It is not just a construction choice. It is a design tool — one that gives homeowners and designers more freedom to respond to architecture, levels, layout and the way outdoor spaces are meant to feel.

Some materials follow design.

Concrete helps create it.

Over the past decade, the expectations around pools have changed. Homeowners are no longer choosing between “pool” and “no pool.” They are choosing between different types of outcomes.

Do they want a standard installation?

Or do they want a pool that works with the house, the levels, the site and the way they actually live?

That is where concrete keeps winning attention.

Concrete allows far more flexibility when the brief gets specific:

• custom sizes an internity flexibility such as integrated spa, ledge, wet deck
• free-form shapes
• curved walls
• ledges and seating
• better adaptation to angled sites or those needing a design solution around sewer lines, trees, nearby structures
• closer alignment with architecture and landscaping

Blue Haven’s overview of the types of pools in Australia lays this out clearly: different pool types suit different budgets and site conditions, but concrete is where design flexibility broadens considerably. Their in-ground concrete pool design page pushes that point further, showing how custom sizing and layout can turn the pool into a more integrated part of the home.

This matters more now because homes themselves are more architectural than they used to be. Outdoor zones are expected to feel cohesive, not separate. In tighter backyards, the pool often has to perform several roles at once — visual centrepiece, cooling zone, wellness feature, entertaining anchor.

That is hard to do well with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Concrete is not simply the premium choice because it sounds better.

It is often the right choice because the design brief has become more demanding.

And in 2026, that demand is only increasing.

To compare your options properly, start with Blue Haven’s guide to types of pools in Australia and explore their custom concrete pool designs. Blue Haven Pools — design-led, detail-obsessed, built to last.

The post Why Concrete Has Defined the Architectural Pool Era appeared first on Completehome.

Award-winning builders at Jade Swimming Pools have once again managed to create something striking out of a difficult space. Designed to take advantage of the neglected side yard of the owner’s property that sloped away from the house, the end product is testament to Jade Swimming Pools’ excellence in high-quality clean design.

The new pool is now a focal point for personal use and an entertainment hub for family and guests. Natural stone materials in modern lines complement the contemporary build of the house. The unpolished travertine coping meets up with the slate mosaic retaining walls provided by Stone Exteriors, drawing out sandstone colours that bridge the divide between the house and the garden below.

The placement of the pool takes advantage of the yard space as well as the view from the house and alfresco area. Glass fencing permits a visual sweep of the yard, letting the backyard feel spacious and inviting despite its many levels.

The pool’s classic lines merge the best of design and family needs. The in-floor spa seems to disappear within the water, reducing visual clutter over the surface, yet it shimmers like a gem. Tiled in the same blue mosaic that borders the edges of the pool, it provides subtle separation while allowing the pool to stand out against the travertine tile to become the area’s visual centrepiece.

Steps along the edge of the pool are invisible from the direction the house, but perfectly situated for children to step safely into and out of the water. Their proximity to the spa also provides the ideal place for parents to sit and chat between spa and pool, and easily slide between one and the other if they so choose. In combination with an outdoor shower and surrounding garden beds, this is a design that will work for the family and garden now and into the future.

Originally from Poolside Showcase, Volume 24

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David Wylie and Brian Formosa of Design Pools undertook an extensive renovation project for clients who complained of their pool having extensive structural problems.

About a decade old, the pool was literally breaking in half and the team from Design Pools stepped in to repair the structural damage and ensure the pool is ready for use for many years to come.

To add a newer, contemporary look to the large outdoor area surrounding the pool, Design Pools also created a stunning water feature, tiled and granite planter boxes and an outdoor living cabana.

The team at Design Pools can construct more than just pools. As qualified builders, David and Brian can take on any job, big or small, including the construction of new pools and cabanas, new homes and house and pool renovations.

With a company philosophy of “build with pride”, Design Pools guarantees its work and offers a full service from the first consultation with a prospective client, to the handover at the end of a project.

Design Pools also supplies and fixes all pool filtration, equipment and heating systems. Design Pools — a complete service, each and every time.

Project details:
Pool renovated by Design Pools

Originally from Poolside magazine Volume 33

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Modular pools, also known as above-ground pools, are a great alternative to concrete and fibreglass pools due to their significantly cheaper purchase price, installation cost and greater ease of installation in difficult access sites. Unlike concrete and fibreglass pools, Sterns Pools’ modular components may be transferred to your backyard through a side pathway and can be installed by a professional installer in as little as a day.

