Poolscape Design for a Luxurious Swimming Pool Landscape

 guest writer  No Responses »
May 222009
 
by Jasmine LeClair

Its often surprising to poolscape design professionals how little thought would-be owners of inground luxury pools spare for the details that could make their home and recreational area a coherent, architecturally attractive whole. Lagoon swimming pool at Pan Pacific Hotel, KLIA
Creative Commons License photo credit: leozaza

A large number of considerations will determine whether your swimming pool landscape design promotes privacy, convenience and safety. An intelligently conceived swimming pool landscape design will mean the difference between an area for fun and healthy exercise and one that is beautiful enough to add serious value to your home.

There is only one good option for busy individuals to ensure that attention is paid to the small details of their pools construction and design.

You’ll need to hire a seasoned construction company, preferably one that your friends or family have recommended to you. Irresponsible or unscrupulously managed construction companies are notorious for dragging out work for far longer than it needs to take, making them a serious financial risk.

If youre very lucky, you may be able to find a poolscape design company that will quote you a flat rate, rather than by day or by the hour, a system which only encourages slow work.

Pretty much one of the best landscaping ideas for privacy, and a poolscape design that will look great and guard your pool area from inquiring eyes, is to surround it with foliage, creating a thick screen of protective greenery.

The trees you pick do need to be chosen wisely, though. Any tree with an extensive root system will, given a few years, cause damage to the foundation of your home or of your swimming pool. Also trees that drop their leaves in autumn are going to be more trouble than theyre worth – youd prefer your pools good hygiene to be as low-maintenance as possible.

Rather go for evergreen trees – the minimal amount of mess they will create and their consistently beautiful, lush appearance means you wont suddenly find your private space laid bare in winter.

One way to get the lush look you want without cluttering up your swimming pool landscape is to grow vines up trellises. Espalier trees ( trees the branches of which have been pruned and groomed to grow horizontally to either side rather than every which way) are another attractive option, as they create a flat barrier of branches.

These are the best landscaping ideas for privacy, the alternative being a fence or wall, which will lack the gentle arboreal and natural feel of vegetation, but provide the safety and security you might prize over those traits if you have small children.

Another serious consideration if that is the case is getting hold of a strong pool cover that will support the weight of your child should they happen to fall on it.

Its also a good idea to surround your pool with patio tiling, ensuring you of a safe, non-slip surface when you get out of the pool. Lazing outside is one of the most luxurious parts of having a pool, so think about the social space you are constructing and how many people you would  like to be able to entertain.

Lastly, think about style. You would ideally like your swimming pool landscape design to echo the architectural features of your home. Often people renovate their houses without giving any thought to the outmoded style of the pool in the backyard.

Look at a variety of custom designs, remembering always that your dream swimming pool will be the one that fits seamlessly into your dream home.

About the Author:
To see more tips for Poolscape Design click onto www.BestSwimmingPoolShop.com
Posted by by Jasmine LeClair at 1:27 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

The Benefits of a Swimming Pool Cover

 backyard pools  4 Responses »
May 132009
 

Swimming pools have increased in popularity in the last few years and as price increase for traveling this trend will continue. By adding a swimming pool to your backyard you create an area for entertainment for friends and family.  summertime blue
Creative Commons License photo credit: plasticrevolver

A swimming pool also adds to the backyard oasis a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

Whether you are just installing a pool or it’s been a part of the backyard you will want to consider a swimming pool cover.

The addition of a pool cover will save you time from removing unwanted debris, such as leaves from the pool. This can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The cover catches much of the leaves and the cover will also help warm your pool in the beginning months of the summer season.

A pool cover is becoming a popular pool accessory. The covers come in a wide variety of different styles. While each style will accomplish the same goal, they also tend to have different purposes.

Swimming pool cover varieties

Plastic pool covers are lightweight and less expensive.  They are lightweight and float on top of the pool and protect the pool from leaves, insects, and other debris. Plastic covers may be the most affordable but they are not always ideal for homes with small children.

