Pool builder, landscaper join forces to create a natural oasis in a small backyard

by jason_cramp | January 16, 2016 12:30 pm

By Eric Gohn

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The vision this Thornbury, Ont., homeowner had in mind for their backyard was to capture the natural feel of the surroundings, but also create the illusion of a larger, more open landscape. To make this happen, Thornbury Clear Choice Pool & Spa was called in to propose a backyard pool and landscape oasis for this homeowner in one of the area’s newer residential developments in the picturesque town of The Blue Mountains.

However, this was easier said than done, as the homeowner’s backyard was limited in size. Not only was this outdoor retreat confined by its 3.7 m² (40 sf) area, but access to the backyard was also extremely restricted.

Therefore, to create the client’s dream backyard, the project involved the following:

• 
Site preparation, including obtaining access to the backyard for construction equipment.
• 
Structural concrete, which would include a pool, hot tub, and a cantilevered deck with a seating area, complete with a cascading waterfall flowing into the pool along with various retaining walls and areas for landscaping.
• 
Landscape, which would include all softscaping (e.g.soil, trees, plants, etc.).

The pool builder’s president, Preston Owen, has built vinyl liner pools in the area for more than 18 years and upon evaluating the client’s site, he immediately told the homeowner their small backyard and property restrictions could become an issue during construction. As the lot was narrow, getting construction equipment in to build the pool would be a challenge.

Therefore, before the pool was designed, the first crucial step was to approach the client’s neighbours with regards to purchasing the rights to access the client’s backyard through their property. Luckily, the neighbours agreed to this plan, but with the guarantee that new landscaping would be installed to make the area between the two homes equal to or better than before the work began.

All about the design

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Thornbury Clear Choice Pool & Spa works hand-in-hand with Scott Park of ParkLawn Landscaping and have combined forces during the initial design process on many projects throughout the years.

On this particular job, the homeowner sat down with both companies to discuss what they wanted to create in their backyard. Like many customers in this region, the homeowner was looking for a ‘natural’ backyard look. They wanted a waterfall and flowing pool shape.

“We describe this style as a ‘northern’ look,” says Owen. “We use a lot of natural stone around the pool and deck and recommended a dark coloured liner so the pool blends into the landscaping.”

Additionally, the homeowner wanted a lounge and deck area for sitting to be created, which would also incorporate a hot tub as part of the final design. With this in mind, both companies went to work and presented the homeowner with a completed design within one week, which was accepted without any changes.

Design challenge

One of the biggest challenges during the design process was to make the client’s small backyard appear larger. To do this, a 4.8- x 9.7-m (16- x 32-ft) lagoon-shaped pool was located at the furthest edge of the property with a 3 m² (10 sf) sitting area that included a rock firepit.

Waterfall

The construction site had two different elevations with one area distinctly higher than the other.  Because the client had requested a waterfall, Owen and Park decided to take advantage of the different elevations when selecting the placement of the water feature. The elevation of the backside of the pool was higher than the front portion, making this area the ideal location for the natural-stone waterfall. The change in elevation and the waterfall provided an additional visual obstruction, giving the homeowner greater privacy when in the pool.

Hand building a waterfall is always a challenge, but luckily due to the pool’s size, the waterfall was only 3.6 m (12 ft), making it more manageable to build.

To accommodate the waterfall, a double main drain was also installed. This design allows the pool and waterfall to operate separately so they can be isolated, making service/maintenance easier.

“In this area we tend to have surprises like deep frost, ice, and heavy snow, so it’s good to be able to keep these two systems separate should any trouble arise,” says Owen. “The waterfall re-circulates the water from the pool and the pool is set-up on a salt-chlorine generator system.”

The waterfall was also installed with a valve system so the homeowner can determine the water flow and sound effects created by the water feature. For example, if the homeowner wants to mask noise coming from any neighbouring yards, he/she can increase the water flow to create a louder, more pleasant auditory sensation. The water flow can also be dialed-down to decrease the sound produced by the waterfall to that of a low, gurgling brook.

Construction

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Thornbury Clear Choice Pool & Spa is an experienced steel pool-kit builder and like all 
of the vinyl pools the company installs, this pool was built using steel panels.

The steel panels used to build this pool are self-supporting—there is no need to worry about any internal or external pressures on the pool walls—and they allow the pool deck to be poured immediately without having to wait for the ground to settle. The panels also eliminate frost upheaval and allow the pool to be drained without worry of the walls caving in.

Groundwater challenge

The climate and high water table in Thornbury has often led the company to installing a two-stage bottom for its pools. This involves laying gravel first, then concrete, then vermiculate.

