Initiate Permit Stage:  Prelim to expidite process.

• Conservation Authority approval (if necessary).
  • Required documents, drawings & fee payments.
• Municipal permit application.
  • Required documents, drawings, fence details & fee payments etc.
• Utility locate requisition. 
  • OneCall Utility Location Service.
  • Provisions for other contigent locating and/or required permissions, Trans Canada Pipeline, Public & Private Lands, Forestry etc.

General Information:  Pathway of information from initial inquiry.

• Initial inquiry;
  • Discussions through email and/or over telephone to gather general information to establish:
    • Approval; fulfilment of requirements for key to access locked portions of web site.
    • Set up an onsite appointment;
      • Assess proposed property/specific site.
      • Present a detailed promotional package which includes;
        • Proprietary brochures.
        • Manufacturer brochures.
        • Portfolio pictures.
        • Base Specification Sheet.
        • Detailed quote sheet/price list.
        • Client references.
• Follow Up;
  • Sequestering of contents of detailed quote sheet/price list into an "Advanced Quotation".
    • This provides an itemized clean list of desired inclusions stripped of all non essential information.
    • Provides the format that will evolve into the "Addendum A" main contract support document.
  • Forwarding requested information as required by link or other.
• Review;
  • Refining of the "Advanced Quotation" (numbered subsequent versions) to reflect the changes included in the evolution of the project to be specified & quoted.
  • Providing further information on product and procedure.
• Contract Formalization;
  • Convert 'Advanced Quotation" into "Addendum A" document.
  • Sequester all relevant documents.
  • Sign & acknowledge all required documents.

Contract Formalization:  Draft & sign all approriate documents.

• Mutual Contract of Agreement:  "The Main Contract".
  • Front of Contract; relevant information identifying:
    • The parties entering the mutual contract of agreement, contact information etc.
    • Description of the civil and legal address of the homeowner(s) & building site.
    • List of supporting documents to be included and bound within the terms and conditions of the main contract.
    • Detailed specifications on the pool and/or spa to be built and associated contingent options.  
    • Detailed listing of all included equipment.
    • Detailed specific notes regarding any of the contents.
    • Total contract price & payment schedule noting the amounts due and at which stage of contract progression.
    • Signature lines accepting the entire contents of the mutual contract of agreement, front page and the reverse side back page.
  • Back (Reverse) side of contract; detailed information noting:
    • General conditions of the agreement.
    • Standard legal warranty.
    • Default.
• Associated Addendum(s):  Support to "The Main Contract".  Labelled addendum(s) that include more detailed information as expanded from the main contract.
  • General Structure;
    • Listing of items as included within the base package.
    • Listing of all optional equipment upgraded from the base package
    • Listing of "category specific" items.
      • Amounts not extended to total (items to remain optional to homeowner and/or as rough estimates for items required from third parties).
      • Amounts extended into total (items as part of scope of work included).
    • Various notes including but not limited to:
      • Disclaimers.
      • Extra fees for goods & services contingent to the included scope of work.
      • Quantification method of pro-rata billed items.
      • Homeowner responsibilities.
      • Payment schedule overview.
• Relevant Document Notation.
  • Lot Plan (Plot Plan), Survey Plan, Site Plan: Are genererally produced by a licensed land surveyor and stamped & signed with their professional designation, date & firm name.
    • Lot Plan (Plot Plan); is a drawing or a map of a property that outlines its boundaries and physical dimensions, set back distances of the house (intended and/or "as built"), sheds, fences, and other structures on the property as well as any improvements and easements made on the property.  These drawings are essential as they provide a standard for determining what part of a particular piece of land is your property and what is not.  Beyond defending against encroachments, surveys serve many other legal purposes and are often required when conducting home improvements that expand the house or involve installing permanent structures, such as sheds, in-ground swimming pools and fences.  A plot plan is sometimes a simpler and less accurate version of a survey.