Plastic pool covers will not support the weight of a person, even a small child. This can be a safely concern for families and neighborhoods with small children that are curious and often explore.

Manual vinyl covers are available for in-ground and aboveground pools. They need to be manually covered and uncovered for use on the pool.

Vinyl pool covers are designed for both above ground and in-ground pools. They will hold up to weather conditions better and most vinyl pool covers will hold the weight of several adults. This is a wonderful safely feature for areas with small children. But the vinyl pool cover is more expensive.

One other advantage to the vinyl pool cover is that it may come with an automatic system. This system will allow you to cover your pool with the click of a button. After a long day or a large party this option is easy and convenient.

The cost of a swimming pool cover will depend on the type of pool that you have and the options of the cover you are planning to buy. Where you shop may also have an impact on the cost. So shop around, both online and off to find the best quality and price before making your final purchase

With proper selection, a pool cover will add safety and less work to your pool and will more time to enjoy your backyard pool.

Posted by Denise at 10:31 am  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Swimming Pool Basics

 guest writer  No Responses »
Apr 282009
 
by Michael Wellingsley

More and more families are considering investing in a swimming pool today. Less expensive than a vacation for the whole family, a home swimming pool is starting to look like a worthwhile investment for many people. With a wide variety of swimming pool options out there, many people can find a way to fit at least a very basic swimming pool into their budget. Safety first
Creative Commons License photo credit: Dennis Wong

Public pools are popular because they are usually quite large, have added on items like sliding boards and wading pools, and seem to cost less than installing your own pool. The cost of paying for public pools can become considerable over a couple of seasons though. Still, public pools can be a nice choice for people with limited space or other considerations that prevent them from putting in their own pool.

For private ownership, above ground swimming pools are generally much less expensive than the in ground alternative. Even among above ground pools there can be a great variation in cost. Inflatable above ground swimming pools are usually the least expensive option. These are usually designed to be set up on a level area by a few people in one days time.

The above ground pools that get “winterized” are a popular option today. They are large enough to be enjoyed by several people but do not carry the very high price tag of an in ground swimming pool.

Expenses related to the installation of an above ground pool can add up quickly. Pools costs include the pool itself, preparing the poolscape area, running electricity to the pool area, any decking that may be added on, and of course, labor. If you are going for an installation of all new materials, this could end up costing several thousand dollars.

Getting an in ground pool is a serious commitment of money for a homeowner and should be looked at as an investment. Having an in ground pool is definitely a selling point. Whether you gain from this investment in the long term will depend on the pool itself and the prevailing economic factors when you decide to sell your home.

If you just want an in ground pool or you have no other pool options available where you live, just accept that it is going to be expensive and hope that you get your value back. Before installing the pool, get all of your documentation handled. All permits and such should be obtained before you ever break ground on the project.

No matter what swimming pool option you may choose, get all of your costs added up before ever making your purchase. Your new pool shouldn’t cost so much that it destroys your budget. Shop wisely and take care of the pool you decide to purchase. Today’s pools can last for several years and serve as a great addition to your home and property.

About the Author:
Mr. Wellingsley enjoys writing about swimming pools . You might also enjoy this pool heaters article.
Posted by Michael Wellingsley at 10:50 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Backyard Pool Accessories for Toddlers

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Mar 302009
 

Backyard swimming pools add activity and entertainment to the backyard oasis and summer fun. What better way to enjoy the hot days of summer than splashing in a pool? But when you have toddlers in the house pool safely becomes a bigger concern. Summer holiday, day 24
Creative Commons License photo credit: ansik

Most toddlers do not know how to swim but enjoy the water and are fun to watch splashing about.  It is great exercise for them and teaches co-ordination so the pool is a  wonderful summer activity to introduce them to. However, extra precautions will need to be taken to ensure their safety. Pool accessories will help with additional safety.

