It's a real challenge to fit a decorative, usable swimming pool on a small lot and still have space left over for other outdoor living amenities.  This problem was met and conquered at the townhouse patio shown here.  On an irregularly shaped lot that measures approximately 27x32 feet, a 10x23 foot pool fits into the plan without dominating the living area.  The design secret behind this triumph is imaginative use of decking: deck-walkways extend around three sides of the pool, provide inviting space for sunning, dining, and relaxing.  Overhead shelter at the far end of pool adds considerably to the design, offers sturdy support for the hanging chair and decorative basket of plants.

Staggered planting pockets, below, follows the angled lot line: there're tile-fronted to give good textural contrast to the 6-foot shingle fence and solid wall that provide complete privacy.  At the deck end of pool, water is 4 feet deep; it gradually deepens - the far end of pool measures 8 feet in depth.

One of the most unique features in the plan is the water-source design, above.  Fresh water tumbles musically from the four conduits opened in a tiled bed: the cooling sight and sound refreshes swimmers and non-swimmers alike.  A shutoff valve, set in soil above, permits manual regulation of water