Nice pool, but a shame that your neighbours can see you through the fence, and therefore, you get no privacy. If you were wanting privacy of some kind, bamboo, tikka plant or even lovely conifers will look quite nice, also as a backdrop to your pool area. I would also place a beautiful urn or two strategically near the pool, to add character and colour. I would finally add an order of large stones for good effect.

horizontal anything is a no, the gap would have to be so small it might as well be solid. yes the vertical cable might pass but you are not allowed to be able to squeeze them together as then the gap distance is non complying, The safest one is the solid section PCA pool fence, or glass, or solid, to 1200 mm in Queensland, no greater than 100 mm off ground, and gaps not able to be manipulated, and to stop that you have to have horizontal section in the cable type, which then do not comply, cut metal screens if complying is OK. I would question the void, and if you know the reason for the void, than solutions will be able to be worked out, now we are asking why? Pools in adjoining yards are acceptable with pool fencing complying on both sides, no void is required. so the void sound a bit iffy, unless it is something to do with storm water, or a building requirement, so ask the question why. Pool fencing can be awesome.

Yep I agree with this structure, think it'd be great. Louvres might work, but I'd love to be able to pull most of the shade right back if possible and they wouldn't let me do that. It IS a reasonable sized area so it's complicated. Need it over the decking mostly, but it'd be a bonus if it could shade some of the pool. Considered a fixed arm awning on a similar structure....

Choosing a pool finish has been super stressful because once its done its done! Also, it is so hard to determine what a color will look like given the amount of light, depth of the pool, and surrounding landscape. I think I have finally narrowed the selections down to Ocean Blue Pebble Sheen and Midnight Blue Pebble Tech. Does anyone have experience with either of those? Does anyone have experience with any finishes that have the Shimmering Sea sparkling sea shell blend (does it make that much of a difference)? We really could go either way with the Tec or Sheen. It mainly comes down to color. Any advice and photos would be greatly appreciated!