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    Case Study: Warrandyte South In-Ground Pool Project

    Protecting the Planet with an Eco-Conscious Residential In-Ground Pool Project

    More and more people are looking for ways to realise their residential pool dreams without having a large impact on their environment. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a client with such ambitions. Harbouring a passion for protecting and preserving the native environment surrounding his property, he had a clear view of what he wanted. By working with a traditional design and minimal landscape, we at Albatross Pools were able to embrace a classic style for maximum impact.

    Originally quoted three years before the contract approval, this project was a long time in the making. To produce the best outcomes for our client, the leading pool designer posed a challenge to our client, and suggested an alternative to the client’s original vision for the pool’s location. The removal of three gum trees was required for the optimum positioning of the in-ground pool - a recommendation that took the client years to digest. In the end, he decided that if the gums must be removed, then he would plant an additional fifteen on his property to compensate for the impact on the environment – and he did!

    Not only motivated by his drive to preserve the natural environment, our client also wanted to focus on creating a design to suit the needs of his grandchildren, producing a safe and practical space for them to enjoy. With a clear direction, and a traditional, yet customised design to work with, construction could now get underway.

    Sustainable Solutions for Constructing This Build

    Spanning 10.0m in length, 4.0m in width, and ranging from 1.0m to 1.8m in depth, this in-ground pool design incorporated a variety of features targeting the client’s requirements. Particular focus was placed on the pool entry with the design of three custom steps. The middle step was created to be large enough to act as a wading area – ideal for small children. With the addition of a gas-heated system using four concealed deck jets positioned along the length of the pool, our client created the ultimate space for his grandchildren to enjoy all year round.

    Rock was detected in the initial Geotech report, which can cause complications in the initial preparation of the land, but fortunately, the excavation and construction of this in-ground pool project were largely uninterrupted. Instead, the main challenges arose from our client’s determination to minimise the environmental impact of the machinery and the techniques of our team. As a solution, the use of specialised equipment was required to develop an unconventional access path throughout the project to avoid further impacts on the environment. Upon completion, the excavation and construction were actually a resounding success, for both our team and the client’s concerns for conservation.

     

    An Alfresco Space to Connect the Pool to the Residence

    The proximity of the new pool to the client’s home inspired further design elements regarding the outdoor space. Driven by a desire to connect the residence and the pool itself, our client designed and built an expansive deck area complete with a kitchenette. Retirement was right around the corner, after all, and the client was motivated to be able to have one eye on the grandkids, and the other on the BBQ, fulfilling his dream of spending more quality family time in his beautiful outdoor space.

    Featuring a stunning blue pebble-like interior finish, the swimming pool is surrounded by a single row of bluestone tiles, set against a lawn of lush green grass. The minimal landscape both respect and connect the surrounding native environment with the client’s family home, creating a beautiful balance of natural and constructed elements, and offering an outdoor space this Warrandyte South family will enjoy for years to come.

    Discover More About Our MPBAA Award-Winning Pool Designers & Builders at Albatross Pools

    As one of Melbourne’s leading custom pool builders, we at Albatross Pools have helped thousands of clients realise their dreams of the perfect pools and outdoor spaces. With pre-engineered parts available to be assembled on-site, we create simple and flexible installations. What’s more, our experienced team is always ready for a challenge and enjoys employing creative and innovative solutions that provide our clients with their ideal designs. Feel inspired for your next project with our gallery of completed pools, or learn more about what we offer by contacting our team today.

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    Case Study: Moonee Ponds In-Ground Pool

    A Year-Round Sensation: Moonee Ponds Residential Vinyl-Lined In-Ground Pool

    Just prior to COVID-19 entering our shore, our team received an enquiry from a client seeking inspiration and suggestions on how to transform their garden into a space to be enjoyed all year round. Naturally, their vision had a pool at its heart, and we at Albatross Pools worked to create a design functioning as an extension of the residential build completed only 2 years previous. The onset of the pandemic did unfortunately create certain limitations on their family’s preferred lifestyle, which then also influenced the design of this extension, as well as the budget.

