Founded by pool expert Glenn Maxton and led alongside his wife Fiona, Laguna Pools has become synonymous with bespoke, considered concrete pool design and construction. From inner-city courtyards to sprawling regional estates and coastal retreats, the studio crafts pools that are both visually refined and connected to their surroundings.
We speak with Glenn and Fiona about the philosophy behind Laguna Pools, their construction process, and how they assist in transforming outdoor spaces into immersive environments that feel indulgent and functional, inviting those who inhabit them to linger longer.
Laguna Pools has built a reputation for crafting thoughtfully integrated outdoor spaces and pools. Can you tell us how the practice began, and how its founding vision has evolved?
Fiona: Laguna Pools grew from a need to bridge the gap between design intent and delivery. Early projects showed how often pools were treated as an afterthought, so our focus became creating outcomes that were better integrated, resolved and managed from start to finish. As projects have become more complex, we’re now involved much earlier, working alongside architects and designers to ensure the pool is part of the overall vision. Client expectations have shifted, too, with a stronger focus on how a space is actually used, which has shaped how we structure and deliver every project.
Glenn: From the beginning, our goal was to reframe how pools are perceived—not as standalone features, but as part of the broader living environment. We’ve moved towards more tailored, aligned projects, partnering with architects and designers, and focusing on the role pools play within the broader design. The business has grown alongside that shift. It’s not just about building more pools, but continually lifting the standard of what those projects can achieve.
How would you describe Laguna Pools’ design philosophy, and what principles guide the custom pools and spas your team creates?
Fiona: Everything comes back to how the space will be used. The pool needs to feel connected to the home and landscape, working just as well day-to-day as it does visually. We focus on proportion, balance and flow, making sure the space feels resolved from every angle. It’s not about over-designing; it’s about getting the fundamentals right so it feels effortless.
Glenn: For me, good design is about clarity around purpose. The best outcomes feel simple, but are carefully resolved, with every line, level and detail serving a role. We work with our design partners to push boundaries and create something truly special and unique. It’s less about trends and more about what will hold up over time.
Clifton Hill is one of Laguna Pools’ most awarded pools. | Photography by Lyons Photography
Yarra Valley by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by Daniel Ash Architects | Photography by Urban Angles
Can you walk us through your construction process, from initial engagement with the architect/designer through to the completion of a project?
Fiona: We’re typically involved early, and work with the architects or designers to align the pool with the broader layout and outdoor zones. From there, it becomes a process of coordination—resolving material choices, client preferences for built-in features like bench seating, and key details such as lighting, equipment and lifestyle needs. Much of our work is ensuring clarity before anything hits the site.
Glenn: The more developed a project is before construction begins, the better the outcome. That really comes down to the collaboration between design, engineering and build methodology. We’ve also invested in custom systems like Watertyt to support both the sales and construction process, making it easy for clients to track progress and the team on site. It’s part of a broader focus to redefine how we build, not just what we build, with the customer experience front of mind throughout.
The concept of designing “pools with purpose” is central to Laguna’s work. How do you approach integrating bespoke pools and spas into a cohesive outdoor experience?
Fiona: It starts with intent. We’re always asking how the space will be used—whether for entertaining, relaxing or everyday family life—and shaping the pool layout and functionality around that. We consider sightlines, movement through the space and how everything connects back to the home. The pool is just one part of a larger experience.
Glenn: “Purpose” is really about relevance. A pool should add to the way people live, not just visually, but in how it’s used. Whether that’s wellness, entertaining or simply creating a place to spend time, it needs to feel deliberate. We’re seeing a clear shift away from pools as isolated features toward more holistic, lifestyle-driven outcomes.
Laguna Pools is known for crafting sculptural forms, varied levels and integrated functions. What is your approach to the construction of a truly bespoke pool?
Fiona: No two projects are ever the same. We start with the site, the architecture and the client brief, looking at how the pool sits within the space, how it’s experienced and how it connects to everything around it. The detail is what ultimately defines the outcome.
Glenn: Bespoke, for us, is about responding to each project on its own terms. There’s no template—it’s about understanding the intent behind the design and determining the best way to realise it. Some projects are simple, others complex, but the approach is always the same: put the time into understanding the project properly and execute it well.
South Yarra by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by Mud Office | Photography by Lyons Photography
One of Glenn and Fiona’s favourites, an architecturally integrated wet‑deck pool and spa finished in Bisazza glass mosaic with a custom acrylic viewing window from the gym below. Middle Park by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by Perkins Architects | Photography by Lyons Photography
Laguna Pools partners with leading architects and designers. How do you typically work with architects, designers and other consultants to realise a cohesive outcome?
Fiona: Architects and designers often engage us because of our experience with complex concrete swimming pool construction. There’s a level of confidence that comes from knowing the pool is being designed, engineered and constructed by a team that follows the best practice and prioritises quality. Our role is to complement the broader vision, contributing specialist input around layout, hydraulics, materials and usability while ensuring the pool integrates seamlessly with the architecture and landscape.
Glenn: Architects and designers rely on us to guide the pool component, not just in how it looks, but in how it works. That comes from experience, a strong track record and consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. It’s also a joint process, but with a clear understanding of roles. We take ownership of the pool—its design, performance and delivery—while working alongside our design partners to ensure everything aligns.
Looking ahead, what emerging ideas or shifts within landscape architecture are influencing the way you approach your work today, and what can we expect from Laguna Pools in the near future?
Fiona: There’s a growing focus on wellness and resort-style living at home—outdoor spaces that are used every day, not just occasionally. We’re seeing more emphasis on connection, longevity and functional outdoor living, which shapes how we design and plan projects.
Glenn: We’re continually looking at how we can elevate what we do, not just the end result, but the experience of getting there. There’s also a real opportunity for technology to enhance the entire journey, guiding decisions and selections in a more informed and efficient way. At the same time, our focus remains on delivering refined, integrated outcomes. The combination of better processes and better projects is really where we see Laguna Pools heading.
Melbourne by Laguna Pools | Architecture by Neil Architecture | Photography by Lyons Photography
Malvern by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by Ben Scott Design | Photography by Urban Angles
“At Laguna Pools, we take ownership of the pool—its design, performance and delivery—while working alongside design partners to make sure everything aligns.”
— GLENN MAXTON, LAGUNA POOLS FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
In Laguna Pools’ Malvern project, an outdated pool is not only restored, but meticulously elevated through their premium, tailored approach. | Landscape design by Ben Scott Design | Photography by Urban Angles
“Our role is to complement the broader vision, contributing specialist input while ensuring the pool integrates seamlessly with the architecture and landscape.”
— FIONA MAXTON, LAGUNA POOLS GENERAL MANAGER
Shoreham by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by COS Design | Photography by Urban Angles
A SPASA‑commended infinity pool and spa with layered terraced access, framing sweeping Peninsula views—another one of Glenn and Fiona’s all‑time favourites. Mount Martha by Laguna Pools | Landscape design by COS Design | Photography by Urban Angles
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