Common Pool Features Everyone Loves

Common Pool Features Australians Love

What comes into your mind when you hear the word pool? Do you think of it as an escape from the heat, as a fitness venue, or a place where you can play, relax, and have fun? 

May it be a public pool or a swimming pool at home, Australians surely love to spend time in the water. In fact, public pools have always been a part of Australia’s history. They served as community playgrounds in the early years, where Australians gathered to enjoy the warmer climate, spend holidays with family and friends, or just simply learn how to swim. 

A 2018 Roy Morgan Research showed nearly 2.7 million Australians, or 13 per cent of the Australian population, live in a house with a swimming pool. Roy Morgan’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michele Levine said the presence of children in the house is a huge determining factor in whether someone will build a swimming pool in their own house. 

According to the same research, over 17 per cent of Australians living with kids aged six to eleven have their own pools at home. 

The said research also found that Regional Queensland, which includes Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and some cities up coast such as Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, recorded the highest number of pool ownership in 2018. According to the Roy Morgan Research, 20 per cent of regional Queenslanders have swimming pools at home. 

Following Queensland are Australia’s three most northerly State capitals. The 2018 Research also showed that 19 per cent of the residents in Perth have their own pools, while 18 per cent of the residents in Brisbane and 15 per cent of the residents in Sydney also live in a house with a swimming pool. 

A report from Rendervision for pool designs that despite various market challenges that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in expenditure was recorded on hardware, building and gardening supplies during the period of lockdowns in Australia. 

According to the data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the said increase have peaked at $2.12 billion in May 2020. The pool and spa segments were among the industries with the most significant increase, and this was highly attributed to the sudden changes in consumer spending preferences during the pandemic. 

But this shouldn’t come as a surprise anymore. Knowing how much Australians love pools, it was only natural for them to spend on upgrading or building their own pools so they can still experience a resort-like relaxation while staying in the comfort and safety of their own homes. 

Whether you are a commercial pool owner or someone who lives in a house with a pool, there are these particular features that you prefer to have. And for Australians, or for everyone, really, whether swimming is for leisure or for sports, these are the common features they want to see in their water havens: 

Pool must-haves 

1. Pool lighting

Are you the type to enjoy night swimming? Then pool lights are a must for you. These will help you navigate your way inside and outside of the pool easily during the night. But aside from safety purposes, installing lights can also transform the pool into a more aesthetically pleasing sight. And yes, pool owners can get as creative as they want to be. They can even come up with a theme and find lights that would suit it the most. 

Image by: Landscaping Network

There is a wide variety of pool lighting to choose from these days, and these include halogen, fiberoptic and LED lights. While all three options will come in handy depending on your needs and requirements, LED lights are still considered the best choice and this is because they are said to be more durable and efficient. 

2. Spas and waterfalls

        Image by: Blue Haven Pools & Spas

Going for a swim to relax and ease your mind? Spas and waterfalls would be your best companions. Combining spas and waterfalls can add a sense of serenity to the pool. The soothing sound that comes from spas and waterfalls can relax both your body and mind. These pool features are perfect for those who badly need to unwind after a long, tiring and stressful day. 

Spas and waterfalls also add charm to the pool. But aesthetics-wise, these are also good for your overall health. According to health experts, spas can be good for people who have hypertension and muscle pains. 

3. Swim-up bar

Chillin’ while sippin’ your favourite drink? Swim-up bars can let you live the best (pool) life! First introduced in tropical resorts, many pool owners have now started to build this in their own pools. 

       Image by: HGTV

For commercial pool owners, adding this feature can definitely make swimming experiences more fun and enjoyable. This is particularly popular with those who like to swim with their family or friends. Who wouldn’t like to share some drinks, while feeling the cold pool water, and enjoying good company? 

A swim-up bar is usually made of concrete bar stools that are firmly installed on the pool’s surface. If you own a pool at home and you enjoy drinking and inviting guests over, this feature is perfect for you. If you have an outdoor kitchen, better to build the swim-up bar close to it so it will be easier for you to prepare and set the drinks up. 

