Transforming Your Pool Areas into a Year-Round Living Space
By Adrian Apostolatos
For Sydney’s homeowners, a swimming pool is more than just a place to cool off – it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor lifestyle.
But are you making the most of your pool area?
Do you have a space that just isn’t being used as much as you would like?
The secret lies in creating the perfect pool alfresco that transforms your backyard & provides the Indoor-Outdoor link to your internal living areas.
This should be a space that entices you outside – either barefoot & swimmers or even in a more formal environment where you can entertain your friends & family.
Key Takeaways
- A pool alfresco connects your home and pool for fun and comfort.
It turns your backyard into a space you can enjoy every day, not just when the weather is perfect. - Design choices like shade, furniture, and layout are key.
Picking the right layout, roofing, and furniture means your alfresco will look great and work well for how you live. - You can enjoy the space all year with the right planning.
With smart design features like blinds and heating, your alfresco becomes a true all-seasons room. - Emanate & Co. helps you at every step.
From first ideas to final build, we manage everything so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Table of Contents
What is a Pool Alfresco?
A pool alfresco is a space that joins your home and your pool. It can have a roof, chairs, a table, or even a kitchen outside. It helps you use your backyard every day, not just in summer.
Easy Steps to Plan Your Space
Start From Your Back Door
Walk outside. Can you or will you be able to move easily around your table and chairs?
Can the kids run safely to the pool? Is it easy to reach the bathroom when wet or do you need a separate wet area?
Good design makes all this simple.
Who Will Use It?
Think about who will spend the most time outside.
If it’s the kids, you’ll want space to play, shady corners, and no tripping hazards. If you’re always hosting, you might want a big table, fridge, and good lighting.
For quiet mornings or evenings, a comfy daybed or corner couch is perfect. Your space should match your family’s lifestyle.
Think About ‘Flow’
Connecting the inside to the outside is key. Sliding or bifold doors make the transition smooth. Using the same colours, floors or materials outside as you have inside makes everything feel like one space.
Design Tips That Work
Shade and Sun
A smart alfresco design makes the most of the sun in every season. In winter, you want light to come in and warm the space. In summer, you want shade to keep things cool.
We often use adjustable louvre roofs so you can change the angle to suit the day. Adding external blinds helps block the hot afternoon sun or creates a cosy room-like feel during cooler months.
Comfort First
Outdoor furniture needs to feel just as comfy as your inside lounge. Think thick cushions, strong fabrics, and materials that stand up to the weather.
We also install fans for hot days and electric heaters for chilly nights, so you stay comfortable all year long. Some clients even add a TV and sound system to make it feel like a second living room.
Keep Things Tidy
Storage is important in any well-used space. You might need a cupboard for towels, hidden drawers for pool toys, or a storage bench that doubles as extra seating. We make sure everything has a place, so the area stays clean and clear.
Weather Smart
Weather can be unpredictable, so we design alfresco spaces that are ready for anything. Covered outdoor kitchens mean you can cook even if it rains. We use floors that are easy to maintain with just a hose down. Walls and finishes are picked to look great and last through sun, rain, and everything in between.
60 plus & counting 5 Star Reviews
“And the reason we went with Emanate & Co was really about the fact that we didn’t want to be lumbered with the project management side of the job. And we knew that what we’re getting from them is peace of mind.”
Andrew & Emily; Thornleigh
Annabel & Andrew; Balgowlah Heights
Halima & Warren; Westleigh
How to get the Perfect Pool Design
Harbourside Wasted Space to…Alfresco Elegance
When Andrew and Annabel returned to Emanate & Co for their new home’s outdoor transformation, they faced a familiar challenge: a backyard that didn’t reflect their lifestyle.
The existing space was dominated by a bulky glass roof and a narrow, unusable passageway, making it uninviting and impractical for their family’s needs. Recognizing the evolution in their lives – children growing older and a desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living; we embarked on a journey to reimagine their alfresco area.
We have just finished our second outdoor area with them. We went straight to Emanate & Co. for our second build as their team are extremely professional
Annabel; Balgowlah Heights
A Poolside Turned Everyday Retreat
Emily and Andy had a backyard pool. A dream feature for their young family…but it remained largely unused.
Accessing it meant navigating out the front door and around the house, making spontaneous swims a chore. The surrounding deck was deteriorating, and the entire area felt disconnected from their home.
Overwhelmed by the complexities of design, bushfire regulations, and coordinating multiple trades, they sought a comprehensive solution.
Emanate & Co stepped in to transform their vision into reality, streamlining the process and managing every detail.
The result? A seamless indoor-outdoor living space that has become the heart of their home. Discover how we turned a neglected pool area into the most used room in the house.
Cost Guide
A well-designed pool alfresco is a wise investment, delivering:
Your Return on Investment:
In Sydney’s property market, where home values have historically doubled each decade, investing $150,000-$250,000 in a premium poolside alfresco space isn’t just about lifestyle – it’s a strategic property play.
A well-designed outdoor entertaining zone can deliver returns of 150-200% on investment, making it a compelling addition in a market where outdoor living continues to drive property values.
Extra Living Space:
Extend your home by 30-40m². What would this space be worth to your family?
Market Appeal:
Attract buyers with a stylish, functional outdoor area.
Think space is always the photo that real estate agents put on their sale boards to attract buyers
Typical Investment Ranges
- Essential Pool Alfresco: $100,000 – $150,000
- Premium Design: $150,000 – $250,000
- Luxury Integration: $250,000 plus
Extra Ideas for Your Space
If you want to take your alfresco to the next level, there are plenty of great extras.
Firepits and pizza ovens add warmth and fun for evenings.
A spa near the pool can offer a place to unwind after a swim. For added comfort, consider daybeds or hanging chairs, and don’t forget soft lighting to make nights outside more inviting.
Adding plants, built-in planters or green screens not only softens the space but also gives you more privacy. These simple touches make your outdoor space feel even more like home.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I customise everything?
Yes. Every poolside alfresco outdoor room we build is designed from scratch to suit your family, your home, and your style.
We guide you through colours, layouts, and materials to make it yours & so it doesn’t look like an ‘afterthought’.
How long does the whole process take?
From the first design meeting to the final day of construction, it can take anywhere from 10 to 20 weeks depending on approvals, weather, and build complexity. We manage all of this and keep you updated throughout.
What if I live in a bushfire zone?
We have extensive experience designing alfresco areas in BAL 40 and BAL FZ zones. We use compliant materials and get the right approvals for you.
Can you help us visualise the space before we commit?
Absolutely. We provide photoquality 3D designs so you can see exactly how your new alfresco area will look and feel before we start building.
What makes Emanate & Co. different?
We don’t just design and build – we provide a complete end-to-end service. From the first sketch to the final clean-up, our team is with you the whole way. Our five-star reviews reflect our commitment to quality, trust, and results.
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