As we get ready to dive into summer, the Three Balls Red design team thought it was the perfect time to share our hot list of picture-perfect pools from inspiring projects we’ve had the great pleasure of working on.

Whether its Palm Springs-inspired pools, brutalist pool landscapes or a Bali-inspired tropical oasis our clients are wanting to create, our expert team are a wealth of knowledge on pool tile selections.

For a dose of inspiration, here are Team TBR’s picks for the most beautiful pool landscapes of the year.

PALA

Havendeen’s Tui and Rob McKinnon revisited the design of the pool with Nest Landscape Design just before construction of their latest – and most personal – project, PALA, commenced.

“As business owners and a young family, we knew in these days of hyper-connectivity this is the place we will all be yearning to come home to as a family or with friends,” says Tui. The pool is positioned close to the structure, allowing for fixed glazing creating continuity between the building and the outdoors.

“Being able to see kids in the pool from various outlooks was essential to the design,” says Tui. Fresh cream and off-white square mosaics were selected to create bright blue water and continue into the sunken fire pit walls and benchtop. “As the surrounding plants and landscape flourish, soon the structure above the pool will be softened with overhanging foliage making the pool feel further immersed in the outdoors,” says Tui.

With a sun bed, swim-up bar and sunken seating, PALA’s pool is the perfect place to unwind and entertain all year round.

SUNDOWN

There are many standout architectural features of Sundown, the latest custom residential project by 4D Renovations, however the home’s pool landscape is undoubtedly the piece de resistance.

The ideal spot to spend summer days, the 16m lap pool was meticulously landscaped by 4D, with an array of tropical plants creating a resort-style oasis around the pool.

Flawless design details, craftsmanship and quality finishes aside, 4D’s Jamie Paterson says Sundown is designed to be truly enjoyed and lived in, with a functional layout and ample spaces for relaxation and entertaining family and friends.

FLORIDA GARDENS HOUSE

Known for his brilliant architectural images and discerning eye, it’s hardly surprising the minimalist pool landscape at photographer Kristian van der Beek’s Florida Gardens home is flawless and considered.
Kristian and his partner’s vision for the pool space revolved around a honed concrete pool surround, appreciating its minimalist design and aesthetic appeal.
Initially drawn to natural Indonesian Sukabumi stone, Kristian says they reconsidered their choice due to its demanding maintenance.

"The Three Balls Red team suggested a ceramic tile with the same colour and texture, mimicking the look of Sukabumi stone without the associated upkeep,” he says.
“The varied patterns on each tile created the illusion of natural stone, complementing our tile choice perfectly. ”For the pool surrounds, the couple opted for Nucon Calcite concrete, paired with Three Balls Red ceramic tiles.
The tile selection, a non-negotiable for the couple, was influenced by the pool's prominent position as a focal point visible from various angles inside the house.

“Despite the pool's relatively modest size, its impact is amplified by the careful consideration of design elements and materials,” he says. Steering clear of tropical plants due to the higher upkeep, the couple chose native plants and succulents to create a low-maintenance natural oasis.

“Our vision was to evoke a natural watering hole ambience, embracing eclectic planting over conventional structural arrangements,” he says. “Native plants seamlessly blended with the surroundings, while the use of native grasses added a lush and vibrant touch. The delicate movement of their leaves brought vitality to the space, contrasting beautifully with the structured succulents' blue foliage for a harmonious balance.”

SABBATH HOUSE

Influenced by minimalism, Japanese architecture and brutalism, the home of VALLEY Eyewear founders Michael and Tenielle Crawley boasts a luxury hotel-inspired pool landscape.

The above-ground pool’s tranquil blue water is visible when entering through the front door, and with a Pandanus tree in the centre of the yard and concrete planter boxes with green plants cascading from upper levels, the home has a relaxed, resort-style holiday vibe all year round.

MAYBREE ESTATE

Designed by Jayson Pate and custom-built by Wave Developments, this luxury, contemporary farmhouse capitalises on the round pool trend.

Set on five acres and surrounded by verdant hinterland, Maybree’s Instagram-worthy pool – featuring Three Balls Red’s ham green 97x97 Sukabumi replica tiles - and surrounding entertaining area is the home’s striking centrepiece.

“The round pool becomes a feature from almost every room in the house,” says Pate.

MARLIN VILLA

This brutalist four-bedroom villa designed by Shane Denman Architects oozes contemporary cool with elevated tropical island-style luxe.

Located on a private canal in the coastal suburb of Palm Beach, the waterfront pool, built by Palmy Pools, boasts brilliant imported natural green Indonesian Sukabumi stone.

The beautiful natural stone tiles, known for the anti-slip quality, thermal qualities and aesthetic appeal, were also used in the bathrooms for timeless appeal.

SOLLER HOUSE

A design-led family home that borrows from both modern Mediterranean and Palm Springs design styles, Soller is an inviting oasis tucked away in the heart of Burleigh Heads. The dreamy Palm Springs-inspired pool, built by Palmy Pools, entertaining area and fire pit is ideal for long alfresco lunches and basking in Queensland’s sub-tropical weather.

Three Balls Red’s team agree that we’d happily holiday at home if this were our residence.

TAHITI HOUSE

When dreaming up her forever home at Palm Beach, Marieke Spence had a couple of non-negotiables.

As well as a bath with a view and a built-in dog bath for her pup, Alby, Marieke wanted an inspiring pool and courtyard where she should take advantage of the Coast’s year-round sunshine in absolute privacy.

Habitat Studio Architects and custom builder, Wave Developments, delivered in spades with the home’s flawless contemporary pool landscape one of the Three Balls Red team’s favourite spaces of 2023.

For further pool trends or to chat to the expert Three Balls Red team about design ideas for a new swimming pool or upgrading an existing one, visit our Bundall showroom or book an appointment with our design consultants.