Las Vegas, Nevada

Why go to a resort hotel when you can create a fantastic pool right in your own backyard? This is what Mike Specter, owner of Sundance Pools & Spas, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, thought when he created a Hawaiian oasis in his own backyard. The extravagant design of the pool and spa are somewhat experimental and it gave Specter an opportunity to play with different design techniques at his own expense.

There are two primary water features that are incorporated into the natural design of the backyard habitat. The first of the two primary waterfalls is more traditional in design. Water in this stream-bed style waterfall tumbles and spills off of boulders as it makes its way to the pool. The second waterfall is more unconventional in design due to its enormous size. Sundance Pools & Spas created a 18' x 25' structure from natural and prefabricated rock that houses a spa, water slide and secret cave that is only accessible by an underwater tunnel.

With the flip of a switch, a 10 horsepower pump is activated and the mountain-like structure is transformed into a sheer waterfall that plummets 16 feet down to the pool. Not only does the waterfall create an exquisite focal point for a backyard that is only 82 feet wide, it also provides a natural privacy barrier for people using the spa that is located under the rock ledge. To accent the pool's Hawaiian motif, numerous varieties of palm trees were planted, including Sago palm and over thirteen varieties of Date palms. The plant palette is so dense that it shields the rock mountain so it is not visible from the street.

For those who desire a bit of adventure, this swimmer's oasis also offers a 30 foot long slide that is completely encased in rock and is only accessible by a hidden staircase. The clear, acrylic slide tube is 2 feet in diameter and offers a fiber optic light show for the slider. In addition to the wet bar and sun bathing rock, Specter's pool also entices swimmers with an underwater tunnel that leads to a secret cave. For more information about Sundance Pools & Spas, call 702-363-2410.Joshua Abarbanel

Santa Monica, California

When water is pumped up to the top lintel, it cascades down the hand-grooved ceramic tile. Once gravity guides the water to the bottom of the sculpture, it splashes into a shallow pool of water that contains red river rocks. The 1-2 inch red stones were selected to tie in with the brick work and deep colored terra-cotta wall in the background. Finally, the hand-crafted brambles located at the base of each door post show the contrast between the geometric and biomorphic shapes that exist. This inherent relationship between natural and architectural is a source of inspiration for Abarbanel. To contact the artist for additional information, e-mail him at: abarbanel@earthlink.netTalavera Stone Company

Tuscon, Arizona

The Aspen waterfall is the most popular of the Talavera Stone line of manufactured water features. Its four separate waterways featuring a dramatic and soothing envelope of water from the very top of the outcrop, gives the Aspen an almost sculpture-like essence. Like all of Talavera's waterfalls, the Aspen is created from an impression of nature's own creation that is manipulated just enough to insure consistent water-flow performance. Because of its lightweight, yet durable fiberglass construction, it can be positioned and installed in no time. This fountain measures 7'6" W x 2' H x 3'5" D and weighs approximately 87 pounds. It is manufactured in a variety of colors including: Slate Gray, Sandstone, Sunset Red, and Light Granite.

For peak performance, recommended water flow is 1,800 gallons per hour. For more information about Talavera's products call 800-737-5386.

Springville, Utah

There is something about the sound of splashing water that entices children to literally jump into the action. A residential client in Lexington, Massachusetts purchased Gary Price's "Shell Kids" fountain in order to create a water play environment for his own children. Not only is there a shallow pool of water for the kids to play in, but water also cascades from the shells that the bronze kids are holding.

When the water feature was installed by Water Structures, Inc., a layer of river rocks were used to create a natural, stream-like ground covering. Owner Kim Noble explained that a metal grate was installed to hold up the rocks and create a protective barrier for the sump pit that holds the fountain pump and water purification system. When the water flow to the fountain is turned off, the small pool of water recedes below the river rocks.

The concept for this fountain is unique because it offers an interactive opportunity and aesthetic quality for this custom residence. To incorporate the water feature in a natural setting, moss covered rocks, rhododendrons and leafy hemlock trees all contribute to the non-formal garden environment. The versatility of this sculpture is remarkable because it can be enjoyed in all seasons-whether children are playing or not.