    • Survey Plan; Generally the same as above but more accurate and certified with the authors stamp of professional designation. 
    • Site Plan; Generally the same as above but usually contain the neighbouring properties or the subdivision as originally planned.   
    • Notes: 
      • These drawings may not alway be conclusively relied upon to show all easements from all possible entities, further inquiry may be required by the homeowner to the appropriate sources.  
      • Usually you can find a plot plan or survey in the city/town building department property file.
      • The information noted onto a survey may vary in previous standards to current standards.
        • Older drawings (usually in imperial measure) will often have just dimension measurements.
        • More current drawings (usually in metric measure) will often include dimensions/measurements, bearings, elevations, drainage water courses etc.
  • Grading Plans: 
    • May be part of a survey as noted above or be an independent drawing showing just the grade point elevations of the structures and general lay of the land.  They may be drawn by licensed land surveyor, landscape architect, engineer or other with the required accreditations or they may be drawn by lay persons.  Different municipalities require different standards ranging from no requirements to very accurate and certified.
  • Drainage Plans:  
    • May be part of a survey as noted above or be an independent drawing showing just the grade point elevations and/or contour lines of the general lay of the land.  They may be drawn by licensed land surveyor, landscape architect, engineer or other with the required accreditations or they may be drawn by lay persons.  Different municipalities require different standards ranging from no requirements to very accurate and certified.
  • Overall Landscape Design Plans:  Can range in style, complexity and content.
    • Hand Sketch; Conveys the rough concept, non colour.  Included.
    • Hand Drawing; Usually detailed and colourized.  Rate charge as quoted.
    • CAD drawing (2 Dimensional); Very detailed 2 dimentional (top view) drawing including dimensions and quantifications of items (black & white or colourized).  Rate charge as quoted.
    • CAD drawing (3 Dimensional); Very detailed 3 dimentional (multi view) streaming reality/drawing, including dimensions and quantifications of items (black & white or colourized).  Rate charge as quoted.
  • CAD Pool Specification Drawing:  Usually a multi page document that shows the pool with its overall dimensions (top view, end view and elevation view), interior configuration dimensions, locations for (steps, benches, ledges, spillover spas, lighting, plumbing fittings etc).
  • Acceptance Acknoledgements:  These documents establish the parameters for the terms & conditions that govern the entire contract (main contract, all addendums & supporting documents), the protocol pathways for charges of extras (items not included within the scope of work contracted for) and exclusive ownership of any and all intellectual material & proprietary material, including but not limited to design, marketing rights, processes, concepts and other relevant proprietary material.
    • Extras pricelist and/or notes as contained within the main contract and/or the associated addendums and supporting documents:  The information contained within these documents will be conclusively relied upon as the sole instrament in determining the billing amounts for any & all extras ordered by the homeowner et al.   
    • Terms & conditions of the agreement:  The information contained within the main contract and/or the associated addendums and supporting documents will be conclusively relied upon as the sole instrament in determining the terms and conditions that govern the mutual contract of agreement, without superceding the laws of the land.
    • Intellectual property & design rights reserved: The information contained within the main contract and/or the associated addendums, supporting documents and exclusive disclaimer will be conclusively relied upon as the sole instrament in determining ownership and exclusive ownership of any and all intellectual material & proprietary material, including but not limited to design, marketing rights, processes, concepts and other relevant proprietary material.  The contractor reserves the exclusive ownership of same. .  Any breach thereof is subject to penalties as provided by the agreement and/or actions as provided by law. 
  • Establish protocol for "change in work ordered".
    • Homeowner must inform contractor by way of verbal and written notice as soon as possible regarding any changes in work ordered.
    • Homeowner acknowledges that costs, timetables, schedules and trickle down effects thereof, can be affected by the requested change.
    • Contractor reserves the right to draft appropriate documents and obtain written confirmation from the homeowner acknowleding the requested changes in work, specifications, costs and potential change in schedule.   
