🖼️
The project:
We had an unused and unloved corner at the back of the house that never really served a purpose. Around that time, my wife was recovering from cancer, and we wanted to create a small, peaceful pool retreat where she could relax, rebuild her strength and enjoy some quiet moments outdoors.
With a tight budget of $5,000, including a new pond shell, doing almost all the work myself, we set out to transform that forgotten area. Most of the materials came from Bunnings, which made it possible to keep costs down while still creating a space that felt calming.
- Materials:
Pool piping – Holman 40mm Pressure PVC Pipe and Fittings from Bunnings
Pool Valves x 2 - Holman 40mm PVC Solvent Weld Ball Valve - Bunnings Australia
Pool non-return valve - Holman 40mm In-Line Check Valve - Bunnings Australia
Pool combo pump - Pool Pump Power Bay All In 1 Pool Master AIO-SPHP5K I/N: 0822759
Pump cover x 2 -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/rapid-1000-x-450-x-820mm-white-air-conditioner-cover_p0681005
I/N: 0681005
Shower head - Mondella Chrome Rococo Curved Shower Arm - Bunnings Australia and Estilo Chrome ABS Square Shower Head - Bunnings Australia
Shower taps - Estilo Chrome Jumper Valve Wall Top Assembly Set - Bunnings Australia
Cement - https://www.bunnings.com.au/westbuild-20kg-drymix-easy-screed-in-flexipack-packaging_p0760439
Concrete - https://trade.bunnings.com.au/westbuild-20kg-general-purpose-handy-pak-concrete_p0760042
Stone Pavers - Paver Tuscan Path 600x400x20mm Sandstone I/N: 0129314
Tile adhesive -
https://trade.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-mastic-powder-adhesive-tile_p0273639
Tile grout -
https://trade.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-1-5kg-flexible-coloured-grout-buff_p6829696
Tile sealer - https://trade.bunnings.com.au/betta-tilecare-1l-stone-concrete-sealer_p0612134
Pool silicone - https://trade.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-310ml-coloured-silicone-buff_p6829620
Lawn Edging x 10 - https://www.bunnings.com.au/terraform-150-x-2440-1-6mm-gauge-corten-steel-garden-edge_p0990619
Firepit Oxyshield x2 - https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-900mm-oxyshield-podium-landscape-ring_p3321632
Grate – Bunnings fire grate
Stones - Tuscan Path 30-50mm 15kg Black Polished Pebbles - Bunnings Australia
Hooks - MODE Single Brushed Brass Hat & Coat Hook - Bunnings Australia
Pool Gates, hinges and locks x 2 - ProtectorAl G8Safe Black Mega Value Pool Key Lockable Gate Latch Kit - Bunnings Australia
Wall Paint - Dulux 10L Vivid White Matt Weathershield Exterior Paint - Bunnings Australia
Walltop Fencing panels x 7 - Screen Panel Tuscan Path 180x90cm White Squares
Cushions - Mojo St Tropez Outdoor Bench Cushion - Bunnings Australia
Pittosporum – Bunnings garden centre
- Tools:
Spade - Trojan Garden Spade Timber D-Handle - Bunnings Australia
Shovel - Trojan Steel D-Handle Concrete Shovel - Bunnings Australia
Angle grinder - Bosch
Plaster trowel - https://trade.bunnings.com.au/trojan-280mm-x-115mm-half-rounded-notched-plaster-trowel_p0551233
Drill - Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Kit R18X2C14 - Bunnings Australia
Bits - Full Boar 25 Piece HSS M2 Drill Bit Set - Bunnings Australia
Mixing tubs - Ezy Storage 60L Assorted Colour Round Flexi Storage Tubs - Bunnings Australia
- Step 1:
Prepare area - clear vegetation and grass and dig hole for pool shell, paint back fence and retaining walls and install fence panels
- Step 2:
Paint pond shell and install pipework for pool circulation.
- Step 3:
Install pool and backfill with cement stabilised soil/sand while filling with water.
Connect pool to piping to pump.
- Step 4:
Cast landscape stepping stones, lay grass and install paving, note temporary pool filter system!
- Step 5:
Complete landscaping, install pump/filter/chlorinator system, pump cover, towel hooks, and firepit