4. Fire features

Fire pits and fire bowls are among the most popular and best fire features today. These are usually aligned along the edge of the pool or on the pool patio. Aside from creating a more relaxing and warmer atmosphere, fire features are also useful to those who can’t give up a cold dip during winter. (We’ll talk more about winter swimming later!) Also, if the pool doesn’t have lights, these fire features can also serve as your guide at night. 

Image by: PebbleTechnology

5. Outdoor shower

If you also love swimming at the beach, then you are very familiar with these outdoor showers. Because you wouldn’t want to bring some sand and small shells with you right after swimming, you take a quick shower in these outdoor facilities. The same can also be done when you are swimming at a pool. Only this time, it’s the smell of the chlorine you want to get rid of. 

      Image by: Pinterest

Homeowners with pools have also been installing outdoor showers these days because they are thrilled to be able to bathe in their own yard and perhaps play along with their kids while they shower. Swimming and showering outdoors are great for family time. 

6. Pool fence 

Image by: HouseLogic 

A pool fence is more of a safety feature. It can protect bypassers from falling into the pool. Now, this is important to those who are bringing their kids with them or if they are with someone who does not actually know how to swim. Do you know that in some American states, installing a pool fence is even obligatory now? 

Just like pool lights, you have plenty of options for this feature. There are various types that can cater to your pool fence needs and requirements. And remember, regardless of your choice, a pool fence always ensures maximum functionality. So, you know it is all worth it! 

According to Better Health, swimming is a good all-round activity because it keeps your heart rate up and takes away the impact of stress from your body; builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness; helps you maintain a healthy weight, heart and lungs; tones muscles and builds strength, and provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming.  

It is a great recreational activity for people of all ages, with other essential benefits such as improving coordination, balance and posture; improving flexibility; providing good low-impact therapy for some injuries and conditions; providing a pleasant way to cool down on a hot day; and being available in many places–you can swim in pools, beaches, lakes, and rivers. Better Health just wants you to make sure that the place you choose to swim in is safe.

Pool Deck Resurfacing

Over time, the area around your pool, known as the pool deck, can show signs of wear and tear. Resurfacing the pool deck not only rejuvenates its appearance but also enhances safety by providing a non-slip surface. If you’re considering a makeover for your pool area, check out pool deck resurfacing services for top-notch solutions.

Winter swimming 

Believe it or not, there are people who still swim during winter. Some may do it just for the thrill of it, but some actually do it for health purposes. It is said that cold water plunges are recommended for people who are suffering from rheumatism, fibromyalgia, and respiratory illnesses like asthma.

Now, we understand why some can’t just give up on swimming even on cold days. Whether you are determined to do it for your health, for leisure, or for fitness reasons, just make sure you are staying warm with the help of pool features such as heated pools and hot spas. 

As mentioned earlier, you can also use fire pits and fire bowls as your sources of warmth during winter. If the pool is not heated, setting these up along the poolside can make you feel warm and comfortable. 

If you don’t own a pool but still insist on swimming, you can surely find an indoor pool nearby. Most indoor pools are open all year round. With indoor pools, you can enjoy swimming regardless of the weather and temperature. Indoor pools are also much easier to clean since you don’t have to get rid of leaves, debris, or bugs in the water. 

Looking for a pool cleaning service near you? Book a pool cleaner with Sidepost that offers regular cleaning services and pool maintenance. We service Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and many other cities.

Image by: Sidepost 

Some notes to consider before setting an appointment. If you own a commercial pool, you can schedule your pool cleanings weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. To all pool owners, remember to look for certified pool cleaners who are insured and bonded. Safety is a top priority in pools, as accidents can still happen. 

Also look for service companies that have no additional charges when booking on weekends or public holidays, those that have no long-term contracts and can allow you to cancel anytime, and those with easy online account management. 

Pool cleaning is needed to maintain the beauty of your pool all seasons long! So, make sure to have your pools cleaned and enjoy your swimming time!