Tag Archives: Pool Installation

Project Spotlight: Betz Pools Ltd. (2013)

By Jason Cramp

Surrounding a completely renovated prestige home on a ravine lot in an upscale Toronto neighbourhood, no luxury was spared on this elegant project, designed and built entirely by Betz Pools.

The homeowners, looking to follow-up the extensive work completed on their home with a full outdoor renovation, had a 4.8- x 9.7-m (16- x 32-ft) custom rectangular gunite pool installed in the heart of their backyard, which complements the home’s … Continue reading Project Spotlight: Betz Pools Ltd. (2013)

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Integrating a landscape project into the natural lay of the land

When a glimpse of a garden leaves a homeowner’s guests speechless, something extraordinary has been created. Designing landscapes in a natural setting requires a careful balance between enhancing existing features and adding new elements that integrate harmoniously into the surroundings. Working with nature as well as managing a team of consultants and contractors requires organization and tact, above all, however, a vision of the final design is needed to guide the project through its various stages.

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Installing pools in different ground conditions

Generally, expansive soils are clays that exhibit a disproportionate affinity for water and, as a result, the pores within the soil fill with water causing mass expansion. This effect is sometimes reported by the testing laboratory as potential vertical rise (PVR). The PVR, which can reach 152 to 305 mm (6 to 12 in.) in some extremes, is a worst-case scenario based on the thickness of the expansive layer, its plasticity, and the availability of water. Keep in mind, however, under normal circumstances, the saturation of the top few inches of clay will swell and seal off the clay below. Therefore, the maximum PVR is seldom realized in practice in pool construction.

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When it comes to pool interiors, consumers are spoiled for choice

The first pools were built 5,000 years ago in modern-day Pakistan. Waterproofing the pool interior was accomplished by using a combination of bricks, mortar, plaster, and a coating of tar. In 2500 BC, the Romans refined the process with massive public bathing pools that were built to impress. Columns, terracotta, and mosaics were featured in the finish materials for these pools. Modern swimming pools first appeared in Britain in the mid-1800s and often featured an all-tile interior, a material that is in resurgence today in high-end pool projects.

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