A happy new year to you!!
I sincerely hope that you will excuse me for going AWOL once again - this time I have no excuse only to say winding up a year end in building and design is d e m a n d i n g and then, well it was time to just kick back and relax! So whilst I've come back refreshed and relaxed, I've hit the ground running and so promise that I will keep things turning over nicely here once again!
Today's blog was certainly one of the easiest to compile! The only place on everyone's mind in Sunny SA at this time of the year is the pool (the beach way surpasses this but it has it's own marvelous creation that requires no 're-designing' so it doesn't qualify here!).
The pool is really more multifunctional than we give it credit for; its a balmy summer afternoon and whilst the family has a siesta, I'm sitting beside the pool, laptop up and chipping away at my first blog of 2012! I'm relaxed, the breeze has come up a little and the tranquility of the water makes light of my little brain storm session of 're-designing' a pool area.
Many moons ago, when properties were large with ample space, the pool area was generally set away from the home as a 'stand alone feature'. It was enclosed by a pool fence and a lovely pool house inclusive of bar and lounge adorned it so that you didn't have to schlep everything to the pool every time you wanted to enjoy a dip and a braai. If you're fortunate enough to have a property like this today, enjoy the fact that you can 'get away from it all' - all the way at the pool! With properties becoming smaller and space at a premium, pool areas are now integrated into the greater home entertainment area which pretty much offers you the same benefit as those of yesteryear without leaving the comfort of your living area.
The concrete jungle surrounding the pool that was once slasto has made way for a small border of decking such as balau / sandstone / tile or resin gravel surrounded by a lush grassed area. This border adds character to the pool area and provides a wider spectrum of colour which is always pleasing to the eye. There are many surface options on the market, deciding on a new look for that pool which was built in the late 70's and is hungry for a make-over means that you are spoiled for choice. It's an uncomplicated project to lift the current border and surround the pool with a more contemporary one and lay some instant grass. Whilst you are at it, consider replacing the coping too, it will do wonders in achieving a more up to date looking space.
If the colour of the pool is drab and a blue sparkle only refers to the surface of the water on a hot cloud-less day, consider redoing the marbelite and mosaic. This requires more intensive work and is best left for late summer as your pool will need to be emptied but, it will mean a wonderful new fresh look for the return of the next pool season - only three months away!
While trees near any pool area create lots of work, they really soften and add texture, colour and beauty to an area that needs to be alive. Whether space only allows for a few plant boxes and a bed with a palm in the corner; I really believe a pool area looks best enhanced with nature's photosynthesizing mobile!
Pool designs have also come so far! Think of all the options; rock pools, splash pools, rim-flow, fully tiled, lap pools - the list is endless. The decision of design is made by 'your need' - what purpose does your pool fulfill?
Do you need to train for the annual Midmar Mile?
Raise the next Ryk Neethling?
Be the local 'bookclub' venue choice for Saturday night pool parties?
Have a place for your children to enjoy having fun with their friends?
Or simply does it help you to unwind after a long day?
There were times when I honestly wanted to fill my pool (an old 70's gem) up with sand! Being a married couple without children a few years ago meant that we were seldom at home, when we were it seemed as though I was always trying to stablise water and sort out the incompetent kreepy.
This was WAY too much work for us, we surfed when it was hot and had no interest in lounging at the pool which was a constant DIY project in any case.
WELL, has my tune changed since my children have grown to love the pool! Whilst the kreepy is still the bane of my life, the pool is often used daily sometimes all day, its feeling loved and now looks great. Now that I have recognised the purpose of my own pool, I think I need to apply some of my own pearls and wave my wand of re-designing to grace it with a new re-designed look!
