The daytime views of this Dix Hills multi-award winning pool and spa, which was created and installed by Deck and Patio Co. of Huntington Station, NY, are glorious. However, the evening landscape -- aglow with gas campfires and hidden lighting that studs the surrounding elevations -- suggests the romance that might have drawn artist Paul Gauguin to the South Seas.

Five waterfalls, three of which flow into the pool and spa, a gently moving stream up behind the pool, and the warm bubbling spa waters – all surrounded by lush vegetation -- suggest strongly Nature’s own handiwork. Yet the siren call to come enjoy its waters, to sunbathe, and to stroll, is not lessened by the fact that the whole pool and spa area is not only "manmade" but its enticements are regulated by state-of-the-art automation.

According to Bill Renter, owner of Deck and Patio Co., the inspiration for this masterpiece came from closer to home than Gauguin’s French Polynesia.

"The owners wanted something very special," says Renter, "and I was actually inspired by Disney World."

"I truly believe there are no original ideas -- just improvements on existing ones," continues the landscaper. "And I was impressed with how Disney World was a feast for the senses – how through various sights, sounds and smells, there is always something around the corner, something to draw you to the next space."

Indeed, the homeowners admit to be in awe of what Deck and Patio Co. has accomplished.

"You almost don’t want to stop anywhere," says the husband. "You can’t wait to see what is coming up next. You climb on huge moss-covered rocks, or stroll around the spa waterfall to get to the waterslide, then down a little bluestone walkway, even passing by a stream on the way. It’s spectacular."

His wife loves how their new backyard "resort" offers the thoughtful comforts of many hotel/resort amenities. For example, four embedded umbrella stands are installed in the main tumbled stone patio.

"They are positioned perfectly," she says. " I just open them up for parties or when serving food and get 50 percent shading of the patio area. Or for sunbathing, I just close them and the sun will go all the way across."

Landscaper Renter has also successfully mimicked the background music at hotel resorts – that is heard but is never intrusive.

"This is accomplished by having a lot of speakers – we installed ten around this pool and spa – permitting the owners to keep the sound on very low volume. This is not only considerate of their neighbors, but, because of the number of speakers, they get the right effect," says Renter.

The landscaper adds that the speakers are part of the computer-run automation program that was planned and installed by Deck and Patio.

"There’s a key pad at the back door of their home as well as four others placed spa-side, pool-side and in the cabana. The lighting is automated on a timer, as are the waterfalls and the heating of the spa waters. The music is preset – and all these functions coordinate with its automated cleaning functions."

Renter is particularly pleased with one of the many awards he garnered for this project. It was for "Best In Competition" from NESPA (Northeast Spa and Pool Assoc.) which had never before been awarded to a vinyl pool.

"This was a huge achievement for a regional award," says Renter. "That category has been dominated by gunite pools. It was thrilling to be first to get it for a vinyl pool."

The landscaper explains that today’s computer calculations and their perfectly precise (Continued)

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