I really dislike the way paling fences look just a few years after being built. Solution: paint them with fence stain. I can't understand why more people don't do it. They look amazing and also weather better, so you don't need to replace your fence too often. robandlyn it's time you house-break your sons and make them clean their own bathroom... If they're old enough to shave, they're old enough to clean up IMHO.

We did ours that was a shocker when we moved in, have a similar area. I have posted it a few times but you can have a look on my profile page idea book 'my house before and after' we used decking, and a combination of fixed louvers and slats (powder coated) plus plants for screening. It has made what was an ugly uninviting space to something (well I think so) special. We open up our back with stacker doors and the areas join, very versatile

It might be worth looking further into breeze / besser blocks. This company in Melbourne - http://www.breezeblocks.com.au/ or this one in Sydney - http://www.besserblockcentre.com.au/bellevue_hill_blocks.html create custom blocks. The pool safety requirements have certain dimensions to follow, so maybe you can have your dream feature wall while still abiding by the regulations. For example you could have blocks with a vertical or other pattern that did not allow for foot or hand holds. For example:

Hi Margaret, Hope you found a great solution for your spa area! I saw someone mention using natural foliage as a screen and thought I’d chime in to propose using a mix of real and artificial plants. After all, living plants may be seasonal (and fail to offer much privacy when they’re not in full bloom). You can check out our range here - www.evergreenwalls.com.au Richard