    Taking everything into consideration, we presented the client with plans for a courtyard-style, vinyl-lined swimming pool, custom-designed to meet their requests. Working alongside a dedicated landscape designer, our final vision included an alfresco area with an outdoor kitchen and a louvred roof, providing opportunities for open and closed roof options, meaning the family could enjoy their garden for longer, even if the weather turned sour.

    Delighted with the plans, the client signed off, and we were ready to get building!

    Constructing a Climate Controlled Courtyard Swimming Pool

    As mentioned above, the primary request from the client was for their family to utilise their new garden design for as much of the year as possible. What better way to address this need than with a heat pump introduced into the swimming pool for temperature control? Along with six Venturi Spa Jets and a Spa Blower located on the pool floor, the pool can transform into a spa-like space at any moment they wish. Combined with a pool profile tailored to suit the client’s requirements for custom seating in the shallows, these additions ensured the courtyard pool can be enjoyed throughout the year.

    Our designers and builders also know the pool zone had to offer welcoming surroundings and backdrops for the pool itself. In doing so, challenges presented themselves throughout the permit approval process, as neighbours would not provide consent for the proposed 2.8m feature screens to enhance the space.

    While proving more complex than initially anticipated, a beautified pool zone was eventually achieved using Scyon Axon cladding for the fence lines, as well as radial timber screens with a bench and shower. These features offered some natural warmth, whilst providing the desired functionality for seating and rinsing off. Set in the rear corner of the property, the courtyard swimming pool spans 5.0m in length and 2.5m in width.

    Utilising Space & Surroundings from Design Conception to Completion

    Visible from the alfresco area, the bordering walls and grey tones of the pool zone are softened by lush plants, feature pots, and the natural tones of the timber batten feature wall of the outdoor shower space. The inclusion of granite tiles brings out the natural grey and black flecks of the swimming pool’s pebble-like vinyl liner. This combination of aesthetics creates an entrancing, shimmering natural lagoon colour in the water; the slightly green tones present in this façade are complemented using sage green pool-adjacent sun lounges. These simple additions create a timeless feel within the pool area and provide a strong connection to the established home with multiple living areas.

    Further adding to the outdoor décor, layered plantings and diagonal wires for Star Jasmine climbing plants inject just the right amount of greenery, striking a perfect balance between the natural and artificial.

    Although compact, the result of this courtyard, vinyl-lined swimming pool project unquestionably meets all our client’s requests and requirements, showing small spaces can still pack a punch with just a little planning and the assistance of a talented landscape designer. Again, as a direct result of the pandemic, added disruptions were placed on us throughout the build, resulting in subsequent delays and bringing an added layer of complexity to what would have been an otherwise straightforward project. Regardless, thanks to the enduring appeal and everlasting style, we know this swimming pool and outdoor space will tick all the boxes for this young family in Moonee Ponds for years to come.

    Contact Us at Albatross Pools to See Your Design Dreams Come True

    With over 50 years of experience in the industry, our team at Albatross Pools has worked with a range of clients and industry partners across Melbourne and wider Victoria. For this particular project, working with landscape designer Anthony Scott and Outdoor Landscapes enabled us to harness the talents of industry professionals to complement our own offerings and deliver something truly special for our clients.

    As one of the state’s preferred choices for pool designers and builders, we are passionate about tackling challenges, creating designs, and finding inspiration in any project. To learn more, contact our MPBAA winning team today.

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    Case Study: Essendon West Entry Project

    Hamptons Hideaway: A Custom Vinyl-Lined Plunge Pool for a Residential Courtyard

    Assisting in the design and creation of a family home is an experience like no other. Our team at Albatross Pools were fortunate to have this opportunity when we were commissioned to deliver a custom courtyard pool to accompany a new, Hamptons-inspired residence. Set on a corner block in Hamptons Street in Essendon West, this light, bright and white space was both challenging and complex.

    Adjacent to a busy suburban street, this property’s outdoor courtyard was designed to maintain the privacy of its residents. To protect the integrity and privacy of the space, we had to adhere closely to council planning requirements, such as offsets, and work diligently to maintain the structures and measures in place.

    These restricted building conditions on the site, plus other limitations, such as the residential piering design, tight spaces and working alongside the builder’s schedule, resulted in a finished design featuring a courtyard pool alongside a beautiful outdoor space. Elevated 0.9m above the natural fall of the property, the construction of this swimming pool presented a variety of challenges and required additional structural engineering. We knew this project would present unique challenges testing our skills – and it did not disappoint.

