Interior design key to a project’s success

by Sally Bouorm | December 1, 2011 8:36 am

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By Barry Justus

It is interesting to look at photos of award-winning pools and projects showcased in various trade magazines. Rarely is there any interest or focus placed on what is happening inside the pool. Often, photographers go out of their way to avoid showing the pool interior, especially white-plastic steps that are common with packaged vinyl-pool kits.

It is the details that make the project. The overall design of a backyard project is often completed by landscape architects, architects or designers with little training or knowledge of the unique intricacies in the specialized field of pool and spa construction.

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With this in mind, the pool professional should be involved throughout the entire project, from beginning to end. Input from the pool builder/designer is especially crucial on the pool design concept, as well as the edge interface and interior layout. In some cases, the designer/builder often works with a simple plan view layout (an orthographic [2-D] projection of a 3-D object) of the pool and surrounding landscape, with absolutely no details of the pool’s interior (or plumbing, soil conditions, equipment pad and other pertinent information required to accurately price and complete a project).

Often pool designers/builders are called upon to build just the pool. As such, this article will focus on pool interior details, starting from the deck /pool interface.

Critical areas for project longevity

The area immediately adjacent to the pool shell is of critical importance to the longevity of the project, as the pool deck must be separated from the pool shell. To do this, mastic (flexible cement) joints comprising foam, caulking or self-levelling caulking are used to act as a barrier between the moving pool deck (frost heave, expansive soils, settlement of backfill) and the immovable pool shell. Failure to include this often neglected construction element can lead to serious pool coping and waterline tile damage.

On vinyl pool construction, the mastic joint must be included between mortared-stone coping and the pool deck. The deck must be constructed independent of the pool shell. A common and successful practice for vinyl pool construction is to pour a 1-m (3-ft) or less, concrete beam sitting on concrete-filled sonotubes adjacent to the pool shell.

Edge treatments

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Pool contractors have a number of options when finishing the pool edge. The most difficult to construct are knife-edge, perimeter-overflow pools. Both deck level and raised bond beam perimeter overflow designs can be constructed using the knife-edge technique. If the client has the budget, and the builder has the construction knowledge and skill set, this edge treatment is a top-of-the-line addition to any project.

A wide bond beam perimeter overflow is the most common design used when constructing a deck-level, perimeter-overflow pool. This edge treatment provides the ‘wow factor’ most homeowners seek; however, this design technique requires great attention to detail. A vanishing-edge or infinity-edge pool can be constructed in both vinyl and concrete pool shells. This detail is more familiar to consumers and is easier to build than perimeter-overflow pools.

Attention to detail is also beneficial when designing a standard pool edge. For example, skimmer lids, auto-fill lids, remote control buttons and air controls can all be hidden, or at least colour co-ordinated, to blend in with the surroundings.

Entry options

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The next area of concern is pool entry. There are virtually no slides, diving boards or plastic stair treads included in the design of higher-end pool projects. Alternatives to these entry options are much more esthetically pleasing. For example, jumping rocks, ledges and walls make suitable alternatives to diving boards and slides, while there are also numerous alternatives for pool entry steps. For instance, steps that span the full width or length of the pool create a statement, while shallow lounging areas provide a safe refuge and entertainment area for infants, children, adults and seniors. Pool entries can be further enhanced by using finishing options such as tile, natural stone or any number of pool interior finishes.

Client safety is paramount when designing and installing pool entries. Design details such as rounded edges, proper rise-and-run stair treads with highlight tile details, illumination and non-slip treatment for all surfaces are crucial to bather safety.

Exits should be provided from the pool’s shallow and deep ends, as a tired, weak or inexperienced swimmer needs a safe, quick exit from the water.

Pool depth

Endless debates are centred on the pool’s depth profile. Today, design trends are slanted toward shallow, sport-style pools, while centre-deep designed pools are also gaining popularity.

Centre-deep pools are practical because they enable bathers to effectively swim, jump and play in one body of water. When a swimmer jumps or dives into these pools from the end, they are always landing in the deeper centre portion of the pool, unlike a traditional pool where the diving board is pointed towards shallow water.

Shallow-depth pools offer several other practical benefits, including:

• Lower construction costs (less fill to remove and less concrete/surface area to finish);
• Easier to work without ladders; and
• Less likely to encounter ground water.

It is rare for pool builders to charge more for a deep pool, even though the costs are definitely higher. Most projects are quoted on the surface area of the pool water, not the surface area of the entire pool shell.

When it comes to pool depth decisions, common sense is sometimes lacking. Very few clients actually swim laps in their pool, and even when they do, the water does not need to be exceptionally deep. Deep areas in small pools can be especially troublesome. The shallow area will be very small and the slope towards the deep-end hopper becomes steeper and less inviting. Bathers in these pools are often found sitting on floating noodles, or huddling together in the small shallow end or step areas. Problems with these designs are further magnified in small vinyl pools where the deep-end hopper and shallow end become so small it is virtually unusable.

In the end, pool depth is ultimately up to the client based on the contractor’s or architect’s design and safety guidance. Pool companies rarely renovate a swimming pool to make it deeper, the pool is normally made shallower.

Addressing pool walls and floors

Pool wall configuration is an area that is also rarely addressed. Near vertical wall configurations allow for more swimmable space, easier cleaning, in-wall cleaning jets and easier tile applications. Cast-in-place pool designs allow for the inclusion of vertical walls, while a competent shotcrete crew can also create near vertical wall configurations.

Interior pool walls can be erected to separate different temperatures of water (e.g. a chill pool or spa), or even to separate an indoor pool from an attached outdoor pool. Acrylic viewing panels/walls used for esthetics and vanishing-edge dams also create a beautiful and unique interior addition.

