Enjoying a Tropical Holiday Every Day

After returning from a holiday in Costa Rica, which is bordered on one side by the Pacific, and on the other by the Caribbean, these homeowners wanted to keep enjoying the tropical experience they so enjoyed there.
The first challenge facing Deck and Patio Company’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, was to meet the expectations of both the husband and wife: he wanted a place to take full advantage of the sun; she wanted a cool place to relax with friends.
The solution was (1) to position the pool in the sun, in order to gain the most sun exposure during the day and, (2) for congregating in comfort, create a shady pergola, over a granite swim-up/walk-up bar and patio.
The second challenge was developing a plan that would fit in the 12-foot elevation change from the rear of the home to the back of the property. To alleviate this, we built a raised patio, with a wide, wrap-around stair, leading to the pool, patio, and sunken swim up bar patio.
We did all this without using rails and fences, which would obstruct views of the natural stone waterfall and vibrant landscaping. By designing wide stairs, multi-level stone walls and generous planting beds, we were able to create a colorful buffer between the upper and lower levels.
Both husband and wife were delighted with the design, and the property’s most difficult challenge — its rising elevation — was turned into a benefit. The main thing, is they both feel like they’re back in Costa Rica, every single day.
This project won several GOLD MEDAL awards from the several design awards awards from the NSPI and NESPA. View them at: http://www.deckandpatio.com/awards/Awards2004.html
Vinyl Pool Swim-Up Bar: For the ultimate in outdoor socializing, guests can walk up to, or swim up to, this U-shaped bar and sit on patio or in-pool stools.
Patio Landscaping: Matching steps, walls, coping and moss rock add elegant finishing touches to the Techo-Bloc patios.
Techo-Bloc’s “Elena” in Sandlewood: Techo-Bloc’s Elena/Sandlewood, with its warm gray and tan earth tones, in random sizes, creates welcoming, spacious patios.
Pool-Side Bar: This 32-foot, U-shaped swim-up granite-topped bar, in cultured stone and rock facing, curves around to be enjoyed from patio as well.
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  • Alice Woodlief Alice Woodlief on Mar 14, 2014
    The pool liner appears to be all one color - no border. What did you use - name of vinyl pattern, mil, manufacturer, etc.
  • Alice Woodlief Alice Woodlief on Mar 15, 2014
    My husband and I are considering converting from our chlorine system to a salt water system. I have read so many reviews about corrosion, etc. with the salt system. Can anyone that has had a system for 3 or more years give some input. Thanks!
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