Who is Plaasdam?
We sat down with Shay, (aka the English chick), and spoke about hot tubs, donkeys and why everyone needs a Plaasdam.
Who is plaasdam?
Born from a happy accident, and a burning desire for a “plaas-esque” plunge pool in the heart of suburban Pretoria, Plaasdam was lovingly created for close friends first.
They wanted a plunge pool for their contemporary farm style house and that’s how Plaasdam evolved, because “building” this pool wasn’t going to be straightforward.
“The catch? No digging. The bonus? No planning permission needed. Enter: Plaasdam.”
Apparently, that first family loved it so much that keeping this extraordinary experience to themselves just felt cruel. Never mind the fact that the creation of the first Plaasdam came with the catch that the manufacturer would only start with a small order of… 20 units.
“… And just like that, Plaasdam was born.”
Shay enters the fray
Shalyn Jooste officially took over the business in February 2024, and she’s been hustling with an infectious energy that’s hard to ignore. They’ve added new products, explored new markets, and continue to install these beautiful backyard oases’ all over South Africa. Plaasdam is proudly woman-owned and powered by Shay, the English chick, herself. (yes, An English woman in an Afrikaans market, but we’ll get to that later).
“From client liaison and project planning to marketing and sales, I do it all—and I love every bit of it.”
A turnkey pool setup.
They have solid partnerships with Pool Warehouse (for their pump kits, solar panels and accessories), and FeverTree Finance (offering clients a 6-month payment option). That means top-notch service and full, once-off installations done with a smile. Plaasdam comes, and takes care of all aspects of your new pool.
“Our two installation teams are rockstars who turn all clients into happy clients. We serve Gauteng and anywhere within a two-hour drive—if you’re further out, we offer a nifty DIY kit or we pack an overnight bag and head your way (small travel fee included, of course).”
Besides dodging VAT increases and potholes, her biggest challenge has been being “The English Jooste” in a predominantly Afrikaans space. To boost her Afrikaans marks at school her father implemented Afrikaans Wednesdays…
“My brilliant counter-strategy? I simply didn’t speak to him on Wednesdays.”
Jokes aside, she says she is working on her Afrikaans, but luckily her products speak for themselves. Who can withstand the promise of Backyard Bliss?
One of her favourite projects thus far (we forced her to pick one) is the Plaasdam at the Voortrekker Monument!
“Yes, you read that right. History meets splash zone. They did a piece about us, here is a link: https://vtm.org.za/stadsjapies-kan-ook-nou-in-plaasdamme-swem/ “
Another standout? The DIY installation at !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park near the Zimbabwe border.
“It was delayed for three weeks… because wild lions were using the client’s Lapa for shade. True story. The lions eventually moved on, and the end result? Absolutely breathtaking.” (Pics Attached)
Although Plaasdam hot tubs are all proudly locally manufactured, they do have one imported product range that they love.
They fell in love with Birdies Planters, Australian raised garden beds, of all things.
“My brother David, a gardening guru, was diagnosed with a condition called Bamboo Spine, which limits movement. He needed a solution to keep doing what he loves.” Enter: Birdies Planters.”
These planters are stylish, super durable, and make gardening accessible to all. After months of negotiations and partnership building with Birdies SA, these Aussie imports are part of the Plaasdam family.
“Like me, they’re foreigners who’ve embraced their inner Afrikaner.”
Like any good local girl who loves Mzansi, Shay decided her accessible gardening for people struggling with mobility issues, was worth it.
“Everything Plaasdam—tubs, pools, joy—is proudly South African. Except our Birdies Planters, which we *cheated* on a little (sorry, ZA!). But their quality is unmatched and they’re here for good.”
The Plaasdam team works hard but stays humble. Every single new client gets them excited.
“We’re a simple crew with one goal: to bring joy into people’s lives—one pool, planter, or hot tub at a time.
What’s up next for the Plaasdam team?
With winter coming, it’s time for the brand-new Plaasdam Fire Donkey Hot Tub which is a wood-burning hot tub, fully plumbed, and 100% ready for cold nights and good vibes.
“It even converts into a cool plunge pool in summer. Basically: it’s the Swiss Army Knife of backyard fun.”
Plaasdam is focussed on becoming the household name in authentic South African splash-based fun.
“We had a blast at the Homemakers Fair and loved meeting our established and future clients.”
In a world where good service delivery and great products can be tricky to source, this company is doing it right.
“Bring your questions. Bring your garden dreams. We’ll bring the Plaasdam magic.”