• General Information:  Pathway of information from initial inquiry.
  • Initial inquiry;
    • Discussions through email and/or over telephone to gather general information to establish:
      • Approval; fulfilment of requirements for key to access locked portions of web site.
      • Set up an onsite appointment;
        • Assess proposed property/specific site.
        • Present a detailed promotional package which includes;
          • Proprietary brochures.
          • Manufacturer brochures.
          • Portfolio pictures.
          • Base Specification Sheet.
          • Detailed quote sheet/price list.
          • Client references.
  • Follow Up;
    • Sequestering of contents of detailed quote sheet/price list into an "Advanced Quotation".
      • This provides an itemized clean list of desired inclusions stripped of all non essential information.
      • Provides the format that will evolve into the "Addendum A" main contract support document.
    • Forwarding requested information as required by link or other.
  • Review;
    • Refining of the "Advanced Quotation" (numbered subsequent versions) to reflect the changes included in the evolution of the project to be specified & quoted.
    • Providing further information on product and procedure.
  • Contract Formalization;
    • Convert 'Advanced Quotation" into "Addendum A" document.
    • Sequester all relevant documents.
    • Sign & acknowledge all required documents.

Conclude scope of work: 

• Overall Design.
  • Pool and/or Spa & associated Aquascapes;
    • Design/Theme:  The greatest synergy will more likely be achieved by keeping the consistency in balance and congruency of the surrounding elements and the flow from the house.  Example, if you put a lagoon themed pool/landscape into a small yard surrounded by a phalynx type wall of houses backing onto to it, it won't realize as much synergy in design as it would if placed on a larger lot with a natural setting. 
    • Shape:  The more pure of a fit with the overall plan, the more sound the overall aesthetic product will be.
    • Size:  The average size pool is 16' x 32' (approx 5m x 10m).  The chosen size should be about the best overall balance.  Having a pool on the larger side of the spectrum costs more to heat and keep up.  It may not be the capital cost that determines what exact size is actually honed in on but rather the projected running cost to keep it up to the temperature that you feel that will be most comfortable and will maximize usage.
    • Interior configuration dimensions:  Careful consideration should be given to the distribution of the dimensions of the interior configuration.  Example; overall 32' long pool.  Which suits your family's use better, the standard 8' long shallow end followed by a 14' front slope, a 6' bottom and a 4' back slope as is a standard configuration, or longer shallow end or larger hopper etc.
    • Finishes:  There are a plethora of options regarding the interior finish, types, colours & unit sizes of plaster and tile lend variation to fine tune the look within the chosen theme.  Besides the many vinyl liner prints to choose from, step colour and matching capacity, adjusted water levels/notched coping etc all contribute to the overall aesthetic value.
    • Options:  Determin the items that must be part of the poolscape from the start, identify the optional components that be easily be added afterward at little to no extraencumbrace of cost.
    • Operation specifics:  Determin the exact functions desired, the filtration, plumbing, heating, cleaning, water purification components/options will vary in type, sizing and interactivity.
    • Placement location etc:  Take into account the elevations and corresponding pros & cons in operation effect, efficiency, expandibility etc.
  • Landscape;
    • Design:  A design that unites the pool as an extention of the home, keeps in unison with the overall design theme
    • Layout,
    • Location & dimensions & elevations, 
    • Finishes,
    • Options,
    • Associated amenities etc.
• Phase Layering.
  • Decide which phase is happening in specific order and estimated associated timelines.
• Budget Design.
  • Total contract price:  Become familiar with not only the main cotract but also any & all associated contracts for goods or services required by alternate sources and third party agents/suppliers.
  • Payment Schedule
    • Identify the contract or group of contracts.
    • Establish the associated payment schedule for the contract or group of contracts.
    • Familiarize yourself with the requirements that will be needed to be organized to fulfil this obligation.  Delays in payments required will result in delays in work procedures.  Extra costs as incurred by direct, indirect & other means may result in chargebacks to the client.
