Located on four acres of beautiful Quebec countryside, this historic farmhouse had a wide-open backyard but no defined space where the homeowners could relax or gather outside. They envisioned a casual, low-maintenance poolside retreat where family and friends could spend carefree summer days, whether cooling off in the water, relaxing in the shade, or gathering for meals.
With no existing landscaping, the first challenge was to determine the best place to dig and place the pool to maximize sunlight while keeping it easily accessible from the house. By studying the sun’s patterns throughout the day, an ideal location was found that was able to accommodate a pool area of approximately 25’ by 45’.
Digging in
The excavation began with a backhoe scooping out the space for the pool. A fiberglass model was chosen, and the entire installation was completed in one long day. To do the job, a tractor with a telescopic arm was used to help unload and install the pool. The concrete work was done afterwards by a company specializing in pool cement. Forms with reinforcements were laid down before the concrete was poured. When it was fully cured, it was scored and the forms removed, resulting in a smooth, even finish.
Challenges
The land’s natural slope presented some difficulties and required a significant amount of levelling with crushed stone to ensure a stable foundation for the pool installation. Another issue was working within the property line. To maximize space, the pool’s concrete area was extended. Locally sourced natural stone from the farm, smooth concrete and pebble stone were combined to create a natural flow from the screened timber-framed dining area to the fenced-in pool.
Easy maintenance
While the homeowners envisioned a beautiful pool experience, they didn’t want to spend a lot of time looking after it. To reduce the amount of maintenance needed to keep the site pristine, durable materials were chosen to minimize upkeep. The cement pavers and rocks are all long-lasting, requiring only occasional sweeping and a yearly pressure wash. The choice of the fiberglass pool eliminated the need for any future liner replacements. Additionally, pebble stone along the drip line of the screened-in porch roof was used to help with drainage and protect the cement from water damage.
Finishing touches
A custom black aluminum fence with vertical bars was installed to meet municipal regulations and has a self-locking system for safety. To complete the vibe, boulders were placed on the outside of the fence to add a rugged, natural look while also serving as a retaining wall.
The result is a relaxing outdoor retreat designed for effortless summer living, with nothing overly polished — just an inviting, timeless space to enjoy.