Let's talk pools

With Brisbane's summer recording its hottest January in recorded history,  installing a pool is on a lot of minds. 
But, before taking the plunge, here are my top tips to consider:

Location
Placement of a pool to maximise use of your space is so important. Too often I see pools that have been built in the middle of a yard without much regard for the residents' lifestyle and their surrounds. Instead of allowing your pool to be plonked in the middle of your yard, think hard about the suggestions from the pool contractor (they may be looking for the easiest place to install). The other spaces around the pool are just as important, and depending on the age of the family, may need more attention.

Keeping the pool within view of the kitchen or entertaining area is valuable if you have children. Although, they are old enough to be in the pool by themselves, the peace of mind of being nearby goes a long way.

Fencing
Pool fencing is one of the biggest challenges of pool design. It not only divides outdoor spaces, it can have the effect of making it feel smaller or render it useless. It's  important to allow for sufficient space inside the pool area while allowing room for the outside uses.

The materials used for pool fencing will be dependent on the activities in the surrounding areas. For example, frameless glass may not be the best fencing material next to your backyard soccer field or AFL oval. A mix of materials can link in with other landscape elements, such as timber decking or a rendered block wall. Your options don't need to limited to aluminium pool fencing.

image via insideout

Overland flow

This has the potential to be an issue if you have not observed where major volumes of water flow during a sizeable storm.  For example, you want to ensure that neighbouring properties overland flow doesn't end up funnelling into your pool and filling it with mulch. If your pool is being built into a bank, ensure overland flow can be diverted with a higher wall or a swale dry creek bed.