Water feature

Pools are great places for recreation, but they also serve another purpose a well-designed, well-constructed pool turns an outdoor area into a feature in its own right.

Pool construction company La Playa Pools has been creating eye-catching swimming and spa pools for many years. A key to their success, says owner Rob Thomas, is exacting standards and an emphasis on using high quality materials.

"This pool design by Julian Guthrie, from Godward Guthrie Architects, creates a distinctive atmosphere for the exterior of the house. The 11m x 5m pool features offset steps, fibreoptic lighting integrated with the surrounding tiling, stepping stones, and a water feature that cascades into the pool."

The interior, finished in marble plaster, gives the water a soft, inviting appearance. As one side acts as a retaining wall for the garden, extra strengthening, thicker concrete and extra steel support were required.

The pool interior also features lights that operate independently of the fibre optics. The water feature also operates independently of the filtration system, and can be turned on and off from inside the house.

For further information, contact La Playa Pools, PO Box 18-163, Mt Wellington, Auckland, phone (09) 570 4430, fax (09) 527 3472.

Story by: Trendsideas