Marine Parade
In the realm of pool design, achieving perfection often lies in the details, and the challenge set by the owners of this pool was nothing short of ambitious: to have the water level seamlessly aligned with the edge around the entirety of the pool.
Monument Road
The curve of the pool echoes the topography in this Clevedon project that is both sculpture and water feature within the landscape.
Mahoenui Valley Road
This eight-hectare property in Coatesville, with a house that stretches long across the land, called for a pool that married with the building and the backdrop – and held its own.
Hidden depths
More than simply a place to cool off, a pool from Frontier Pools is an intrinsic part of outdoor design
Cool, blue and inviting
Pools today are an intrinsic part of outdoor design. These recent projects from Frontier Pools are a prime example
The sky’s the limit
The new SkyCity Grand Hotel is designed to integrate both with the nearby conference centre and with the rest of the city's architecture
In the swim
From natural bush settings to resort-style landscapes, Frontier Pools can create a pool to suit any aspect
Leading edge
The right pavers can make a world of difference to your landscaping. For this contemporary setting, Jagas pavers were specified
Beyond the Swim: Designing Your Backyard for Family, Friends, and Resale Value
Episode Overview
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Damian Francis from Frontier Pools to unpack the full journey from first idea to first swim. With a background in landscaping and concrete, he explains why the best pools begin with a solid design, clear goals, and a site plan that considers access, fencing, and the entire backyard — not just the water.
Damian walks through the early steps: engaging a landscape architect, shaping a concept that reflects how you actually want to live, and navigating consent with pool fencing in mind. He demystifies common decisions — pool size, shape, filtration, heating, and finishes — and shares when features like infinity edges or integrated spas make sense.
We dig into the build realities many homeowners miss: tight Auckland sites, rock excavation, machinery access, and sequencing the dig so landscaping benefits from the same window of work. Damian outlines typical timelines from construction to handover and explains why planning for a concealed cover early can save money and improve the look while reducing evaporation and running costs.
Finally, Damian breaks down water care options (salt-to-chlorine, mineral systems, automation), the basics of maintenance and valet services, and the simple habits that keep water clear with minimal effort. Throughout, Damian returns to the real payoff — time together. A well-planned pool becomes a daily ritual for kids, teens, and parents alike, turning the backyard into a place to connect, unplug, and make memories for decades.