Decorating & Design
May 17, 2023
How Three Families Chose Their Perfect Pools
We’re celebrating the warmer weather by sharing three different pools in three unique styles. From an expansive pool in the Eastern townships, to designer Erin Feasby’s outdoor oasis west of Toronto, get inspired by these gorgeous summer backyards. Plus, get tips for taking the plunge yourself.
Scroll down see how these three families turned their dreams into a reality!
1. The Eastern Townships
The Backstory: This expansive pool in Quebec’s Eastern Townships is made from a variety of concrete called gunite — a hard-wearing mix of concrete, sand and water that’s applied using a high-pressure hose. Landscape architect Nathalie Desjean of StuartWebsterDesign took care of everything, adding a new deck and coping made from St-Marc limestone in a honed finish. “Our plan was to do laps every morning but, of course, kids, friends and even our dog, Echo, use it all the time,” says Nathalie’s client. The 10-foot depth and broad steps are accented by in-pool lighting that is dramatic in the evening, and the naturalized look blends seamlessly with the backdrop of waving pines.
What They Wanted: A large pool that suits the forest setting, with a 10-foot depth for diving.
Pool Type: Gunite (a type of concrete).
Why They Chose It: Concrete pools can be any depth or dimension, and the grey finish gives water a subtle hue.
The Dimensions: 40′ l. x 20’ w. x 10′ d.
The Cost: Approx. $100,000- $200,000 for a custom pool with steps.
“You can see the bocce ball court from the pool; it draws you even more into the magnificent native setting,” says Nathalie. “Now, it’s a real gathering place.” Her client agrees: “It’s definitely a magnet. There’s no better way to enjoy our short-lived summers — don’t think twice about putting in a pool; just do it!”
A dead space behind the garage was turned into an enclosed kitchen garden where leafy vegetables, tomatoes, raspberry bushes and flowers are planted in self-watering raised beds.
2. Backyard Beauty
The Backstory: Many years ago, designer Erin Feasby installed a spa in the backyard of her suburban home west of Toronto. But as her three active children, Max, 11, and twins Emmy and Lola, 9, grew up, it wasn’t getting used as much. “My husband, Sam, didn’t want a big play structure on the lawn, but we wanted the kids outside when they were home,” says Erin. “The pool makes our yard a destination. We always wanted a house where everyone likes to hang out with their friends.”
What They Wanted: A large family pool with fun play features.
Pool Type: Fibreglass
Why They Chose It: It was cost-effective and easier to install than a concrete pool.
The Dimensions: 35′ l. x 16′ w. x 6’6″ d.
The Cost: Approx. $50,000– $60,000 (pool only).
The pool has broad steps and tanning ledges in the deep end that can support chairs or rambunctious kids. Erin says that, with the landscaping, custom cabanas and furniture, the final tally inched up near $200,000 but reasons that you have to think of it as a cottage in the city, “and there’s no long commute!”
They chose a fibreglass pool because it could be lifted into their backyard in one day, and it’s less costly than a concrete version. Erin opted for a clean look that would blend in to the spa’s hardscaping with large-scale concrete pavers around the pool, natural Eramosa stone coping and a light grey liner to match the existing spa. Twin cabanas, with beautiful soft-grey siding by Maibec, house the pool mechanics and a change room, respectively. A pair of hanging chairs are suspended on a pergola for Erin’s twins.
3. City Oasis
The Backstory: When Sarah and Adam Cooper asked their designer, Arren Williams, for a fun addition to their rustic backyard, he floated the idea of a galvanized metal stock tank pool. This playful alternative to a typical aboveground pool is usually used to water cows.
What They Wanted: A spot for kids to cool off without sacrificing the bulk of their backyard to a pool.
Pool Type: Galvanized metal
Why They Chose It: It’s economical and easy to use; at the end of the season, they can just flip it over.
The Dimensions: 11′ diam. x 2′ d.
The Cost: $1,250 for a 10′-diam. pool, plus shipping
“They wanted something that was easy and doable,” says Arren. “The boys are always outside playing with friends in the neighborhood or jumping on the trampoline, so this tank is just what’s needed to cool down.” The pool arrived on a truck so installation was immediate, and it’s easy to maintain. Adam watched YouTube videos to learn how to install the pump and filter. He also researched for the best Flocculant For Pool. “It’s very low-maintenance and a lot of fun,” says Sarah. “The boys have invented a lot of games to play — pool hockey, basketball and water gun battles — and it’s been an inexpensive source of summer fun.” The family can always transition to an in-ground pool down the road, but this tank is great for testing the waters to see if they want to make a more permanent arrangement. “It’s two feet deep, but it’s not just for the kids to splash around,” says Arren. “You can sit in there with a glass of wine.”
House & Home June 2022