Landscape Contractor / Design Build Maintain

NOV 2013

LC/DBM provides landscape contractors with Educational, Imaginative and Practical information about their business, their employees, their machines and their projects.

Issue link: https://landscapecontractor.epubxp.com/i/210216

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 16 of 55

and down a stream that flows into the spa and into the pool over two small waterfalls. The source stream is the key naturalistic element of the pool. A rock-circle next to the spa is surrounded with seating boulders. In the center of the circle, a fire pit with ceramic logs was created with a Grand Effects electronic-ignition gas system. Adjacent to the spa, a 500-square-foot wood deck made of ipe provides the perfect spot for enjoying the sight and sound of water dancing down the stream. The aquatic plants included for natural bio-filtration are positioned around the deck, which enhances the natural feeling of this section. Just below the deck, a ten-foot-wide, zero depth beach entry is accented by large, locally sourced natural stones. The beach entry was constructed with PebbleTec plaster finish. A curved 250-square-foot, six-inch-deep sun shelf includes sockets with PVC anchors for umbrellas and offers another special spot for relaxation. Two steps pro- vide easy access to the swimming area from the sun shelf. The main swimming zone is in the center of the pool. Colored stones embedded in the plaster finish at the bottom of the pool define a 60-foot-long, eight-foot-wide lap lane, wide enough for two swimmers. The deep end is ten feet deep and has a diving board. Benches installed on both sides of the board allow for easy exit from the deep end. Across the pool from the deck, another planted zone adds to the natural feeling. The curved edge of the pool on that side offers a two-foot-wide, 20-foot-long seating shelf. A landscaped area extends and blends the pool into its setting, with views to surrounding wooded areas and a wildflower meadow. The overall result is an inviting, tranquil outdoor retreat. According to Robyn, the market for NSPs is well established in Europe but only began to develop in the U.S. and Canada over the past five years. The hybrid pool alternative could be an option that accelerates the growth Above: In the spa, a Pentair Intellitouch automation system controls the massage jets. Aquatic plants behind the spa include lotus and dwarf cattail. Top: Source streams are often used in natural swimming pools (NSPs) to oxygenate the water and serve as an aesthetic element. A Pentair VSD pump circulates the water back to the headwaters. Pentair sand filters remove dirt from the water. November 2013 17

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Landscape Contractor / Design Build Maintain - NOV 2013