The 3 Types of In-Ground Pools

Summer is around the corner and and you know what that means: swimming pools. Make this the year where you finally take the plunge and add the ultimate backyard addition to your home. There are three varieties of in-ground swimming pools you can choose from, each with their own pros and cons. To figure out which of the three is right for you, you need to know how your family intends on using the pool, how much time you’re able to spend on maintenance and, most importantly, a realistic budget. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are prefabricated in a factory into a seamless bowl-shaped shell. Fiberglass pools because they are mass produced make them very unforgiving and uniform, meaning that the transportation and installation of the pool may limit which pool you will ultimately be able to pick. 

Pros

• Low maintenance. A major plus of Fiberglass pools is that they do not require liners to be replaced and does need to be resurfaced meaning that a Fiberglass pool will save you more money over the course of the lifetime of the pool. Fiberglass pools also  require less chemicals because the gelcoat surface of the Fiberglass pool inhibits the growth of algae. 

• Comfort. The pool shell is very smooth and non-abrasive on delicate feet.

• Durable. Scratches and dings can easily be repaired.

Cons

• Maintenance. The shell will wear down over time which will result in the need for several hours of labor and special equipment to restore the shell of the pool.

• Limited Number of Choices. Because Fiberglass pools are mass-produced it limits the possibility of your choice of pool.

• Size. Because Fiberglass pools are prefabricated, they need to be transported to the home they are only allowed to get to 16 ft long due to shipping regulations. 

• Unintended Fees. Transporting something as large a fiberglass pools over an extended distance will incur a big transportation fee.

• Aesthetics. Fiberglass is the least aesthetically appealing of the pools

Vinyl Layer

Vinyl-lined pools are the most common type of swimming pool. They are built on site so they can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of your backyard.

Pros

•  Vinyl liner pools are traditionally less expensive than concrete or fiberglass pools from the outset, because they require fewer materials to make them stable. 

• Fully Customizable. Vinyl Liner Pools are fully customizable meaning they can be specifically designed to best fit accentuate your backyard.

• Maintenance. Vinyl Liner Pools require minimal maintenance because algae growth is inhibited by the vinyl liner. These pools will also need to be regularly vacuumed and maintained. 

Cons

• Higher Lifetime Cost. If properly maintained the Vinyl Liner should last 10+ years however once the liner needs to be replaced the cost to replace it can be pricey 

• Resale Value. Before you resell your home  you may be required to replace the old liner by the prospective home buyer. 

Concrete

Concrete pools are 100% customizable because they have a custom skeleton which allows you to choose the size, depth and shape of the pool.

Pros

• 100% Customizable. Some of the additions you can add to your pool include: vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, slides, grottos, waterfalls, etc … 

• Aesthetic. Because Concrete pools are so customizable they can become work of art and elevate your entire backyard landscape. 

• Durable. Concrete Pools are built to last because there are no liners that need to be replaced and have very good impact resistance. 

Cons

• Installation Time. Concrete Pools require pretty extensive installation time (approximately 2 - 3 months).

• Investment. Concrete Pools have the highest initial investment cost and the highest renovation cost. You will probably need to renovate the pool every 10-15 years. 

• Rough Finish. The plaster finish can be rough to the touch and it also may irritate your hands and feet after an extended period of time. 

These were the three types of in-ground swimming pools and their pros and cons. It is now up to you and your family to decide which type of pool best suits your needs. 

Whether you need help understanding which pool would be the best fit for you or need help installing your new pool, fill out our contact form to speak to one of our experienced designers and for a FREE estimate.

The 5 Kinds of Landscape Lighting

One of the major trends in Landscaping in 2020 is going to be Outdoor Lighting. There has been a growing demand for both front and backyard lighting.  The explosion of demand for Outdoor Lighting has compelled us to write and discuss the different styles of Outdoor Lighting so that no matter the layout and dimensions of your yard, you will be able to find the right lighting style and form that will be perfect for you. 

