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.