Thanks everyone for all the nice compliments. Instead of just building a small patio for the 'pool' I thought that a real home improvement would be good for the long term. I have always had the flower garden so I decided to incorporate it into the patio. I love flowers and plants so did all the landscaping... I feel I missed my calling when I had to pick a career.
Hottubdan... I do not like the cover lifters. All the ones I have seen leave the cover sticking way up above the side of the tub. Ugh. Until I can locate one that doesn't, I'll have to get someone else to put the cover back on. It's already too heavy for me.
A few more improvements are in the works before football season. I am going to get a flat screen tv and install inside the top half of the window near the tub then hook up the volume to my outdoor speakers. Also, next Spring I am having a wooden structure built as a gazebo. Right now my plans are to put two posts in the area behind the retaining wall, run wooden slats over to meet a board that will be extended off the upper deck. I've got a way to go with the design, but I think I can come up with something nice. The back part of my home faces west so I need something that will provide better shade. I've found that sunscreen and hot tubs don't mix well. I used a lot last weekend and ended up with a cloudy, green scummy hot tub
. Still shocking it to get it clear.
pam