South beach courtyard with plunge pool

[Starfishlane]

4.5mtx4mt 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 1.5mt x .900 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 a wonderful space that we use all year round.

Materials

Bunnings product used were structural timber,quickset concrete, plumbing fixtures, blue metal,rainbowstone, deck fixings, Cromwell's sealer and waterproofing, paint, wood stain, pots, plants, retic pipe and fittings, pave set, trellis kits.

Tools

Makita cordless drill and dropsaw.

Various hand tools.

Paint rollers and brushes.

Steps

Step 1

Exposed services before digging footings for joinery.Getting planter in place on a bed of aggregate.Plumbing installed then started on joinery.Completed joinery.

[Jason]

Love it @Starfishlane! I'm sure your creativity will inspire many other community members. Watch out for plenty of questions about how to upcycle a planter into a plunge pool. Many thanks for sharing.   

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share. 

Jason

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @Starfishlane 

Oh SNAP! you did what? "I sealed,waterproofed,tiled and had it plumbed" How long did it take you to seal and tile that bowl? and where did your source it! Any chance of a closer shot at the tilework? It looks amazing. Im not super keen on plunge pools but really could imagine sitting there cooling my legs on a hot day for sure. 

Love how you have recognised the plumbing limitations and gone for a staggered above ground approach, It really works well and looks very modern with that touch of Tuscan with the whitewashed pavers

Breakfast or an evening wasting time would be perfect to spend right there.

Dave

[Starfishlane]

G'day Dave, thanks for the message. Chuffed that you liked my project.

Pots are made by Pietro, and they are called U Planter. Made from GRC (glass reinforced concrete) so quite lightweight. I was always worried about it holding the 1200lt capacity. Thick waterproofing and tiling added a lot of strength to the shell tho.

The mosaic tiling was quite tricky and fiddly for someone with no experience but end product came up ok.

 

 

Many sizes available up to 2.5mt x .900.

Not cheap tho, mine was around 2k

[Adam_W]

Fabulous project @Starfishlane very clever use of a small space.
Question... how did you go in regards to working with pool fencing regulations?
I know from experience that can be a challenge in even a reasonably straight-forward situation.

Cheers

Adam

[wealth42]

This looks just lovely! Reminds me of a Japanese soaking tub, but outdoors. Well done.

[wealth42]

Hello Adam_W. Re pool fencing - would it be straightforward to put (say) a large plastic crate inside the pool to make it "shallower" when not in use? Bear in mind this question comes from someone who is (obviously) not an expert in the regulations of pool fencing : )

[JacobZ]

Hi @wealth42,

In theory it would reduce the depth of the water below the 300mm stipulated in most jurisdictions, but I'd be surprised if a regulator would accept this as a solution. I wouldn't just implement it without first checking with a licenced pool safety inspector. 

Allow me to tag @Adam_W so he is notified of your question.

Jacob

[Adam_W]

Thanks @JacobZ and hi @wealth42 .
The ability to reduce the water level when not in use would not be accepted as a suitable safety measure as during use the issue of access would still be there.
As Jacob points out, the base-rule is deeper than 300mm & it must comply with fencing regulations.

Spas can be exempted if they have a secure, rigid cover that is removed during use but otherwise even a fish-pond or inflatable pool (yes, you read right) needs to comply with pool safety regs.

Where you don't or can't have a typical fence then sliding or hinged doors can be acceptable however, and this varies by state, they either need to be self-closing with the latch at least 1500mm above floor level or be permanently fixed with a stop so that they cannot open beyond 100mm. You can't just have something that restricts opening if it can be removed or unlocked.

I gather that in some states a security-grade screen door is acceptable but, again - 100mm max opening. 
Same goes for windows, including louvres, that face onto a pool area (this gets a bit more complicated with height above ground etc.) but they have to be restricted to not be able to open more than 100mm.

[wealth42]

Wow! A lot of good info, there. Thank you.