    A Project Well Beyond the Normal Scope of Work

    With highly-specific and custom fabrications of pool components, not to mention the additional structural engineering required, this project demanded solutions above and beyond our normal scope of work. Surrounded by a complete bond beam, the bracing system of the swimming pool construction needed to be carefully designed around the piering layout to ensure we were able to meet the requirements of both the separate residence and alfresco area.

    A compact design, this rectangular courtyard pool covers 6.0m in length and 3.0m in width. To ensure we met all our client’s requirements, special consideration was given to the custom floor profile and pool entry area. Doing so meant we could achieve the functional needs of the swimming pool for the entire family. By including modifications to the battered edges of the pool floor profile, we were able to create a greater swimming area in both the shallow and deep ends of the pool. It was this attention to detail that helped us create the perfect design to realise our clients’ vision.

    A Stunning Hamptons Design Brought to Life

    On the surface, tranquillity reigns, but beneath the surface lies a different story. Designing this pool with the tones of textured, sandstone-like surfaces created a visually stunning, turquoise water colour, instantly beloved by our client. Surrounded by natural stone tiles, the grey fittings located inside the swimming pool itself were selected to connect with and complement the chosen colour of the safety barrier spigots. These aesthetics, paired with the latest embossment design on the vinyl-lined pool interior, align beautifully with the original Hamptons inspiration, emulating the textured patterns and shades of natural stone.

    The overall effect of our design provides the swimming pool and surrounding courtyard space with a relaxing atmosphere and a calming experience for the entire family to enjoy.

    With many challenges to overcome and problems to solve, our team worked diligently to deliver our clients their heart’s desires. Through complete customisation across the entire project, including working within the limitations of a small courtyard space, the desired function, finish, and style have undoubtedly been achieved, all without compromise for our client.

    We are very pleased to announce, the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (formerly SPASA VIC) award this plunge pool project GOLD for The Best Residential, Vinyl-Lined In-Ground Pool at the awards night for 2022! 

    Custom Design & Construction Available Across Melbourne & Wider Victoria with Albatross Pools

    We at Albatross Pools are MPBAA (Master Pool Builders Association Australia) Award winners, with our designs and constructions appealing to and satisfying a diverse clientele across Victoria. Working with ground-breaking designs including steel and pre-engineered inground swimming pools, we provide rapid, custom installation for models of any shape, size, or depth. Learn more about how we work, and what we can offer our clients by contacting one of our talented professionals today! For ideas and inspiration on your next swimming pool design journey, you can even browse our gallery of swimming pool installations in Melbourne

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    Case Study: Brighton East Plunge Pool Project

    Good Things Come in Small Packages: Brighton East Plunge Pool Project

    As the old saying goes, ‘good things come in small packages’, and that was certainly the case with this project in Brighton East. The client had a modest, triangular-shaped outdoor area, in which they had desires of introducing a pool that was as large as possible. The difficulty arose as this pool was to go alongside an existing spa, and the client had also contracted landscape designers to find space for a lawn, fire pit, and an area for two spacious lounge chairs. While many might have thought this impossible, our team saw the opportunity for a challenge, focusing on the continuity of the space by delivering a practical layout that utilised proper balance and proportion.

    Initial plans had the pool placed at an equal level to the deck, but after the discovery of a flood overlay, the team realised this was not a viable option and had to create an alternative solution. This took collaboration between everyone involved in the project – our pool builders and designers, the landscape architect, the landscapers, and of course the client – to re-situate the pool to the property’s lowest point.

    After overcoming the challenges presented throughout the project, the finished result was a pristine 5.5 metre by 3-metre pool with a specially designed step for easier entry and exit, alongside a bench to promote better relaxation. The site itself for the plunge pool was alongside the rear and side of the boundary, as this was deemed the best position to complement the shape of the space, while also enabling ample sunlight to reach the lounges. To make the most of the limited room available, the clients opted to utilise an inground cover pit to store the thermal pool blanket, allowing them to keep the temperatures at comfortable levels all year round with their heat pumps.

