(CONTINUED)
   "The kids were very excited about a pool," says Taylor. "They wanted a diving board and
and space to play volleyball and basketball."
   The Taylors chose an ultra-light water purifying system to decrease the amount of chlorine
needed, a remote-control for the spa and propane heater. Once the plans were finalized, it
was time for construction.
   "We did all of the grading and dug the pool's hole in one day." Clark explains. "When we
dug the pool, we noticed that there was underground water."
   A high water table, due to a creek's proximity, required a deeper hole, and it also required
Pulliam to pack the bottom with gravel and to pump water continously from beneath the
pool. Next, different crews simulataneously installed plumbing (a drain, a skimmer and return
spa lines) and steel reinforcements, called rebar, to support the pool, spa and retaining wall.
Gunite, a concrete mixture, was applied to form the shell and the foundation of the retaining
wall. The Taylors had to water the inside of their future pool twice daily for about 10 days to
let the concrete dry slowly.
   Tile, coping and rock work around the spa and for the retaining wall came next. Junction
boxes for recessed lights to illuminate the steps were cemented into the retaining wall. Pulliam
cleaned up the job site, then poured the deck. Electricians came to hook up the pool 
equipment and lighting. The plaster crews prepared the concrete shell for finishing with an
exposed aggregate material which dries into a hard, durable surface. Once it had been 
washed down with acid to bring out the flecks of color, the pool was ready for water.
   Come spring, the children, ages seven, 11, and 16, were inviting sports teammates back
to the house for pool parties. Charlie throws burgers on the grill, and he relishes hearing the
laughter of young voices.
   "I love kids, the more the merrier. The pool keeps them and their friends here. I  know who
they are associating with, and it's a good environment for them," says Taylor, who also 
entertains adults poolside, cools off in the pool after gardening and relaxes in the spa.