The Block 2017 backyard reveal: Ronnie and Georgia's pool fails to deliver a win

The ultra-expensive pool nicknamed “ten tonne Tessie” failed to make a splash for contestants Ronnie and Georgia, after they ended up only fourth in backyard week on The Block.

While the pool itself was commended by the judges, with suggestions buyers would love the house “with the big round pool”, they mused as to why Ronnie and Georgia hadn’t spent any money on a dining setting for their outdoor space.

After a week of intense negotiations regarding pool instalment, frantic preparations to get the pool certified in time and even an elated dip in the pool (while proudly showing off his dad bod), Ronnie probably did not need to hear his money should have been spent on a table and chairs.

To break in his new pool, Ronnie’s dad bod was on display for all and sundry…​ Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

Much to wife Georgia’s dismay. Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

You certainly don’t need a crane to bring in an outdoor table, but after being squeezed for every last dollar (to the glee of Jason) by their neighbours for crane access, further furniture purchases were probably the last thing on Georgia and Ronnie’s minds during backyard week.

Amid all of the drama between the three houses on the south side of the building site, the two teams on the north side were steadfastly creating the best backyards of the week.

Elyse and Josh were named the winners on Sunday night’s episode by half a point over their good buddies Sticks and Wombat.

Winners are damn big grinners. Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

Neale Whitaker said the backyard created by Josh and Elyse would sit inside the pages of any designer magazine in the world. They were the first couple to complete an in-ground pool within a week of competition on The Block.

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“This is phenomenal,” said Darren Palmer. “This is a really very valuable property … I am blown away that you can actually achieve something this good and this well designed – and this finessed – in a week,” he said.

The judges are as blown away by the pool as Shaynna’s hair … what a blow-dry. Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

Shaynna Blaze described it as the perfect family garden.

The sheer level of praise didn’t go unnoticed by the other contestants, with Sarah remarking after the younger couple’s win: “Josh and Elyse have got this whole game in the bag – I reckon they’re going to sell [for] a million dollars over reserve”.

Sticks and Wombat also received lavish praise from the judges for “widening their market” with a family-friendly backyard. Their design included a welcoming cubby space, an ample lawn and a pool created from a shipping container.

“There’s just so much visual interest, it’s been done with so much love,” said Whitaker.

Queensland pair Hannah and Clint’s decision to include an outdoor spa was ridiculed by the judges …. and possibly every single viewer who knows what a Melbourne winter is like.

The spa of nightmares for the judges. Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

Put it this way, it is never a good thing on The Block when the judges are making comparisons to bachelor parties and furnishings from the Playboy mansion.

“I just can’t look at it any more.” Photo: Channel Nine/The Block

Sarah and Jason made a solid impression on the judges with a spacious backyard, with “zones” designed for family ease and comfort. They had not included a pool or spa but it allowed them more space to play with.

“It feels high quality, zoned beautifully and it suits the house,” said Blaze.

Although Josh and Elyse were celebrating yet another $10,000 win, all the teams were jubilant about an unexpected cash bonus to finish off their properties.

The show’s host Scott Cam revealed there had always been a 10 per cent “contingency” budget – which he allows for every building project – in case The Block contestants ran out of money.

Because they have all pretty much blown the budget, his revelation of a further $25,000 for each team was greeted with euphoria (not surprisingly).

Cam said while he always has a contingency budget for each of his own building projects, but has never, ever used it. We would like to think the contestants were listening, Scotty, but like most mere mortals they were just seeing dollar signs.

Sweet, sweet cash. Digitally altered image (obvs)

Some of that budget may go towards fixing up the errors pointed out by the judges during backyard week. You can bet Ronnie and Georgia will be spending up big on an outdoor table, sometime soon.

The final scores for backyard week were: Josh and Elyse on 29.5, Sticks and Wombat on 29, Sarah and Jason on 27 (after losing a point for not including their cubby house from a previous challenge), Ronnie and Georgia on 25.5 and Hannah and Clint on 22.

The Block houses are live on Domain:

• Josh and Elyse: 46A Regent Street, Elsternwick
• Sticks and Wombat: 46B Regent Street, Elsternwick
• Ronnie and Georgia: 46C Regent Street, Elsternwick
• Clint and Hannah: 46D Regent Street, Elsternwick
• Jason and Sarah: 46E Regent Street, Elsternwick