Pools & Spas

Water Features for Pools
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Water Features for Pools

There are several enticing styles of water features you can add to your pool. However, in today’s blog, we are focusing on a particular water feature stand-out: stream-fed waterfalls.

While pools, themselves, are the most prevalent water features, the amenities you add to them, in particular water features, can take them from ordinary to sublime.

Reminiscent of Mother Nature’s own ponds and lakes — where water pools are the outcome of streams and rivers feeding oxygenated waterfalls cascading from above — adding water features provide a very special dimension to a backyard pool.

A key element in giving the feature a natural feel is the use of moss rock. Of course, the skill comes in positioning the rocks in such a way so the water spills over them just like you would see on a mountain hike or woodland stroll.

The first project we are highlighting today showcases a majestic high waterfall spilling over natural boulders into a freeform concrete pool and spa. The waterfall doesn’t flow out from the walls of the pool, but like all the ones in today’s blog, it is fed by a meandering man-made stream.

Water Feature for Freeform Pool:

The spa in this project is private — nestled inside a cove made from moss rock boulders fitted with a structural steel and concrete ceiling. The entire project included a freeform pool with grotto spa, Techo-Bloc tumbled paver patio and in-pool tanning shelf; it won for Deck and Patio a prestigious Silver medal for design from the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA).

Spa and Pool Waterfalls:

A rushing stream of hot water flows over a large moss rock into a new spa built by Deck and Patio. From there, a spillover waterfall flows out from the spa five feet above the main swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Water Features:

Imagine sitting at a granite-topped swim-up bar on comfortable in-pool stools while enjoying the sounds and beauty of several stream-fed waterfalls. For this project, Deck and Patio was able to turn the biggest challenge of the property — its rising elevation — into a benefit. Gravity alone moves the water down the slope into the waterfalls. This project won us several gold meals; one from NSPI and one from NESPA.

Natural Swimming Pools with Waterfalls:

Although we have successfully built natural swimming pools for clients with waterfalls fed by streams, this project is not one of our own. We are using it today because it so beautifully showcases how much children love natural swimming pools. It was supplied to us by the company that manufacturers much of our water feature equipment — Aquascape, Inc. (St. Charles, IL). The pool waterfalls are stream-fed into a “natural” swimming pond. Swimming in such pools isn’t any different from taking a swim in an old fashioned swimming hole, or the ocean for that matter. Photo: Courtesy of Aquascape, Inc.

Pool Waterfalls:

The sound of waterfalls cascading over natural rock offers relaxing sounds as well as a beautiful vista when dining al fresco. Here, Deck and Patio also added a sound system in this backyard retreat that pumps music; together with the waterfalls the sounds are wonderful for entertaining or family fun.

Pool Water Features:

Sunset is a glorious time to be by the pool, especially when the sounds of multiple waterfalls complete the scene. Here a stream feeds two separate waterfalls on either side of a water slide that makes its own waterfall. This is definitely where you want to be at the end of each workday.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:30-05:00August 4th, 2016|Backyard Escapes, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Concrete (Gunite) Spas, Koi Ponds, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pools & Spas, Swim Up Bars, Unique Ideas|0 Comments

Nature Lovers Find Backyard Escapes An Elixir
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Nature Lovers Find Backyard Escapes An Elixir

Don’t you love all the beautiful landscaping photos available on social media? Certainly, Deck and Patio’s team does. We even post a lot of our own. But while it’s an incredible uplift to catch glimpses of serene images of nature during the workday, photos, alas, can’t substitute for the real thing.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Nature as Elixir

Albert Einstein once said: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Without question, early Native Americans did just that. Chief Ahanton, of one of New Hampshire’s Eastern Woodlands tribes, for example, named the state’s majestic great Lake: Winnipesaukee, — or the smile of the Great Spirit.

And it’s no different today. Pure flowing water — and all that it nourishes — is still considered by many to be sacred. Such scenes touch something deep within, causing us to pause, rest our minds, and rejuvenate.

Travel Not Required

Since we can’t travel daily to natural habitats like Lake Winnipesaukee, the Adirondacks, or the White Mountains, etc., how can we pause daily to rest our minds? The answer may be found right in our local communities.

Did you know that since Deck and Patio began designing/building ponds and pondscapes, we have created over 300 such peaceful water features here on Long Island alone? This is because local nature lovers have found that their backyards don’t have to be just a patch of green with some flower beds. They can be transformed into glorious escapes that act as the perfect elixir.

