Down to the details
The pool installation phase requires a tremendous amount of detail and planning. This pool shell was built in less than five-to-six working days. The landscape phase and construction of structures—especially what was required for this project—can take several weeks with multiple building inspections at different stages.
For this project, it started with the pad for the cabana as it required an engineered concrete slab (as specified in the landscape drawings). In this case, the installation team had to prep for the pad using clear aggregate, rebar and extruded polystyrene foam insulation board, and arrange for an inspection prior to pouring the concrete.
Once the pad was poured, Pool Craft’s team of carpenters started to frame the cabana while its landscape crew started prepping for the patio, retaining walls, garden beds, landscape lighting, irrigation, and planting. As many in the industry would know, it is very difficult to provide clients with accurate time lines when dealing with custom orders from various suppliers. In fact, it is quite possible for some of the materials specified for a project to take up to six weeks to arrive; therefore, to manage expectations, the client needed to select the desired materials promptly so they could be ordered well in advance.
The ‘wow’ factor
After this project was finished it gave the clients the ‘wow’ factor they desired. As one enters the backyard, the first features that catch the eye are the clean lines of the pool and water feature, with the latter creating a serene, relaxing environment thanks to the sounds of moving water. Up next is the custom cabana, which serves as another interesting focal point thanks to its black-trim details and expansive glass doors that not only connect the interior and exterior spaces, but also complete the ‘Miami’ look the homeowner wanted. The cabana is also equipped with a full kitchen, washroom (with shower), and a large lounge area complemented by a fireplace. Finishing off the feature areas is the sleek-looking spill-over spa and the custom tanning ledge on the opposite side of the water feature. These areas provide the homeowner the perfect place to relax by the pool or have a calming evening dip in the spa with family and friends.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, Jason Mitchell is the president of Pool Craft, a full-service pool company that specializes in all aspects of pool planning, installation, and backyard design in Richmond Hill, Ont. He is also the co-owner of Stone Craft Inc., a landscape company. Mitchell can be reached via e-mail at jason@poolcraft.ca.
