56 - Friday, May 26, 1989 - North Shore News REAL Estate Enhance home with pool, spa or hot tub AS SUMMER draws closer, Canadians are preparing for season’s promise of warm days, barbecues and backyard get-togethers. By DEBORAH ASHTON Contributing Ve'riter If you don’t relish the thought of spending your entire summer inside your air-conditioned home, perhaps this is your year to invest in a pool. In earlier years, many homeowners were excluded from installing pools because the cost was too high and/or their yards were too small. Today, pools come in sizes and styles to satisfy virtually all budgets and space restric- tions. And, where a pool isn’t feasible, an unlimited variety of spas and hot tubs are ex- cellent alternatives. The pool and spa industry has come a long way toward addressing the needs and concerns of potential pool and spa owners. The advent of new and improved cleaning devices and more effective chemical products have cut down considerably on the time spent on maintenance. To- day’s spas and pools are designed for maximum en- joyment and minimum fuss. The first step in selecting your pool, spa or hot tub, is to determine the recreational needs of your family, the amount of space you are willing to devote to the pro- fect and probably most im- portant, your budget. At the high end of the scale is the inground concrete pool, with prices starting at approxi- mately $15,000. Next is the vinyl-lined in- ground pool, currently the biggest seller on the market. These will cost upwards of between $8,000 and $15,000. Inground pools offer the most flexibility in terms of shapes and sizes; the rec- tangle, oval, tear-drop, kidney and L-shape are among an estimated 60 dif- ferent varieties for vinyl- lined, while concrete pools can be custom-designed to your unique specifications. And it is no longer necessary to have a large backyard in order to enjoy the pleasures of a pool; they ar: now available in sizes as small as 12 by 24 feet. Onground ard above- ground pools, also available in a wide range of styles and prices, offer even more alternatives. Spas and hot tubs have also enjoyed tremendous popularity in re- cent years for their relaxing or therapeutic qualities. The traditional wooden hot tub, or one of an infinite variety of acrylic spas, can be installed indoors or out for year-round use. They re- quire minimum space and are portable enough to be transported to another room, or if necessary, to another house. Backyard pools, spas and hot tubs are becoming an in- JOHN BODEN Pager: 686-6713 24 hrs) trinsic part of the family’s lifestyle, providing recre- ation, exercise, and enter- tainment. For many people, particularly those with children, the cost is justified by the money saved travel- ling to beaches and cottages. Before making any final decisions, homeowners should check with local building and health authorities since regulations on the size and location of pools, fences and drainage lines vary by municipality. The following are additional points for consideration: © Determine the location of the pool or spa (if it is to be outdoors), taking into ac- count the configuration of your home, the existing landscaping, fences and any other permanent structures. Placing your pool to one See Cool Page 58 NI THE “SKYLINE of downtown Vancouver sparkles in the twilight from this recent photograph taken near the Mosquito Creek Marina in North Vancouver. THE PRICE OF ONE! BOB KESSEL Pager: 645-3346 (024 brs) “Serving the North Shore and the Sunshine Coast” Specializing in income tax reduction through real estate investment both residential and commercial. PRIVATE WATERFRONT STi BOWEN ISLAND -- $499,900 This 3 tevel architecturally designed 2 yr. old home is the ultimate in gracious living. Its 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, family fy room, den with loft — and the formal dining room opening on- B to a beautiful sunken living room — accord a luxurious type ly of living second to none! It's situated on 1 acre ot watertront m property with a panoramic view from Lions Bay to U.BC. * $139,500 LARGE FIN. REC ROOM This 2 bedroom, 3 level, 1300 sq.ft. townhouse is immaculate with features like new carpets, new paint, 1%2 bathrooms, woodburning replace. new appliances, 2 patios, insuite laun- ; ary. 160 Wost 12th SUNNY HARBOUR VIEW 1164 CLOVERLEY 3 bedroom 2 bathraom large family home with view of harbour and Mt. Baker. Lovely granite woodburning fireplace in the cozy living room. Very bright dining room and updated kitchen. Huge 21'x25’ deck, double carport. lots of parking and a dance-tloor sized rec room with wet bar. U ALE ARE EXECUTIVE ADULT ORIENTED 4 BEDROOM VIEW HOME This home is on a large 60’x150' architecturally landscaped view lot. 3 full bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, formal dining room and huge kitchen with skylights. This home is ihe ultimate in gracious living. 4020 St. wry’ s. “CALL us aici iT. NO E This beautiful architecturally designed 4 bedrocm 3 bathroom view home is ideal for the family who needs lots of room. tts huge living room with bay windows, vaulted ceiling and win- dow seats have a view of the city as well as a beatiful brick floor to ceiling fireplace. The large kitchen with built-in eating nook is finished with solid oak cabinets and ceramic tile counters and floors. RESTAURANT — GOOD NET PROFIT Well established superb French restaurant situated in high traffic area of Central Lonsdale that has 40 seats and fuil liquor license. $89,900. EXCELLENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Plush-top store in excellent location, near-new business, includes all inventory and im- provements., $22,900. PALM SPRINGS DESERT HOT SPRINGS This is a Jevel 1 acre parcel, halfway between Palm Springs and Desert Hot Spring s. $30,000 U.S.