      • Common examples;
        • Delayed time to tranfer funds between accounts.
        • Delayed time in requisitioning redemption transactions from investment account etc.
        • Activation of new accounts & lines of credit etc.
        • General misunderstandings of exactly what is required & when. 
    • Note:  It's imperative to remember that we are all working toward the same objective, to provide the contracted product to you expediciously in order to maximize the positive experience.  Lack of comprehension of the respective responsibilities/deal parameters and the associated possible fall out/trickle down effect, costs and loss of time that can encumber the parties.  

Establish budget:  

• Budget Target(s). 
  • Evaluation:  Once the design component of the project has been substantially concluded, you now have an overview that can be thoroughly evaluated. Re-assess every element contained within the planned scope of work and re-affirm the inclusion of that item.  Re thinking the plan will give valuable insight to the cost vs benefit element to the item and whether items are more whimsicle than sensical, realistically identifying it as such, then decide if that item should still be included.  An item may be whimsical and non-sensical, it may not have to make sense that you want it but as long as the true cost associated with having it is something that you won't have a regret about, then it makes sense when you include it. 
• Phased Layers.
  • Once the final decisions have been made regarding the full scope of work, evaluate whether all of the phases included are items that you want and can afford to expedite at the same time.  While some people would rather just do all of the components of the grand design at the same time even though there is greater financial exposure, others may decide to layer the project, even if it increases costs in the end, in order to keep within set budgetary restraints.  Perhaps executing phase 1, 2 & 3 now, 4 & 5 the following year and subsequent phases added as time goes on.  This method can allow the backyard environment to be refined through evolution and maturation, as the client "settles" into the use of the backyard environment.  
• Finance Options.  This is meant to be a aid as a rough guide, subject to scrutiny by the reader, as not all people have the same level of knowledge on financial items.  What may be obvious to one person may not be to another
  • Depending on the scope of goods and/or services involved, finance options can range and in certain circumstances make sence, just depends on the priority.  Costs verses value.
    • Coventional/line of credit:  Chartered banks & trust companies.  Usually the easiest, fastest and least expensive way to obtain funds.  Extended as a independent financial vehicle based upon the equity of your home, lowest rates & most flexibilty for repayment.  Home equity loans can be obtained through your current bank, bank that holds your home mortgage or through an alteranate banks that are motivated to sign home equity loans.  Certain conventional lending institutions focus their lending criteria on different factors.  While some are debt to equity ratio, others will concentrate on income and the abilty to pay back, while others will be equity lenders as they value the amount of equity in the home and considering that the loan will likely be secured against the home and the work is considered a home improvement.
    • Second tier finance:  Trust companies & private lenders.  Borrowing interest rates are generally a few percentage point higher than a conventional lender will offer.  Usually a little easier to obtain because the lenders base approvals upon a more relaxed set of criteria.  An adequate Beacon score will likely secure this loan type with the lenders being less concerned with the debt to equity ratio or income.  If the equity is there to be secured, the loan is likely obtainable.
    • Revolving/non revolving:  Credit cards, floor plan borrowing & specialty finance companies like "FinanceIt" (non revolving).  Usually best for a smaller ticket item such as a packaged spa or manufactured product.
      • A no interest or low interest credit card may be a choice enabler to establish a credit rating, borrow money for a short term at little to no cost, enable a time sensitive purchase and/or take advantage of a sale price.  It can also add warranty, give security by way of recourse and take advantage of other renumeration programs such as Air Miles, Aeroplan and the like.
      • Specialty finance companies including 'Floor Plan" products and "FinanceIt" can, depending on the set up, facilitate purchases at low to no cost.
      • Specialty finance companies can facilitate loans on pools, spas, landscape and renovations from 6.99% interest rate & amortization periods up to 15 years.