Backyard Escape: For this project, Deck and Patio carefully selected boulders and stones, along with bright plantings, to help create a beautiful vista. And as Chief Ahanton would no doubt agree, it would not have been an ideal outdoor refuge without some sort of water feature. A stream with waterfalls flowing under a charming wooden bridge, combined with the imported boulders and rocks we chose, created a natural walking trail like one would find in the mountains.

Mixing Softscapes with Hardscapes:

There’s no need to sacrifice a patio with spaces for entertaining to a natural vista that will nourish your soul. You can have both. For this project we built multi-level patios and carefully delineated how each space was to be used. One area was set up for relaxing and taking in a section of the yard’s multi-faceted water feature. Another spot off to the side — in front of a thicket of trees — was designed as a private patio. Sections for sunning and being near their pool were also mapped out.

Award-Winning Backyard Twin Ponds:

This project is a great example of building a nature lover’s escape on a property that did not have a lot of slope. It is actually three bodies of water: twin ponds and a swimming pool. The lower pond was intended to be the fish pond, with the upper pond for aquatic plants. However, Mother Nature is always boss. For not long after this award-winning* project was complete, the pond fish began jumping over the waterfall stone that separated the ponds, to swim upstream into the upper pond. (*This project won an international silver medal for water features from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).

Backyard Nature Walk:

Because these clients had a beautiful wooded yard, Deck and Patio had a beautiful backdrop to work our magic. We weaved stone steps, streams, and waterfalls in an around the property’s existing bridge and nature walks — all just below a park-style bench. We also lavished it all with robust plantings and green ground cover. To just about any eye, the completed nature walk appears as if Mother Nature put it all together herself.

Natural Stepping Stone Bridge:

Taking a walk in this backyard is as much meditation as exercise. In homage to Japanese Garden styles, Deck and Patio fitted large natural stones with smooth walking surfaces across a newly completed backyard pond. When doing the landscaping, we anchored each side of the pond with beautiful deep colors midst the lush green ground cover.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:30-05:00July 28th, 2016|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Plantings/Pondscapes, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Pools & Spas, Steps|0 Comments

Vinyl-Lined Pools Allow Flexibility in Pool Design
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Vinyl-Lined Pools Allow Flexibility in Pool Design

Although Deck and Patio builds concrete (gunite) pools, many of our clients prefer the feel of vinyl and especially the flexibility that vinyl offers in designing a pool.

“Sometimes stringent local setback codes affect pool design, other times the backyard space is small or the terrain challenging. Whatever the difficulties, with today’s advanced computerization of liner fabrications used in vinyl-lined pools, we can construct a swimming pool in any shape, curve, or angle, so there’s freedom in giving clients exactly what they want,” says Deck and Patio’s own Bill Renter.

With such flexibility in pool design, homeowners are also not stuck with what some believe to be unattractive white interior stairs. “The liner is fabricated to include the stairs and any other in-pool amenities. This is helpful because white stairs do not blend with the rest of the pool,” says Renter, “and, of course, there’s no sacrificing a smooth bottom for the swimmers’ feet.”

Of course, the base construction of a vinyl pool is much the same as any other. Vinyl simply refers to the method used to line a pool’s interior. These liners come in a large variety of colors, which can react with the water to create a romantic “grotto” or “lagoon’ effect, so popular today. Plus, the concrete walls of vinyl-lined pools have a lifetime guarantee.

“Often known for being the lowest-cost option, vinyl pools and spas are easily customizable,” adds Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “In addition, replacement cost for the outer liner is modest compared to other pool fixes. Because of this, we can offer a wallet-friendly facelift for a totally new look down the road. Plus, in the Northeast, vinyl-lined pools perform better because of the freeze/thaw climate.”

The first project we’re highlighting today (see first photo below) is unique with an interesting twist on the typical vinyl liner. It’s a swimming pool that looks like a pond – i.e., made entirely of rocks and not the usual concrete or steel – but filtered and treated chemically like a normal pool. Its liner isn’t “vinyl.” Instead, because of the very unique pool design the clients wanted, the best choice was a rubber pond liner. It’s as comfortable as vinyl and was a necessary choice for the job.

Adirondack-style Pool:

Despite looking like it’s a natural pond set within rocks, on the bottom of the pool there are no boulders. We installed a one-piece black rubber liner to contain the pool water, which feels to the feet much like a vinyl pool and is comfortable to swim in. We used a blend of pool and pond materials — a black liner, which reacts with the water to create a stunning pond-like appearance (a 45-mil EPDM pond liner) and Aquascape Inc.’s wide-mouth skimmers and bulkhead fittings to penetrate the liner.

