnder thermal pool cover to extend the summer swimming season.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Adam Moore has been operating his own pool plumbing business for most of this time and founded Swimmore Pools eight years ago. The company constructs pools in all areas of Melbourne and the metropolitan area, as well as in the Bayside, Mornington Peninsula, South Eastern, Eastern and Gippsland regions of Victoria. All of Swimmore’s pools are custom built to the client’s requirements. Adam is a hands-on builder in all areas of the project, still working on the tools and ensuring everything is spot on.

“We meet with our clients to find out their needs, time frame and budget,” says Adam. “We then look for the best solution or design to meet their objectives. If they are comfortable with us and the solution we are providing, we look forward to the process of engineering their pool and working with them to bring their dream to life.”

Swimmore Pools is a licensed Paramount in-floor cleaning system dealer and has extensive knowledge and experience with hydraulics, cleaning systems and equipment, ensuring everything meets requirements.

The company is a member of SPASA Australia and is a Registered Building Practitioner with VBA.

For more information

Swimmore Pools

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Located in Blairgowrie, a seaside village on the Mornington Peninsula, this contemporary coastal rectangular pool and square-shaped spa on a corner block have completely transformed the backyard.
The homeowners envisaged a space for entertaining and relaxing, and Aquarius Pools, which built the 8m-long pool and spa, has more than delivered, with alfresco dining adjacent to the pool on the deck and outdoor kitchen.

“The beautiful blue hues of this pool and spa are inviting, and stunning slate paving results in a gorgeous water feature from the house, deck and adjacent firepit,” says Chris Jackson, managing director of Aquarius Pools. “The pool, spa and garden have completely transformed the space.”

“The intention was to create a contemplative private garden around the new pool,” says landscape designer Fiona Brockhoff, of Fiona Brockhoff Design. “This area required screening from the adjacent street traffic but also enough space to enjoy the pool surrounds. We used plants that are low maintenance and well suited to the existing site conditions. Most are indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula. The emphasis is on plant form and foliage colour. The result is a private green retreat from the outside world.”

Aquarius Pools is dedicated to producing pools that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for every customer. The company builds approximately 30 high-quality architectural concrete swimming pools each year in Victoria’s eastern and Bayside suburbs and on the Mornington Peninsula. Aquarius Pools is a member of SPASA Victoria and has been recognised for its innovative designs and quality workmanship, with many awards over the years. Most notably, in 2016 Aquarius Pools won the most prestigious awards: gold for Pool of the Year in both the SPASA Australia and SPASA Victoria awards, and in 2017, Highly Commended Best Residential Concrete Pool under $100,000 in the SPASA Victoria awards.

For more information

Aquarius Pools

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A steep sloping block can present a range of challenges for any project, not least the construction of a pool. Access options can often make work difficult, while compliance and ease of use mean creation of a space that is both beautiful and usable often presents its own problems.

To overcome this, Beau Corp decided to build the pool half-in and half-out of the ground. This also presented a great opportunity for decking around the edges, with a floating elevated timber island for sun deck lounges.

The pool itself prioritises relaxation and ease of use. A fully automated mineral pool system offers silky water with little maintenance required. The smooth pebble finish in pure white evokes a tropical getaway, complementing the beautiful frangipani tree the area was designed around.

Previously a totally unusable front yard, these homeowners can now relax with a holiday in their own frontyard.

For more information

Beau Corp Aquatics & Construction

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Artesian Pools was presented with an old existing pool in Sydney’s eastern suburbs that had been filled in. Now its owner wanted to breathe new life into it and use it for both swimming and as a design feature of the courtyard. Artesian Pools was required to use a very small space, approximately 3m wide, to create the rectangular lap pool.

“This 7.4m-long pool makes great use of a very limited space with difficult access and gives the homeowner a functional pool which, at the same time, is a feature of the house from every level and the cabana above the garage,” says Zeb Rodrigues, director of Artesian Pools. “However, during its planning, the depth of the existing pool was not known and details could not be confirmed until the hand-excavation was done.”

The exquisite glass mosaic-tiled pool, designed by the homeowner and Rory Brooks Architects, blends new contemporary materials such as steel and frameless glass while preserving the traditional features of the existing house, such as water spouts and stone walls.

The finished project is a perfect example of the exceptional work that Artesian Pools is capable of and produces time and time again. “Concrete pools allow you to design something specific to suit each site,” says Zeb. “We are able to build pools in any space regardless of size, access or landscape difficulty.”

For more information

Artesian Pools

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A relaxing retreat can take many forms. This Bali-inspired backyard connects with its surrounds, recreating tropical bliss. Taking advantage of the scenic riverside location, an acrylic viewing window invites in the water view. Above, the fire pit provides the ideal space for entertaining with a view.

Stone walls surround the pool holding feature plants; the lush plant profile softening the stone and wooden textures.

A Balinese tropical paradise would never be complete without a cabana and shimmering blue water. For these key elements, Beau Corp knew the perfect solution. A standout feature, the bespoke cabana with shingled roof offers an excellent place to unwind with a cocktail. The centrepiece of the backyard, the pool’s shimmering crystal mosaic tiles in aqua and emerald give the pool an eternal blue finish.

The creation of this luxury escape is testament to the high-quality workmanship of Beau Corp Aquatics. A builder of bespoke concrete pools with over fifty years experience, the team at Beau Corp have developed a reputation for excellence. They are passionate about constructing lifestyles and creating backyard memories.

Relax… Let Beau Corp make your dream pool a reality…

For more information

Beau Corp Aquatics

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The owners of this new home were looking for a great outdoor entertaining package with various activity areas their teenage children could enjoy. The result is an impressive pool construction that can be seen from every room in the house. The rectangular 10m x 4m pool features a half-circle infinity edge that disappears into the foot of the Dandenongs.

“This pool has got everything,” says Tim Sprague of Kiama Landscapes & Pools. An elevated spa adjacent to the undercover kitchenette is the perfect area to enjoy during the cooler months, and the circular infinity edge provides a great place to rest and appreciate the views. A swim-up bar adds a resort element to the design as well as making the space feel connected with swimmers — and those resting or cooking in the undercover area can easily converse.

In addition to the impressive pool construction, Kiama Landscapes & Pools was responsible for creating a clever golf putting green below the pool. The company also installed the garden, lawns, plants, irrigation system and garden lighting.

The outdoor area has become the heart of the home, not only because it has provided all the rooms in the house with a view of the calming water. It has also managed to give purpose to and unify the five tiered land levels on the sloping block while highlighting the impressive views.

About Kiama Pools

Kiama Landscapes & Pools is owned and operated by Tim Sprague and Stephen Lloyd, who came from landscaping backgrounds. The duo noticed a gap in the market — clients wanted to deal with one company to design and create the entire outdoor space: a complete pool and lifestyle solution. Kiama Landscapes & Pools was created and has grown into a successful business, managing the design and construction of outdoor spaces, from landscaping and pool building to outdoor rooms and pavilions. Kiama Landscapes & Pools is now comprised of a group of fully qualified team members who are experts in their field, and each play their part in offering clients a one-stop solution.

For more information

Kiama Pools

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