Sterns Pools is dedicated to providing pool owners throughout Australia with high-quality modular pools at affordable prices. The company offers stylish and sophisticated products without the high-end price tag.

The company manufactures locally using Australian BlueScope Colorbond galvanised steel, with a leading range of designs which include Bahama Braceless, Bahama Keyhole, Barbados, Coral Reef, Salt Water and South Seas. Its high-quality components — resin, high-grade PVC and heavy-duty liners — ensure pools that are low-maintenance yet high-quality and suitable for any purpose such as exercise, leisure or entertainment.

With more than 30 years experience in the pool industry, Sterns Pools has established itself as one of the frontrunners of quality modular pools. Specialising in manufacturing and supplying stylish and affordable high-quality modular pools, Sterns Pools strives to provide Australians with ground-breaking products that are up to date with the latest in design, components and construction. The award-winning designs of Sterns Pools has attracted customers worldwide, now exporting to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. With its commitment to quality, style and affordability, Sterns Pools ensures its products are manufactured to the highest-quality standards for strength and safety.

For more information

Sterns Pools 330 Hoxton Park Road, Lurnea NSW 2170

Phone 02 9608 1111

Email info@sternsplayland.com.au

Website sternsplayland.com.au

Originally from Poolside magazine, Volume 44

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Malibu Pools has brought paradise to this Brisbane backyard with a tropical resort-inspired pool. The pool owner wanted the resort feel they experienced recently at a tropical holiday home, and architect Sean Lynch’s innovative approach has ensured the family can now holiday at home every day.

The feature wall draws attention, with its black quartzite panels inspired by the cliffs in the gulf of Thailand, alongside recessed stacked-stone panels and statues. The statues are highlighted by feature lighting for night-time entertaining and sit above stainless-steel water blades, which create the enchanting waterfall effect.

The use of natural basalt stone in the coping and surrounding the pool enhances the tropical feel and is complemented by glossy green tiles around the waterline and an internal pool surface finished in polished ocean pebble with a green glass bead additive. The result is a spectacular, authentic-looking lagoon-style pool fit for any tropical paradise.

The hardwood pool hut, with its thatched roof and timber decking, completes the image of a beachside resort, providing usable areas for relaxation day or night. Frameless toughened glass fencing ensures nothing distracts from the pool views, and spa blowers on the play bench near the pool hut create a fun and relaxing space.

The pool is impressively environmentally friendly, with all its energy systems — including lighting — powered by rooftop solar panels, making it energy neutral. As well as feature lighting, the pool is illuminated by energy-efficient, colour-changing LED lights, which generate a magical poolside ambience.

The pool uses the Enviro-Swim System, which is unique to Malibu Pools and provides users with chemical-free, fresh water pools. Without harsh chemicals the pool is friendlier for the environment, the family and the hip pocket. The pool also uses water harvesting systems to reduce water consumption. All pool cleaning and operating systems are controlled by the latest in remote-control technology for efficiency and ease of use.

The pool and landscaping were designed and built by Sean Lynch of Malibu Pools, who has been the managing architect for the company for more than eight years. Sean’s qualifications and experience in eco-smart design and construction bring a unique perspective to every project.

Malibu Pools has developed an engaging method of working with client ideas to develop complete concepts — from ideas and design to living, usable environments. Sean works through each stage of the process with his clients, from conception to handover. He meets every new client at their home to gain a vision of what they are looking for. From the initial briefing, a virtual 3D concept of the design is created, including all aspects of the project, which allows clients’ ideas to come to life. All of Malibu Pools’ clients are provided with 3D concept designs and an itemised construction proposal that details the complete scope of works and all costs involved.

“By constantly researching our products and offering our clients the latest in energy-efficient operating systems in contemporary designs, we are developing eye-catching outdoor spaces for the needs of today as well as tomorrow,” says Sean.

For more information

Pool designed and built by Sean Lynch of Malibu Pools, Spas and Landscapes

6 Billan Street, Carina Qld 4170

PO Box 557, Cannon Hill Brisbane

Contact Landscape Architect Sean Lynch, B.ESci

Phone 07 3161 8724

Email admin@malibupools.com.au

Website malibupools.com.au

Originally from Poolside magazine, Volume 39

The post Tropical treasure appeared first on Completehome.

Soaking in hot water for relaxation or therapy dates back to the origins of written history with Alexander the Great using it to revive his troops after a tough campaign. The first recorded timber tub was built by the King of Persia in 600BC.