      • Floor plan finance generally comes at no interest for a prescribed period, 6 to 12 months, after which time the entire purchase price is due.  Failing to pay in full at that time may result in a high interest rate, often up to 28.8% or more, to be applied to the account and made retroactive to the original date of possession of the product.  Adhiring to the responsibility to pay as agreed from the start can enable an interest free use of capital thus allowing that capital to be used elsewhere on something more beneficial.
  • Notes:  Obviously the best and least expensive way to purchase something is to have all of the funds from the start, however, it's not necessarily a bad thing to have finance work for you.  Most everyone uses finance for homes, autos, recreational items, home accessories etc at some point in their lives.  Pools, spas, landscape & renovation/home upgrades are also items that can be put on that list if it's important to the purchaser.  It's all about the priority that an individual places value upon.  People use finance to facilitate things for many reasons including, awaiting the maturity of investments, redistribution/allocation of funds etc, right down to simply rationalizing that a backyard amenity or environment for the families use is more important to purchase at a cost of borrowing than waiting and letting time elapse that cannot be reattained. 
• Payment Schedule.
  • Pools, Spas, Landscape, Manufactured Products, etc:  Schedules are designed based upon the progress of goods and/or services that are being provided and can vary somewhat depending on that content.  These payment schedules have been designed by taking into account many variables with the objective to being fair to both sides.
    • Pools:  This established payment schedule encompasses the pool portion and related extras & options.  The landscape portion could be included within this schedule only if not too involved, detail & cost wise.  The Landscape portion follows the payment schedule as noted below.  This payment schedule is generally non negotiable and redesign of it would only be considered in the case of extremely rare circumstance.    
      • Vinyl Lined Pools;  Standard progress payment schedule: 15% deposit, 50% upon delivery of pool kit, 15% upon start of excavation, 10% upon liner or coping installation (whichever comes first), 10% on completion (as specified in contract description).
      • Concrete
        • Pneumatically applied (Gunite & Shotcrete); Standard progress payment schedule: 15% deposit, 30% upon completion of excavation, 40% upon completion of rough shell installation, 10% upon completion of interior finish (waterline tile & marbelite), 5% upon completion (as specified in contract description).
        • Form & Pour (cast in place); Standard progress payment schedule: 25% deposit, 30% upon completion of excavation, 30% upon completion of rough shell installation, 10% completion of interior finish (waterproofing & tile), 5% on completion (as specified in contract description).
    • Landscaping:  This established payment schedule encompasses the landscape portion and related extras & options.  Consideration of payment schedule redesign can be accomodated depending on the set of circumstances.
      • Hard Scape (stone work);  Standard progress payment schedule: 50% upon delivery of material, 25% upon completion of required base, 15% upon completion in aggregate (decks & walls), 10% upon completion (as specified in contract description).
      • Soft Scape (plant materials);  As arranged on a job by job basis.  
    • Spas:  This established payment schedule encompasses the spa portion and related extras & options.  Schedules are designed based upon total scope, from product only to installation of product, and with or without other components and/or as part of other contracts.  
      • Spas; manufactured by 3rd party:
        • As product only;
          • Locally: 25% deposit upon placing of order, 75% upon delivery.
          • Shipped within Canada: 35% deposit upon placing of order, 65% upon delivery.
          • Imported from the USA: 50% deposit upon placing of order, 50% upon delivery.
        • As part of an installation; same as "producty only" payment schedule combined with "landscape component" payment schedule for related items, and in combination to third party subcontractors for services or other as noted;
          • Transportation and/or placement (cranes etc).
          • Electrical requirements.
          • Gas or other fuel hook up requirements.
          • Stuctural requirements (wood decks, concrete walls etc).
          • Other profesional services (engineered drawings etc).
      • Spas; Hand built in house: 
        • As main contract; as noted within pool payment schedules with related contruction type/method.
        • As a part of a main contract; as dictated within that contract.   
