WATER FEATURES
A great way to upgrade your yard is by adding a water feature like a pool, hot tub or a fountain. Call our consultants today to discuss some ideas on how to transform your outdoor area into a beautiful oasis!
POOLS
If you want to make your outdoor space more enjoyable consider adding a pool. By adding something like a pool or a hot tub you’re not just adding a great place for family fun- you’re also adding value to your property.
Pools come in different shapes and sizes, each fitting several uses. The size of your yard, local codes, and your budget all factor into what type of pool you’re considering. An in ground pool is an investment so take into consideration maintenance costs and upkeep that could occur in the future.
We’ve created a checklist just for you to help you decide with your family.
Have you done your research into any permits, zoning laws or HOA (homeowners’ association) that you could possibly need?
What will be your primary use for the pool? Are you hoping to squeeze in some laps or maybe host pool parties?
What does your backyard look like? Is it on a slope? How's the soil? These can come in when factoring placement and size of the pool. Where in the backyard were you thinking of placing it? Is there privacy for you?
What is the climate like in your area? Will you be needing shading?
When it comes to design- what are you thinking about in style and type?
TYPES OF POOLS
Commercial/Residential
Whether you’re looking to build a pool in your backyard or an Olympic-sized pool for your campus, we’re here to tackle any job. Our experts will work with you to help create, design and carry out your dream pool- perfect for you to relax in on a hot summer day.
Spas
If you’re concerned about budget, a spa might be a great option. They’re generally less expensive to install, they’re smaller and best of all can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Choosing to go with a spa works out great if you’re looking for relaxation and entertaining. An added benefit is that they’re easier to clean and maintain because they’re a lot smaller. You could easily go and buy an above ground spa, but choosing a custom made spa allows you the freedom to customize to your liking or aesthetic.
Spools
A spool (spa + pool) is the best of both worlds. A spool is basically a pool/spa hybrid that combines the desire for something bigger than a hot tub with the perks of a pool.
Pool & Spa combo
Now if you like the idea of having both a pool and a spa. We’re able to accommodate your needs. Our team can create a design to incorporate both water features into your backyard design.
SHAPES OF POOLS
Rectangular
A classic rectangular pool has several advantages including giving you the most space for swimming, especially if you want to swim laps. The simple shape works well with most backyard designs too!
Kidney-shaped
The kidney-shaped pool is just that; a pool in the shape of a kidney. A popular shape for backyard pools the kidney-shaped pool consists of two shapes set at 45-degree angles.
Custom
Here’s where you get to be creative. Creating we can create a custom pool in virtually any shape you can think of. This pool can be in any novelty shape, size or design.
Free-form
The freeform pool design incorporates more natural shapes. It’s an irregular shape made of flowing lines and curves meant to resemble something similar to a lake or pond.
Figure-8
The figure-8-shaped pool gets its name because this hourglass-shaped pool is made with round shapes at the ends that narrow in the middle, resembling a figure 8.
L-shaped
The L-shaped pool actually resembles the actual letter "L.”
POOL STYLES
Modern
To fit the modern style, the pool must have sharp lines, structure and cohesively match the look of the home. A modern pool is a sophisticated choice that takes into consideration the size of your yard, the placement, and where it is in relation to your home.
Mediterranean
Inspired by Greco-Roman style the Mediterranean pools are often decorated with elaborate patterns of ceramic tile and waterfalls.
Traditional
Like the name states the traditional pool is going to be a classic choice. They’re typically rectangular shaped or kidney-shaped that are blue in color. More often than not they’ve got a spa attached as well.
Tropical
If a vacation is your desire, then creating a luscious tropical pool is just for you. The tropical style pool is adorned with an array of tropical plants and waterfalls to create the illusion that you’re on a tropical island instead of your backyard.
POOL FEATURES
Filtration systems
The most important part of a pool system is the filter. It helps keep your pool clean by removing dirt and debris and keeps the water quality in tip-top condition. There are multiple options of filters we can discuss when you’re ready to plan your pool.
Tile work
Opting to invest in a tile surface has the benefits of choosing a long-lasting material over something like a basic plaster surface. Most of the time you’ll only see tile mixed with plaster lined pool along a border or possibly an accent wall. Being that tile surfaced pools are customizable- makes these ones of the most expensive options but the effect is a beautiful, unique surface to be the envy of all your guests.
