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A large planter pot was used to create a bespoke plunge pool as part of a courtyard makeover.
The project
This is a 4.5m x 4m internal courtyard on only a 127sqmt lot. I was hoping to have small plunge pool installed, but sewer and other services were below underground. Also all above ground pools on the market were too big, so I had to come up with an alternative. I had a vision of making my own out of a 1.5m x 900mm planter that are usually used in streets scape or commercial areas. I sealed, waterproofed, tiled and had it plumbed, and the end product came out amazing. Also had a very big and ugly hot water system to hide using joinery. It's now a wonderful space that we use all year round.
Steps
Step 1
Exposed services before digging footings for joinery.
Step 2
The pot is made from GRC (glass reinforced concrete) so quite lightweight. I was worried about it holding the 1200lt capacity. Thick waterproofing and tiling added a lot of strength to the shell, though.
The mosaic tiling was quite tricky and fiddly for someone with no experience but end product came up ok.
Step 3
Getting planter in place on a bed of aggregate.
Step 4
Plumbing installed then started on joinery.
Pool equipment was an Astral Pool E140 .5hp and Astral XC50 cartridge filter. Basically smallest equipment you can buy. Sand filters were all too big to fit under deck.
Step 5
Completed joinery.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
- Structural timber
- Quickset concrete
- Plumbing fixtures
- Blue metal
- Rainbow stone
- Joists
- Waterproofing
- Sealer
- Exterior paint
- Wood stain
- Flower pots
- Plants
- Retic pipe
- Pavers
- Trellis.
Tools used in the project:
A message from the Bunnings team
Before starting any pool or spa project, we recommend contacting your local council about fencing requirements. For example, in Victoria all swimming pools and spas capable of containing water to a depth greater than 30cm must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access by children.
More inspiration for your courtyard makeover
Bunnings Workshop member homeforeverhome used a large pot and a Maple tree as a feature in a courtyard garden makeover. The project was the winner of best outdoor project in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.
Community member shevysingh added a firepit and outdoor lighting as part of a courtyard transformation with gabion benches.
Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular garden makeovers, 10 ways to update your garden and 8 ways to transform your balcony.
