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A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - Home and Garden Enhancement with Patio to Pool Designs
A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - Home and Garden Enhancement with Patio to Pool Designs
Date: 2024-02-28
TheHeat-wave conditions linked to the on-going critical issues of pollution in ourcoastal sea water, andfuel increases for costly travelling, makes the inclusion of a swimming pool inthe garden a most attractiveasset for the property. Where the Architects Drawing includes the new pool thiswill be under-taken during the Construction Phase by a nominated Pool expert.However, many properties offer space for a pool to suit their particular setting,and fulfill the dreams of the family. Careful planning for the shape, size anddepth is essential together with the optimum position within the existing garden. Professional geo-technicalassessment to include cone penotrameter tests is essential at the start. Theresults will ensure that the weight of the structure in the soil bed, whenfilled with water, will be stable and not require costly under-pinning.
A well-planned pool offers scope for swimming training,children's parties and endless entertainment for family and friends. A wide access designwith steps should allow easy entrance into the shallow end. This is offers a great"cooling" spot on a hot day! The depth at the shallow end of about1.0M gives confidence to the young learner, when able to firmly 'touch thebottom'. Similarly, the deep end needs to allow above average depth if including adiving board. When too shallow for the enthusiastic diver the front teeth may be"at risk"! Non-slip paving is an essential around the edge to ensure no accidents with wet feet. Anexciting inclusion would be a Water slide for added attraction. The position of the Pool in thegarden landscape needs to consider proximity to the Patio with entertainment facilities and braai. Alarge evergreen shade tree such as the Natal Mahogany is another asset when set back away from thepool structure so there is no root interference, with nearby hardened surface for seats or benches.Around the base of the Tree include Large-leaved Dragon tree with lush leaves, together witha carpet of shade-loving Plectranthus varieties.
A good quality lawn grass such as Stenotaphrum secundatum(Buffalo Grass) which presents a terrestrial growth habit, or a fine vertical lawn suchas the Cynodon hybrid "Royal Blue" are ideal in the sun around the new pool. A seasonalmanagement program with top dressing applications will ensure uniformity of growth and lushappearance. The surrounding garden Layout design to offer ambience to the boundaries, and complimentthe Patio Decor. An elevated coastal position offers the choice of large Dune Aloes, together withclumps of bold Crane Flower, (Strelitzia reginae). Blue Barleria and swathes of Blue Agapanthus willendure windy conditions, also the pioneer Bush-tick berry with yellow daisy clusters, and berriesattracting birds. To echo the "blue" water, the bushy Blue Plumbago which attracts butterflies isanother asset along the boundary, inter-planting with Carissa macrocarpa (Large Num-num) withthorns a useful addition.
The "Closed" or "Open" structure ofthe Patio will dictate the choice of decor and feature planting in containers. Where there is white wrought Ironor weather-proof furnishings, use Crassula ovata offset with white pebbles. Where closed withrattan furniture displaying a rustic theme, a range of succulents with coloured leaves will blendand add ambience..
It is important to record that all swimming pools shouldbe compliant with a security fence and the entry gate to have a child-proof lock. Thefence structure may be attractively screened, by introducing a border with Wild White Iris oryellow Peacock Flower and Justicia betonica (Paper Plume). At intervals plantthe climber Senecio macroglossus (Climbing Ivy), or Wild White Jasmin to soften the structure. Lastly Pool Maintenancewith daily testing of the Ph level to ensure balance and kill germs is essential.When in doubt regarding applications of Acid and Chlorine is advisable to seek professional assistance.. Greet thedawn with a sparkling Pool and CLEAN WATER where the kingfishers are already enjoying their dip!