This Pool Makes a Splash

Southern Living, Sep 2004 by Bussell, Gene B

A watery oasis surrounded by rustic stone and lush plantings offers a hidden retreat.

Do you dream of relaxing by a pool listening to the soothing sounds of a waterfall? If so, you are not alone. Homeowner Steve Callahan of Oklahoma City felt the same way.

In fact, he actually had an aboveground pool, but he found it offered more problems than pleasures. It was not particularly attractive and didn't look permanent sitting in the middle of the yard. Maintenance was difficult because the surrounding landscape drained poorly, and whenever it rained, the area became a mud hole. More importantly, there was not much privacy from the parking area or escape from the noise of the busy street nearby. So Steve took his dreams to the drawing board.

Starting Over

If two heads are better than one, then three may be the best of all. The various problems of Steve's old pool and landscape were ultimately solved by a collaboration among the owner; the garden designer, John Fluitt; and the pool builder, Robbin Phillips. The three met on-site and sketched a plan on a napkin that became the blueprint for the new pool and garden.

To provide privacy and screen the road from view, they built a cedar-shake fence that separates the pool and patio from the nearby parking area. A large opening in the fence serves as an impressive entryway and offers visitors a glimpse of the pool. Trees such as river birch (Betula nigra) and Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) help shade and screen the transition space between the parking area and the patio. A stone bench to the right of the entry graciously invites guests into this retreat.

Around the new pool, native Oklahoma sandstone forms the retaining walls, steps, and patio floor. Two "water curtain" fountains spill from the walls and help hush the sounds of nearby traffic. Using the stone created a natural look that was both informal and easy to maintain. The warm sandstone also provides a nice contrast to the cool look of the black plaster-and-tile walls of the swimming pool. To further blend the pool with the surrounding patio, stone steps lead into the water. The retaining walls are also functional, redirecting runoff around the pool. The patio rests on packed gravel to further enhance drainage.

A Place To Relax

The patio holds a casual seating area with chaise longues and small terracotta pedestals used as tables. A rustic cedar-post arbor, which incorporates a recycled metal screen, buffers the adjacent lot. The arbor, planted with American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), softens the space and adds privacy. Other low-maintenance plants, including weeping willow (Salix babylonica), maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'), 'Gro-Low' fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'), 'Diana' rose of Sharon, and 'Blue Ice' Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica 'Blue Ice'), add texture and color.

Containers of silver plectranthus and white oleander provide easy interest and further accent the seating area. Beds around the pool depend on foliage rather than flowers for color. 'Blackie' sweet potato vine, artemisia, and purple-leaved fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') provide long-lasting, easy-care color. This is important, because the beds lie above the retaining walls, and reaching them for maintenance requires a bit of diligence.

Final touches around the pool include fragrant thyme and mint planted between the stones of the patio. When stepped upon, they release refreshing and calming scents into the air. With that and the sound of falling water, this small hideaway becomes any home-owner's dream. GENE B. BUSSELL

THIS POOL MAKES A SPLASH

Page 65: Pool by Clearwater Pools, Oklahoma City, (405) 728-0005 or www.clearwaterokc.com.