Jump ahead to 1969 when a member of the Jacuzzi family, who had emigrated from Italy to America, developed severe arthritis. To ease her pain, one of the seven Jacuzzi brothers came up with the first bathing tub to be fitted with jets. This timber design soon grew to incorporate a filter, heater and sanitisation.

Demand rapidly grew but hand-building timber tubs is labour-intensive and the brothers couldn’t keep up. As a compromise, they came up with the idea of the synthetic tub. Of course, the benefits of using timber are plentiful. There is the appearance, the woody aroma and the seating configuration, which allows the user to sit in an upright position thus getting more benefit from the jets.

Also, the lifespan of an acrylic tub varies depending on the quality of the shell, from one season to about 15 years, whereas correctly treated timber will outlast the owner.

Ukko Tubs are built from only the finest grade “A” clear Western Red Cedar imported from Canada. Silicon, with its limited life, is not used between the individual staves; instead, the waterproof seal is achieved by using the ancient art of cooperage (barrel making) and a unique profile that allows the natural absorption of the water to form the seal.

Western Red Cedar is a great insulator, so when combined with the supplied 99mm-thick childproof cover it acts like a giant thermos flask, keeping the heating costs to a minimum. These costs can be further reduced by using the natural gas heating option.

Ukko Industries also imports a range of Finnish saunas built from Spruce, the traditional toxin-free timber used for all saunas in Scandanavia, plus it custom-builds saunas where required. Ukko Industries even has a sauna you can take camping with you.

The latest addition to the range is a selection of imported Finnish log cabins, with sizes ranging from 2m² (ideal as an outdoor toilet) up to 51m². The larger models even incorporate sleeping lofts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ukko Industries

Websites www.ukkotubs.com, www.ukkosaunas.com.au, www.ukkoindustries.com

Photography by Peter Brennan

Originally from Outdoor Design & Living Product Guide magazine, Volume 3

The post Nature’s best hot tub appeared first on Completehome.

Converted natural surroundings, including unobstructed views of the harbour and magnificent existing sandstone walls, set the tone for the formation of this spectacular pool. The natural sandstone was excavated and smoothed to create walls on two sides of the pool area. The earthy hues and natural patterns in the sedimentary rock created the colour scheme and inspiration for the rest of the pool design.

The completed project is nothing short of majestic, featuring high ceilings and exceptional, ancient stone. Soft ambient lighting brings the area to life conjuring imagery of an expansive cave or historic Roman bath.

A large part of the brief was to highlight the natural stone and create an area which complements this unique feature. For two areas which required more stone than what was naturally present, Artesian Pools cleverly matched the existing stone with extra pieces which were then layered on the wall in brick sized blocks. Light coloured travertine coping has been laid around the pool to tie in with the existing stone walls without detracting attention from them.

Ideal for year-round entertaining, the pool is fully sheltered with one open wall exposing breathtaking harbour views. A stone fireplace and lounge area provide unique areas to sit in cooler weather and a lawn outside the cover is perfect for warmer days.

Gas heating has been installed to heat the pool and an Elite Hideaway pool cover was installed to minimise evaporation and heat loss. A unique pipe runs along the bench seat the entire length of the pool with multiple mini hot water jets that maintain the waters temperature and provide a spa like experience for swimmers wishing to sit on the seat and enjoy the harbour views.

The pool has been tiled in green Bisazza glass mosaic tile with gold highlights giving the pool an unobtrusive opulent glow. LED lights have been installed in the pool to illuminate it at night.

Whilst being simple in design, this pool is elegant and provides a timeless indoor and outdoor entertaining area for its owners. Seeming as if it was formed in ancient times in unison with the sedimentary stone, this pool plays tribute to Artesian Pools’ unprecedented ability to successfully follow a brief.

For more information

Artesian Pools
info@artesianpools.com.au
www.artesianpools.com.au

Originally from Poolside Showcase Volume 19

The post Roman-inspired pool design appeared first on Completehome.

The finished structure consists of a beautiful front-yard pool and spa, situated next to the existing carport. It provides a focal point for guests arriving at the property and serves the needs of the family. The design of the pool and spa area was meticulously developed by the owner, with the aim of producing something that could be used by his daughter, who has disabilities. The layout of the entire pool and especially its step entrance had to be planned and carefully thought out.

When finished, the client took his design to the people at Jade Pools, who agreed to take on the production of the pool. After discussing the plans with the owner, Jade Pools provided 3D design concepts to help visualise how the pool and spa would look. This was of great benefit to the owner as it enabled him to make necessary changes to the design.

