Hey Camira1999, your pool area has huge potential. We love the wooden element you've added to your outdoor area. You could also add in some more foliage to the area, like we did in the projects below. Lacquering the back fence will also make a difference to the feel of the pool area. We also are manufacturers of DIY glass pool fences, balustrades, mirrors and splashbacks - you can pick up fences in a range of styles (ie: semi frameless, frameless with or without mini posts,etc) from your local Bunnings. Hope that helps, and good luck!

watchedpoppy, here's something about heat pumps designed for cold temperatures. Note, these are reverse cycled air conditioners (air-to-air), not pool heat pumps (air-to-water). I don't know how heat pumps stack up. It's an American site, so FYI -13F equals -25C. http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/benefits/hyper-heating On a side note, temperature is just the product of the motion of atoms & molecules (kinetic energy). These are in motion all the way down to zero Kelvin (-273C). So although it may feel cold outside, there's still energy available in the site, although heat pumps do become much less efficient when it's cold (the difference in input & output temperatures is important). One thing that has made heat pumps very inefficient in the past is that the condensing coil would ice up at around zero C. This would have to be thawed out with a plain old electric element (COP of 1). Greatly reducing the overall COP in temperatures around our below zero C. But the modern heat pumps, which use the CO2 compressors Luxury Home Heating has talked about don't have an electric element to thaw them out, greatly increasing their efficiency. As for the noise issues. Some modern heat pumps (but not all) are very quiet. So just pay close attention to the decibels they produce, listed on their spec sheets. FYI, here's a good read. Though it doesn't mention solar PV, which would be advantageous for a heat pump. https://www.pooledenergy.com/blog/choosing-a-pool-heater-what-are-the-relative-performances-of-solar-gas-electric-pool-heaters/

Hi Michelle, I agree with Deonne that you need to consider what the plants will drop in your pool - I'd avoid anything deciduous for this reason, but also Lilly Pillies because they have both flowers and berries. Also be aware that Lilly Pillies and figs have aggressive root systems. Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise) is my favourite choice for beside pools because it doesn't drop leaves or flowers, will grow in a narrow space and provides a lush, tropical-looking privacy screen. If that's too tall for you (they can get to 4-5m in height over time), look at its smaller cousin, Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) which only grows to 1.5m.

Is it your house Rebecca , or a photo you found ? If it is your place , but you are wanting to replace the window frames , I'd be inclined to ( whther you do it yourself or get a professional to do it ) strip off the white paint , and then stain it in a mid to dark brown stain -- I suspect you could do it without removing the glass . It would contrast nicely with the stonework ( interestingly , I've always known it as 'crazy paving' ) , take away some of that 70's look , and look more like an upmarket ski lodge !