Shading Otangarei School’s Pool in Whangārei

When Otangarei School in Whangārei approached us about shading their pool area, the brief was clear: create meaningful shade, help cool the pool, and do it within a tight budget. What wasn’t immediately clear was just how challenging the site itself would be.

The pool sits within a confined part of the school grounds, with limited vehicle access and no reliable records of underground services. Before any posts could go in, we had to carefully plan how we’d physically get machinery on site and complete the install without disrupting the school’s daily operations.

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Working Around Tight Site Access

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Access to the pool area was restricted, meaning we couldn’t simply bring in large excavation equipment and start drilling. Instead, we coordinated the use of a hydrovac truck — a far safer and more precise solution for a site like this.

Hydro excavation allowed us to carefully expose and prepare each footing location without risking damage to unknown underground services. With no confirmed service plans available, this approach gave the school peace of mind and kept the project moving without unnecessary risk.

Navigating the hydrovac truck into position required careful scheduling and on-the-ground problem solving. Space was tight, manoeuvring room was limited, and we needed to ensure the surrounding school environment remained safe and functional throughout the process.

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Volcanic Ground Conditions

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As is common in parts of Whangārei, the ground conditions added another layer of complexity. Beneath the surface we encountered dense, old volcanic rock. Installing 165mm galvanised steel posts to a minimum depth of 2000mm in these conditions is no small task.

In several locations, large rocks had to be carefully exposed using the hydrovac, then physically removed before footings could be completed. It was a combination of specialised equipment and good old-fashioned hard work.

The highest pole reaches 4.5 metres above ground, engineered to withstand the area’s high wind zone requirements. Despite the challenging terrain, every footing was installed to specification, ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity.

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Smart Design for Maximum Coverage

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The final layout delivered over 240sqm of shade using a combination of interconnected triangular sails and additional shade structures positioned to maximise coverage while staying within planning thresholds.

Two large triangular sails connect at a central high point above the pool — a “kissing point” that strengthens the long 14-metre diagonal span while eliminating shade gaps. A larger hyperbolic sail anchors the northern end, and an additional sail extends coverage over adjacent grassed areas, giving students protection before and after swim sessions.

By carefully sharing poles between sails and optimising the geometry of each structure, we were able to achieve substantial coverage while keeping within the school’s strict budget.

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A Practical Outcome for Otangarei School

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Beyond the visual transformation, the impact has been measurable. During peak summer, the pool water temperature reduced by up to three degrees. This has helped lower chemical evaporation, easing maintenance demands and reducing ongoing operational costs for the school.

For Otangarei School, the result is more than shade. It’s a cooler, safer, more usable space that supports students throughout the summer months — delivered despite tight access, unknown services, volcanic ground conditions, and budget constraints.

Projects like this are a reminder that great shade solutions aren’t just about fabric and steel. They’re about careful planning, practical problem-solving, and adapting to whatever the site throws at you — especially here in Northland.

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