Plaster
The more common option is a plaster surface. Generally a white-colored material, plaster is made by mixing water with sand and cement to create an affordable material that is smooth and sleek. This lining can be customizable in color and opting to go for a deeper color can give the illusion of a pond. While this all sounds great there is a downside it’s its durability. There’s always a chance it can crack and eventually it’ll need to be repaired or replaced.
Grotto
Creating a grotto can add a unique look to your pool design. The grotto can usually be paired with a waterfall to create a secret hideout in which to hang out.
Diving boards
Adding a diving board is an easy way to make the pool more fun. While a great fixture to add to your pool landscape if the proper steps aren’t taken adding a diving board can be dangerous. The right depth is needed to prevent injury and the appropriate measures need to be taken to prevent this.
Tanning ledge
A tanning ledge is designed to allow for a comfortable area for sunbathers. The shelf is typically between 5-8 inches in depth allowing it to be a safer place for children to play. Depending on where you place the ledge it can also make for a fun place to jump off of.
Saltwater or Chlorine
Deciding whether to go with a saltwater or chlorine pool is a big decision when starting your journey with building a pool. Saltwater pools for starters works by basically producing just enough chlorine to disinfect the water. It’s easier on the skin and eyes because of the low chlorine levels and requires fewer chemicals because of the natural chlorine. However, the initial investment is more expensive; you’ll need to purchase fixtures that work specifically with saltwater pools and repairs will need a licensed technician.
With the ubiquity of chlorine pools, they’ve become cheaper to install and maintain. But unlike their counterparts, the chlorine is added not naturally occurring. What makes this a popular choice? They’re cheaper to start up, use less electricity, and you might be able to do most if not all repairs on your own. Being that chlorine added can be stronger- it can be harder on your skin and eyes. You’ve got to keep checking the chlorine levels on a regular basis to prevent bacterial growth as well.
Sheer descent
If you’re building a pool with a spa or want to add a water feature to your pool a sheer Descent waterfall can be made to add an extra layer of beauty to your design.
LED lighting
Choosing an LED light can add another layer of fun to your pool. With just a click of a button, you’re able to change the color of your lights based on your liking. Not to mention you won’t that many lights as LED illuminates much brighter than antiquated lighting fixtures.
Beach entry
A beach entry is a gradual slope into the pool that makes entry more accessible to smaller children and is handicap friendly. The downsides to this pool are that the gradual entry can take away valuable space from the swimming area or welcome in pets that otherwise would stay out.
Barstools
In-water barstools let swimmers swim up to an underwater barstool without having to exit the pool.
MATERIAL
The pool deck is the area that comes into direct contact with the pool. It has to be versatile and offer both elemental design all while being safe and slip-resistant. The following are some of the materials we offer:
Travertine
Often found in light brown hues, travertine offers a beautiful special look to your pool. Affordable, durable and slip-resistant, travertine is a freeze-thaw resistant option that if breaks can be easily replaced. The benefits of choosing this paver are rather high. It does well under the direct sun it’ll stay cool and it absorbs water instantly making this summertime safe with these Texas temperatures.
Natural stone
Going with flagstone as your paver of choice is an excellent option. The flagstone comes in a multitude of shapes and colors and when expertly installed it creates a unique design to surround your pool area. The stone is extremely durable and requires little maintenance and won’t succumb to the elements. The only negative of this stone is if they’re under the direct sun- they hold heat really well which can be an issue for bare feet.
Pavers
Now that you have the pool, up next is deciding how to decorate the area surrounding it. The style and material you choose needs to fit the style and theme of the pool you’ve just built and there are several materials from which to choose from. The styles we recommend for pavers are travertine, natural stone, Belgrade, and concrete.
Belgard Concrete
A quick and efficient choice is opting for concrete pavers. They’re customizable to any color, style, and texture you choose and are quite safe. Not to mention they’re affordable, durable and generally low maintenance.
POOL REMODELS
Remodeling a pool can be as simple as upgrading the pool deck. A simple remodel like that can breathe new life into your pool. Depending on the current status of your pool, you might be looking at having to do major repairs or possible replacements, especially if the pool is older. Calling one of our experts can help you assess what needs to be done or how you’d like to upgrade your pool before something major like a break happens.
FOUNTAINS
A fountain is a beautiful and simple way to add elegance to any landscape design.
These popular water features can be customized to fit any size and budget to create a design perfect for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a self-contained fountain, a disappearing fountain or any other type of fountain we can help you decide which one fits best into your designs.