Building a forever home: inside the first Compass 10.6 Sanctuary pool.
When you're building your forever home, every decision matters. For these homeowners, the swimming pool wasn't an afterthought — it was the heart of the entire outdoor living space.
After years of planning, our clients set out to build the home they would enjoy throughout retirement — a place where family could gather, grandchildren could visit, and everyday life would feel like a holiday. At the centre of that vision sits something truly special: not only is this stunning pool the focal point of their outdoor entertaining area, it also became the very first Compass Pools 10.6 Sanctuary ever installed.
Finished in the striking Bi-Luminite Quartz colour, the pool perfectly complements the home's contemporary architecture while creating a resort-style atmosphere that changes beautifully throughout the day as sunlight dances across the water.
Why they chose the Sanctuary
When designing a forever home, functionality is just as important as aesthetics. The 10.6 Sanctuary offers generous proportions that comfortably accommodate everything from morning swims and quiet relaxation to entertaining family and friends — with plenty of room for swimming, comfortable relaxation areas, integrated seating and a timeless design that will suit every stage of life.
To maximise comfort and minimise maintenance, the homeowners also selected Compass Pools' premium technology package including the Vantage Self-Cleaning & Circulation System, pool heating, integrated spa jets and advanced water circulation. The result is crystal-clear water with less maintenance and a swimming season that extends well beyond summer.
Installing the pool before the house
One of the most unique aspects of this project is something most visitors would never notice. The pool was actually installed before the house was built — known in the industry as a "sleeper pool" installation.
The pool shell was positioned perfectly before construction began, then carefully protected while the home was built around it. The filtration equipment was commissioned at the completion of the build. It requires careful planning and close collaboration between builders, but the outcome is a seamless integration between the home and outdoor living space. Today, it appears as though the home was designed around the water — which, in many ways, it was.
Overcoming challenging site conditions
Every project presents unique challenges, and this one was no exception. Beneath the surface lay significant rock formations, requiring extensive excavation before installation could even begin. The site's completely flat profile also meant there was no opportunity for natural drainage.
To ensure the long-term performance of the pool, our construction team installed an engineered sump drainage system to manage groundwater and protect the pool from hydrostatic pressure beneath the shell. These unseen engineering solutions ensure the homeowners can enjoy decades of reliable performance without ever thinking about what lies beneath.
Designed to be effortless
Retirement should be about enjoying time with family — not cleaning the pool. Compass Pools' exclusive Self-Cleaning & Circulation System continuously works to remove debris and improve water circulation, dramatically reducing maintenance while keeping the water sparkling clean. Combined with heating and spa jets, the pool becomes a year-round lifestyle investment rather than something used only during the hottest months.
A backyard that brings everyone together
Large entertaining areas flow effortlessly from the home to the pool. The modern architecture frames the water beautifully from almost every living space. Bright umbrellas, outdoor lounges and generous paving create an inviting space that feels more like a private resort than a backyard. Most importantly, it's become the place where future birthdays, Christmas celebrations, weekend barbecues and quiet afternoons will all unfold. Because that's what great pools really do — they don't just transform backyards. They become the backdrop for life's best memories.
