A backyard with pool can transform the way you enjoy your home. But adding a pool requires careful planning to ensure it ticks all the boxes for you and your family.
When we planned our backyard transformation, we spent lots of time researching the main differences between fiberglass and concrete pools. Also, what other elements we would like to add around our pool area.
A pool is the most luxurious and expensive items in any home renovation and this article sums up all that we’ve learnt. Check it out!
Size of pool
A pool was the main element of our outdoor transformation, and the first question we had was ‘what size of pool can we put in our backyard?’. For most people, the answer is – the bigger, the better.
For us, the pool size had to have the same length of our alfresco and living room. Our vision was ‘imagine waking up every morning, and having breakfast in our kitchen while enjoying the view of a light coloured blue water of a long pool’. This was our goal.
With this vision in mind, we measured our backyard and we put marks on our lawn to determine the exact size for our pool. Also, we planned a 40cm walking space for coping around the pool so we could maintain the garden beds, and to clean out the gutters of our house. The dimensions of our pool needed to be 7m x 3.5m, not bigger than this.
Entertaining areas around the pool
Our next step was choosing what other elements we would like to put around our pool to make the space more functional and comfortable for all year round enjoyment.
Our plan was to add furniture pieces on both ends of the pool. One area for sitting and relaxing near a fire pit. The opposite end of the pool is dedicated for sun loungers.
We checked online the dimensions of the furniture pieces we were planning to add, and we allowed extra space to walk around it.
With the addition of these entertaining areas around the pool, we measured the total space required for this project, and we came up with the following plan (photo below).
Coping, tiling and decking around the pool
Our house is surrounded by nature with large trees and an extensive garden. With this backyard transformation including a pool, we wanted to create a space using durable materials that were easy to maintain.
With our backyard area fully measured, it was time to think about what the surrounding of the pool would look like in terms of finishes, and the location for the gates to access the pool.
We took additional photos of our backyard, and we added notes resulting in our master plan. This initial plan indicated the coping, decking and tiled areas.
We shared this plan with contractors and suppliers to obtain quotes for materials and labour. At this stage, we wanted to know how much this project would cost, and if it was financially viable.
Planning and budgeting are the most important phases during our renovations. It allows us to learn about the various options of materials available in the marketplace. Also, what are the price differences for the various sizes, finishes, and quality. Also, what maintenance is required, and the lead time for each option.
The planning phase also gives us an indication of what suppliers and contractors can negotiate their price. Its important to discuss what changes you can make to obtain a better deal without compromising on design and quality. For example, purchase the last batch of tiles in a certain size rather than ordering a tile that is out of stock and more expensive.
Concrete or fiberglass pool
Initially, we browsed online to understand the key differences between a fiberglass and a concrete pool. Because the pool is a large financial investment, we wanted to make sure it would fulfil our criteria in terms of design, comfort, size, ease of maintenance, and durability.
We visited retailers of fiberglass pools to discuss our project, and we obtained model specs to compare all options available.
Also, we enquired with concrete pool builders, and we booked onsite visits to discuss our project and expectations.
After many comparisons between the two pool options, we made the decision to go with a concrete pool. The price was very similar to a fiberglass pool, however we were able to get the exact size, design, and finish we wanted. Also, we could add many other optionals for a fraction of the cost compared to the fiberglass pool.
Backyard with pool fence
Since the beginning of our backyard transformation, we knew that our pool would need to have a fence around it, as required by the pool safety standard.
The standard doesn’t specify the type of material for the fence, however there are specific requirements in regards to their location around the pool, minimum height, gate operation, non-climbable areas, and first-aid signage.
We recommend checking the pool safety standard in your State during the planning phase because it is important to comply with the law.
For our project, we decided to go with a fully frameless glass fence. We measured the area around our pool, and discussed with the contractor the location for our gates as well.
Due to the design of our outdoor area, we decided to have two gates, giving access to the pool from different areas of our property.
Size of glass fence
The dimensions of the glass panels were also taken into consideration. Our panels were made with the height required by the pool safety standard, however we asked the glass supplier to change the width of each panel.
This small change was important for us because we wanted to have less glass panels installed resulting in less visible gaps. The only glass panels we couldn’t change the width were for the gates, but this wasn’t an issue for us.
Spigots for your pool glass fence
Every detail in our project was carefully planned. We had a vision of what we wanted to achieve with our outdoor area, and this also included the colour of the spigots for the frameless glass around the pool.
We were adding timber decking and Quartz tiles under the glass panels. For us, the black spigots looked more modern and contemporary than stainless steel.
Especially when paired with the other finishes in our alfresco space, including natural timber furniture, fabrics in light grey, and a fire-pit table in concrete and black finish.
Type of hinges for your pool fence
Another element that we paid attention to was the type of hinges for our side gates. We noticed that many hinges available in the market didn’t offer the soft closing option. For our pool, we wanted peace of mind and the extra comfort, and we chose the Polaris soft close system for our two gates.
These hinges are more expensive, but they are worth it. They work perfectly, and you can easily adjust the speed of the soft closing system. We decided for black hinges to match the spigots for the glass fence. For more information on the Polaris hinges, go to https://www.polarishinge.com.au/
Backyard with pool equipment
The type and location of pool equipment was carefully planned with our builder. We didn’t want to have the pump and filter positioned near the outdoor entertaining area due to their large size and noise.
Instead, we opted to have a concrete slab with all pool equipment located on the side of our house, closer to the switch board.
We had two pumps installed, one for the pool and another for the spa. Also, a sand filter, a chlorinator and all plumbing required (with the additional plumbing for the pool heater if we ever wanted this installed in the future).
We had an electrician on site to put the external power points needed, and later we added a shed to protect all equipment from weather.
Pebbles & Stepping Stones
We knew that our lawn and garden beds on the side of the house would get damaged with the frequent movement of machinery to excavate and carry soil from our backyard.
With all lawn gone, we created a new walkway near the pool equipment with white pebbles, and stepping stones. We made this area wider after the tractor removed the garden beds, on the last day of our outdoor transformation.
All in all, we learned a lot with this project, and we love our custom built concrete pool. There is plenty of space to swim, a spa for relaxing, and a comfortable bench where we enjoy drinks with family and friends.
If you would like to know why we chose a concrete pool, read our article “Fiberglass or Concrete – Which type of pool is best”.
Happy swimming!