By Jason Cramp
The Pool Craft Company Ltd., a full service pool and spa design/build firm in Richmond Hill, Ont., was practically given a blank canvas from which to create this project as the client’s backyard had never been landscaped.
For this homeowner in Aurora, Ont., landscaping the backyard and owning a swimming pool was as much about creating a place for entertaining as it was about satisfying their children’s need for fun. In creating this backyard escape, Pool Craft put just as much emphasis on the swimming pool and its features as it did the surrounding amenities.
In doing so, a 5.5- x 11-m (18- x 36-ft) kidney-shaped pool was installed, featuring two, 2.4-m (8-ft) Roman steps- one in the shallow end and the other in the deep end- and an attached spill-over spa. A diving rock was also integrated into the waterfall feature, opposite the spa, where the kids can spend hours jumping into the pool. To facilitate this, the deep-end step was conveniently located directly beside the waterfall to provide easy access for the next ‘jump’.
The combination of using simulated natural flagstone pavers for the deck, which comes off the back of the house and surrounds the pool, along with the pool/spa’s natural-stone coping, perfectly contrasts and co-ordinates the backyard’s hardscaping elements. Further, with no neighbours to the East and heavy foliage along the rear side of the property, which backs onto a local golf course, the backyard was transformed into a pleasant natural setting.
Rounding out the entertainment area is a custom-built cedar cabana, complete with granite counter tops, which not only provides a seating area next to the pool, but also includes an undermount sink, and a special knockout for a keg fridge and popcorn machine for late night snacks.
Finally, a custom-built poolside firepit was also included as part of the lounge area, creating a place where the family can roast marshmallows and spend quality time together.
