Concept 21Forward LookingResort
Resort Pool Retreat
A tiled lap pool, sun ledge and cabana lounge that turns the yard into a holiday.
- Lap pool
- Sun ledge
- Cabana lounge
- Glass fence
Typical build range: $70k – $150k
Design guide
See Your Swimming Pool Design
Looks Before you build
A pool is the single biggest decision in a backyard: it fixes the layout, the budget and the sightlines. Getting the size and position right matters far more than the shape.
Choosing a size
Common pool sizes and what they suit
Plunge 4 x 2.5m
Courtyards and small blocks. Cooling off and sitting, not swimming laps.
Family 7 x 3.5m
The most common suburban size. Games, floats and a shallow end.
Lap 12 x 3m
Narrow side or rear runs. Serious swimming, small footprint width.
Resort 10 x 5m+
Large blocks with a sun ledge, bench seat and separate spa.
Worked examples
Pool led backyard concepts
Concept 21Forward Looking
Concept 28Forward LookingSmall space
Plunge Pool Courtyard
A 4 metre plunge pool, deck platform and green wall in a compact rear yard.
- Plunge pool
- Deck platform
- Green wall
- Water feature
Typical build range: $45k – $80k
Concept 30Forward LookingTropical
Tropical Oasis
Layered palms and gingers around a dark tiled pool with hidden lighting.
- Layered palms
- Dark tiled pool
- Hidden lighting
- Timber screens
Typical build range: $60k – $120k
Concept 32Forward LookingWellness
Spa and Sauna Corner
A plunge spa, barrel sauna and cold shower tucked into a screened corner.
- Plunge spa
- Barrel sauna
- Outdoor shower
- Privacy screening
Typical build range: $35k – $70k
Concept 35Forward LookingResort
Poolside Pergola Combo
Pool, pergola lounge and BBQ zone arranged in one continuous entertaining run.
- Pool
- Pergola lounge
- BBQ zone
- Shared paving
Typical build range: $80k – $160k
Concept 40Forward LookingLighting led
Full Night Backyard
A dusk-first design: lit pool, glowing pergola, grazed walls and warm path light.
- Pool lighting
- Pergola glow
- Wall grazing
- Smart scenes
Typical build range: $16k – $32k
Where to put the pool
- Sun between 11am and 3pm is what warms the water — avoid deep shade from the house or neighbouring trees.
- Keep the pool visible from the kitchen or living area for supervision.
- Allow crane or excavator access, or budget significantly more for hand digging.
- Stay clear of easements, sewer lines and large tree root zones.
- Give the widest paving to the sunny side, where lounges will go.
Concrete, fibreglass or above ground
Concrete pools allow any shape, any depth and features such as ledges and infinity edges, at the highest cost and longest build. Fibreglass shells are fast, cheaper and limited to manufactured shapes. Above ground and semi-inground pools suit sloping sites and tight budgets, and read best when decked around to hide the shell.
Fencing, safety and equipment
- Pool barriers and self closing gates are legally required in most jurisdictions — check local rules before designing.
- Frameless glass keeps sightlines open; slatted metal is cheaper and screens equipment better.
- Plan a screened, ventilated equipment bay with drainage and power close to the pool.
- Choose non slip, low heat coping and pick planting that does not drop fine litter into water.