The perfect spot for a pool is somewhere that lends you privacy, catches the warmth of the sun in the day and is sheltered from the wind. It should be a place that helps you relax as you look out over your backyard. It’s a place where you can cool off and still keep an eye on the little ones when they go for a dip.
Life should be simple when you have your pool built, but it takes a bit of planning to earn those stress-free moments of bliss. Deciding on your swimming pool placement is something many homeowners disregard or overlook, but it should be one of the first things you give genuine thought to. After all, you don’t want to deal with any annoyances when you’ve set up your dream pool.
GET THE PERFECT POOL PLACEMENT
Where you’re allowed to build your pool is heavily dependent on your local council. Each region has its own building regulations, which may alter where you can position your inground pool. It’s in your best interests to think about the room you have to work in before booking a consultation.
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you have enough space between your pool and the property boundaries to avoid any issues with neighbouring properties. Then, if you want your pool to integrate with your home or other structures, there are regulations that dictate the distance your pool has to be from your main house. Along with this, there are pool safety laws to consider regarding your fencing and surrounding structures.
Working with a trusted pool builder will answer many of these questions for you. But if you’re the proactive type and want to know what options are available for you before you call a pool builder, this article is here to give you a leg up and streamline your pool building process as much as possible.
DISTANCE FROM YOUR HOUSE OR OTHER STRUCTURES
The first thing you should seek out is your region’s zoning regulations. This will help determine how close an inground pool can be to your home, property lines and other structures on your property.
Your pool builders likely have these specifications memorised, especially if they’re locals. But, it’s good for you to have that information for peace of mind and to get an exact idea of where your pool area will sit once it’s completed. After all, the last thing you want is a mistake to be made on your property. In the end, any problems due to misplacement will ultimately be your responsibility.
It’s common for people to be surprised that the pool area will be bigger than they thought, but don’t worry – once your pool, fencing and decking are installed, the space always fills out nicely.
Most municipalities require a 3-metre distance between your pool and housewalls. This is to protect the electrical wiring inside your home from flooding and water exposure, and though this is the national average, your local rules may require your pool to be built even further from major structures.
When excavating land, certain areas are exposed to more stress and can collapse. This is why there should be a set distance between your home and pool to avoid compromising the structure of the ground. Each builder has a different tolerance measurement, known as the “zone of influence”, stated in their building approval and engineering. It is certainly possible to build a pool close to a house, however this may require additional engineering and peering on the house or the pool to allow for the integration of both structures.
Overall, local zoning ordinances will specify how far your pool needs to be from easements and setbacks. These regulations also impact the size of the pool you’re allowed to build on your available land.
BOUNDARY LINE RULES
Swimming pools generally need to be 1 metre away from your property boundary. In Queensland, you are permitted to use a boundary fence as a pool fence as long as it complies with pool safety regulations. Neighbour permission is required if you want to use the wall of a common boundary.
MAKING THE MOST OF A SMALL YARD
These regulations can seem intimidating, especially if you’re working with limited space. Still, there are several space-saving techniques to ensure your yard stays functional and appealing. Of course, we’re not just going to slap a pool smack dab in the centre of your property. What an eyesore!
The most popular style in confined spaces is to use existing features like house walls or a boundary fence as replacement pool fences. This maximises your available space and reduces how much fencing you need to install. Another professional tip is to place your pool along your property’s longest span.
While it can be tempting to put your pool as close to the fence as possible, we recommend sparing a metre or so to landscape within the boundary and include decking or a garden to maximise your privacy and make your pool more customised. Plus, neighbours love this because they hear less splashing and giggles from your property.
If your property can be challenging to get into, make sure your pool builder has experience with small building spaces. Here at Environ Pools, we are skilled, award-winning inner-city pool builders that can safely bring all the necessary equipment into your yard.
CHECK YOUR COUNCIL’S REGULATIONS
Most people are aware of the regulations about the mandatory requirement for child-safe pool fencing, but it’s best to check with your local council to check for any additional local building, zoning or safety regulations that you will need to comply with.
Brisbane City Council recommends you advise your neighbours if you plan to build near the boundary and need a siting variation. Full assessment applications require a written outcome of your consultation with your neighbours or advice on why this could not occur.
MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS READY FOR THE BUILD
Building a pool takes prep work. Your yard should have suitable drainage and installation conditions for your new pool. If your land isn’t ready for construction, then you may have to wait a little longer before getting your dream pool.
SEEK PROPER REGISTRATION
By law, you must register your pool or spa. You can find out whether your pool is registered by doing a property search.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR POOL
Once your pool is set up, it deserves the ultimate care. That can be time-consuming and hard to do. Luckily our mates at Pool Builders Pool Shop offer a revolutionary remote monitoring service offered nowhere else. They use smart digital management systems to remotely analyse your pool and can deliver the needed chemicals to your door or install it themselves. That means you get a gorgeous pool without lifting a finger. Check out their website.
MAKE THE PROCESS EASY
Once you’ve outlined where you want your dream pool, make sure you’re bringing in an expert team to make it a reality. Environ Pools is one of Brisbane’s most awarded concrete pool builders. We will make sure your pool build goes swimmingly! Contact us today.
