Decks
Deck design and construction elements play a crucial role in a backyard project. The industry standard 1-m (3.3-ft) perimeter deck is rarely the proper choice from a design standpoint. These decks are not compatible with lounge chairs, tables, and most outdoor entertainment accessories. Instead, this space would be better allocated for more useable areas.
For instance, the minimum space for a lounge chair and safe walking space is 2.7 m (9 ft) from the water’s edge. Some of the deck surrounding the pool can be eliminated and replaced with planting beds, keeping the deck’s square footage down, while increasing the useable space and maintaining a similar budget.
Decks can also be constructed from a large selection of materials—from concrete to various wood composites. Longevity is often directly related to price. For instance, natural stone patios or reinforced concrete decks will stand the test of time, while less expensive wood decks and interlock pavers may not be as hardy. That said, it is important to ensure the client understands the limitations of the various materials selected.
Elevated decks can be constructed of wood, composites, or more rarely, structural concrete. Price point and design flexibility will influence the client’s final decision. Initially, wood composite decks will look very attractive, but the material can degrade with prolonged exposure to the elements, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. The high initial cost of elevated structural concrete decks will reward the clients with a waterproof ceiling and long-term low maintenance.
Energy efficiency
Every pool should be equipped with a variable-drive pump(s) and properly sized plumbing. The payback to the consumer is incredibly quick. Other more costly items should be presented to the client on a cost-benefit basis. Luxury pools, particularly built in conjunction with new homes, should be equipped with energy-efficient boilers and heat exchangers. At the very least, automatic covers, insulation, automation systems, water levellers, and auto pool drains should be presented as additional upgrades available to the client.
Ergonomics
Today, an increasing number of products are designed and arranged so those who use them can interact with them more efficiently and safely. The same can be said for pool and spa/hot tub design, despite the fact ergonomics is essentially non-existent in the pool portion of residential building codes.
Often, seating (e.g. bar stools) and counter heights, depths, steps, railings, and material finishes are left up to the builder with little thought put into ergonomics. Even some prefabricated steps, shipped directly from the manufacturer, will have risers that are 229 to 279 mm (9 to 11 in.) high with even worse numbers for the first and last step. Consistency in step height is an extremely important design factor with respect to safety, but it is commonly overlooked. Unless a pool builder is aware of the exact coping and deck-stone thickness prior to construction, the first step into the pool can be extra-large.
Knowledge and skill in applying ergonomic design elements to an aquatic design will significantly benefit the project’s safety and flow. Walkways, bench heights, pathways, traffic flow, night lighting, and particularly outdoor kitchens and bars, are all important design considerations that should be emphasized with the client.
