1 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

“Firstly, have a think about the positioning of your pool. A sunny spot with a bit of shade is always ideal, so consider the direction the sun streams into your outdoor space which will likely affect where you place your new pool. Also make sure this area is nice and flat as that is very important.”

2

FENCE OR NO FENCE?

“If a pool does not hold more than 30 centimetres of water in height, you will not require a fence. If it holds above that, you will need a fence to meet Australian regulations. Some local councils have extra requirements, so it’s best to contact them to understand the specific regulations for your area. One extra hint is to place the pool in the corner of the backyard so that you can utilise your existing boundary fence as sides of the pool fencing to minimise extra cost.”

3 CONSIDER STORAGE

“Think about pack up and pack down, as we know the weather isn’t always reliable! If opting for an inflatable pool, do you have somewhere safe to store this where it won’t get pricked by a twig or affected by the elements? If opting for a steel frame pool, do you have a spot to store this packed down structure over the cooler months? Ensuring you have adequate space to store your pool, whichever you decide to purchase, means that you’re less likely to throw it out and have to buy a new one the following year.”

4 WEATHER WATCH

“When setting up your pool, have a look at the weather forecast for the coming week. If it’s looking like clear blue skies, this is a great time to set up your pool as you’ll only need to fill it up once and the water will stay warm. For those looking to stay hip-pocket friendly, this is a wise decision as it helps keep water bills down.”

5 FINAL TOUCHES

“Now, for the fun stuff. If you’re looking to get the space looking festive, why not add some LED lights or small floaties. Go for a Palm Springs vibe with some greenery surrounding your new pool, or a boho look with cushions and a mandala. A few accessories make a portable pool go from budget friendly to photo ready, and can also be found at most retailers.”

• Bestway pools and accessories are available at Bunnings and other retailers nationwide. Head to bestwaycorp.com.au for more info.