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Soak in the Good Life With Swim-Up Pool Counters
Perching at a poolside bar or even paddling to the front door are all possible with skillful design
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
As I sit here in humid 90-degree Atlanta summer heat (actually, hiding inside in the air conditioning, frettting over Vitamin D deficiency), I am dreaming of enjoying a frozen drink while submerged in a cool body of water. Counters between pools and outdoor kitchens, pavilions with televisions, and even a cabin with a swim-up deck make taking a cooling swim that much more fun — and more social. Take a break from your work for a few minutes and daydream about a dip. And if you're lucky enough to be making your pool dreams a reality, consider some of these factors when making your plans.
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| Jonathan Spears of Sage Design Studios explains that there are lots of factors to consider when adding a counter, such as the height from both sides of the counter surface, the spacing between the underwater stools and the wall surface underneath the counter (it should have a smooth finish that won't scrape bare knees). These beautiful underwater counter stools must be planned. "In places like Malibu, the column construction includes tubes dug into the foundation that provide the forms," he says. He then covered the concrete cylinders with a beautiful tile that adds pattern to the watery palette. |
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| Spears also warns about scorching hot countertops. "If the counter is not covered by shade, be sure to use a porous material like tumbled travertine to keep it from getting too hot and burning the skin." |
An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate swim-up companion. Just listen to your mother and give yourself a half-hour to digest. If you've been having a hot dog from the poolside, be careful.
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| Obviously and ironically, the "dry" side of the counter is where you should be imbibing spirits, but enjoying a piña colada on a hot day from the wet side may be too tempting. If you opt to drink while soaking, be very careful and don't overdo it. Also, the pool should be shallow enough for those indulging in food and spirits to take a slow and safe walk through the water out to dry land. |
| A pavilion over this counter provides a shady side and a sunny side. Those cooling off in the water can enjoy direct sun; those who are working hard making margaritas or who forgot their bathing suits can enjoy the shade. |
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| Counter height from the dry side is an important consideration. The average kitchen counter indoors is 36 inches high, while the standard bar height is 42 inches. |
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| Pavilions also provide shade for viewing a flat screen. Those who enjoy this pool in the Ozarks can also enjoy watching the Cardinals play while they cool off. |
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| This pool's thoughtful design has a large, shallow area for lounging in just a few inches of water in addition to the underwater counter stools. |
| The owners of this floating house on Lake Union in Seattle tend to kayak instead of swim up to their home, but these large glass garage doors make it possible to dive from the living room. See the rest of this home |
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| This swim-up cabin is surrounded by a man-made pond. The owners can dip into it right off the deck, and it's also stocked with trout for fishing. I spoke with home builder Todd Thesing of Highline Partners, who explained that his group completed extensive studies regarding pond levels and evaporation rates before construction, and that the house sits on its own foundation that is waterproof and designed to handle a catastrophic water situation. We'll be seeing more of this house in a future Houzz Tour feature. More: 19 Spectacular Pools Near and Far How to Make Your Home's Pool Special |
Ideabook published on June 21, 2012.
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There is nothing like ocean water - I hope you make it to a beach this weekend Becky!