Swim Spa Installation in a Small Perth Backyard | How I Built My Own Outdoor Oasis

In this article, we'll share the story of the backyard oasis designed and built by Matt Cowdell, a Spa World customer and Mental Health Nurse from Scarborough, Perth.

What You’ll Learn from Matt’s Story:

• How he transformed a 25m² yard into a Bali-inspired retreat
• Why he chose the Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus
• Real-world buying insights from a first-time spa owner
• Practical planning tips for small spaces, DIY builds, and navigating WA council rules
• What it’s really like to visit and buy from the Spa World Perth showroom

Thinking of installing a swim spa in Perth but not sure if you have the space?

You might be surprised what’s possible with a small backyard, a bit of creativity, the right spa, and some expert advice.

Matt’s yard was just 5x5 metres, but with clever planning, he fit in a full-size swim spa, deck, BBQ, and seating zones—without it feeling crowded.

“The whole area definitely has the wow factor. No one expects a swim spa to be in this garden.”

When planning and designing his outdoor area, Matt had three main goals:

1. It had to be low maintenance
2. It needed to feel private
3. And most of all, it had to have a holiday vibe

"I’m pretty pleased with how it’s turned out. I wanted it to have a kind of oasis or retreat feel to it. So that’s the basis of it."

“It’s like three backyards in one—but it all flows. And because the spa is set down, it doesn’t dominate. It feels integrated.”

He took care to comply with local WA council regulations, measuring everything precisely to avoid needing engineering approvals.

“Swim spas are high, and there are regulations that come with sinking them into the ground. I wanted to get mine within a spec that meant I didn’t have to have engineering approvals. I also wanted the spa to be at a height where you could comfortably sit on the side and talk to somebody in it.”

From Bali Holiday to Backyard Bliss

The idea for the theme came to Matt while on holiday in Bali.

"I was having a few beers, and I saw some bamboo, and I thought, 'I could use that. Put a seam in the middle, drill some holes, put lights in it, put it on the wall.' When I have a few beers, I tend to have these crazy ideas!"

Crazy idea or not, the vision stuck. When he returned to Perth, Matt got to work. That idea became a plan, and the plan became action.

He didn’t just want a pool—he wanted an atmosphere. A space that felt like a getaway, even if it was small.

Before & After: How to Build a Small Backyard Oasis in Perth

Matt's backyard transformation was truly a labour of love.

Over a long, Perth summer, Matt single-handedly dug out more than 30 tonnes of sand by hand.

“I didn’t know you could get a mini digger in here. If I did, I would’ve!”

He worked late nights, Christmas Day, and through Perth's 40°C heat. Once the ground was prepped, a professional poured the concrete base—Matt’s only outsourced task.

“The only aspect I didn’t do myself was the concrete. I got somebody to come in and do that bit. It all went pretty quickly from that point on.”

After preparing the space and pouring concrete for the base, the swim spa was craned in and the surrounding decking installed.

From Concrete Pit to Private Paradise

Once the spa was in place, Matt installed the decking himself using composite timber that's durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance.

He also added:

• Glass safety barriers for visibility and protection
• Stainless steel fittings for a premium, lasting finish
• Bamboo feature lighting for warmth and ambience
• Lift-out deck sections for easy spa service access

The final result is clean, cohesive, and surprisingly spacious.

A Backyard With Zones—and Purpose

Despite the small footprint, Matt created a three-zone oasis:

1. A BBQ and dining area for entertaining
2. A lounge space for winding down
3. And the centrepiece—his Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus swim spa

Every section flows into the next, making the yard feel bigger than it is, without compromising on comfort or style.

Installation Challenges (And How He Solved Them)

Like any DIY project, things didn’t go entirely to plan.

• He had to relocate stormwater pipes to make space for the pit
• The spa was craned in slightly off-position
• And he had to work around tight access and unforgiving summer weather

“When I got home from work about one in the morning, I went straight out with a four-wheel-drive high lift jack, jacked up the spa and pushed it over to the right line... I was dripping in sweat by the time I’d finished but at least it meant I could actually get some sleep.”

Despite the hiccups, the final result is a beautifully finished space and a true DIY marvel.

Why Matt Chose a Swim Spa Over a Pool

When Matt first started planning his backyard, a pool was on the table. But after researching his space, lifestyle, and the long-term costs, a swim spa made much more sense.

Here are the top 6 reasons he decided a swim spa was better than a pool:

1. Year-round enjoyment Heated water meant the spa could be used even in winter—not just in summer like a pool. This was key for someone looking to unwind after late shifts all year round.

2. Hydrotherapy & relaxation Pools are for cooling off. Matt wanted more—massage jets, soothing bubbles, and mood lighting for proper post-work decompression.

3. Smaller footprint, smarter layout A full pool would’ve dominated the backyard. The swim spa fit perfectly into his 25m² space, leaving room for dining, lounging, and visual flow.

4. Quiet, concealed tech With hidden pumps and whisper-quiet operation, the spa didn’t disrupt the atmosphere. No noisy filters or exposed hardware to detract from the vibe.

