Built on a steeply sloping site, this architectural coastal pool ticks all the boxes for alfresco family living and entertainment
This coastal site in the Victorian town of Portsea slopes quite rapidly, and the homeowners, who were undertaking a home renovation, wanted their pool to be directly accessible from the deck. As a result, their north-facing fully tiled pool is suspended within a timber deck, which is situated up to 2.4m from the ground.
Clever design and engineering have created an unusual wedge-shaped pool incorporating a lap section and spa. “The challenge in working with this design was that the proposed site for this pool was wedged between the existing house and nearby boundary fence, neither parallel to each other,” explains Chris Jackson, managing director of Aquarius Pools. “Also adding to the engineering was an easement on the boundary housing a deep sewer service.”
The pool provides a stunning water feature from the kitchen and living area and is in an ideal location adjacent to the alfresco dining area on the deck. In response to the client’s request that the spa and at least half the pool be protected from the sun, a steel and timber-battened pergola was integrated into the pool construction with engineered solutions. Steel columns built into the pool walls provided the frame for the pergola and enabled the suspension of the pool above ground, due to the sloping site. The elevated, exposed exterior walls of the pool were insulated and then rendered and/or timber clad to blend with the landscape and tennis court.
Natural materials were chosen to complement the home’s renovation and beachside location. Wide blackbutt timber for the pool coping complements the timber deck and the tea tree native to the area.
The pool and spa are fitted with the latest technology and highest-quality materials, ensuring ease of use and optimum functionality. The energy-saving, fully automated Sunbather slat cover was cleverly custom-designed to fit the unusual shape of the pool and ensure minimal loss of heat and evaporation. The cover also results in the use of less chemicals and electricity.
Sunbather premium solar heating utilises the northerly aspect of the pool and the energy-efficient Pentair IntelliFlo pump’s variable speed provides significant power savings compared to traditional pumps. A large plant room constructed under the surrounding deck ensures the equipment is protected from the weather.
The Aqualink in-house control provides fingertip control of the pool and spa from the living area and kitchen. For ultimate convenience, the homeowners can also turn on the heat from the office or any remote location using their iPad or iPhone. The Chemigem D10 sanitiser and Paramount PCC in-floor cleaning system ensure fully automatic maintenance.
Clever design and engineering have ensured all of the clients’ needs are catered for and the challenges of the site met. The pool and spa blend perfectly with the coastal home renovation and maximise indoor/outdoor living.
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