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When
a steeply-sloped and wooded backyard with a babbling creek and limited
access posed challenges to fulfilling a Charlotte, NC, father's dream
of pool ownership, he called upon a local fiberglass pool company to transform
the seemingly impossible desire into an ideal retreat. "I've always wanted
a pool, my entire life," says Bill Alleyne. "It gets awfully hot in the
summer. I have young kids, and I also want to know where they are. I know
that by having a pool, my house will become the neighborhood hangout."
Relaxation tops his list of personal reasons for adding a pool, with recreation
and creating a place for entertaining running close seconds. Alleyne wanted
a pool that he could dive into and swim laps. In addition to the 8-ft.
deep, 40-ft. x 16-ft. pool, the project included a spa, steps down to
a bridge connecting a barbecue area nestled in the woods, a half-court
basketball area with a rollaway net, and a gas line for the grill.
"I
affectionately call it my sports and entertainment complex," Alleyne says
with a smile.
While
waiting for his young daughter to master her swim lessons, Alleyne queried
friends about their pool experiences and researched the pros and cons
of different construction methods. With a busy medical practice that leaves
little time for pool chores, Alleyne valued the ease of maintenance found
with fiberglass. Because of its smooth, nonporous, permanent surface,
algae do not readily cling, fiberglass does not leach anything into the
water and the shell does not require resurfacing or relining. The satiny
finish is also easy on the skin of swimmers.
Once
the fiberglass decision was made, Alleyne evaluated manufacturers and
contractors, weighing reputation and experience, before deciding on Pool
and Spa Tech of Charlotte, LLC, a San Juan fiberglass pool dealer.
"I
wanted somebody who could take care of everything from soup to nuts,"
Alleyne says. "That proved to be the best decision I made."
Pool
and Spa Tech co-owner Bob Fergione suggested Alleyne peruse the company's
Web site, which helped Alleyne feel more informed about the pool-building
process and available options. Fergione also provided a list of previous
customers to contact and recommended that Alleyne check the workmanship.
Alleyne
completed this task and then decided to install one of San Juan's largest
models. Pool and Spa Tech built around trees where possible, moved a prized
red maple and formed a deck around another tree. The yard's approximate
14-ft. drop from the house to the stream and unstable soil required two
interlocking, keystone block retaining walls with poured concrete spiral-style
steps, connecting to steel-reinforced decking, and an underground drainage
system. Like all inground pools, construction began with a backhoe digging
a hole. Midway through Alleyne's excavation, the crew hit an unexpected,
underground and active sewer line running through the yard. Pool and Spa
Tech co-owner Bill Harvey redesigned the project and moved the spa to
the far side of the pool, improving the view from inside the home. Digging
continued until the hole matched the dig plan to within one-eighth of
an inch. The bottom of the hole was covered with masonry sand until level.
A 35-ton crane lifted the pool off the delivery truck, passed it between
Alleyne's house and a neighboring house, raised it over the trees and
Alleyne's three-story brick home, and then swung it 110 feet into the
backyard.
"The
entire neighborhood came out to see this crane," Alleyne laughs. "There
was not so much as a scratch to the pool or to the two houses. The trees
complicated matters. It was an amazing maneuver." Twenty mile-per-hour
winds added to the excitement. Harvey stood in the hole as the crane lowered
the pool into place to ensure that it came to rest properly. He hooked
up the main drain and checked for leaks, before crawling out from underneath
and rechecking that the pool was level. Hydraulic jacks held the pool
in place while crews slowly backfilled sand between the pool and the dirt
as a garden hose gradually filled the pool. For the next day and a half,
the contractors walked the pool floor to check for voids underneath, and,
if any were found, they pumped masonry sand into the hollow spots. Plumbing
was added as the water rose. Once the pool filled, Pool and Spa Tech poured
a 1-ft. deep concrete footer around the outside of the pool and built
a concrete-block raised elevation wall between the pool and upper spa
deck. The electrical work came next, followed by coping and the pouring
of the deck. After allowing three weeks for the concrete to cure, the
crew applied a nonskid acrylic surface to the deck and steps, adding a
pattern that gives the appearance of brick coping on the tread.
Alleyne
opted for tile at the waterline, which protects the fiberglass from potentially
damaging sunlight and he elected to install a natural-gas heater, which
warms the spa water and extends the swim season. An automatic control
system located inside the home lets the family adjust the heater and pumps
conveniently. Alleyne also decided to include a fiber-optic waterfall,
as well as fiber-optic perimeter and in-pool lighting.
"All
these extras add a special appeal," Alleyne says. "Part of the enjoyment
of the pool, in addition to getting into the water, is the look and how
it makes you feel when you invite guests over and they say Wow."
Maintenance
has been as simple and short as promised. The spa has a separate circulation
and filtration system, which makes it easier to balance the water. Alleyne
adds, "An automatic pool cleaner is key. You flip the switch, and the
pool cleans itself."
The
new pool and spa have met all of the family's expectations. "And, in North
Carolina," Alleyne boasts, "we can use it year-round."
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The
16-ft. x 40-ft. fiberglass pool is lifted from the factory's truck.
A
skilled crane operator is important because of the pool's location, backyard
grade, rear height of the three-story house and the distance from the
crane's location in the driveway.
A
snug fit and high winds leave little room for error.
The
raised spa elevation is built with concrete blocks, which are later filled
with concrete.
The
concrete is poured and smoothed into place.
Solid
concrete spiral steps extend from the back patio walkway down to the pool
deck.
The
sheer waterfall and soothing action of the bubbling spa add the finishing
touches.
The
Alleyne family's finished pool is ready to welcome them.
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