    With our help, our clients finally received their dream of creating a pool zone steeped in a sense of continuity with their wider outdoor area.

    Utilising Balance & Proportion from Initial Designs to the Final Completion

    The initial stages of the project were obviously centred on overcoming the issues presented by the flood overlay. In fact, this one factor pushed back the overall timeline to over 12 months, which is a considerable amount of time for any outdoor project. Even entry to the site needed to be carried out through a 1.2 metre opening in a neighbouring property.

    The decision was then to continue the use of existing timber that could be found on the upper level of the home, establishing a flowing, continuity feature with the steps that led out from the alfresco area and into the pool’s lower zone. The steps can now serve multiple purposes, as they also provide an excellent seating area across the property’s levels.

    To connect the pool to the firepit area, bluestone paving was wrapped around the perimeter and continued throughout the artificial turf of the lawn with the use of well-placed stepping pads, creating a stunning contrast in both colour and form.

    With a focus on the overall balance of the final result, all features were taken into the design before construction took place, including sun lounges, lawns and the bench seating that evolved into a comfortable nook on the property. Once completed, this proved essential, as the new inclusion of a lower-level pool zone revitalised the tight space available without making it feel cramped or confined. The client’s family had a range of practical and welcoming outdoor features to enjoy all year round in a highly aesthetic space.

    Engage with Albatross Pools to Bring Your Designs to Life

    In more than 50 years of service, Albatross Pools has worked with more than 16,000 clients throughout Melbourne and wider Victoria. As one of the state’s longest-running and most renowned pool designers and builders, we thrive on creating solutions for challenging and creative projects, offering unmatched pre-engineered steel pools that perfectly meet client requirements and are ready for rapid assembly on site. To learn more, review our gallery of past projects, or contact our MPBAA winning team at Albatross Pools today.

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    Case Study: The Ship’s Deck

    The Ship’s Deck – a South Yarra Pre-Engineered, In-Ground Plunge Pool for a Residential Courtyard

    Recently we had the pleasure to work with clients in the heart of South Yarra undertaking an exciting project. After purchasing an old, outdated block of flats, they were looking to create one larger, family home that would accommodate three generations at once. Naturally, they quickly realised that no family estate would be quite complete without a gorgeous swimming pool set amongst their stylish courtyard.

    Our clients made clear their specific desires of having a custom, partially elevated plunge pool that would still be considered a part of the home’s living and dining space. As a result, the pool itself was built 1.2 metres above ground level, and had to include a specially engineered beam and piers systems to adequately elevate the wall panelling. This presented a range of unique challenges but eventuated in a design spanning 6.0m in length and 3.25m in width, with an accommodating entry point for all members of the family, from children to grandparents. Thanks to well placed, frameless glass pool fencing, the sunken area of the pool itself continues to blend uninterrupted with wider features of the outdoor space, such as the kitchen, basketball area, vegetable garden, and even a putting green. Paired with the existing rustic red brick offering a striking juxtaposition with the calmer whites and greys of the sundeck, as well as the luscious blues of the pool’s interior reminiscent of Costa Rican coastlines, it is certainly an enviable spot to relax and call home.

    Overcoming the Challenging Logistics of a Narrow, Inner-City Location

    As mentioned above, challenges revolved around this particular project, largely from gaining access to the site. The property was located in a slim, inner-city street, requiring a 1.5m entryway needed to be cut into the garage’s rear wall simply to make logistics possible for the required teams and machinery. A 2.0m drop that started from the back door of the property to the garage then added further complexity and complications to the initial excavation and ongoing construction in the area.

    Another request made by the client was for all pool equipment to be hidden from view. This included the electric heat pump, which we successfully concealed inside of a long, thin corridor measuring 2.5m by 1.2m, which required extensive consideration surrounding the pool’s hydraulic design of the plumbing systems for the sake of securing optimal efficiency. Alongside the electric heat pump, the finished pool also had a range of energy-efficient equipment, a freshwater sanitisation system, concealed pool blanket, and lights sporting a range of dazzling colours, creating an ideal spot to be with extended family and friends every month of the year.