5. Energy-efficient & solar-friendly Matt runs his spa with a SpaNet™ heat pump and solar panels. Compared to a pool, the running costs were dramatically lower—up to 75% more efficient than his last spa.

6. Simpler upkeep Pools need regular manual cleaning and chemical balancing. Matt’s spa automates most of this, and access panels in the deck make servicing easy.

For Matt, it came down to one question: Which one will I actually enjoy—every day? The swim spa won, hands down.

Why Matt Chose the Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus Swim Spa

Once Matt ruled out a pool, choosing the right swim spa became the focus—and he didn’t rush the decision. He spent weeks researching models, energy efficiency, backyard compatibility, and reviews.

Here’s why the Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus stood out:

1. Built for tight spaces The dimensions worked perfectly in his 25m² courtyard without making it feel crowded. It allowed room for a deck, seating, and a BBQ zone too.

2. Year-round performance Heated and fully insulated, it stays ready all year—essential for relaxing after long shifts, even in winter.

3. Sleek, modern design Unlike a pool, the Aquagym™ had a cleaner look with hidden pumps and a streamlined profile that blended beautifully with his deck.

4. Hydrotherapy and lifestyle features Matt loved the massage jets, chromotherapy lighting, and backlit drink holders—details that made it feel like a luxury escape, not just exercise equipment.

5. Automated water care With built-in filtration and easy maintenance, it required very little day-to-day effort.

6. Energy-efficient and heat pump compatible Powered by a SpaNet™ heat pump and solar, Matt’s spa uses up to 75% less energy than a standard electric-heated swim spa.

7. Trusted reviews and expert support He relied on independent reviews and feedback from productreview.com.au and TrustPilot^®, which consistently rated Vortex™ highly. Spa World’s reputation gave him extra confidence.

“I did a lot of research on products and cost and what’s the best option for the Australian climate in regards to UV rays – lots of stuff like that.”

“The research helped me work out what size spa to get and if I could fit it in.”

Ultimately, the Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus was the only spa that ticked every box: compact, luxurious, low-maintenance, and designed for the WA climate.

Benefits of a Vortex™ Aquagym™ Swim Spa in the Perth Climate

The spa is powered by a SpaNet™ heat pump and solar panels, making it ultra-efficient:

• 75% more energy-efficient with the heat pump
• 7,800L capacity managed affordably with solar
• Whisper-quiet operation — no noisy pumps
• Year-round use, even in cooler months

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Swim Spa in Perth?

Matt managed most of the build himself, saving significantly on labour costs. Here's what he spent:

• Decking and finishes: ~$11,000
• Swim spa with heat pump: ~$30,000
• Total project cost: ~$45,000*

*Prices accurate at the time of writing

“The total cost of the renovation, including materials and the swim spa, was less than $50,000. That’s not a bad price for a 24/7 holiday retreat.”

He points out that going the DIY route saved him thousands.

“It would have cost a lot more if I’d paid someone else to do it. I still get in the spa some nights and can’t believe it’s real.”

What are the spa and swim spa regulations in WA?

Thinking of installing a swim spa in Western Australia? You’ll need to consider local rules around fencing, permits, decking, and electrical setup.

Matt designed his spa height and deck layout carefully to avoid needing engineering approvals; a great move for saving time and complexity.

Key points to know:

• You’ll likely need a building permit for the spa and safety barrier
• Lockable covers aren’t enough—a compliant fence is required
• Decking height and placement can affect approval needs
• Electrical work must be done by a licensed professional

For a full breakdown of rules, including fencing heights and council tips, read this: Spa Pool Regulations in WA – Full Guide

Thinking of a Swim Spa? Here Are the Questions Most Buyers Ask

Why Choose Spa World Perth for Your Spa Project?

Matt checked reviews on sites like productreview.com and consistently found Spa World to be the top-rated, most trusted brand for spa buyers in Australia.

He wanted a retailer that would still be around years from now—not one that disappears after installation.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Spa World:

1. Industry-Leading Warranties – Comprehensive coverage that gives you peace of mind for years to come.
2. 60-Day Money Back Guarantee – If you're not satisfied, you can return your spa for a full refund—no questions asked.
3. Expert Sales Consultants – Our team members are trained to guide you to the best solution for you and your needs
4. Established Since 1985 – We’ve helped more than 30,000 Aussie families create their perfect backyard retreat.
5. Trusted Local Support – From our Perth showroom to after-sales servicing, we’re with you every step of the way.

"Spa World gave me the confidence to go for it. Their team made it easy, and I knew I could trust the quality and support."

Inspired? Create Your Own Backyard Spa Retreat

Whether you're in Perth or beyond, a small backyard shouldn't stop you from owning a swim spa. Matt and Amy's story proves it can be done — beautifully.

Ready to explore your options?

• Book a visit to our Perth showroom
• Read our Spa Planning Guide
• See the Vortex™ Aquagym™ Max Pro Plus for yourself

Thinking of ways to improve your outdoor space but don't know where to start?

Read our guide to get inspiring ideas on how to make your backyard as relaxing as possible.