Pool

Natural setting

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Sink it into the ground A sunken spa puts the garden at eye-level, so with a little effort, people having a soak can be surrounded by flowers and greenery. The better maintained your garden, the more sublime your spa experience will be.

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Cover it up This in-ground spa under a tree gives it the feeling of a mini retreat, as do the additions of a custom-made timber deck and slide-away lid. A cover that’s easy to remove keeps leaves at bay and insulates the water – a low-maintenance hot tub that doesn’t require heating right before you use it means you’ll frequent it more often. Champagne optional.

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This view of the lap pool and spa on the right shows just how well natural materials and greenery have been used in this backyard, to set the scene for relaxation.

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Outdoor living

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Couch Ideal soil pH: 6.5 Shade tolerance: Poor Sun requirements: High Botanical name: Cynodon dactylon Pronounced ‘cooch’, couch is one of the more drought-resistant grasses and has been popular for decades as a result. It loves the sun and thrives in hot conditions but does not do so well in the shade. One of the downfalls of couch grasses is its sometimes patchy or straggly appearance; this often happens when areas are not receiving enough fertiliser or water. Couch is easy to establish in most types of soils and lawns repair quickly when damaged (by a digging dog, for example). Tip: Couch lawns require edging so they don’t invade adjacent garden beds.

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As for fencing, if it is used as a pool safety barrier, it needs to be compliant under the local building regulations. Traditional pool fencing can be costly, so this is where a good designer can become a little inventive and suggest taking a more sculptural approach to the barrier. “For example, a line of feature grade timber posts set in a concrete footing can act as a visual feature and a compliant pool barrier,” Dawson adds.

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5. Sunken or raised Choosing to get a raised or sunken plunge pool is dependant on the look you want to achieve, and how it will fit into the rest of the space. But it can also be determined by budget constraints, and the foundation you’re placing the pool in. Raised pools are cheaper, due to less excavation costs, says Dawson. Raised walls can also be used as a pool safety barrier, but this varies according to your municipality, he adds. Sunken pools, however, can allow for better visual connection with the water.

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4. Shape The shape of your plunge pool may be confined to the boundaries of the house, or the space available may allow for more creative shapes. It’s best to consult with a professional, who will understand the space you are working with and guide you through your different options.

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3. Style The aesthetic of your plunge pool is an important factor, as any designer will tell you. Dawson notes that the plunge pool pictured was created to echo the contemporary and angular form of the house. “In this case, the client had a strong connection with Asia and loved the colour green. I picked up from visiting their home their love for abstract art, and this was the inspiration for the pool shape,” he says.

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