Hi Chris,
There are three essential factors that go into making any great photograph: light, design and emotion. These are the elements that separate ordinary images from extraordinary images.
As I look at this image I just see the ordinary… it could have been taken on any day of the year and as such, it is not a special image for me.
So the big question is, how do you make this particular image special? Remember, the three tools that you have to work with our light, design and emotion.
Let's start with light. Some of the best photographs of these rockpools are usually made at dawn or dusk when the light is often more interesting and occasionally warmer. Personally, I do believe that good photos can be made in any light and at any time of day but it is at least worth exploring dusk and dawn to at least learn about light at these times of day.
The next consideration is design. Although you have placed the horizon line on one of the thirds of the picture, there is nothing engaging about the design of this image. The clouds reflected in the pool are clipped and grey while the other contributing elements, like the handrails and chains are too distant to really have any impact on the design.
One thing you could have added to the picture to improve it might have been a towel on the right-hand rock; that would at least lead the eye into the picture.
Finally there is the emotion element. More often than not this is about involving some kind of human element… something that would engage us at a more emotive level than just an aesthetic level. In this instance it would just be nice to see somebody swimming, or perhaps having a quiet moment considering a swim.
My advice, Chris, is to go back and spend more time around this pool, but start taking into consideration those three elements that I have discussed.
Good photography is not about capturing the things we take for granted, it is about seeing the things most people don't notice.
Cheers, Anthony.