Leisure pool.(DREAM Facilities)

Some of the sweetest dreams are small ones. And this neighborhood-sized leisure pool integrates the best of a small leisure pool design with economical water spraygrounds and big-time quality--all at a surprisingly affordable price.

Too many facilities are lackluster due to boxy-looking pools, very little vertical water, no sense of spatial enclosure, poor use of landscaping and no shade. To turn a potentially uninspired small leisure pool into a dream facility, I have incorporated playful forms, theming and landscaping into an eye-pleasing package.

To start with, my dream facility incorporates complex curvilinear and playful pool and site forms that are visually stimulating and functional. Adding to the visual stimulation are subtle-colored concrete patterns in the deck, integrated with colored nonslip textured and/or cushioned surfacing for the spray decks and zero entry. The saw joints and expansion joints in the pool deck are carefully thought out to minimize uncontrolled cracking and to reinforce the forms of the deck layout.

The next element, the zero-entry beach, is one of the most utilized and appreciated parts of an aquatics facility. This facility has a tulip-shaped beach maximizing toe-dabbling opportunities on a soft-padded entry with lots of 20-foot diameter shade umbrellas nearby.

Simple but interactive water geysers are provided in the 0- to 6-inch depth to get the water vertical. At 12- to 18-inches depth is a small Bavarian-themed "Cuckoo Clock" interactive play structure with a water roof, slide and additional water play features--a focal point to entertain and challenge the kids. The pool then transitions in depth to a small current channel, a bubbler bench area, and some good, old-fashioned open recreational depth water.

A little bit of theming can go a long way, and my mini-dream facility has just enough to capture the imagination without breaking the pocketbook. Integrated signage which features names with a slight German twist and colorful mini-logos are the first bit of theming. Then, I incorporate several major-themed water elements:

* Geyser Garten. I have used the traditionally under-utilized real estate under and near the water slide to create a veritable garden of water geysers. These geysers are interactive and occur in a variety of heights and patterns providing a refreshing low-impact spray/play area for children.