For got to post the pic:

You don't necessarily have to live without the dutch door, you could still do a dutch door and just install a latch that is low but has a release at the required height. See the below link, in the 2nd picture note that the release actually extends vertically above the fence and gate height. Something like that might work for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://blog.fencemax.com/tag/pool/

I don't know if you've ever thoght of an iron gate, but I like the the way it looks with the wood, especially since I have other things that are cast iron in my yard. I have a sense of privacy back there, but at the same time I like the open feel of the gate. It keeps my dogs in and I can have a conversation with someone on the other side. I don't have a very good picture to show it, but you can see it in this one. Look kind of behind the lamp post.
{{!gwi}}

Teppy, your pool and yard never cease to take my breath away. I think an iron gate is very nice. I have seen a lot of people have a wooden gate with an inset of wrought iron, or even peek-a-boo wrought iron on the bottom half of fence panels (like windows for the dog, I say). I like that idea a lot.
Greenthumbfish: I like the original gate design, too. Are those sago palms in the pots? I was so excited, I found some good size sagos for $18 Thursday while out with my mom. Unfortunately, she bought half, I bought the other half. At the shop next door they were $45, same size.

readyami, yep, they're Sagos. Sagos are cheap, it's the terra cotta pots they like that are 'spenive ;-)

Got some more ideas at the decor forum, and I want to check on the code myself.

Hubs would never approve an iron gate. Our gate position just wouldn't be right for it. Besides, we're talking about mini dachsies and they'd probably be able to squeeze under or thru ;-)

Yours is beautiful though, Teppy!