Discover how we made this dream family pool a reality in just three months
Just like home renovating, design and construction expertise are vital to the success of every new inground concrete pool.
At Fifth Season, our qualified design, construction and garden teams work collaboratively on every project, combining their extensive experience and know-how to help ensure a streamlined construction phase and the desired result: a high quality and stylish pool and surrounds that enhance each home and meet the owners’ lifestyle needs.
And when faced with challenges, our expertise becomes even more apparent to our clients.
This was certainly the case with our recent new pool and landscape design and build for Jasmine and Damien of Forestville, where the teams’ experience and ability to think outside the box enabled them to overcome challenges – and deliver the project in just three months.
Challenge No. 1
Jasmine and Damien wanted a family-style swimming pool and surrounds that integrated design-wise with their back garden and outdoor entertaining area. The chosen position, however, came with a significant challenge.
“We always conduct a thorough assessment of the site before we do anything. This includes its gradient, aspect, access and existing natural and man-made features – which can all influence the position, design and cost of a new inground pool,” explains Phil Antcliff, Fifth Season’s Director of Design and licenced pool builder.
The assessment of the Forestville site however revealed an immovable obstacle: a sewer pipe running across the proposed pool’s shallow end.
“Fortunately, our team knew exactly what to do. They first consulted Sydney Water and our trusted structural engineers who provided detailed plans. Then, with detailed measurements at hand, we put our ‘thinking caps’ on and came up with a solution: A stepped swim-out at the shallow end that would sit above, and accommodate, the sewer pipe and maintain the size and location of the pool.”
Take a tour of our design team’s ‘fly through’ of the Forestville family pool, complete with stepped shallow end that solved the sewer pipe issue
Pictured: Following excavation, and prior to the concrete pour, the team brought in specialists to encase the sewer pipe, ensuring it would be protected from the pool above.
“Two stepped ledges across one end of the pool reduced its depth and in turn accommodated the sewer pipe below. Ultimately it meant we didn’t have to change the pool’s location or size,” explains Jack Hayes, Fifth Season’s Director of Construction.
The ledges also act as entry/exit steps and provide ample space to relax and cool off. “It turned out to be a win-win solution.”
Pictured: The creative solution – the stepped shallow end.
Challenge No.2: La Nina
During the entire construction phase, the team battled the full force of La Nina’s unrelenting heavy rains.
“Fortunately, the build continued as we know how to create a dry, safe site, reprioritise tasks to suit the weather each day, and avert water runoff to we can continue to work on rainy days. It was this modus operandi that helped us complete the pool in just three months from start to finish. Once we start, we rarely stop!” says Jack.
Jasmine and Damien watched the build progress with few breaks: “The team were amazing every step of the way, working hard and everything progressed really quickly. I never felt like we were just waiting. We were always well informed of what was happening each week the entire way through, which we really appreciated,” says Jasmine.
With the pool build continuing to plan, the family were able to start enjoying it in early spring. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the pool and with the heating – the kids have been in it every day since it was completed. We love our new pool!” she adds.
Pictured: The completed family pool with the stepped shallow end
“We’re really happy with the design and whilst it wasn’t what we originally had in mind, it has turned out way better than we expected, so there is a lot to say about expertise!” says owner Jasmine
All the details
Pool
Pool size: 6.5m x 3.5m
Pool surrounds: Limestone tiles from Eco Outdoor
Frameless glass fencing from Glazed Co
Pool interior: Arctic White Sky pebble with mosaics waterline tiles
Surrounds and landscaping
Lawn: Sir Walter Buffalo
Garden beds along the fence planted with syzygium australe
Rectangular Garonne stepping stones from Eco Outdoor connect the pool to the outdoor entertaining area
Entertaining deck: 140mm Spotted Gum
Pool water management
Waterco filter
JetVac pool cleaner
Viron salt chlorinator within an Acoustic Box to minimise noise
Madimack pool heater
“This pool on Sydney’s northern beaches shows why it’s essential to contract a pool and landscape company that has experienced and talented designers and builders who can resolve issues quickly” – Phil Antcliff, Director of Design & Maintenance