    • Manufactured Products:  This established payment schedule encompasses the manufactured products portion and related extras & options.  Schedules are designed based upon total scope, from product only to installation of product, and with or without other components and/or as part of other contracts.  
      • Spas; manufactured by 3rd party:
        • As product only;
          • Locally: 25% deposit upon placing of order, 75% upon delivery.
          • Shipped within Canada: 50% deposit upon placing of order, 50% upon delivery.
          • Imported from the USA: 70% deposit upon placing of order, 30% upon delivery.
        • As part of an installation; same as "producty only" payment schedule combined with "landscape component" payment schedule for related items, and in combination to third party subcontractors for services or other as noted;
          • Transportation and/or placement (cranes etc).
          • Electrical requirements.
          • Gas or other fuel hook up requirements.
          • Stuctural requirements (wood decks, concrete walls etc).
          • Other profesional services (engineered drawings etc).

• Review Design Concept/Considerations:  Existing home/landscape & desired pool and/or spa, waterscape, landscape and associated amenity design theme outcome.
  • Design Concept:  The greatest synergy will more likely be achieved by keeping the consistency in balance and congruency of the surrounding elements and the flow from the house.  Example, if you put a lagoon themed pool/landscape into a small yard surrounded by a phalanx type wall of houses backing onto to it, it won't realize as much synergy in design as it would if placed on a larger lot with a natural setting. 
    • Contemporary/Modern; Geometric/Rectilinear.
      • Common building materials used;
        • Stone.
          • Style;
            • Square cut consistent or random sizes.
          • Type;
            • Granite, Marble, Limestone, Silver Valley.
          • Characteristics;
            • Guaged thickness.
            • Uniform top (minimal clefting).
            • Saw cut sides.
      • Accent Materials; 
        • Glass;
          • Clear.
          • Etched.
          • Fogged
        • Steel;
          • Stainless Steel.
            • Shiny.
            • Brushed.
          • Galvanized Mesh
          • I Beam
        • Copper;
          • Water pours.
          • Accent features
        • Retaining walls;
          • Straight, block like, stone fascia.
    • Natural landscape; Lagoon/Lazy River.
      • Common building materials used;
        • Stone.
          • Style;
            • Random sizes/cut 5 point or other. 
          • Type;
            • Flagstone, Credit Valley, Owen Sound, Slate Grey.
          • Characteristics;
            • Random thickness.
            • Clefted top.
            • Chipped sides.
        • Accent Materials; 
          • Wood;
            • Cedar.
            • Epei.
            • Douglass Fir.
          • Rock;
            • Armour Stone.
              • Hand cut/dressed.
              • Over size flag
          • Water features;
            • Natural Stone/Random.
              • Armour Stone.
              • Frontenac.
              • Other.
          • Retaining walls
            • Natural Stone/Random.
              • Armour Stone.
    • • • • • • • Frontenac.
                • Other.
      • Ornate & Formal; Italianate/European.
        • Common building materials used;
          • Stone.
            • Style;
              • Square cut consistent or random sizes.
            • Type;
              • Travertine Marble, Granite, Limestone, Silver Valley, Bronze Star.
            • Characteristics;
              • Gauged thickness.
              • Uniform top (minimal clefting).
              • Saw cut or chipped sides.
          • Accent Materials;
            • Glass;
            • Etched
            • Fogged
      • • • • • Water pours.
                • Formal.
                • Rustic.
                • Aged.
      • • • • Accent features;
              • Sculptures, Marble & Limestone.
              • Bowls Marble & Limestone.
            • Retaining walls;
              • Formal.
              • Rustic.
              • Aged.
              • In Line, arched, block like, stone fascia.
  • Design Considerations.
    • Pool and/or Spa & associated Aquascapes:
      • Shape:  The more pure of a fit with the overall plan, the more sound the overall aesthetic product will be.