    Christening the ‘Ship’s Deck’

    The family had affectionately named this area of their property the ‘Ship’s Deck’ – a perfect summation for a cool, wooden sundeck alongside a crystal-blue plunge pool. The series of engineering and logistical challenges proved well worth it as the finished result offered a unique, low-maintenance and beautiful space to enjoy in a variety of ways for every member of their family. More photos of this plunge pool project can be browsed on the South Yarra Project Gallery >

    Albatross Pools – MPBAA Award Winning Pool Designers & Builders

    For over half a century, the team at Albatross Pools have operated as one of Melbourne’s leading custom pool builders, helping thousands of clients bring their dream designs to life. We are Master Pool Builders Association of Australia Award-winning pool designers and builders who love a challenge, offering pre-engineered parts that are available to be assembled on site, creating a simple, flexible and accelerated installation for whatever size or shape your swimming pool may be. For more information and inspiration, take a moment to browse our gallery of swimming pools completed across the state, visit our two display centres or contact us at Albatross Pools directly today!

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    Case Study: Elevated Freeform Swimming Pool

    Overcoming Challenging Site Access & Building Constraints to Deliver a Custom-Designed, Elevated Swimming Pool in North Warrandyte

    Albatross Pools thrives when providing residents of Melbourne and wider Victoria with innovative swimming pools. We enjoy taking on projects that many would deem too difficult, and this was certainly the case with our recent clients from North Warrandyte, where the skills of our team were put to the test.

    The family home was purchased largely because of the opportunity to gaze upon the Yarra River below and out over wider Warrandyte. Despite being 2000sqm, unfortunately the property ‘s rear third was unusable, much like many North Warrandyte properties experiencing a steep fall of the land. An aged, multi-levelled decking area and portable spa constituted most of the outdoor entertaining area, but the family still felt too much of the space wasn’t meeting its full potential. This was most noticeable with an absent connectivity of internal and external living spaces, as well as a failure to capitalise on the impact of the bushland vista surrounding the property.

    The solution? Navigate the difficult foundations present within the property and reimagine the deck area, creating a relaxing entertaining space, complete with alfresco dining area, a sunken retreat zone, and of course, an elevated freeform swimming pool.

    Naturally, this was a big task, and required the careful collaboration of highly skilled landscape designers, builders, and our expert pool designers to bring the project to life. The finished result was certainly worth it, though, with the family overjoyed at finding the area transformed. Now, they have an alfresco space updated to include an outdoor kitchen and dining area next to a tranquil sitting space, relaxing fireplace and television station, where they can quickly move to immerse themselves in an elevated swimming pool custom-built to mimic the contours of a natural lagoon; all before cosying around the fire pit found in a sunken native garden, finally able to absorb the mesmerising Warrandyte bushland laid out before them.

    Exploring the Cooperation of Albatross Pools & the Landscaping Team During the Build

    This wasn’t a simple project, as we have mentioned above, but it was an excellent opportunity to have our expertise contribute to a wider vision. Anthony Scott Landscape Design was initially engaged to formulate how the property’s upper bank could work to create a variety of living zones capable of providing both year-round entertainment, whilst also acting as a seamless connection between the home and the adjacent bushland. To help with this, an elevated, freeform swimming pool was selected with curved edges to soften the angular lines overly apparent across the deck and residence.

    To make this happen, our designers and builders at Albatross Pools had to carefully coordinate their efforts with the professionals at Parkview Landscapes, who were the landscapers handling the execution of the designs, to develop the wave and deep spring curves desired during the component fabrication. Additional attention also had to be placed on the custom floor profiling and bespoke step and bench design featuring multiple tiered concaves and cervixes, as this work goes beyond those of a standard project, regarding fabricating a pool interior with a perfect fit for the allotted space to ensure integrity isn’t compromised.

    At the time of installation, we encountered further difficulties, as the property was located on a site where access to the pool was limited. Excavation was made challenging by the sizeable fall of land along the access path, and given the desired finishing height of the pool, combined with the soil condition in the chosen location, further structural engineering was required, including piering.