1. Step Lights

Do you have stairs in your backyard? If you do, step lights would be an excellent addition to your landscape plan. Step Lights not only offer a great degree when walking up and down your stairs but also elevate the look and feel of your patio or deck.  

2. Path Lights

Path Lights are a staple of Outdoor Lighting. Path Lights are not only very stylish but also create a welcoming and warm environment for guests. Path Lights also add an extra level of safety by reducing the risk of trips and falls in your outdoor space by illuminating any obstacles or elevation changes in your walkway.

3. Water Lights

Water Lights are essential if you have a water feature in your backyard. Water lights are the perfect accessory to help highlight your fountain or pond resulting in a beautiful ambiance which is sure to impress. 

4. LED Lights

LED Lights is currently one of the most desired Outdoor renovation upgrades. LED Lights are a great environmentally friendly alternative to conventional outdoor lighting. LED Lights are very efficeint and have minimal maintenance and come in a variety of different styles and forms. Meaning you will not have to sacrifice style for practicality. 

5. Accent Lights

Accent Lighting is the perfect way to highlight your beautiful backyard. Accent Lighting can be used to give perspective and depth to your backyard by illuminating your trees or shrubs. But it can also be used to highlight specific centerpieces in that need to be spotlighted in your backyard 

Whether you decide you need step lights, path lights, water lights or another other lighting option great options .But if you need help understanding which options would be best for you or need help installing Stamped Concrete or Pavers fill out our contact form for more information and free estimate. 

Choosing The Best Outdoor Fire Accent For You

Custom-Built Fireplaces:

Custom-Built Fireplaces are beautiful. Custom-Built Fireplaces are one-of-a-kind pieces that are personalized and customized for your backyard most people, given the choice, would pick this option. The downside of custom-built fireplaces is the cost. The cost of a custom-built fireplace can be upwards of $10,000. The installation time is approximately two weeks from start to finish. Custom Fireplaces offer you the most customization allowing you to perfectly match the fireplace to the aesthetic and theme of your backyard 

Chimeneas and Fire Pits: 

Fire Pits and chimenas are affordable and easy to install. Fire pits and chimenas do not require you to hire a professional meaning you can enjoy your new fireplace the same day. The problem that arises with this option is that your choices are limited because the lack of different designs and sizes meaning you may have trouble finding the perfect fire feature for your home. 

Pre-Engineered Fireplaces:

Pre-Engineered Fireplaces are a great in-between option because Pre-Engineered Fireplaces offer you the look of a custom fireplaces, without having to completely start from scratch. You are able to choose the finish and size of the fireplace so you can perfectly match the color scheme and theme of your backyard. Pre-Engineered Fireplaces have been researched and tested to make sure that proper heat reflection and smoke expulsion are standard in every fireplace. These fireplaces are very durable. The advantages of a pre-engineered fireplaces include installation time (one to two days) and that they are nearly 50% less than the cost of a Custom-Built Fireplace.

Whether you need help understanding which fire accent would be the best fit for you or need help installing your fire accent, fill out our contact form to speak to one of our experienced designers and for a FREE estimate.

Pavers vs Concrete Patios

So you’ve decided that you would like to remodel your walkway, patio or driveway, but are a bit confused about whether you should go with concrete pavers or stamped concrete, don’t fret we will go over the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for you.

Pavers:

Pavers are the top choice for homeowners. Pavers are very versatile because they come in so many different varieties of style and colors. Pavers offers the homeowner the ability to create a one-of-a-kind driveway, walkway or patio by mixing and matching colors and shapes. Repairing pavers is a lot more cost efficient than repairing stamped concrete because you only need to remove the damaged pavers and replace them with new pavers. Additionally, the life expectancy of pavers is more than 30 years meaning they are built to last making them a better return on your investment than Stamped Concrete. Furthermore, Pavers are extremely durable and tough, meaning, unlike stamped concrete, you can use pavers in your driveway and not worry about them cracking. Pavers are very low maintenance. Sweeping and rinsing them off is basically all you need to do to maintain your Pavers. If any weeds sprout between the pavers just pull them out. Pavers are highly weather resistant giving it another advantage to stamped concrete if you live in an area that experiences large amounts of weather fluctuation. 