Vinyl-lined Pool Sanctuary:

Sometimes clients want more than a pool. This newly created backyard sanctuary comprises an in-ground vinyl-lined pool, large patio area, outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, fire pit, two streams and two waterfalls. Plus, the serenity of it all gives no hint of the high-tech energy efficient components supporting it. The sounds of waterfalls, streams and sprays add tranquility to the backyard retreat.

Award-winning Vinyl-Lined Pool:

This entire Manhasset, NY project included a free-form, vinyl-lined pool that meanders along the landscape, along with a spillover spa. We tucked it into the back right corner of the clients’ backyard and surrounded it with a stacked stone wall and lush plantings. If you have a small yard — as was the case here — Deck and Patio frequently recommends designing different patio levels which help make the yard appear bigger.

Vinyl-lined Pool and Backyard Retreat:

Amenities abound in this backyard retreat: beautiful free-form vinyl pool, moss rock waterfalls, diving rock, tanning shelf, portable spa set in-ground, robust plantings, and handsome patio. The movement in the pool’s free-form shape, surrounded by plant material chosen for color and texture – with a view on how it will grow – ensures their backyard retreat will be a lovely oasis for a long time to come.

Outdoor Resort Living:

These clients wanted a good deal more than an outdoor pool and patio; they wanted a wide range of resort-style amenities to enhance their already existing majestic views of Long Island Sound. One such amenity was a vinyl-lined vanishing edge, or “infinity” pool that brings the view of the shoreline right up to their backyard patio. In addition, we included a spectacular custom spa, also perfectly positioned to enjoy the “vanishing edge” views. (Sunset photo of this project follows.)

Outdoor Resort Living:

This resort-style outdoor living oasis includes vanishing (vinyl lined) pool, custom spa, tumbled stone patio, natural gas campfires, evergreen trees for privacy, pool waterfalls, in-pool bar stools, three staircases, and in-floor cleaning. A swim-up U-shaped bar also serves as a patio bar; the pool boasts 5 in-pool stools and swim-out steps.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:31-05:00June 30th, 2016|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Infinity Pools, Landscaping, Outdoor Bars, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Swim Up Bars, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

Quality Pool & Spa Surrounds Provide Best Seats in the House
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Quality Pool & Spa Surrounds Provide Best Seats in the House

We love our backyards and spend as much time sitting around the pool or spa as swimming or relaxing in them. Indeed, the atmosphere of a water feature offers an ideal space for entertaining, sunbathing, talking, eating, and pure relaxation.

Therefore, making the right choice for a pool or spa surround will definitely increase the comfort and enjoyment of the outdoor experience. Below are four examples of quality pool and spa surround options that we have used for a few of our clients. We designed and built these, as we do all our projects, with function, beauty, and durability in mind. The result being that such new outdoor living areas quickly become the best seats in the house.

The following four examples showcase (1) composite decking, (2) all natural hardwood, (3) concrete pavers, and (4) limestone. Pull up a lounge chair and enjoy!

Trex Transcend Decking

1. For this very special pool and spa (unseen) surround, we chose composite materials manufactured by Trex Transcend Decking. This decking has a wood grain appearance, but is actually made from combined plastic and wood. Note how the eye tricks you into thinking you are looking at solid wood.

With some exceptions, composite decking, with its protective shell, is unrivaled for being fade, stain, scratch and mold resistant. The “Gravel Path” color used here enhances the wood grain appearance with earth tones. Tip: Whenever possible, you want a deck to go all the way around a pool as seen here.

Brazilian Hardwood Decking

2. For this project, we used a durable Brazilian Walnut hardwood. This all-natural wood offers a warm choice for pools and spas due to ease of construction and is a particularly smart choice for an above-ground pool or spa.

When handled properly, it can make a relatively inexpensive above-ground water feature, such as this spa, look like an in-ground pool. This particular natural wood is very strong, hard and durable and resists splintering, termites, wear, rot, fire, chemicals and marine borers — and almost every threat imaginable. And because it is all natural wood, it is recyclable at the end of what is sure to be a long service life.

Concrete Pavers for Pool Surround

3. We used concrete pavers for this pool and spa surround. These pavers offer a durable, interlocking alternative to asphalt and poured concrete.

Extremely durable and beautiful, concrete pavers won’t show signs of color loss or fading over time, and have blemish-free surfaces. We used Cambridge Ledgestone pavers (“Toffee Onyx” color, in random pattern) to create the natural rustic appearance seen here.

