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Swimming Pools become backyard water features Twenty years ago, swimming pool designers had a book of standard shapes for backyard swim- ming pools. Rectangles, squares, kidney-shaped pools, placed in the middle of the backyard serv- ing primarily for swim- ming activities. Today, swimming pools resemble natu- ral ponds, exotic lagoons and mountain lakes. They are stun- ning water features complete with water- falls, fountains and exotic lighting all designed to capture the character of the owner and to provide more than just a ves- sel in which to swim. The 1999-Pool & Spa Design. Awards :pro- gram, conducted by the: National Spa & Pool Institute of Canada, is a testimo- nial direction that builders and homeowners are choosing. Making a work of art out of a pool is not restricted to the high- priced - : pool. Designers say that many homeowners are choosing conven- tionally shaped pools in both vinyl and gunite, but are select- ing designer touches to enhance the look. These touches include such concepts as free form 'curves, cascading water fea- tures, and landscape design. They will also pay attention to the fine details of liner patterns and design or to hand painted tiles that give pools added character. Creating synergy between the house architect homeowner. The best pools suit the neigh- the home and the lot, and are' enhanced with proper - landscaping, fencing - and, other 'amenities. . Customizing the pool : to fit the personality of the owner may. also lead .to a stunning - to. the - design' -and pool requires the tremendous coopera- tion of a pool 'builder and a landscape "and the borhood, design success. A popular trend in pool design is the nat- ural look - which can completely transform a swimming pool away from a sterile - environment 'backyard landscape. Along with this tomes 'one of the: mas Nar swimming - pool today in Canada - the addition of a cascading water- trends fall. Many pool own- . ers want theirpools to be active as opposed : to passive. These waterfalls are created by "=ysing either real or artificial -rock and boulders and are artfully decorated with plants and grass- es that are indigenous to the area so that the effect will blend and appear natural. The water is circulated 'over the waterfall and back to the pool by a pump that adds little to the electrical bill. The resulting beauty, sound and movement of the water adds tremendous focus to the swimming pool and character to the backyard. Another popular trend in making pools dis- tinctive is the intro- duction of fibre-optic lighting that can be into a tpopu- i underwater fixtures. beautiful shades and One of the unique hues in and around features of this kind of the pool. lighting is its ability to Whether you're think- change colours of the .ing about building a light on' a" rotating swimming pool that basis. This can:create looks like a tropical shaped and moulded into unique figures. The flexibility and size 'of the tubing allows it to be integrated into the perimeter of the "pool as well as into Fae ims ¢ 5% of ars ] pis rs . > 3 uh M oo a 2 Custom Awnings FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2000 - 35 lagoon or one that has personalized designer touches, talk with several builders and designers. PATIO CENTRE 62 Brock St. W., Downtown Uxbridge LUST IWAN 3 [0 [ON To E210 [0 BY $36 5 0 JC (WAVY Fil (our Patio & BBQ Needs 3,000 sq. ft. sh