FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - April '08 - Luxury Pools by Clift PoolsBy: Lisa Irwin Photos: Carrie-Lynn Smith
 Spring is fast upon us, and with the warm weather approaching, thoughts of a backyard paradise begin to stir. For those with little ones, they can hear the laughter and splashes of kids enjoying their wet adventureland. Some might just enjoy the beautifully designed architecture over a morning cup of coffee, while others will use their pool for a brisk form of excercise. Whichever form of leisure you choose to enjoy, exquisitely built pools have the power and allure to give back for a lifetime.
The first step in building a pool is to consider the basics mentioned above. Is it for family entertainment? Is it destined to be a landscaping centerpiece, or for a form of excercise? Once you have mentally started linking together the components for your backyard masterpiece, it's time to take the next step.
The second phase in designing a pool is to team up with a quality builder. Eric and Heather Clift, with Clift Pools, have been building some of North Florida's finest custom pools and waterscapes since 1989. Eric recommends striking a balance within a defined space.
Take into account the palette of water, stone and pavers, plant material, lighting, the home's architecture and space, so that it appears that the design blends seamlessly and that all of the elements flow well together. People tend to be visual creatures, and a well designed pool will be aesthetically pleasing, giving back to us just like a stylish automobile or custom home.
Once the builder has been chosen and a final design established, then it's time for the work to begin. A custom pool with water accents, hot tub, pavers, screened enclosure, and the landscaping to go behind can take anywhere from six weeks to longer. Your home life might be disturbed for a shortwhile, with construction equipment, concrete, and fast-paced workers, but the payoff is huge. Once the last paver is set, the pool filled, and the landscaping is firmly in place, the relaxation and enjoyment can begin.
People tend to actually swim in pools for only a small fraction of time out of the year, but it's the combined beauty of the project that makes for such a harmoniously pleasing addition to any home.
 A beautifully tiered stone waterfall provides a wonderful focal point against the natural backdrop. Blending the pool, its water features, and the landscape, help bring across an aesthetically pleasing sensibility.
 Incorporating classic architecture and materials into a pool design, provides a striking separation between the home and the environment.
 Blending lines and keeping certain pieces of landscaping can transform your backyard into a space for relaxation with family and nature. |
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