By Jason Cramp
The clean, minimalist look of this custom-rectangular 6.1- x 11.2-m (20- x 37-ft) dry-gunite pool provides the perfect complement to the elegant, traditional design of this contemporary-style home in Markham, Ont. Built by Betz Pools Ltd., of Stouffville, Ont., the classic finishes used in this stately home’s backyard retreat includes black tiles, dark-coloured stone, glass, bamboo, and decorative grasses, which all serve to create a sleek modern design.
The pool, which has a premium pebble-finished interior, is ideal for lap swimming, while an elevated deck at the deep end allows for diving. For convenience, the pool has three entry points: one at the walk-in steps and two at the swim-out benches. One entry point runs between the spa and linear fire feature, the other runs 6.1 m (20 ft) between the cabana and the elevated feature wall. A water feature wall comprising matte and gloss-black tiles incorporates two-tiered sheer descent waterfalls, which pour into the pool below. Dark Wiarton flagstone coping was used around the pool’s perimeter to help define its shape.
The three-tiered pool deck, which is finished in architectural stamped concrete, offers the homeowner various lounge areas, while anchoring a raised zero-edge perimeter overflow gunite spa and a folding-glass wall cabana/entertainment centre. Here, a media room (with a large mounted flat-screen television, plus a massive drop-down screen with media projector for larger groups), change room, washroom/shower facilities, and pool equipment are housed.
The cabana’s folding-glass walls enable the entire pool area to become an outdoor theatre. The adjoining change room also features a full-glass folding wall with bamboo blinds for privacy.
A wrought-iron fence was installed to maintain a feeling of openness in the backyard, while decorative grass stands and cedars were used to create privacy around the pool area.
