Despite coordinating countless projects, Aqua-Tech project manager Joe Urmos can never get over how a bit (okay, a lot) of planning and hard work can turn a backyard with potential into a literal oasis of relaxation -- and pinache.
"What you're seeing now is essentially the finished project," he says, gesturing to the striking 29-foot by 42-foot pool/waterfall combination that's become the centrepiece of a southeast Winnipeg backyard.
"We actually started planning this project in late August 2008. Big or small, they don't happen overnight. In this case, the backyard was all mud back in mid-April. You'd never know it to look at it now."
Thanks to a 3-D software called Pool Studio (used throughout the industry), Urmos was able to create a lifelike representation of what the yard would look like, right down to the most minute detail. "In my mind, you need a set of drawings before you can think of going ahead with a project," he says. "So we create the finished product on the computer screen before we even put a shovel in the ground."
Because the yard was so large, the owners decided to go with a larger than normal in-ground pool (the average pool measures in at about 16 feet by 32 feet, considerably smaller than the one shown). However, he was careful not to go too large. That could have led to a vexing problem.
"If the waterfall and pool were made too large, they would have ended up dominating the yard, even though it's so big. So we put a lot of time and effort into getting the size just right. Looking at it from a far corner of the yard, the waterfall and pool are distinctive, but not overpowering," says Urmos.
"That's always our goal, whether the project is big or small -- to get the scale just right."
While the shape of the pool is fairly typical -- it's rectangular -- Urmos utilized contour and colour to create a look that went beyond the ordinary.
"There's a series of curved sun ledges inside the pool's perimeter placed at different levels for people to sit or lie on -- they're also good for entering or exiting the pool," he explains. "And the lighter shades of blue also look great, too -- they provide a visual accent for the sun benches.
It's a mineral water pool as 80 per cent of our pools are nowadays. People love the feel of the water -- there's no red eye or dry sensation on the skin due to chlorine, and it's just easier to maintain. Overall, we're trying to stimulate as many senses as we can, such as sight, sound and touch."
Speaking of visual accents, none is more striking than the waterfall/slide combination found at the far end of the pool. At eight feet high, 15 feet deep and 29 feet wide, the structure is comprised of a whole lot of rock.
"The waterfall was constructed of a product called Ricoh Rock," adds Urmos. "We then added real boulders, plus landscaping, and then incorporated the slide into the waterfall. Both the waterfall and yard will be lit, so the area is going to look great at night. Additionally, each plant niche on the waterfall is lit and has it's own water supply to reduce maintenance."
Other features, such as a tan-tinted textured concrete pool surround only add to the relaxing ambience.
"In all, we used about 3,000 square feet of concrete in and around the pool. The area around the pool is acually a stamped, textured concrete designed to mimic slate. We put in saw cuts not only to serve as expansion joints, but to make it look like the area was made up of a series of large pieces of stone. The textured surface not only looks good, but it also adds extra traction if kids are going to be running around."
One other design element -- this one a little more subtle -- also plays a key role in creating a back yard getaway, he says.
"The landscaping (done by Lemkey Landscaping) is so important -- it makes the entire environment that much richer both around the pool and around the periphery. In this case, they put in pine trees, shrubs and a low-maintenance cedar chips around new trees. Everything works together to create a relaxing atmosphere."
Another feature, one that's more or less out of sight unless you look very carefully, also makes for a safe environment.
"There's an automatic cover that can be activated by a simple turn of a key (mounted prominently on the side of the house by the pool)," says Urmos. "Once you turn the key, the waterfall and other water features turn off. Then, the cover rolls out and covers the entire pool in less than a minute.
"It's a great safety feature; if the kids are running around the pool and you're inside making dinner, you can quickly get the cover on so that no one falls in while they're unattended. It's all automated, and operates off an iTouch pad."
Urmos says it doesn't matter what size your yard is -- the key to creating an urban backyard paradise lies in planning ahead and making prudent, balanced design choices.
"It's really all about getting the balance right," he says. "And with the economy like it is, more people are choosing to put in a standard-size (16' x 32') pool (average cost is around $40,000 to $50,000) and stay close to home, while giving their kids a safe, convenient place to play and hang out.
"A backyard might be small or mid-sized, but with the right design choices, it can be made as luxurious as your budget allows."