The 6.5m x 4m pool was constructed out of concrete and reinforced steel, with the interior, a crisp white, catching the sun in a dazzling array of light. While the owner supplied the paving and coping, Jade Pools worked with what was provided for them to create this masterpiece.

While the white interior presents a stunning spectacle during the day, the LED lights installed in the pool and spa make the area perfect for use during the night as well. The filtration system includes a Davey Silensor pump, which is an excellent addition to any pool system that is located close to the house. It enables you to have nice clean water with minimal noise.

In constructing this magnificent pool, Jade Pools ensured it met all client requirements and worked to accomplish the project in the shortest possible time.

Jade Swimming Pools was established in 1975 by John and Helen Daniel. The company specialises in residential family pools and builds between 50 and 60 pools a year. Long-time members of SPASA, MBA and HIA, the company has been acknowledged for its excellent work with several SPASA awards over the years, including four gold, two silver and one bronze in 2013; one silver for the metropolitan lap pool category at the 2012 SPASA awards; and two golds at the 2011 SPASA awards.

The team designs and builds family pools for recreation and entertainment, but will happily work in conjunction with the client’s landscape architects so the process from initial concept to completion is completely smooth. As a testament to its success, the company is kept busy throughout the year due to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

For more information

Jade Swimming Pools 488 Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

jadepools@jadepools.com.au

jadepools.com.au

Originally from Poolside magazine, Volume 43

The post Backyard pool design beauty appeared first on Completehome.

This timeless pool by Jade Swimming Pools provides those in the alfresco area with an exquisite sight. The classic “L” shape hugs the alfresco while glass fencing, ensures that views of the pool are left unimpeded.

So that the pool is illuminated by night, Jade Pools installed three Aquastar Evo2 white LED lights with stainless steel trim. Aristone tiles in “Brilliant Blue” were placed on the interior and make the water appear even more inviting. Grey tiles frame the pool, adding style and blending well with exterior of the home.

The simple and classic pool design works cohesively with the green of the garden to create a visually pleasing environment.

Jade Swimming Pools was established in 1975 by John and Helen Daniel. The company specialises in residential family pools and builds between 50 and 60 pools a year. Long-time members of SPASA, MBA and HIA, they have been acknowledged for their excellent work with several SPASA awards over the years, including one silver for the metropolitan lap pool category at the 2012 SPASA awards and two gold at the 2011 SPASA awards.

The team designs and builds family pools for recreation and entertainment, but will also happily work in conjunction with landscape architects so that the process from initial conception to completion is completely smooth. As a testament to its success, the company is kept busy throughout the year through repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Originally from Poolside magazine, Volume 42

The post A timeless pool design appeared first on Completehome.

This impressive pool embodies the opulent baths of the Roman Empire. Everything about this pool oozes elegance, from the clean structured lines to the luxurious day beds and the strong pillars.

The pool was designed by the homeowner in conjunction with the builder and Michael Suttor Architects, and built by Pride Pools. Its generous proportions and balanced design create a unique space that resonates with a feeling of grandeur. The pool is fully tiled with pink tiles, giving it a very subtle and soft blue hue. A wide internal step leads onto an expansive leisure ledge, which continues down the length of the pool.

Although reminiscent of another era due to its classic styling, the pool is packed with 21st century technology. A PCC 2000 in-floor cleaning system is programmed for every contour, while an automatic pH and liquid chlorination system and large sand filter take care of the nitty gritty. A large Viron gas heater by AstralPool prolongs the swimming season in those cooler months.

A massive fig tree adjacent to the pool provides privacy and some relief from the harsh sun. The tree also adds a soft, natural element to the strong lines and structured design of the outdoor area.

Pride Pools’ philosophy is to design and build consistently to a very high standard. The company always rises to the occasion and exceeds even the most ambitious clients’ expectations — they are never put off by difficult locations or challenging sites.

“When we build, we do it to the best of our ability, striving always for consistent quality,” owner Darryl Walters says. Darryl has been building pools since 1973. In 1981, he formed Pride Pools and over the years has developed an excellent working relationship with its tradespeople — many of whom have worked with the company for more than 20 years.

In all its dealings with clients, Pride Pools aims to be creative, supply honest and detailed quotations, communicate closely and give a high level of personal service. The company builds from its own designs and can also work in close conjunction with landscape designers, architects and home builders.

For more information

Pride Pools

Suite 4, 29A Innes Road, Greenwich NSW 2065

Phone 02 9436 2711

Email info@pridepools.com.au

Website www.pridepools.com.au

Originally from Poolside magazine, Volume 40

The post An elegant and luxurious pool design appeared first on Completehome.