Designed by Melbourne furniture label Barnaby Lane and inspired by the city’s seemingly never ending COVID-19 lockdown, the Pool Buoy range of inflatable pools are as chic as they are practical. “With a young family myself, I have constantly invested, and found fun, in the kiddie alternatives over summer – inflatable pools, slip and slides, the simple garden hose or sprinkler,” says Pool Buoy founder Rae Maxwell who designed the range to fill an obvious gap in the market for Insta-worthy inflatable pools.
“I wondered why there weren’t any stylish inflatable pools on the market and once you add in a case of COVID house fever (that’s not a real thing!), you have a creative melting pot for someone that needs an outlet,” says Rae.
Inspired by Slim Aarons’ iconic 1960’s poolside scenes, the designs are fresh and fun – there’s a burnt orange and flamingo pink iteration as well as two gorgeous terrazzo designs, a wavy geometric one and a plain peach grid-like one for the minimalists.
“I’m a huge fan of mid-century design and when thinking about the designs and colours my mind automatically went to Slim Aarons Poolside – a 1960’s vibe. Such a cool era. That really drove the brand name, copy and designs. They are bright, colourful, cheeky and celebrate the days of socialising poolside,” says Rae.
Made from non-toxic, heavyweight vinyl that is BPA, phthalate and lead-free, the pools are reasonably priced at $149. They also come with complementary repair kits, a handy storage bag and you can purchase a pump accessory for super easy inflation.
Perfect for apartment dwellers and non-pool owners, they are a super fun and highly photogenic summer accessory too. “These pools mean you have no need for public pools, or for sucking up to those annoying and smug mates that have their own in-ground alternative, or wrestling with sun umbrellas at the beach. Blow it up, invite some mates, sip a cocktail and hey presto it’s the summer vacay in your backyard!”
