By Justin Wellman – Director, Tanzanite Pools
Transforming a backyard into a poolside retreat is less about adding a body of water and more about curating a space that feels connected to your home and lifestyle. Across Bayside and greater Melbourne, homeowners are getting smarter about maximising smaller blocks, choosing materials that last in coastal conditions, and designing areas that feel calm, functional, and timeless.
This guide brings together the three core elements of great backyard designs with a pool: decking, layout, and must-have features. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an older space, these ideas will help you create a backyard that looks incredible and works for everyday living.
Pool Decking Ideas Australia Loves: Concrete vs Timber vs Composite
Your pool decking sets the tone for the entire backyard. In Melbourne, where weather swings from hot summers to cool wet winters, choosing the right material matters for both durability and design.
1. Concrete: The Melbourne Favourite
Concrete continues to lead when it comes to pool and deck ideas, especially in suburbs like Brighton, Sandringham, and Murrumbeena. Homeowners love its:
- Durability in high-traffic areas
- Versatility in colour, texture, and finishes
- Cost-effectiveness compared to stone or hardwood
- Compatibility with modern architecture
It works beautifully with contemporary rectangular pools and minimalist designs. If you’re comparing costs, you can learn more through our internal guide:
Read next: Concrete Pool Deck Cost Guide
2. Timber & Composite Decking
Timber offers a warm, natural feel that suits coastal and classic homes. Species like spotted gum and merbau are popular, but they do require:
- Regular oiling
- Monitoring for warping
- Ongoing maintenance around salt and chlorinated water
Composite decking, on the other hand, gives you the same warmth but with less upkeep. It’s a smart alternative if you want the look of timber without the annual maintenance.
3. Natural Stone & Pavers
For high-end backyard projects, bluestone and travertine stand out. They’re widely used in Bayside luxury homes because they are:
- Cool underfoot
- Beautifully textured
- Naturally slip-resistant
Bluestone complements Melbourne’s architectural palette perfectly, while travertine provides a soft, Mediterranean feel.
Concrete Pool Deck Finishes: Choosing Your Texture
If you’re leaning towards concrete, the finish you select will shape both safety and aesthetics. Below are the most popular concrete pool deck finishes that Melbourne homeowners choose.
Exposed Aggregate
One of the most desirable pool concrete ideas thanks to its premium look and dependable grip. Aggregate mixes allow you to customise colours, making it ideal for modern projects. It’s also extremely resilient in coastal environments.
Stamped & Stencilled Concrete
For homeowners wanting the look of stone without the high price tag, this is an excellent alternative. It can mimic slate, pavers, tiles, or geometric patterns.
Broom or Smooth Finishes
Simple, clean, and cost-effective. These are great for minimalistic pool surrounds and suit clients who prefer a sleek look without decorative textures.
Backyard Designs with Pool: Maximising Your Space
Whether you’re on a compact Murrumbeena block or a long Bayside parcel of land, smart layout planning makes all the difference. Given below are the most effective concrete pool design ideas to help maximise usability and visual flow.
Modern Rectangular Pools
Rectangular shapes remain the most efficient for tighter Melbourne backyards. They sit neatly along boundary lines, preserve lawn space, and provide a streamlined look.
Lap Pools for Narrow Blocks
If you’re working with a long and narrow space, a lap pool is ideal. Explore more: Lap Pool Designs
Plunge Pools for Courtyards
Plunge pools are increasingly popular in Bayside due to their compact footprint and deep, refreshing design. They’re perfect for small courtyards while still offering a luxurious feel.
Integrating Retaining Walls & Planters
Concrete planters and low retaining walls help define the space, add dimension, and create a seamless connection between the pool structure and the garden.
Must-Have Features for the Modern Bayside Pool
Beyond structure and materials, features bring character and usability to your poolscape.
1. Splash Decks / Tanning Ledges
A splash deck provides a shallow platform within the pool, fantastic for toddlers, relaxing with a book, or placing a sun lounger. Many Melbourne families now consider this a non-negotiable feature.
2. Water Features
Sheer descent waterfalls or bubblers add gentle movement and a calming soundscape. They also elevate nighttime aesthetics when paired with LED lighting.
3. Landscaping That Loves Coastal Conditions
Bayside homeowners prefer low-maintenance plants that handle salty air and heat well, such as:
- Coastal rosemary
- Lomandra
- Native grasses
- Olive trees
- Banksias and coastal banksia hybrids
These selections frame the pool beautifully without constant upkeep.
Featured Project: Murrumbeena – SPASA Awards Finalist
SPASA Awards of Excellence 2022 – Fibreglass Pool Finalist – Pools Up to $60K
Project Link: https://www.tanzanitepools.com.au/murumbeena/
This Murrumbeena family wanted a backyard that balanced beauty with everyday usability. The final design features:
- Clean architectural lines
- Built-in steps and generous swim space
- Screening trees for natural privacy
- Large-format exposed aggregate paving
- Minimalist glass fencing
- Dark vertical boundary slats to frame the water
- A laser-cut decorative screen to conceal equipment
- Integrated lighting for evening ambience
The result is a backyard that’s visually striking, functional, and recognised by industry professionals for excellence in design and craftsmanship.
What Local Homeowners Say
Dina Pjevo
“It has always been my dream to own a pool, but it was a big decision, one I didn’t want to regret. I spent over a year researching different pool types and builders. I even had multiple companies come out to quote and measure, but something always felt off, until I met Justin from Tanzanite.
From our first meeting, I felt completely at ease. It was like chatting with a friend. More importantly, I felt I could trust him, and that meant everything to me. Justin took the time to explain everything thoroughly and gave me confidence that I would love the end result.
Throughout the entire process, I was blown away by the professionalism and workmanship of the entire team. The site was always left clean, and I’ve honestly never seen such hard-working individuals. Within just one week, the pool was installed, filled with water, and had a concrete beam around it. We were swimming in it in no time!
I have zero regrets about my decision, and I’ve since recommended Tanzanite to many of my friends. The aftercare and follow-up support have also been exceptional. If I ever move house, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose Tanzanite again as my preferred pool builder.
Thank you, Justin and the team, for making this dream come true.”
Author: Nicholas Hartley
Tanzanite Pools is Melbourne’s premier luxury pool specialist, creating bespoke concrete and fiberglass swimming pools that blend award-caliber craftsmanship with innovative design. From simple installations to the most complex pool constructions, every project is treated as unique, with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.
