How modern technology is making it possible to transform even the most difficult backyards into a poolside oasis

Backyard pools have been a popular part of the Australian lifestyle since the early 1970s. Now, over 50 years later modern technology has meant that pool companies can offer great-looking permanent pool solutions for even the trickiest backyards. We recently caught up with Kellie Harrower from the Little Pool Co who shared with us how their innovative technology is re-shaping the possibilities of where pools can go.

As cities have grown and urban development has intensified, backyards have also changed. Instead of having big, flat spaces to work with, more and more people have small spaces, sloping sites and difficult access. These conditions often mean it’s harder or more expensive to install a traditional in-ground pool, so people need to look for alternative solutions.

“The Little Pool Co range has been designed specifically for people who have difficult sites but still want a great-looking pool. Little Pools are free-standing and come fully plumbed and ready to fill with water. They can be installed above ground, in the ground or only partially in the ground, and all they need is a simple concrete slab to sit on,” explains Harrower.

Pre-finished pools are certainly becoming popular, and more alternatives are now available on the market. “The trend for pre-made pools probably started with the introduction of shipping container pools. Since then, we’ve seen steel alternatives and even fully finished pre-cast concrete options. The unique thing about the Little Pool Co range is that these pools are made completely out of fibreglass. The good thing about fibreglass is that it is super tough, built to last and it’s really light weight. It won't rot, it won't rust and it costs much less to transport and manoeuvre with cranes,” says Kellie.

Ideal for challenging sites

The reality is an in-ground pool is not an option for every backyard. Common problems like high water tables, flood zones, bedrock, sloping sites, tight access or even proximity to buildings can make it impossible or uneconomical to undertake a large-scale excavation. 

“Encountering one or more of these problems can add thousands of dollars to a pool construction project. We designed these pools so that we can circumvent these challenges and still allow people to have a great-looking pool in their backyard.

“The great thing about the Little Pool Co pools is they don’t require the same excavation and backfilling process as an ordinary pool. These pools are self-supporting; all you need to do is sit them on a simple concrete slab. They can be in-ground, above ground or half and half. This opens up options like placing them level with existing decking or positioning them much closer to buildings than a standard in-ground pool. And, even better, they can be filled with water the day they arrive!”

Customising your above-ground pool

One of the benefits of this technology is that you get more choice on how to integrate your pool into your backyard. The unique GRP (glass reinforced plastic) support structure can have exterior cladding fitted directly to it or you can attach decking directly to the pool structure. 

“We get a real thrill out of seeing the awesome landscapes people have created around these pools. Most people order them nude (without any external cladding) and use a mixture of decking and wall cladding to integrate them into the space - the world is really your oyster when it comes to finishing these pools off in your style!”

Making pool installations more affordable

One of the major design goals when developing the Little Pool Co range was to reduce the cost of pool installation. “As we’ve designed this range, we’ve thought about all the ways we can make it easier, faster and more cost-effective to install a pool. We’ve made them lighter so that they don’t cost an arm and a leg to crane into place; we’ve made them plug-and-play so they arrive ready to swim from day one; and we’ve designed the structure so that you can literally bolt on decking and cladding without extra building work.”

Explore above-ground pools from the Little Pool Co