measurements allow for free-form vinyl construction, something that couldn’t be done before.

"This also makes the dream of a free-form pool a real possibility for many more people," says Renter.

In addition, NESPA awarded this project "First Place for Outstanding Achievement in Design and Building" (Vinyl Liner/Fiberglass Pool) as well as the "Gold Medal" for Vinyl Lined Freeform Pools. NESPA also awarded Deck and Patio Co. the "Special Judges Award" which was given with the unanimous vote of all the judges, says Renter.

The landscaper adds that in 2005, this project also won the "International Award of Excellence – Gold Medal" - from the APSP (The Association for Pool and Spa Professionals) in the category of a Vinyl Pool in Excess of 601 Square Feet.

Yet, as beautiful as the completed project is, the awards were given for more than just what meets the eye. Design and execution challenges for this 46-by-32 foot free-form vinyl pool/spa began with a 13-foot elevation change that runs the length of the pool area.

"To allow the concrete wall to be built on this sloped terrain, fifty cubic yards of crushed stone were brought in and tamped to build up the low end of the pool," says Renter.

He adds that the access was limited because of a 28x28 foot two-story workshop the homeowners had installed on the property eight years prior. A hole was cut through the front and back of the workshop to allow a skid steer loader access to the work site. The workshop was later converted into the existing 28x28-foot poolside cabana.

In addition, approximately three thousand cubic yards of fill were brought in to level a portion of the yard.

"The whole design was conceived to be practical as well," says Renter. "The homeowners wanted to conserve open space on the property to allow for soccer and other child-related activities. So we only used up a small part of the one-acre property. We tucked this pool and spa in between the existing deck, the old woodshed and property line."

In fact, the children of the house love the spa end, which is isolated from the pool water, because of its circulating hot water that flows back into the waterfall.

"They love to sit under it and have the hot water pour over their heads," says the children’s father.

And, of course, they love the built-in waterslide, he says, and really enjoy being able to get a cool drink by swimming up to the 38-foot "swim-up bar" that has submerged barstools. He adds that this same amenity is very popular with adults, as it is a great spot for swimmers and strollers to meet and talk, without the swimmers having to get out of the water.

Yet there are many other reasons this stunner is an award winner. The added land gradations, which involved bringing in 3,000 cubic yards of fill, permit five tumbled stone patios to be placed at different elevations. There are five waterfalls (one reaching 7x10 feet), plus immense moss rocks, – some weighing in excess of six thousand pounds. There is a tanning shelf and waterslide -- all part of a 46x32 free-form vinyl-lined pool. And for nighttime entertaining, the automated color logic lights, the ten speakers that pick up commercial-free satellite radio, the glorious 7x11 foot vinyl-lined spa, and the romantic gas campfires, make this anyone’s definition of nighttime paradise.

While one is not sure if they serve drinks in hollowed out green coconuts at their walkup-swim up bar, or if brightly colored rectangles of cloth hang in the cabana -- or even if Tikki gods can be found hidden near one of the area’s 1,800 trees, shrubs or perennials. But one suspects that Mr. Gauguin would have been tempted to set up his easel here. And one is convinced that Walt Disney would have been proud.

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