Construction begins with the new designs being laid out, putting shape into the existing deck. The old poured pool coping is removed in preparation for forming the raised beam, which will tie the deck levels together.

Gainesville Pool Renovators began the initial stages of this project over many months as the redesign of an existing pool that was dated with brick coping and a large expanse of concrete deck. The redesign process incorporated the refined sensibilities and sophisticated design sense of the clients, which was interpreted by the landscape architect in a unifying design in collaboration with the design team of the swimming pool renovation company and landscape and hardscape company.

The basic design ideas were then interpreted in finished materials that appealed to the sensibilities of the client to create an area for family gatherings and entertaining. The back of the customer?EUR??,,????'???s home featured banks of French doors leading out from the living areas to the existing pool area. Although accented with a minimal amount of tropical foliage, the look was hot, static and boring.

 

In this image the steel is being set, the forms are started and 6?EUR??,,????'??? x 9?EUR??,,????'??? block wall is constructed for the new waterfall feature.

Wanting a cool, lush look with a minimal classic feel, the design was tweaked over the months with considerable input from the customers who had seen a shallow pool area with resting/sunning areas and channels, while traveling. This idea was incorporated into the design as a focal point of their renovation.

A unifying design for the entire area by a local landscape architect featured a deck wrapped in travertine with white marble accent paths for traffic areas. The raised beam was wrapped in travertine and the waterline tile, a ceramic tile, was matched to the travertine to create the look of travertine wrapping down into the pool. The gold of the travertine was used as a unifying theme and was reflected in the colors of the mosaic glass and grout used for the waterfall fa??? 1/4 ade and waterline tile. The contrasting white marble paths that flow from the pool area to the house and destination areas and create visual interest within the large deck area.

Now the forms for the first pour are completed and 21 yards of 4500psi concrete is pumped to raise the pool beam, construct the outer wall for the waterfall and add new levels and steps for a unique appearance.

The fa??? 1/4 ade of a large mosaic was designed as an anchor and focal point for the shallow pool area, which was designed and fabricated to connect to the existing 20 by 40 foot oval pool. The water feature designed by the Great American Waterfall Company featured a rainfall custom developed specifically for the fa??? 1/4 ade. The rainfall was incorporated into a recessed overhang at the top of the mosaic fa??? 1/4 ade and included an LED light to illuminate the fa??? 1/4 ade at night as well as controls to vary the volume and look of the cascading water.

An exposed aggregate in earth colors set in a light gray plaster was carefully selected to complement and bring out the natural colors of the mosaic and travertine. A winding splash of custom fabricated fused art glass was used on the entry swim platform, steps, and swim out, complementing the fused glass on the mosaic. The large platform at the shallow end of the pool provides a sunning and resting area for entertaining while staying cool in four to five inches of water. The platform is framed by two sets of entry steps into the pool that serve as further gathering and sitting areas for in pool entertaining.

With the second pour for the water feature done, new steps with a shallow area are completed and the custom nine-foot waterfall is installed. A pre-cast top is fitted along with the wall, framed out and finished in stucco. The new deck material is also fitted.

Palms and other tropical foliage were then added to enhance the areas surrounding the deck. The sloping area off the long side of the deck area was enhanced with steps to the lower level of the yard bordered by a background of mature trees. The total effect of the focal points of tropical foliage in counterpoint with vistas to the surrounding live oaks, create a classic tropical North Florida landscape.

The total effect of the pool and deck area is that of a calm, cool, natural oasis accentuated by the sound of rain into the shallow pool. The gray and natural tones of the larger aggregate of the plaster create a subtle grayed blue color that is both soothing and refined. The blend of natural colors on the deck of the pool area and mosaic fa??? 1/4 ade create a reference to the Mexican tile and Southwestern accents of the interior of the home which create a natural flow from the interior to the outdoor area.

Thanks to the expert support from The Great American Waterfall Company the custom mosaic, deck and additional stonework are finished and complete the Great American Rainfall Project.

The custom rainfall installation succeeded in creating the pleasing, cooling look the clients were hoping to achieve. The sound of water cascading into the shallow pool enhances the cooling effect and provides a soothing, natural rain sound that provides interest and drama to the area for family events or entertaining.

Rather than being a hot, dry, unappealing area, the refurbished area can now be used for the recreational activities of the teenage children of the family while providing a visually exciting yet soothing vista that can be seen from the dining and living areas of the home during the hot days and warm evenings of north Florida. The entire area provides a large deck that is both natural and visually interesting which features multiple areas for small al fresco family meals or large gatherings. The mosaic and rainfall are the counterpoint in creating this simple, elegant area that blends the natural look of a spring with interesting artistic touches that appeal to a broad range of aesthetic looks.

Water Facts

49.97: Inches, the average annual amount of rainfall recorded in Gainesville, Fla.

Source: Gainesville Real Estate

60: The percentage of Florida?EUR??,,????'???s annual rainfall received in Northern Flordia during that state?EUR??,,????'???s ?EUR??,,????'??rainy season,?EUR??,,????'?? May ?EUR??,,????'??? November.

Source: University of Florida Extension Service

1869: Year the city of Gainesville was incorporated.

Source: CityTownInfo.com