    Appreciating the Completed Result of the Elevated Swimming Pool

    Here at Albatross Pools, we love when our team can stretch their talents and deliver a custom designed pool that meets our clients’ every request and more. With the North Warrandyte project, the 6.5m x 5.8m freeform swimming pool was designed to resemble a naturally flowing lagoon, shaped like a fluid triangle, with three distinct waves pulling closer to the home. The antique colour with an interior imitating black pebbles contributes to the lagoon-aesthetic, complemented by the neighbouring bluestone, raw steel elements and large format natural timber decking. There is also a fluid step and bench design introduced to the pool’s internal construction, and edges pushing to sweep across the length of the extended decking space to create the infinity-like feel desired for the final result. With a depth that spans from 1.1m to 1.8m, the corner ‘wave’ holds the deeper area, filled with a set of spa jets alongside a feature ledge to produce the illusion of immersing in a natural deep spring found amongst the Australian bush – the perfect spot across the expansive residence to find tranquillity and intimacy with the beautiful surroundings.

    MPBAA Award-Winning Swimming Pool Designers & Builders at Albatross Pools

    Despite the complexity of the project, it all appears worth it now, given the family’s delight at seeing their North Warrandyte property – initially purchased for the views – finally catering to their desires for a space to appreciate it.

    For over 50 years, Albatross Pools has worked with a selection of clients to deliver a range of MPBAA (Master Pool Builders Association Australia, formerly SPASA Victoria) Award winning steel, pre-engineered swimming pools across Melbourne and wider Victoria. For more information, review our swimming pools Melbourne gallery, or start a conversation with our expert team by contacting Albatross Pools today!

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    Case Study: Highton ‘T’ Pool Project

    At Albatross Pools, our passion is to create custom designed pools to improve the lives of our clients in whatever way possible. Recently we completed a new design for a Geelong family living in a Highton estate in need of a special request. Their 38-year-old son lives with a disability often requiring professional help within the home, and they were searching for a space he could feel calm, independent and enjoy himself on their new property that was also safe to use. He is short in stature, so needed the pool to be designed with accessibility in mind for easier entry and exit, as well as providing him with the ability to stand at every point. Previously he had been using the public pool, but as he didn’t understand the importance of closing his mouth underwater, he would often swallow a dangerous amount of water, leading to him suffering from an array of unsettling illnesses like gastro. The clients having their own, well-maintained private pool with an alternative chlorination system would mean fewer chemicals present in the water, protecting their son if ingested, as well as being gentler on his skin.

    The property itself was newly built upon an elevated block. With some early preparation, we were able to create a smooth design for a swimming pool spanning 8 metres in length, 2 metres in width, with a helpful 1.2 metre staircase off each side to create a final ‘T’ shape design. The final depth was also measured to be 1.16 metres throughout the entire pool to ensure the ability to stand was never compromised and fulfilling the exact designs of our client’s dreams. 

    Breaking Down the Build

    Exploring the Finished Result

    Professionally Designed & Constructed Swimming Pools across Melbourne & Wider Victoria

    Albatross Pools is a MPBAA (Master Pool Builders Association Australia, formerly SPASA Victoria) Award winning pool designer and builder, working with a range of diverse clients on barrier-breaking, steel, pre-engineered inground swimming pools throughout Melbourne and wider Victoria. Delivered meeting your exact specifications and assembled onsite, it has never been simpler to receive rapid installation of such custom, quality models for any shape, size or depth. Learn more by browsing our swimming pools Melbourne gallery, or speak with one of our talented professionals by contacting Albatross Pools today!

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    How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool?

    Interested in having a swimming pool built on your property? If so, then you may be wondering how long it will be before you can begin enjoying your new pool. This can vary greatly depending not only on the builder you choose, but the pool type and other factors as well. Still, if you want to get a general idea of what to expect from your pool building project, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind.

    How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool?

    Choose Wisely

    A pool represents a large financial investment and will be a part of your family for many years, therefore it’s imperative that you take the time to research every aspect of your chosen builder and design before you commit. Visit the display centres (if they have one – it can be a warning sign if they don’t!) of your preferred companies and ask about their history. Next, arrange for up to three preferred pool builders to visit your property to conduct an obligation free site inspection. After carefully considering all quotations and your feelings on which pool builder suits your needs, select your pool builder. At this stage you will sit with your builder to custom design your individual pool along with preferred options and features such as lighting, sanitation, interior colour, pool heating, and pool cover if required.