The sculptor Gary Price offered the following statement regarding his "Shell Kids" bronze sculpture: " Enjoy the refreshing and mesmerizing effects of water as these innovative, fun-loving children explore different ways of playing with nature's gifts. Indeed this "Shell Kids" fountain offers a metaphor for life. Children and water are the life sustaining forces for our species and our planet." 801-489-6852James C. Scott & Associates

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

This private resident in Lake Angelus, Michigan was looking to solve swamp related problems on their property. When it rained during the winter months, this area of the yard would turn into an unsightly swamp that attracted bugs and mosquitos. To resolve this problem, the client asked James C. Scott, ASLA, Principal of James C. Scott & Associates, to design a pond and fountain ensemble to curb the flooding problems. Scott specified a two horsepower Crown and Geyser fountain from Aquamaster, based in Kiel, Wisconsin, to provide aesthetics and aeration. Due to the prominent position of the water feature in relation to the home, a 110 volt lighting package was also specified to allow night time enjoyment. For additional information, call 248-646-6564.Yoshikawa

Los Angeles, California

When the owner of this private residence in Westwood, California approached Yoshikawa about commissioning a sculpture for his newly remodeled backyard, he didn't really know what he wanted. In order to narrow down the options, Yoshikawa invited the client to leaf through his portfolio and select water features that appealed to him. This process narrowed the field of choices and allowed the artist to effectively draw up the design for the client's custom fountain.

This sculpture, Yoshikawa conveyed, can be viewed in two distinctly different ways-microcosm or macrocosm. The micro viewpoint is achieved when a viewer sees the sculpture as a river flowing and falling among large boulders. When someone views the sculpture in macro view, the water that falls to the bottom appears to be a small river meandering below.

Through the versatility of granite, Yoshikawa said that he is able to achieve a variety of effects by utilizing different cutting techniques. To add an aesthetic element to the fountain, he used the outer, rough skin of the boulder which was then contrasted with the smoother, diamond saw cut. Finally, this is all contrasted with the blackness of the wet granite where the water flows. "I like to play off the different elements that the stone exhibits," Yoshikawa related.

The focus of the fountain was created by the slender waterfall that cascades down to the granite base and meanders to the catch basin like a river. The wavy flow lines that create the waterfall were hand chiseled with precision. "The idea is to achieve a certain sound with the water flow," Yoshikawa explained. "The water going over this type of surface creates a sound like a mountain stream that transports you away from urban noises." By employing the elements of stone and water, Yoshikawa's sculptures evoke a sense of place, a meditative state of mind and most importantly beauty. For additional information, contact Yoshikawa at 323-462-7139.

Maitland, Florida

In order to create a lush garden setting, a residential client in Orlando, Florida wanted to build an intricate stream system that feeds a water garden and a series of waterfalls that cascade into the swimming pool. The sound of falling water creates a peaceful and serene area for this backyard environment that extends between the newly designed guest house and the main house. The client specified that he wanted waterfalls, water systems for fish and large swimming areas with screened and unscreened areas.

Scott Redmon, ASLA, principal of Redmon Design Company, described his work on this project as a dream come true for a Landscape Architect. The client gave him total freedom to create a fantasy setting that would complement the original house that was constructed of organic materials-California Driftwood Stone and heavy cypress and cedar timbers. The client appreciated the natural character of the site and the development was limited to previously cleared areas of the site to preserve as much natural splendor as possible. "My concept was to create a setting that would believably look like an existing natural system from which these building materials could have been extracted," Redmon explained.

To create the rockscape for the pool area, Rock and Waterscapes Systems, Inc. worked closely with the home owner to coordinate the placement of several hundred tons of natural rock brought in from California. In addition to the natural rock, a combination of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) castings and positive rockwork techniques were used to create the intricate waterfall system and the separate water garden, Vice President Glenn Barnard explained. Through the application of a topical stain, the artificial rock blends seamlessly with the natural rock. As the project was nearing completion, several mature landscape specimens were planted to finish off the garden design.

The plant palette is a strong mix of native and exotic plant species. Redmon said he wanted to make sure enough native species were used to give a strong tie to the surrounding woodlands and attract as much wildlife as possible. In addition, at the client's request, many cold sensitive plants were used and over 50 different varieties of fruit trees were brought in to provide edible fruit and visual interest. For additional information, contact Redmon Design Company at 407-647-2006. lasn