Poolscaping Makes a Bigger Splash by Adding Adjacent Amenities

by Charles Gamarekian, Cambridge Pavingstones

Often it’s what surrounds a backyard pool that makes the difference between having a pool in one’s backyard and having a pool in the backyard that represents only part of a fulfilling outdoor experience. Hardscaping materials such as interlocking concrete pavers, cast stone steps, and manufactured wall units in a continuum of styles and colors easily correlate with other similarly produced materials for pool coping, steps into the water, built-in raised spas, custom waterfalls, and overall milieu. But it doesn’t end there.

Pool coping separates the pool from the adjoining pool deck and is usually cantilevered over the pool’s edge. As opposed to fiberglass or plastic, it can be built from matching pavers, cast stone, or capping materials such as those adaptable from several Cambridge Collections. The various surface and edge designs range from a bull-nosed (rounded) edge facing the pool to other styles resembling surrounding pavers more closely. Surfaces vary from smooth to shapes with pronounced, bluestone-like clefts.

Depending on the available space, many conveniences can be permanently placed close to the pool. Consider a pavilion, pergola, a bistro-style umbrella table; a refreshment bar; a fire pit for small gatherings; and an open-air kitchen, grill island, or our new fully assembled woodburning pizza oven/fireplace combo. Cambridge offers all of these, along with outdoor fireplaces, freestanding, pondless waterfalls, and other fire and water features that add ambiance. Whatever homeowners decide, the outcome will be a common ground for everyone to enjoy.

Charles H. Gamarekian is the Chairman/ CEO of Cambridge Pavers Inc. He is one of the founders and a current board member of the Interlocking Pavement Institute. Organized in 1993, ICPI is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paver industry and is considered by peer associations around the world as the leader in the development and dissemination of technical information for design professionals and contractors. Mr. Gamarekian is recognized worldwide as an expert in his field and is a frequent speaker on properly installing paving stones, wall stones, and many outdoor living products.