One of the best parts about building a pool is making it your own.
Once you’ve chosen a pool design, there are plenty of ways to personalise the space to suit your family, your home and how you like to spend time outdoors. From spas and splash decks to water features, lighting and landscaping, these finishing touches can have just as much impact as the pool itself.
Some families are focused on creating a space for the kids to enjoy. Others want somewhere to relax, entertain or unwind at the end of the day. The right combination comes down to how you want the space to work for you.
When homeowners start planning a pool, they often focus on shape, size and colour first. The next step is considering the features that will help personalise the space and influence how it’s used every day.
Popular options include:
Each feature offers something different, so it’s worth thinking about which additions you’ll genuinely use and enjoy.
A spa is one of the most popular ways to personalise a pool area.
Whether it’s a place to relax after a busy day or somewhere to sit and catch up with family and friends, a spa can add another dimension to your backyard.
Options such as the Neptune Spa can work as a standalone feature or be incorporated into the overall pool design, depending on your available space and preferred layout.
When considering a spa, think about:
Splash decks have become increasingly popular because they’re incredibly versatile.
These shallow water areas can be used for relaxing, cooling off, supervising young children or placing pool lounges partially in the water. They can also help create a resort-style look while adding another functional zone to the pool area.
Within the Narellan Pools range, the Harmony Splash Deck can be positioned independently from the pool if required, while the Sunset Splash Deck Extension is designed to complement selected pool designs and provide additional shallow water space.
For many homeowners, a splash deck quickly becomes one of the most-used features around the pool.
Water features can bring movement, sound and visual interest to a backyard without increasing the size of the pool itself.
Some homeowners prefer a clean, minimalist look, while others enjoy having a feature that becomes a focal point within the space.
Popular options can include:
The right choice often comes down to the overall style of the backyard and the atmosphere you’re looking to create.
These features are often less noticeable during the planning stage, but they’re frequently the additions homeowners appreciate most after installation.
Pool lighting can highlight the pool, landscaping and surrounding entertaining areas, while also making the space more inviting after sunset.
Swim jets can be a great addition for homeowners who want to incorporate fitness into their pool. By creating a current to swim against, they can allow for continuous swimming without needing a larger pool footprint.
Together, these additions can improve both the functionality and enjoyment of your pool.
Landscaping is often what brings the whole project together.
The same pool can take on a completely different feel depending on the materials, planting and finishes surrounding it.
Popular landscaping considerations include:
A well-designed landscape helps connect the pool to the home and creates a more cohesive outdoor space. It’s also an opportunity to put your own style into the project. Some homeowners prefer a modern look with clean lines and large-format paving, while others prefer natural stone, lush planting or a more relaxed coastal feel.
If you’re deciding where to invest your budget, start by thinking about how you’ll use the pool most often.
For example:
Families with young children often prioritise splash decks, open swimming areas and easy access around the pool.
Homeowners who enjoy entertaining may focus on landscaping, lighting, seating areas and features that create a strong visual impact.
Those looking for relaxation often consider adding a spa, spa jets and heating to maximise year-round enjoyment.
Smaller backyards may benefit from features that serve multiple purposes, such as splash decks, swim jets that provide both recreation and lounging space.
WARNING: CHILDREN MAY DROWN IN THIS POOL. To keep your family safe and prevent drowning, this pool requires a barrier to surround the entire pool, such as a 1.2m high fence. The barrier must comply with the Building Code and restrict unsupervised access by children under 5 years of age.
For more information visit www.building.govt.nz/
For more information on how to keep safe in the water visit: https://www.watersafetynz.org
