Making the impossible possible

Careful planning and a Tiny Pool solution helped Sole Landscapes deliver a stylish and compliant pool solution on a steep, space-limited site

When Sole Landscapes director Jono Sole and his team took on a new-build landscaping project in Waikanae, around 60km north of Wellington, it was clear from the outset that it wasn’t going to be a straightforward job. The site was steep, compact and heavily constrained by the footprint of the house, driveway access and council infrastructure. Adding a pool to the mix? That felt ambitious at best.

But with careful planning, smart design and the right product choice, the project has become a compelling example of how small-format pools can unlock opportunities on sites many would otherwise rule out.

A rare new-build opportunity

Landscaping projects for new builds are becoming increasingly difficult to find, Jono says, largely due to escalating construction costs.

“We are typically working with a budget that will cover fencing, a driveway and maybe some lawn. There’s often not much set aside for investment in landscaping.”

The Waikanae holiday home build was an exception. The homeowners were committed to creating a well-considered outdoor space and worked with Sole Landscapes early to develop multiple design options alongside the build programme. The original brief included decks, planting, outdoor living areas and potentially a spa – but not a pool. That changed after the clients spent time away over the summer holidays.

“They went away over Christmas and realised how much fun the kids had with a pool,” says Jono. “After that, it pretty quickly became non-negotiable.”

A challenging location

The site itself presented immediate hurdles. The house sat on a platform carved into a sloping section, leaving very limited usable space. Council drainage easements ran along two boundaries, ruling out large portions of the section entirely.

“There was really only one spot on the property where a pool could go,” says Jono. “All up, we had about 50-60m2 to work with – and that had to include access, fencing and decking space.”

Traditional pool options were quickly ruled out. The team needed a solution that could fit the footprint, meet compliance and remain achievable within budget.

Tiny pool, big idea

The turning point came when Jono spotted the Tiny Pools advert in NZ Landscaper Magazine.

“I saw Bryn from Tiny Pools’ work in the magazine and thought maybe this could be the answer.”

Tiny Pools’ circular, precast concrete pools offered a combination of compact size, structural integrity and straightforward installation. The 3.6m diameter model sat comfortably within the site constraints, while still delivering a genuine swimming experience.

“Realistically, a Tiny Pool was really the only way we could make it work.”

Design for compliance and longevity

Importantly, the pool fell under the 35,000L threshold, meaning no building consent was needed for the pool structure itself – a major advantage on a site with numerous other consent requirements.

The steep driveway, level changes, retaining walls, pool fencing and proximity to the house required careful detailing to achieve a compliant yet cohesive solution.

Sole Landscapes opted for vertical timber batten fencing, integrated directly into the

deck, retaining walls and house structure. “We needed something that could deal with all the different levels and slopes and still look good,” explains Jono.

Decking became the dominant surface finish, chosen for both constructability and

low maintenance. Paving was ruled out due to the amount of level adjustment required, while decking allowed the circular pool form to be easily accommodated. Artificial turf completed the lower areas, reinforcing the brief for minimal upkeep.

“It’s their bach at the end of the day – they don’t want to be going there to work,” says Jono.

Taking the rough with the smooth

Getting the pool onto site wasn’t straightforward. It weighed 8T and required a large crane truck to lift into position. The steep driveway also presented further access challenges.

“It was pretty touch and go getting the truck down but, once it was in place, the install itself was straightforward.”

Sole Landscapes installed the entire pool system – shell equipment and integration – making it a seamless addition to their service offering.

“Bryn’s ability to outline exactly what you’re getting made it really easy for us. As an add-on, it’s a great option,” Jono says.

Jono says the project has shifted perceptions for everyone who sees the finished result.

“They all say, ‘I never thought I could get a pool in my backyard – but maybe I can!’”

With pool-only costs sitting significantly lower than traditional builds, Tiny Pools presents a compelling option for clients who want functionality without sacrificing space or budget.

“It’s completely big enough and deep enough,” says Jono. “If you don’t have much space, it’s often the only option – and a really good one.”

For Sole Landscapes, the project stands as proof that with the right collaboration and product choice, even the most challenging sites can deliver standout results.

---

Want to learn more about Tiny Pools? Get in touch at info@tinypools.co.nz or ww.tinypools.co.nz