A material that looks exceptional in a showroom or in a photograph taken in mild morning light can become uncomfortable, dangerously hot or visually washed-out under the full force of a Queensland summer afternoon. Getting pool decking right in this climate means understanding not just how it looks — but how it behaves.

Getting the planting right from the beginning — selecting species that look the way you want the outdoor space to look and that behave well in a poolside environment — saves significant maintenance effort and avoids costly replanting down the track.

Does a pool add value to a home in Australia? The honest answer is nuanced. Here's what the evidence shows and what actually determines whether a pool adds value.