Pool floors can also be designed in an endless variety of styles, slopes, depths and configurations. For example, movable floors and interior walls are becoming more common in high-end pool construction. The design and final result is a collaboration between the client, architect and contractor. Conflict with the client’s desires can be avoided by having accurate depth, layout and designs. A 3-D design program works wonders in avoiding these conflicts, as it allows the client to visualize the project and the builder to better understand client expectations to ensure they are happy with the finished product.

Interior finish and details

Pool interior finish options have multiplied over the last decade. White plaster is no longer the only choice and white plastic steps for vinyl pools are no longer the only option. Interior design finishes are limited only by the client’s imagination and budget, and the contractor’s skill set. For example, top of the line glass-tile interiors can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of a high-end project; however, the end result is breathtaking. Less expensive options include natural stone, porcelain, glass bead, aggregate, plaster, fibreglass overlays, heavy-duty vinyl and two-coat waterproof colour systems.

Hydrotherapy options

Hydrotherapy and swim jets can be added to any pool. As yards become smaller, these options become more popular. Future designs will take advantage of small spaces to incorporate spas, swim spas, pools and water features into one compact unit.

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Hydrotherapy jets with air blowers placed in the pool allow bathers to relax and enjoy hydro massage without being immersed in 40 C (104 F) water. Vertical jet placement allows bathers of all ages to use the pool as a complete therapy and exercise centre. Shallow lounging areas, swim outs and benches are all ideal locations for installing these jets.

Another interior feature is the addition of foam jets. These water features take up little space, are almost invisible when not operating and look spectacular in the evening when lit from below. Water cascades, shoulder massage jets and spillways are all part of advanced pool interior designs. The number and combination of these options are only limited by the builder’s imagination.

The great colour debate

The colour or ‘look’ of the water is extremely important to the client and designer. This detail is often difficult to explain, and sometimes results in endless debate. A number of factors influence the final colour of the water. For instance, shade, surroundings, cloud cover, depth, sun angle, and most importantly, the colour of the pool’s interior finish, all impact the final view of the pool.

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It can be difficult to convince a client that a beige interior will result in a Caribbean-blue finished pool, while black interiors always elicit a strong positive or negative reaction. One reason for the negative reaction is the common myth that the pool bottom is not visible. The reality is, however, these pools show every speck of dirt, similar to a black vehicle. On the positive side, however, the reflective quality of a black-interior pool creates a stunning effect, especially when combined with the mirror-like finish of a perimeter-overflow pool.

Other interior finishes such as elaborate murals that cover the entire pool to simple tile features that highlight step edges, almost always ensure no two pools are alike.

In terms of the pool’s plastic components, at one point in time, all that was available was white. Today, however, more pool designers/builders are using colour co-ordinated accessories to camouflage items such as drains, returns, skimmers, steps and vinyl-over step fittings in concrete and vinyl pools.

It is also becoming common knowledge that pool plaster and standard tile adhesives are not waterproof. All concrete pools can benefit from the application of a waterproofing system. In some cases, additives can be mixed into the concrete at the batching plant or coatings can be sprayed on after the concrete has set and properly cured.

Light it up

Illumination options are also sometimes overlooked. The use of light emitting diode (LED) fixtures allows pool designers to position multiple lights throughout the pool interior. Special emphasis should be placed on lighting entries, exits and any obstacles inside the pool. Another option is to place lights in the pool floor to illuminate raised walls, pool interior walls, water features, ceilings, arbours or even overhangs.

Water quality and hydraulics

The mechanical components, which work within the pool’s interior, are critical to safety and the project’s long-term performance. Suction entrapment avoidance is of utmost importance in pool interior design. As a minimum standard, each pool pump requires two separate points of suction, which should be separated by a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) on centre. Pools built with surge tanks are extremely safe, as all suction points are located inside the tanks, away from the pool interior and bathers.

Properly designed hydraulics will limit the use of fittings and utilize large-diameter plumbing, which lowers line velocity and decreases entrapment risks in suction devices. In all cases, strict attention should be paid to the use of safe drain covers, making sure they are kept in proper operating condition at all times while the pool is in operation.

Proper hydraulics also ensures adequate circulation, which allows for even heat and chemical distribution. One option is to return pool water through floor jets in the base of the pool, as the warm, filtered water will naturally rise to the water surface and eliminate thermoclines (thin but distinct layers in a large body of water in which temperature changes more rapidly) and dead spots throughout the entire pool.

Water quality can be maintained via automated systems or manual controllers. Salt chlorine conversion generators can be used to simplify maintenance for most pool owners. Further, water quality and clarity can also be significantly improved via proper circulation using multiple return lines and skimmers.

Automated cleaning systems can be as simple as pressure-base or suction-side, self-propelled cleaners to more elaborate cleaning systems, which use pop-up pressure heads. Automated cleaners require a considerable amount of rigid plumbing but have the added advantage of improving the pool’s circulation and creating even, warm filtered bodies of water.

In the age of ‘green’ pool design and technology, a number of measures can be incorporated into the pool’s interior to reduce energy consumption and save the owner money. For example:

• The addition of an automated pool cover can reduce heating costs by up to 70 per cent;
• Insulating the pool shell, floor and plumbing to achieve additional long-term savings; and
• Radiant in-floor heating is a viable solution, especially when installed in an indoor pool environment where water temperatures tend to be stable.

While the area surrounding the pool takes much of the glory in an overall design, a number of significant features are found inside the pool, which contribute to the project’s overall success by providing long-term energy savings and increased user enjoyment.

 

 

Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., a landscape contractor and pool designing and building company based in Burlington, Ont. He can be reached at barry@poolscape.com[7] or by visiting www.poolscape.com[8].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/interior-design-key-to-a-projects-success/

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