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Transforming Your Pool Area into a Year-Round Living Space

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?

The secret lies in creating the perfect pool alfresco that transforms your backyard & provides the Indoor-Outdoor link to your home.

This should be a space that entices you outside – either barefoot & swimmers or even in a more formal environment where you can perfectly entertain your friends & family.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your alfresco area should be tailored to your lifestyle. Start by asking:

  • Who will use the space?

Is this a family-friendly zone for kids to splash and play, or a sophisticated area for entertaining guests?

  • What activities will it host?

Think about lounging, dining, entertaining, or a mix of all three.
Your answers will guide key design decisions, ensuring the space feels both personal and practical.

Your answers will guide key design decisions, ensuring the space feels both personal and practical.

Functional Goals

Design Aesthetic

“We’ve created the most used room in our home”

Andy; Thornleigh

Key Alfresco Design Principles

  1. Flow & Connection

Creating seamless transitions between your home, outdoor room, and pool is vital. Focus on:

  • Start at your back door or entry point and visualize the journey through your alfresco area. Think about how you will naturally walk to the pool, navigate around the dining table, and flow past the lounge setting. Ensure there are clear pathways and enough room to move comfortably without obstructing furniture or creating bottlenecks in high-traffic areas.
  • Maintaining clear sight lines for pool supervision.
  1. Shade & Weather Protection

Design for year-round usability:

  • Design your roofing cover to ensure you can maximise the Winter sun, but then also consider creating shade for the Summer months.
  • External blinds are a great way to create a ‘room’ feel either in Winter to create a cosy space or to block out the hot afternoon Summer sun.
  1. Practical Details

A functional alfresco space includes thoughtful touches like:

  • An outdoor kitchen or BBQ area.
  • Storage for towels and toys.
  • Incorporating clever storage solutions for towels and pool equipment.
  • An outdoor shower and access to an internal bathroom—a must for wet kids!
"Stunning alfresco area with an opening roof, poolside dining, and scenic views of the Northern Beaches."

Pro Tip:

Think about positioning your alfresco roof to provide afternoon shade over a portion of your pool – this will extend your swimming hours during Summer whilst maintaining the solar heating benefits in Winter.

Creating Comfort and Functionality

Compliance and Practical Considerations

Approvals and Regulations

Compliance is critical for a smooth build process. Be aware of:

  • Local council requirements, especially in bushfire zones.
  • Pool fencing regulations to ensure safety.

Maintenance Planning

Choose easy-to-clean surfaces and ensure there’s accessible space for pool maintenance and alfresco upkeep. Thoughtful planning now saves headaches later.

The Investment Perspective

Typical Investment Ranges

The Construction Process

A clear timeline ensures a smooth journey. 

  1. Design Consultation: 1 week
  2. Design Development: 2-4 weeks
  3. Council Approval: 6-16 weeks
  4. Material Preparation: 4 weeks

Construction Phase: 6-8 weeks

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Common Challenges and Solutions

Frameless pool glass fencing in residential backyard in Thornleigh, Sydney with stainless steel post & spigots.

Real-World Example…

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