Concrete:

Stamped Concrete is the fastest growing alternative to pavers. Stamped Concrete mimics higher end materials such as stone, brick, and slate at a fraction of the price. There are a multitude of choices available at your disposal when it comes to stamped concrete. Because Stamped Concrete can mimic so many different surfaces and comes in many patterns, textures and colors that will allow you to perfectly customize your patio, driveway or walkway to match the aesthetic and feel of your backyard perfectly. Another advantage to Stamped Concrete is that it is easy to install. Stamped Concrete requires a lot less labor to install than pavers. However, getting the mixture of water and cement powder correct is vital because an imbalance can cause poor finish or premature cracking. One of the major disadvantages of Stamped Concrete is that it lacks durability. Stamped Concrete has a tendency to crack easily when it is consistently put under a heavy load which is why we do not recommend using Stamped Concrete for driveways or any areas that have very objects. Furthermore, Stamped Concrete will eventually crack due to weathering and time, meaning, even though, Stamped Concrete is less expensive than other surface choices, stamped concrete may end up costing you more money in the long run if unsightly cracks bother you. 

Whether you decide to go with Pavers or Stamped Concrete both are great options .But if you need help understanding which options would be best for you or need help installing Stamped Concrete or Pavers fill out our contact form for more information and free estimate. 

Artificial Turf & Your Do

Artificial turf is becoming all the rage for homeowners. The rise of drought-friendly landscaping has increased the demand for artificial turf because artificial turf requires less upkeep and maintenance, and doesn’t need any water meaning it can comfortably enjoy all year long. One of the most common questions surrounding artificial turf is whether it is safe for pets.

Yes, artificial turf is safe for your pets. In fact, artificial turf is not just safe for your pets but typically is more durable and resistant to the wear and tear caused by dogs and cats than natural grass lawns. 

Why Artificial Turf

Digging 

One of the major problems dog owners experience, when it comes to their lawns, is their dog burrowing and creating holes in their beautiful yard. Digging not only causes patches and bald spots in your lawn but can also bring unwanted dirt and mud into your home when your dog comes back inside after he finishes excavating your yard. However, with artificial turf you will not experience this problem because the nylon / poly-propane fibers that are used for the mesh backing and the blades of grass are very durable, meaning even if you have the most industrious dog he will not damage the turf. 

Dog Poop

A major misconception that people have about artificial turf is that it will be difficult to clean and maintain their artificial grass when their dog goes number 2 on their artificial lawn. But on the contrary, your pet’s droppings are much easier to clean on artificial turf than natural grass. To clean your dog's poop all you have to do is scoope it up as you would do with natural grass and then rinse off the spot with the hose. And if you notice that there is a lingering smell after you cleaned up the poop you can always wipe down the spot with a water vinegar mixture.

Dog Pee

As all dog owners know the biggest issue your lawn has to deal with when it comes to your dog is their urine. Dog urine contains high amounts of nitrogen which causes dead spots becasue the urine burns the grass all the way to its roots. However, with artificial grass you will not experince that problem beacuse the permeable backing allows the pee and fluids to flow through. If your dog prefers to urinate in a specific spot, you can spot clean the area with a simple vinegar water solution every week to disinfect the area. If your dog doesn’t have a preferred spot or you do not know where he goes you can simply hose down the yard every week. 

Bugs

One of the major pros of having an artificial lawn is that there will be no more fleas or other bugs in your yard. Artificial turf forces the bugs to migrate to a different yard because the artificial turf eliminates their food so bugs cannot survive if they stay in your yard. Hence, you will not need to spray your yard with toxic pesticides. 

Artificial turf is a great investment for your home and for your pet.But make sure you do your research and you install the turf properly. If you need help understanding which options would be best for your yard, pet and yourself fill out our contact form for more information and free.