    Obtaining a Pool Building Permit

    The next step of the process is to review and sign the SPASA swimming pool project contract and pay the deposit before submitting an application for a pool building permit. This will be handled by your builder, and will involve submission to the surveyor for approval. In some cases, engineering drawings will also need to be created and attached to the application.

    In most cases, pool building permit applications are processed within two to four weeks. Sometimes, additional information or permits may be needed, so this can create more delays. Either way, your builder will keep you informed and will send you a copy of the building permit when it is obtained.

    Deciding on a Start Date

    Next, it's time to work out an official start date with your pool builder. This timeframe is generally anywhere between four to six weeks after approvals, such as pool building permits, are received, as there are a number of additional steps that need to be completed before ground can be broken. This includes:

    • securing a licensed electrician to run wiring for any pool lighting
    • finding a licensed plumber to connect sewage lines, filters, and other mechanics
    • hiring a landscaper and pool fencer, if needed
    • obtaining an Asset Protection Permit

    Completion Times by Pool Type

    The time between when ground is broken and when your pool is complete can vary greatly based on the specific type of pool you select. For example, pre-engineered swimming pools and fiberglass pools tend to be among the fastest to install, with average times ranging between five to seven days. A concrete in-ground pool will take quite a bit longer, with averages ranging between three to four months.

    Pre-engineered Swimming Pools Concrete Swimming Pools  

    Fibreglass Swimming Pools

     

    Custom fabricated pool panels are installed (typically no longer than a day) Pool structure is formed (steel reinforcing cage)

     

    Depending on the size of the pool and degree of complexity this stage may take 1-5 days.

     

    The base is set (100% accuracy is critical)

     

    Concrete floor and backfill is poured (typically no longer than a day) Pool structure is internally plumbed prior to concrete placement

     

    1-2 days depending on the site and complexity.

    Truck delivers the pool shell and a crane lifts it off the back of the truck and cranes it over the property (if necessary) and is lowered into the pool hole. With the latest spa crane accident in Altona  possible regulation changes may impact the acceptable weather conditions a crane can be used - this may delay the project.

     

    Pool shell is levelled and pool shell is backfilled.

     

    Simultaneously, the fibreglass shell will be filled with pool water.

     

    The temporary pool fencing is installed simultaneously as the pool is being filled. Building surveyor inspects the temporary fence prior to the pool shell being filled. This temporary fence will need to be inspected every 30 days until the permanent pool fence is installed.

     

    Fiberglass pool shell is plumbed.

     

    Concrete beam also known as a ring beam is installed to hold the pool shell down and in place. Depending on the design of the fiberglass pool shell, this beam (when in steel form prior to the concrete being poured) will be inspected by a Building Surveyor.

     

    This will take 1-3 days.

     

     

    Pool is plumbed (typically less than a day) Pool structure (steel) is inspected by the appropriate building surveyor.

     

     

    Landscaper then builds/installs pool surrounds (time will be dependent on size of area, complexity of project and weather)
    Pool surrounds are backfilled (typically less than a day) Concrete shell is sprayed.

     

    (typically a day)

    Pool Fencer removes temporary fencing and installs the pool barrier (time will be dependent on size of area and complexity)
    Landscaper then builds/installs pool surrounds (time will be dependent on size of area, complexity of project and weather) Concrete Cures

     

    A minimum of 28 days is required.

     

     

    Building Surveyor Inspects Pool Barrier
    Pool Fencer installs the pool barrier (time will be dependent on size of area and complexity) Landscaper then builds/installs pool surrounds (time will be dependent on size of area, complexity of project and weather)

     

    Pool is Handed Over (couple of hours)
    Surveyor Inspects Pool Barrier Pool interior installed

     

    Depending on interior chosen and the pool size, this could take from a day to weeks if not longer for a fully tilled pool.

    Family is swimming
    Pool Shell is prepared and PVC Membrane is vacuumed sealed in and pool is filled (typically a day) Pool Fencer installs the pool barrier (time will be dependent on size of area and complexity)
    Pool is Handed Over (couple of hours) Surveyor Inspects Pool Barrier
    Family is swimming! Concrete Pool Shell is filled with water

     

    Pool is Handed Over (couple of hours)
    Family is swimming!
    TOTAL 5-7 days

    Excluding landscaping and fencing - this can add 2-4 weeks to a project.