If you are a pool owner, you probably have many pool accessories already but there are popular pool accessories designed with the toddler in mind.  These are known as lifesaving devices such as arm floats and lifejackets.  Arm floats are safety devices that go on a child’s arm and enable a child, who would otherwise not know how to swim, to stay afloat.  Lifejackets serve a similar purpose. They attach to a child like a piece of clothing and are available in very small sizes.

Pool toys also aid in toddler safety in the pool. They include a wide variety of different items such as baby floats, beach balls, kickboards and swim rings. Toys that float on the water, such as fishes and beach ball are very intriguing to small children. They are entertaining watching the toys float and bobble on the water.

Baby floats, kickboards, and swim rings are toys that may also assist toddlers and children that are unable to swim on their own. Swim rings are ideal for toddlers who may have some swimming knowledge. My nephew used these one summer when he was learning to swim. By the end of the summer his swimming skills were amazing and he no longer had to wear them.

Swim rings can be used along with arm floats or a small life jacket for more safety. For small toddlers or infants, you may want to consider a baby float. Baby floats often have leg holes and they are specially shaped for stability, making them perfect for the small toddler and a safer swimming experience.

Pool accessories and additional pool hardware that will add safety to your backyard pool or kiddie pool can be purchased from many different stores or online. And by looking at the wide selection of products available you will be able to find the perfect toys and accessories to create a safe and fun water environment for your small child.

Keeping you backyard safe and enjoyable for you and your children will keep your backyard the oasis you envisioned and planned.

Posted by Denise at 11:04 am  Tagged with: ,

Backyard Pool Safety

 backyard pools  No Responses »
Mar 292009
 

With summer months ahead and people buying pools for their backyard or cleaning and preparing their swimming pools for the season its time to take a close look at pool safely in the backyard oasis area.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Indiewench

Unfortunately thousands of children die each year from drowning and many of these deaths occur at residential swimming pools. When it comes to pool safely many adults are misinformed about their pool. They feel that as long as there is safely equipment and devices at the pool site their children are safe.

Pool safety devices are important but common sense and knowing how to use your equipment is equally important. And having a plan and staying calm in an emergency will help you and your family.

Pool accessories that aid in pool safety are arm floats, or baby floats and lifejackets. These are popular accessories that can also be considered lifesaving devices. Arm floats are perfect for children of any age. Once they are inflated, they slip onto a child’s arm and will help keep them afloat. But care and observation of use must be used at all times. summertime blue
Creative Commons License photo credit: plasticrevolver

A baby float is a great way for infants and lightweight children to enjoy the water. They have leg holes and squared shapes that add stability and will keep a small child above water. As with any water activity, but particularly with babies, remember the waterproof suntan lotion.

Lifejackets are most commonly used and associated with boating, but you can purchase smaller lifejackets that are ideal for swimming pools. These are idea for pool games where splashing and activity can be distractive to where the children are located in the pool.

Pool toys add to fun and activity to backyard pools.  Pool toys can include swim rings, beach balls, and other small toys. They are relatively cheap in price, sometimes only a dollar. Other swim toys can be expensive purchases, such as volleyball nets and basketball hoops.

When your children are playing a water games, it is very important that you keep a close eye on them. These games often become very competitive which adds to noise and confusion in a pool. These situations can become dangerous or deadly in a pool. Careful observation and having and enforcing rules will help keep active games safe.

Pool fixtures such as pool slides or deep end diving boards are also toys.  But since they are usually securely fastened to the pool or the side of the pool, they are called a fixture.  It is very important that you pay extremely close attention to anyone using slides or the diving board. Young children think these items look fun and often try to use these without supervision and if the child cannot swim this may lead to a tragedy. You may also want to make sure that divers are jumping a safe distance away from the pool’s side and that people are clear of the jumping area.

There are many considerations in pool safety and each family will have different concerns. But keeping an eye on the children in the pool and backyard pool area and making sure that all pool toys and accessories are in the proper working order will help keep your backyard oasis paradise a fun and safe place to relax and enjoy the summer.

Posted by Denise at 9:47 am  Tagged with: , ,
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