Inground Pools

One of my favourite aspects of being involved with our family business is having the pleasure of meeting people who are in the planning stages of building a backyard oasis. There is nothing more exciting than meeting on site to brainstorm and plan the vision for all the elements of their wish list. It may be that a couple needs a peaceful respite from their busy career and travel often for business that there is truly no place like home. Or a young family know they want to sink roots in their community and build a backyard space where their children can grow and have fun for years with their friends. Entertaining family and friends is so easy when it’s just steps outside the door and you can choose your own menu and playlist.

Over the years a few trends have impacted the requests we get for incorporating water in our clients personal space. Here are some favourites that may resonate with your plans for the perfect resort at home:

Water features to add soothing sounds

Having a sheer descent waterfall in your inground swimming pool or spa creates a sound that can transport you to the shores of a beach or favourite vacation destination. Dining poolside in the evening is enhanced by the sound of water cascading. Waterfalls provide a fun place to splash or soak with the sound of laughter as an added benefit.

Cabana as the rec centre

Many of our clients enjoy floating on a chaise lounge, playing games in the water and using the cabana as the perfect place for storing balls, inflatables, towels and suntan lotion. This can be a simple structure with cubbies and hooks for towels which also serves to enclose the mechanical equipment and provide added storage for water care products and pool accessories like the vacuum, skimmer and pole. Some clients opt to add an outdoor shower and washroom depending how far the swimming pool is from the house. The cabana may have a bar and sink with fridge, which is perfect for entertaining and leaving supplies near the pool. Architecture of this space is usually influenced by the home in finishes and design. Adding a gym or yoga studio is another use for this valuable real estate providing a retreat from the main dwelling.

Aqua piers, underwater benches and tanning shelves

The beauty of building a custom concrete pool includes the ability to design it exactly to the needs of your family. Having a space in the shallow end with chaises to lifeguard the kids and still feel refreshed by the water is the reason tanning shelves have gained popularity over the years. Underwater benches in the deep end provide a goal for swimmers and a resting place if you opt to take a breather after several laps. Aqua piers are columns built at bar stool height when the elevation outside of your pool allows for a recessed bar area. A favourite family memory will be the fun and luxury of a swim up bar at home rather than only at an exclusive five star resort! You’ll have to consider coming up with a family recipe for your favourite summer refreshment!

Artificial grass and easy landscape

The backyard retreat is all about rest and relaxation so who wants to spend the weekend mowing the lawn or tending to your gardens when you can replace the lawn with artificial grass? No watering or mowing required! Create impact and density with your gardens by planting several of the same low maintenance plants such as cedars, grasses and succulents.

Lights, sound, fire and automation

Most in ground swimming pools and hot tubs are connected to smart home technology and provide homeowners with control from their smart phone. Garden and underwater lighting is often controlled remotely to create the perfect mood along with outdoor speakers and TVs. Fire features in linear shapes or bowls with river rock stone create drama and cozy lighting at night. Mechanical systems run on variable speed pumps during off peak hours to save hydro costs, and water features and heaters can also be turned on and off this way. Simplicity and high usability is the goal for maximum fun and wow factor!

Big or small – water is wellness

Whether we’re building a custom concrete spa for your family of five, a pond for your exotic fish, a plunge pool in an urban garden or a lap pool for training, water is the most versatile and therapeutic element to introduce to your landscape design. We’ve built four sided infinity edge pools at grade lending a magical element of elegance to the exterior as well as small swim spas with a current to provide an intense workout. Stone and tile selection as well as the colour of the interior are all customized to make your dream a reality.

Anything is possible when you hire BonaVista. Our team of watershapers will work to make creative use of your space and provide a memorable destination that will add value to your real estate. Call us today to start planning your vacation at home with an inground swimming pool and find your bliss!

Inground Pools Gallery