Installing gravel as a first stage ensures groundwater does not come in contact with 
the first level of concrete.

“We also bring in 3 ton overage (i.e. over dig with gravel from pool wall for drainage from pool) with our own gravel rather than use the same dirt from the excavation,” says Owen. “All of this extra preparation is done to ensure there is never the possibility for the pool structure to ‘pop out’ of the ground or for the vinyl liner to float.”

That said, it was no shock when the construction team struck groundwater during the installation of this pool.

“We have a high water table in our area so we weren’t surprised. As this is a regular occurrence for us, we include a clause in all of our contracts which covers instances such as this (e.g. groundwater, quick sand, or rock).

“The clause is there mostly to help with timing as these physical challenges can change the construction and project completion schedule,” says Owen.

To resolve the issue, a groundwater pump was installed and an 18.2-m (60-ft) long French drain (i.e. weeping tile) was constructed to redirect the groundwater to flow out to the lowest point of the property. By doing this, it also ensures the pool’s vinyl liner will never ‘float.’ The pump was setup with a separate switch in the pump room to allow the homeowner to turn it on when required.

“Generally, this remediation system only adds one day to the overall project timeline,” says Owen.

A long hot summer

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Another challenge during the construction of this project was the weather. For pool builders, this typically means rain, but this was not the case. In fact, it was the opposite, as the weather was extremely hot. Owen admits tempers were short and the timeline became a real crunch for the pool installation team and the landscaping crew. Despite this, the two contractors met their deadlines, which Owen attributes to each of the companies focus on service to the clients.

“We have a wonderful relationship with our landscaping partners and construction suppliers,” says Owen. “We are constantly in communication and help one another with whatever is needed 
(e.g. lending an excavator) to keep the project on schedule as contracted with the client. Our choice to source all of our materials locally is also a big advantage during a short building season.”

Stonework around pool

The design specifically had a planting area around the pool on the same side as the waterfall feature. The elevated wall around the pool allowed for a seating area to be created on the inside edge of the lagoon-shaped pool, while the area behind it incorporates plantings and foliage to heighten the visual appeal. Due to all of the stone and rock work being used around the pool perimeter, additional sonotube concrete forms where required to support the weight of these features.

The steel pool walls can carry the extra weight of the deck, but the additional load from the stone and rock was such that extra concrete support was added around the backside of the pool.

Deck and firepit

The deck was built using quarry stone from a local provider, allowing it to blend naturally into the environment, as well as making it easy and fast to obtain. In constructing the deck, a cozy sitting area adjacent to the pool was also created to provide the homeowner with a poolside lounge area. This space was further enhanced with the addition of a firepit to allow the homeowner to enjoy a quite night—or entertain guests—by the pool long after the sun has set and the temperature gets cooler. It also created a space where the homeowner could bond with their grandchildren, sitting by the fire and roasting marshmallows.

In essence, the new backyard retreat was not designed and built just for the homeowners to enjoy, but also their extended family, as it would provide an outdoor destination for their grandchildren. Finally, the pool, waterfall, and firepit were all strategically designed to not only make the backyard fun, but also visually attractive.

Hot tub

Initially, the homeowners were considering two installation options for the hot tub—as an integral component of the pool, or alongside the pool. However, because of the narrow property and the fact the pool was located a fair distance from the house, it was advised that it be installed closer to the home.

“It was easy to explain that once their pool was closed for the winter, the hot tub would become an important part of their backyard oasis, not to mention with the cold temperatures, they would want to get into the warm water quickly after exiting the house,” says Owen.

With the homeowner onboard, the hot tub was installed closer to the home by sinking it into the deck, making it look ‘built-in’ and natural.

The big winner

The homeowner was delighted when they saw the finished project. Not only did their backyard oasis become a reality, but the design and landscaping also made the yard appear larger than it really was. Removing and pruning certain trees, while planting select evergreens, all contributed to the project’s visual appeal.

Thanks to the success of this pool installation, Thornbury Clear Choice Pool & Spa has used different modifications of this design in other projects, as many clients—not to mention others in the industry—often ask what type of liner was installed, as they cannot believe it is a vinyl-lined pool. In fact, on first glance, many think this project looks like a gunite pool.

[5]Eric Gohn is vice-president of sales for Fox Pool Group, including Fox Pool Corp., Pen Fabricators, and Fabcote. He has worked in all aspects of the company over his 22-year career. Gohn is currently responsible for sales of all brands worldwide as well as for marketing and customer service. He can be reached via e-mail at egohn@foxpool.com[6].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/pool-builder-landscaper-join-forces-to-create-a-natural-oasis-in-a-small-backyard/

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