A swimming pool at home is more than just a stunning centrepiece – it’s a private, tranquil retreat that can transform your outdoor space into the sanctuary of your dreams. Australians’ love for the sun and the outdoors makes it all the more fitting to create a pool that not only stands out but also reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. In this issue, Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Josephine Day speaks with Trent James, owner of TJ Pool Plumbing, to explore the design process, challenges, and visual impact of wet edge, infinity, and blade edge pools in creating breathtaking outdoor spaces.
TJ Pool Plumbing specialises in high-end, fully tiled concrete pools, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. Led by Trent James, who has more than twenty years of experience in the building industry, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, with its work featured in prestigious projects such as the beautifully renovated Hotel Sorrento.
TJ Pool Plumbing offers a diverse range of custom-built pools, including stunning infinity and wet edge pools, integrated spa-pools with spillovers, and complex builds in challenging locations. Among its most in-demand features are wet edge pools, which are designed to create the illusion of merging seamlessly with the surrounding landscape – whether it be the ocean, treetops or city skyline – providing uninterrupted, panoramic views. These pools are more than just functional, embodying the perfect balance of design innovation and architectural elegance, transforming practicality into visual artistry.
Meanwhile, blade edge pools offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with a mirror-like surface that appears boundless, making them a striking choice for modern architecture. With their unmatched expertise and eye for detail, TJ Pool Plumbing continues to push the boundaries of pool design, crafting bespoke spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
THE RIGHT CHOICE
If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor space, adding a pool feels like a no-brainer, right? But with the endless stream of design inspiration out there, choosing the right style can be overwhelming. That’s why your first step should be investing time with a trusted, reliable, and transparent pool builder. By having open conversations early on, you can ensure your pool reflects your personality and aesthetic and enhances your lifestyle.
Among the most striking choices in modern pool design are wet edge and blade edge pools, both known for transforming ordinary backyards into luxurious oasis. But how do you know which one is right for you? As James explains, “A wet edge is an infinity edge illusion that gives the effect that the pool drops off the edge of the landscape it looks out too. A blade edge is where the water meets the edge of the pool as a unique effect which looks like it’s on the same level as the surface you are walking on.” To create this smooth, continuous illusion, James constructs a precisely rendered, dead straight wall that’s then fully tiled, making the structure nearly invisible to the eye. Beyond aesthetics, these designs enhance the experience – offering gentle water flow and a peaceful, spa-like soundscape.
However, they may not suit every household. Wet and blade edge pools require consistent maintenance to ensure proper water flow and cleanliness, and they come at a higher price point than standard pool designs. That’s why it’s crucial to weigh your needs, budget and lifestyle before diving in. For James, the reward is personal – he finds joy in crafting these stunning designs and seeing the happiness on his clients’ faces when their dream becomes a reality.
MINIMAL LINES, MAXIMUM IMPACT
If you’re sold on the idea of a wet edge or blade edge pool, the next step is understanding the process behind designing and installing one of these stunning features. According to James, planning should begin as early as possible – especially because the placement of the pool is the key to creating an awe-inspiring outdoor space. These types of pools are best suited for properties with a slope or elevated ground, as the natural gradient helps to emphasise the disappearing edge effect. However, working with such terrain can be challenging, which makes early planning and design critical.
Whether your property overlooks a panoramic view or is filled with lush, vibrant landscaping, it’s important that the pool seamlessly interacts with its surroundings. The disappearing edge should look like it’s merging with the environment, enhancing the natural beauty of the space. “Amplify the surrounds with the illusion,” says James. “This creates a breathtaking feature.” To maximise the visual impact, he also recommends positioning the pool to face the view. By doing so, you ensure that the illusion isn’t just about the water – but about a space that blends effortlessly into the landscape.
SCULPTING THE INFINITE
Like anything worth having, creating your dream pool comes with its challenges – but that shouldn’t stop you from moving forward with the process. When it comes to designing and building wet edge and blade edge pools, James explains that it’s often a “juggling act between design and practicality, so the pool is still useful.” These pools are visually stunning, but they also require a keen eye for detail, especially when it comes to water quality and circulation. “They are more vulnerable to evaporation and heat loss,” James adds, making it essential to monitor and maintain them regularly. Despite these challenges, investing in a pool of this caliber is a decision you won’t regret. Wet edge and blade edge pools are more than functional – they’re statement pieces that elevate the entire outdoor space.
You can also get creative with lighting to enhance the visual impact, creating a striking atmosphere for late night swims or entertaining guests. “The top of the wet edge is always the feature. You can turn the wall into a feature by adding lighting,” says James. Regardless of your design preferences, these pools are built to impress – and as James puts it, “lots of wet edge pools are memorable as they look unbelievable.”
Pool Builder : TJ Pool Plumbing
Architect: Steve Taylor (COS Design )
Home Builder: Peter Leyden Coastal Builders
Photographer: Erik Holt
