The backyard pool has always been a hallmark of comfort and lifestyle in Australian homes. But like anything considered a luxury, there are different levels to it. Over time, pools have become more accessible, allowing more homeowners to enjoy them, though the range of quality, design, and features still sets some apart from the rest.
At Environ Pools, we’ve spent over three decades perfecting the art of luxury pool design, creating bespoke pools that elevate Brisbane backyards into personal paradises. Through our award-winning work, we’ve discovered that true pool luxury isn’t about a single spectacular feature; it’s about the harmonious blend of premium materials, innovative technology, and thoughtful design elements that create something genuinely special.
Why Concrete Pools Reign Supreme
When it comes to concrete pools, the possibilities are limitless. Our expertise in architectural concrete allows us to incorporate unique design features such as vanishing edges, beach entries, and integrated water elements—features that simply aren’t possible with other pool types.
As mentioned above, all pools are a luxury, but not all luxuries are made equal. After home swimming pools first became popular in the post-World War II era, they were typically made of concrete and celebrated for their elegance and durability. Over time, companies looked for ways to make these sought-after home features more affordable, leading to the creation of pre-made pool shells from vinyl or fibreglass. While this made pools more accessible to more households, these options never quite captured the custom, high-end feel of those early concrete builds.
Today, thanks to modern technology and machinery, you can have the best of both worlds. Concrete pools are still a higher-end option compared to cheaper alternatives, but they’re no longer limited to the homes of business executives or stock market moguls. In fact, most of our clients are everyday Australians in the middle-income bracket, homeowners who want to invest in quality, long-lasting materials that complement their home’s design, rather than settling for a pool that’s simply installed and tucked away in a back corner.
Smart Lighting Systems That Transform Day Into Night
Nothing transforms a pool quite like sophisticated lighting. LED pool and spa lights are energy-saving and efficient, producing a bigger wow with fewer watts, making them both environmentally conscious and visually spectacular.
Modern LED systems have revolutionised pool lighting by moving far beyond basic white bulbs. Today’s colour-changing pool lights offer multi-colour, long-lasting, and easy-to-operate systems that can be controlled from your smartphone.
Oftentimes, functionality and flexibility are the difference between a stock-standard experience and one that is truly luxurious. When it comes to lighting, adding LEDs or smart pool lights gives you the freedom to enjoy your pool whenever it suits you—not just during daylight hours. Having a pool without lights, or inadequate lighting, will make your pool feel like something to forget about at night and only enjoy in the day. Good lighting means your pool serves you and is ready for you to enjoy it whenever you want.
Water Features That Create Sensory Magic
Water features are where luxury pools truly come alive, adding both beauty and atmosphere. From sleek water blades that create a glass-like arc, to dramatic spillover waterfalls linking elevated spas with main pools, these elements enhance visual appeal and flow. Whether you prefer the natural look of rock waterfalls for a lagoon-style pool or the clean lines of sheetfalls, laminar jets, or fountains for a modern finish, the right feature can elevate your pool design to something truly special.
While these water elements are undeniably beautiful, there’s also a practical reason many pools include them. Pools are designed to bring the natural beauty of water into your home, but they also rely on a fair amount of machinery to stay clean and filtered. Water features help promote circulation, but more importantly, they let you hear the gentle trickle of water instead of the hum of a pool heater or filtration system kicking in.
Sometimes, achieving a sense of luxury is about concealing the things you don’t want to notice. That’s why many modern luxury pools incorporate water features, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but to subtly mask the workings beneath the surface.
Tiling and Coatings
The foundation of any luxurious pool lies in its materials, and this is where the magic truly begins. Glass has become the most popular tile choice in recent years, and for good reason. Unlike traditional ceramic tiles that can absorb up to 3% water, glass mosaic tiles boast an astounding zero per cent absorbency rate. This means your pool not only looks stunning but maintains its pristine condition year after year.
For those drawn to natural elegance, stone tile provides a natural look and textured feel. Large-format stone can be blended into the coping to create a monolithic appearance. Stone maintains warmth after a day in the sun and provides natural slip-resistance, perfect for Queensland’s climate. These features often come with a higher price tag, but the benefits of paying more upfront aren’t just for aesthetics. Glass tiles have been found to last up to 20 years, while ceramic tiles often need to be replaced around the 10-year margin. Compare this once more to vinyl pool covers, which are much more affordable initially, but often need to be replaced after just 5 years, and show signs of deterioration earlier.
Built-In Spaces for Leisure & Wellness
A luxurious pool should offer more than just a place to swim. It should invite you to relax, unwind, and enjoy quiet moments alone or with others.
Built-in features such as bench seating, spa zones, or sun shelves create multiple uses within a single design. Whether you’re sipping a drink in the shallow end, easing into the day with a warm spa seat, or watching the kids splash around, these elements make the pool feel more personal and versatile.
We often incorporate spa jets or heated sections into bench seating to provide relaxation without the need for a separate spa. These thoughtful touches bring wellness and comfort into your everyday routine.
Integrated Spa Elements for Ultimate Relaxation
A truly luxurious pool seamlessly integrates spa elements that transform your backyard into a wellness retreat. Spillover spas represent the ultimate in spa relaxation, where a spa effortlessly merges with an infinity swimming pool.
These elevated spa designs aren’t just visually stunning, they offer genuine therapeutic benefits. Modern spa systems feature customisable jet configurations for targeted hydrotherapy, while advanced temperature controls ensure your spa is always ready for relaxation.
The latest technology includes smart systems that automatically maintain water chemistry and temperature, so your spa experience is always perfect. Some premium systems even offer the ability to cool the water during Queensland’s warmer months, providing refreshing relief when traditional heating isn’t desired.
Smart Automation for Effortless Luxury
The pinnacle of pool luxury is the ability to control everything effortlessly. Simply connect to pool automation apps for pool peace of mind and control your pool equipment from the palm of your hand anytime, anywhere!
Modern pool automation systems allow homeowners to control lighting, temperature, water flow, and even chemical levels remotely. This means your pool can be warming up for your arrival home, your lighting can be set to welcome evening guests, and your water features can create the perfect ambience before you even step outside. The integration possibilities are endless.
Perhaps most importantly, these systems include smart alerts for maintenance needs and automated cleaning cycles, ensuring your luxury pool remains pristine with minimal effort on your part.
Creating Your Personal Paradise
A truly luxurious pool is more than the sum of its features; it’s a carefully orchestrated experience that reflects your lifestyle and enhances your daily life. Whether you envision entertaining friends under colour-changing lights, enjoying morning laps in crystal-clear water, or unwinding in a spillover spa while listening to gentle waterfalls, these features work together to create something extraordinary.
As Brisbane’s trusted pool builders with over three decades of experience, we understand that luxury isn’t about having the most expensive features, it’s about choosing the right combination of elements that transform your backyard into a space you’ll treasure for years to come.
Your dream pool is waiting to be designed. With the right blend of premium materials, smart technology, and thoughtful features, we can create a luxury pool that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them in ways you never imagined possible.
