BUILDER | Betz Pools Stouffville, Ont. www.betzpools.com Tel: 905-640-1424 Perfecting N AT U R E T Broadening the enjoyment of a lakeside getaway This swimming pool, built for a family who spent their summers at a large cottage (estate home) on the shores of Sturgeon Lake in the Kawarthas, is a little different than most, as it is situated in the front rather than the backyard. Even though the lakeside cottage provided the family easy access to the water, the lakeshore was rather weedy and not ideal for swimming, partially due to the dense row of shoreline trees that shelter the backyard and cottage from prevailing northwesterly winds. As such, Betz Pools in Stouff ville, Ont., brought the lake to the family by building a 5.8- x 11-m (19- x 36-ft) custom gunite swimming pool, which resembles a miniature lake-like setting. The shape is pleasingly irregular and natural materials were used throughout to retain the Ontario backwoods appeal. The surrounding deck is constructed of custom coloured, architecturalpatterned concrete and is framed by the pool’s Wiarton flagstone coping. Adding interest to the design is a two-level deck, with the higher portion on the cabana side defined by a raised, ledge-rock wall that separates two, natural stone waterfalls at the corners. A large boulder with bubbler accents an octagonal-shaped spill-over spa, opposite the cabana, while the pool and spa’s charcoal-grey, armourcoat interior finish helps extend the natural colour palette. A covered sitting area along the front of the cabana provides a shady nook on hot summer days and features an L-shaped barbecue serving area with granite countertop. To add colour and texture, naturalized plantings, using mostly native Ontario species, were strategically placed as pocket gardens to punctuate the stone areas around the pool. Landscape lighting was also added to lend drama to the property at night. Prior to having the swimming pool installed, the family did most of their swimming by taking a boat out in the lake; now swimming is conveniently located at their doorstep. www.poolsspaspatios.com Pools, Spas & Patios ■ 19 PSP_Annual_2011(1).indd 19 3/16/11 12:09:03 PM 3/4/11 4:49:52 PM