Project Overview
This Chadstone family had recently installed a new concrete swimming pool but the surrounding area remained unfinished — bare earth and builder's rubble surrounded the pool shell. They engaged Antonio PrimeScape to create a complete pool surround that would be safe, beautiful, and fully compliant with council pool safety regulations.
The project required careful coordination with the pool builder and the homeowners' landscape architect. The brief was clear: slip-resistant surfaces suitable for bare feet, a premium aesthetic that would complement their contemporary home, and full compliance with Victorian pool fencing and safety requirements.
Before & After
Full project photos available — contact us to see more of this Chadstone pool transformation.
Project Specifications
The Challenge: Council Permits and Water Management
Pool surrounds in Victoria must comply with strict regulations under the Building Regulations 2018 and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) guidelines for pool safety. The fencing, gate and restraint systems all needed to be inspected and certified upon completion.
Water management was another critical consideration. Pool water splashes, backwash from the filtration system and rainwater all needed to be directed away from both the pool structure and the house foundation. The site had limited fall, requiring precise grading to achieve effective drainage without creating an uneven walking surface.
Our Solution: Engineered Base and Compliant Installation
We began by excavating the entire surround area to a depth of 200mm, installing a 100mm compacted road base followed by a 50mm concrete bedding layer. The concrete base is essential for pool surrounds — it provides a rigid, stable foundation that prevents movement even with constant water exposure and thermal cycling.
For the main surface, we selected a 600x600mm porcelain paver with an R11 slip-rating — well above the minimum for pool surrounds. The tiles have a natural stone finish that looks like bluestone but offers superior slip resistance and requires no sealing. The colour chosen was a warm charcoal that stays cool underfoot even in direct summer sun.
The coping detail was executed with travertine bullnose tiles, providing a comfortable, finished edge for swimmers to sit on. The travertine was sealed with a penetrating sealer to protect against pool chemicals and staining.
Council Compliance and Pool Safety
We worked closely with the homeowners' building surveyor to ensure all pool safety requirements were met. The paving was installed 50mm below the threshold of all doors leading to the pool area, complying with the pool barrier requirements. The pool fence posts were integrated into the paving with proper flashing and sealing to prevent water ingress.
All drainage was connected to the existing stormwater system via a new pit, installed in compliance with council drainage requirements. The final installation passed council inspection on the first attempt.