      • Size:  The average size pool is 16' x 32' (approx 5m x 10m).  The chosen size should be about the best overall balance.  Having a pool on the larger side of the spectrum costs more to heat and keep up.  It may not be the capital cost that determines what exact size is actually honed in on but rather the projected running cost to keep it up to the temperature that you feel that will be most comfortable and will maximize usage.
      • Interior configuration dimensions:  Careful consideration should be given to the distribution of the dimensions of the interior configuration.  Example; overall 32' long pool.  Which suits your family's use better, the standard 8' long shallow end followed by a 14' front slope, a 6' bottom and a 4' back slope as is a standard configuration, or longer shallow end or larger hopper etc.
      • Finishes:  There are a plethora of options regarding the interior finish, types, colours & unit sizes of tile and plaster lend variation to fine tune the look within the chosen theme.  Besides the many vinyl liner prints to choose from, step type, colour and matching capacity, adjusted water levels/notched coping etc all contribute to the overall aesthetic value.
      • Options: 
        • Inclusions/exclusions: Determin the items that must be part of the poolscape from the start, identify the optional components that be easily be added afterward at little to no extra encumbrace of cost.
        • Position of the walk in steps, ladder and extra deck requirements, lighting requirements of pool and yard
      • Operation specifics:  Determin the exact functions desired, the filtration, plumbing, heating, cleaning, water purification components/options will vary in type, sizing and interactivity.  Take into account the elevations and corresponding pros & cons in operation effect, efficiency, expandability etc. 
      • Placement location:  Considerations that affect function, operation & aesthetics of the poolscape.
        • Daily and seasonal sunpaths related to the pool area, prevailing wind directions.
        • Drainage patterns and water table of yard.
        • Filled, unsettled or moving ground (ravine lots).
        • Benchmark and finished grade of pool in relation to existing grades and structures such as door stoops, stairwells, patios and fence lines.
        • Accessibility, distance, ease of access and observation from the house.
        • Making use of existing landscapes, the accessibility to create burms, retaining walls, tree plantings, wind or sun screens and privacy barriers if necessary.
  • • Landscape:
      • Design:  A design that unites the pool as an extention of the home, keeps in unison with the overall design theme.  Each product used has its respective set of characturistics, pros & cons.
      • Layout:  Imagine moving through the scape, visualize using the amenities, hone in on where each amenity is best suited for maximum aesthetics, function & usefulness.
        • Dimensions;  The primary focus is most often the pool and that concluding the size, shape and location gets you 90% of the way there.  Congruency in dimension, position & spacing of decking areas, pathways & other amenities will maximize the overall easthic value.  
        • Elevations;  The elevation to which each amenity is situated plays an unparalelled part in the overall aesthetic & functional end product.  Every site has a low point & a high point, finding that sweet spot that maximizes the look, feel & usefulness of the project is naturally the objective. 
          • High point grade set; requires build up on the low side.
            • Helps with averting water table, water course & drainage issues. 
            • Maximizes usable patio & decking areas by alligning everything on one level. 
    • • • Safety component by not having steps.
        • Cost component by grouping the area needed to be retained to one spot & likely at the back where less expensive retaining materials won't be visable.
    • Low point grade set; requires build up to retain the high side
      • Potentially complicate water drainage issues.
        • Water table issues with the pool.  
    • Water course drainage issues with the wall & deck
    • Aesthetic & function
      • Tiering usually increases the aesthetic value by creating interest.
  • • • • • Decreases function by introducing steps required to negotiate to move from the house to the pool.
      • Mid point grade set; requires retaining on both sides.
        • Aesthetics & function;
          • Often a happy medium in water drainage control & aesthetic value.
          • Having step down of a few steps adds interest and isn't overly cumbersome to negotiate with carrying trays of food & drinks etc.
        • Cost component;
          • Splits the difference in elevation so that total drop can often be brought down below 1 meter.
