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North Shore Towers Courier n January 2017 13 even aesthetic improvements, to the outdoor pool are today subject to New York State codes, which were not in place two score ago. This was brought glaringly to Goldstein and her Committee’s attention after they’d chosen what they believed to be the ideal tile to replace, beautify and enhance the spillover wall from the upper-level deep-water pool to the lower one and those which would run along the inside perimeter of the pool under the coping. From a design perspective the choices were inspired and added a touch of sparkle to the overall makeover of the pool. But the glass of which the desired tile was composed did not meet state code, being deemed not resilient enough to adequately withstand the severe cold and rollercoaster temperature changes of New York. Plenty enough reason to return to the drawing board for a different tile. But there was an additional problem. Often unnoticed and certainly never thought about when regarding a pool are the depth markers, which sporadically run along the upper part of its inner wall. Such denotations as “6 ft. 2 in.”, “8 ft. 4 in.”, “10 ft.” and so on, have been employed in pool construction for years. It’s in the details, however, that these markings have changed. Today, abbreviations for measurements must be spelled out in their entirety—“ft.” for “feet”, and “in.” for “inch(es) will no longer pass state code muster—and the denotations themselves must be no less than six inches in height. In addition, the water level cannot exceed up over any part of the depth postings along the inner wall. Given the Committee’s intention to use whatever tile they ultimately opted for in spelling out these measurements, under today’s stricter state code requirements, the originally chosen tile’s size, according to Goldstein, would have interfered with the design flow of the new vision. The minor setback turned out to be fortuitous. In re-examining the tile issue, Goldstein was struck with an epiphany, concerning the spillover wall. The area runs down approximately two-and-a-half feet from the water-level of the deep upper pool to the coping of the pool below and across its breadth. The application of new tile would certainly enhance the feature, but why not do something more with the canvas? Goldstein, however, wouldn’t reveal the details of the design concept she, the GAP Committee members, Castro and Country Club Manager Mary Anne came up, only going so far as to say, “We think it will be a ‘WOW!’” Both Castro and Goldstein assured that these repairs and enhancements, along with testing of new piping and systems, would be completed prior to the outdoor pool’s Memorial Day opening for the 2017 season. But they encompass only Phase 1 of the entire project. Phase 2 will commence in fall 2017 and will include the updating of the handicap access path which runs along the golfside of the pool area and the long-anticipated expansion of the deck along that side to allow for an additional row of lounge chairs. Current code requires a 5-foot distance from the coping of the pool to facilitate pedestrian traffic around its perimeter, part of which is a safety demarcation line, which Goldstein hopes achieve using the same type of red pavers installed in the garden and patio years ago. Plus, a row of dense foliage— trees, bushes or a combination of both—will be planted along this expanded length to buffer the pool from the golf course and vehicular access. But for the upcoming season, the comprehensive repairs and aesthetic improvements will ensure that this jewel of North Shore Towers shines for many more decades to come. Breaking up is hard to do Spillover wall to be given the “Wow!” treatment December 2016 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 13


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