Take the plunge
Landscape architect and director of Xteriorscapes, Hayden Stark offers some expert pool advice to ensure you don’t get in over your head.
While the last rays of summer may now be a distant memory, this is the ideal time to put plans in motion for when the heat hits again.
With a myriad of factors to consider when deciding on a pool, Xteriorscapes is well placed to take you through the options, outline the ins and outs of the design process, offer helpful budget advice, and guide you through the council consent process and planning requirements.
The location and orientation of the pool will be driven by a number of site specific factors, including: the flow and access from the house and outdoor courtyards; the desire to establish direct views from the main living areas in order to observe children at play; and, opportunities and constraints posed by existing features, such as ground levels, outbuildings, underground services and existing trees. Added to this, ensuring shelter from the prevailing winds and capitalising on the sun are priorities not to be overlooked.
Numerous types of swimming pools are available to cater for all types of budgets, from bespoke concrete or fibreglass swimming pools, to liner pools, to prefabricated in-ground fibreglass pools. The latter is a popular choice especially with families, as they are affordable and offer flexibility in terms of sizes, depths, shapes, designs and colours.
Pool suppliers will also offer valuable assistance when it comes to assessing your options relating to water types, heating, cleaning and pool covers. Choose between gas, solar or a heat pump, salt water or chlorine treatment, self or robotic cleaning systems, and select from a variety of manual or automated pool covers to maintain the water temperature.
To reduce the maintenance required, many people opt for as many automated features as possible, such as a salt chlorinator timer that automatically runs the internal systems that test the pH levels to maintain healthy water quality.
Xteriorscape's expertise covers much more than just the selection of plants and design of hardscaping. They can also investigate any specific request you have – be it lighting, built-in seating with integrated pool cover storage, changing shed or pool house, spa locations, as well as shelter and shade options.
When the time is right, make sure you call on the professionals to get it right the first time. After all, a swimming pool is an investment you’ll want to enjoy for years to come.
SECURITY & SAFETY
To comply with local council regulations, all swimming pools require pool fencing and self-closing gates. Pool fencing can be made from metal, solid concrete walls, timber fencing or frameless glass. In many instances, frameless glass is selected for the area between the main outdoor dining area and the pool to create a seamless visual connection between the two.
PLAYTIME & RELAXATION
It’s important to incorporate space around the pool for kids to play and adults to lounge and relax. A ‘breakout’ area for sun loungers, beanbags or other outdoor furniture can be created in and around the pool. The pool enclosure usually features non-slip hard surfacing such as tiles, pre-cast pavers and in-situ concrete. Hardwood or composite timbers are commonly used to provide platform areas that also double as storage for the pool cover and other pool accessories.
Employ the experts
Xteriorscapes can:
• Outline the pool type that best suits your lifestyle, while offering helpful budget advice and guiding you through council planning and consent process;
• Design outdoor spaces that provide that all-important connection between indoor and outdoor entertaining and relaxing areas, and that maximise the sun while offering shelter from the elements;
• Provide clever storage solutions for outdoor equipment as well as design ideas that hide pool pumps and covers; and,
• Assist in the selection and implementation of plantings and hardscaping.
03 421 8460 | xteriorscapes.nz