          • Provides for utilization of natural walling material that is available in the 14" to 20" range.  Minimizes waste by not adding material that is taller than required to achieve the grade differential retaining.
  • Finishes: 
    • Building Materials.
      • Stone: Granite, Marble, Limestone, Slates, Sandstones, Coral Stone, Flagstone (Credit Valley, Wiarton, Aramosa) etc.
      • Metals: Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel, Galvalume, Copper, etc.
      • Glass: Reflective, Etched & Sand blasted, Shaped, Illuminated, etc.
      • Plasters: Architectural Coatings etc. 
  • Options:
    • Ornamental fixtures.
      • Statues, Water Bowls, Fire Bowls, Fountains, Art Forms, Wind Chimes, Bird Feeders, etc.
    • Functional fixtures.
      • Furniture.
      • Sound Systems.
      • Theater Components.
      • Fog & Misting Equipment.
      • Artificial Grasses & Putting Greens.
  • Associated amenities:  The landscape specifications include the integration of cabanas, pool equipment structure, gazebos, pavilions, water features, ornamental structures, lanais, screens, arbours, sport courts, conservatories, greenhouses, automatic retractable enclosures etc, patio area parameters and materials to be used, fence types, gate size and locations, perimeter, overhead, spot and LED lighting to accent specific environmental features and various shrub and flower plantings.

The following is a comprehensive outline that will encompass the important points and concerns needed to expedite the planning and construction procedure of your pool efficiently and effectively.

• Our price includes applying for a building permit for the In-ground swimming pool within the G.T.A. within normal or average conditions and clearance from the local utilities. It is the owner’s responsibility to provide any costs for permit fees and deposits required for grading, curbs, sidewalks and trees etc. Other issues that may need to be addressed could include; geo-engineering evaluation, letters and or drawings, conservation authority clearance, certain tree preservation, access through public or private lands not owned by the client, committee of adjustment preparation and proceedings, acquisition of minor variances, un-assumed lots, necessary association approval letters etc.
• Our assessment of any obstacles that may need to be removed or protected before access and during construction i.e. fences, trees, sheds, overhangs and overhead wires, buried septic lines, etc.
• Location criteria that affect function and operation of the pool:Daily and seasonal sunpaths related to the pool area, prevailing wind directions, drainage patterns and water table of your yard, filled, unsettled or moving ground (ravine lots) benchmark and finished grade of pool in relation to existing grades and structures such as door stoops, stairwells, patios and fence lines.
• Location criteria that affect the aesthetic appearance and practicality of the pool:easy access and observation from the house, making use of existing landscapes, the accessibility to create burms, retaining walls, tree plantings, wind or sun screens and privacy barriers if necessary.
• The pool specifications include size and shape, depth at various points should it be non-standard, position of the walk in steps, ladder and extra deck requirements, lighting requirements of pool and yard and location of pool equipment.
• The landscape specifications include the integration of cabanas, pool equipment structure, gazebos, pavilions, water features, ornamental structures (lanais, screens, etc,) patio area parameters and materials to be used, fence types, gate size and locations, perimeter, overhead, spot and fiberoptic lighting to accent specific environmental features and various shrub and flower plantings.

Any and all of the information contained within this web site is the sole and exclusive property of Lido Pools and/or Aqua Terra Leisure Amenity Contractors et al. This includes but is not limited to the intellectual components and proprietary elements included within the design, the design concepts, the custom “Lido Pools” pool shape(s), Photographs and all other material contained herein. No part of the content of this web site may be re-created in whole or in part by anyone including any third party without the expressed written consent of a “Lido Pools” representative, possessing the authority to bind the corporation.

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Established since 1968, Lido has accumulated over four decades of knowledge and expertise specializing in the design and development of the greatest proven innovations in construction methods and components this industry has to offer. Our unique structural design is superior in strength, tried and tested for longevity and backed by the exclusive "Pool Elite Warranty Program", the most comprehensive guarantee available in the industry.