Pools the coolest backyard feature in the wake of COVID-19

The number of people taking the plunge and putting one particular feature in their backyards has skyrocketed in the wake of COVID-19.

The Medindie mansion at 9 Robe Tce has two pools, which ranked highly in Australia’s list of coolest 100 pools. Pic: Williams Real Estate

The number of people installing pools in their backyards has skyrocketed in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns, as homeowners seek to create a holiday-at-home lifestyle.

Swimming Pool And Spa Association of Australia chief operating officer Spiros Dassakis

said he had seen a significant spike in the number of homeowners investing and improving their outdoor spaces, namely by putting in a pool or spa.

“They’ve been driven by changing priorities as a consequence of COVID-19 meaning the demand for pools and spas has never been higher,” Mr Dassakis said.

SEE THE LIST: Australia’s top 100 cool pools revealed

Check out this Brighton pool at 36 King Street. Pic: Ouwens Casserly Real Estate

This Prospect pool at 2 Alpha Road is just as luxurious. Pic: Ouwens Casserly Real Estate

“We’ve seen a significant uptick in renovated pools, new pools and spas as well and in fact many of our builders and installers are booked up until Christmas 2021 and stock, in terms of spas, is projecting unprecedented growth.”

Mr Dassakis said installations of pools and spas across the country had increased 15 per cent year on year in recent history, but that COVID had turbocharged that growth.

“People are investing less in holidays because holidays come and go but people are choosing to holiday more in their home and therein lies a significant part of the value that having a backyard pool has always had,” he said.

His comments come as Australia’s 100 coolest pools are revealed, with 18 in SA making the list.

The Medindie mansion at 9 Robe Terrace, known as Elysian, was one of the SA properties featured on the list.

Charles (Harry) Alexander and Yoland Higgs say the backyard pool is the focal point of their Medindie mansion, which they recently sold for a record price. Pic: Keryn Stevens

It looks heavenly from every angle. Pic: Williams Real Estate.

Owners Charles (Harry) Alexander and Yoland Higgs’ breathtaking combination of a resort-style outdoor pool and a luxurious indoor swim spa at their record-setting mansion was ranked the 15th best pool in the country.

Ms Higgs said the pool was a focal point of the property.

“We always knew it needed to be a really special pool for the kind of home it was,” Ms Higgs said.

“It’s not just a pool, it’s also a spa and a baja beach too, so it really does offer that fantastic resort lifestyle – and it’s big enough that you can actually swim in it, because there’s nothing worse than getting three strokes in banging your head.”

Ms Higgs said the pool had been a handy feature for the couple while they were completing construction during the most recent lockdown.

“We would do some work and when it got too hot we’d have a swim, then we’d do some more work and then sit in the spa – if we go into another lockdown the new owners will be glad they have it.”

Originally published as Pools the coolest backyard feature in the wake of COVID-19