    TOTAL 3-4 months TOTAL 5-7 days

    Excluding landscaping and fencing - this can add 2-4 weeks to a project.

    Other Important Factors

    Of course, some factors may be out of your builder's control when it comes to installing a pool, and may add more time to your project timeline. Weather is perhaps the biggest cause of pool construction delays, as clear weather is generally required for most of the installation work (this is especially true for concrete-poured pools). Another potential hold-up with your pool construction could be a lack of timely payment on your behalf; be sure to keep an eye on the payment schedule featured in your contract. Making payments on-time will help to prevent any delays in your pool construction.

    Finally, Council Requirements can also create roadblocks in pool construction. Fortunately, if you have a knowledgeable and experienced builder, these kinds of issues can usually be avoided.

    As you can see, the amount of time it takes to build a pool can vary greatly, and there are many steps involved in the process. Albatross Pools specialises in efficient and timely construction of in-ground pools for your home, and our Aqualux PVC membrane pool is satin smooth and extremely kid-friendly! Contact us today to find out more about how we can turn your dreams of pool ownership into reality!

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    Albatross Pools: Kid-Friendly Interiors

    It's time to dispel the myth that vinyl pool interiors are only for above-ground pools. In reality, vinyl interiors have become increasingly popular not only in residential pool construction, but in building some of the largest resort pools in the world. If you've been looking to build a swimming pool on your property and are struggling to decide on the right family friendly interior surface for your needs, consider an Aqualux PVC membrane for long-lasting durability and unrivalled smoothness.

    Kid-Friendly Pool Surfaces

    If you have children, one of your main concerns around having a pool built on your property is safety. With "traditional" in-ground pool interiors, it is not uncommon for the surface to be quite rough, especially on children's sensitive skin. Even the highest quality traditional pool interiors of concrete, tile and various sized pebbles can create uneven surfaces that are damaging to even tough adult skin. Kids are balls of energy in a pool, constantly jumping, flipping and dragging along the poolside; the slightest deviation in the pool interior’s surface will cause cuts and abrasions.

    With our Aqualux PVC membrane interior, however, parents don't need to worry about cuts and scrapes caused by the roughness of a traditional pool interior because this surface is satin-smooth and kid-friendly. We have taken into consideration how soft, sensitive, and prone to water-logging a child's skin can be, which is why our vinyl pool surface is designed to be free of rough edges and abrasions. At the same time, the surface remains slip-resistant, so you can let your children enjoy the pool with confidence.

    When you feel this unique pool interior for yourself, we're confident that you'll understand just how much more practical it is than the other pool surface options out there.

    Additional Benefits of Our PVC Membrane

    In addition to being kid-friendly, our Aqualux PVC membrane affords a number of  other benefits over traditional pool surfaces. Consider, for example, that our flexible pool surface is able to expand and contract to accommodate the ever-changing climate here in Australia. With your typical concrete pool surface, you would inevitably see cracking and hairline fractures over time (much as your home shows small signs of settling over the years). However, with the flexible vinyl material of our pool interiors, the flexibility prevents cracking and keeps your pool looking like new while also keeping it water-tight. This in-built toughness also ensures your Aqualux pool interior is virtually untearable, being able to stretch over 200% before breaking.

    Meanwhile, vinyl doesn't interfere with the chemical balance of your pool water like other materials can. For example, did you know that pebbles, concrete, and even tile designed specifically for use in pools can affect your chemical balance? And when you own a pool, maintaining that healthy balance is a key factor. By choosing an Aqualux PVC membrane pool, you'll have an easier time keeping your water balanced just right, which means you can spend more time actually enjoying your pool and less time adding chemicals and testing your water.

    Overall, vinyl pool interiors are not just a practical option, but they're a great choice for families with children. By not having to worry about your child's feet getting scraped or scratched on a rough pool surface, you can spend more hours enjoying your new swimming pool in comfort and confidence. Ready to find out more about our pool design options? Contact our team at Albatross Pools today to get started on your dream pool project!

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    Awards of Excellence.

    Australian Pool & Spa Gold Award 2023      Australian Pool & Spa Highly Recommended Award