Travertine Pool Surround

4. We designed and built this lovely natural limestone pool surround using Travertine, which has gone through a “brushing” process to obtain the warm and antique look it enjoys. It comes in tiles with hand-chiseled (chipped) edges with an antiqued and unfilled surface.

Valued for its banded, pitted “distressed” appearance, Travertine adds rich, distinctive character that stems from the way the limestone is formed: being deposited at the mouth of mineral springs and in caves. For this pool surround, we added a stone ledge, which, together with the limestone, suggests a romantic Roman bath.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:31-05:00June 23rd, 2016|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Composite Decking, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Outdoor Living, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Trex Decking|0 Comments

Pool Upgrades: Trends, Tips, and Money-Saving Ideas
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Pool Upgrades: Trends, Tips, and Money-Saving Ideas

Deck and Patio loves doing exciting full-size projects, but many times clients simply want an upgrade to their existing yard. That’s understandable, because when it comes to the outdoors, the best way to add value to your home is to renovate what’s already there: a pool, patio, deck or barbecue area — and frequently, save money in the doing!

Upgrading In-ground pools

— pumps

Whether your pool is gunite or vinyl, there is one easy way to upgrade and save big money. Consider changing your current one-speed filter pump to an energy efficient variable speed pump.

“These pumps are so efficient that they can cut your energy costs to 1/6^th of what they currently are,” says Deck and Patio’s Bill Renter. “There are several manufactures that offer these pumps including Pentair, Sta-rite and Jandy. They will cost about $1,000-$1,500, but pay back time will be three years or less.

— change the coping, tile and color of your pool

“For gunite, there are many color options in marbledusts, pebble finishes, and even all-tile pools. This can be done even if the old color isn’t worn. A change in tone or color can enliven a pool area or make an old pool look new.

Pebble Liner

Changing your vinyl pool’s liner can make a dramatic difference. “The choices are almost limitless and it is amazing what a new liner does to an old faded pool,” says Renter. “There are even pebbled colored liners in a tan tone that make them look more like a gunite pool. Naturally, changing the coping at the same time will complete the change.”

Pool Surrounds

Renovating around a pool is sometimes easier than upgrading the pool itself. It could be something as easy as fixing a settled or damaged patio. Other ideas for renovating around a pool might be upgrading to a new patio material like Techo-Bloc “Inca” pavers. Be sure to compact and install enough base to prevent future settling.

Patio sizes can be reduced and adding stepping stones can be cost effective way of creating a pathway around your pool. Boulders set in the landscape and used for retaining steps are yet another way to reduce the cost of retaining walls and adding beauty.

Pool Add-ons

Other pool area renovations have become popular recently because the total cost of the job is significantly reduced due to the existence of a pool: insulating walls, adding stairs, benches, swimouts, water features, slides, campfires, and spillover spas. Another popular upgrade is adding a waterfall. Insist on a rubber liner under the waterfall to ensure that it will be leak free for a long time.

Adding Tanning Shelves and Swim-outs:

Some additions are more involved than others such as adding a tanning shelf. These shelves are a cool way to stay cool when you want to lay out in the sun, says Deck and Patio’s owner, Dave Stockwell. “The shelves are set in several inches of water and are wide enough for parents to sun bathe while young children play beside them.”

Techo-Bloc Inca Pavers:

One way to upgrade around a pool is with a new patio or pool surround, seen here with new Techo-Bloc’s Inca interlocking pavers. Inspired by South American “beauty and mystery” these pavers go well in any style — from Mediterranean to contemporary.

Pool Ad-ons:

Changing the vinyl liner to your pool is one way to make a dramatic change, as shown in this photo. “In addition natural gas campfires create romantic outdoor mood with the addition of one of these,” says Stockwell. “Adding a slide and/or multiple waterfalls to an existing pool is fun way to make an upgrade.”

Stepping Stones:

Stepping Stones can be a cost-effective way to create a path around or beside your pool (seen here beside an infinity pool). Add colorful and lush plantings and you have a beautiful area not overwhelmed by too much hardscape.

Pools With Spas:

Didn’t include a spa when you had your pool built? These clients simply added a portable Bullfrog Spa, which we nestled into the slope — close to the existing pool. We also added a new stream/waterfall. When the clients are sitting in the new hot tub, it is so close to the stream, they can almost reach out and touch it.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:31-05:00May 12th, 2016|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Bullfrog Spas, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Infinity Pools, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Portable Hot Tubs|3 Comments

Steep Terrain: Creating a Backyard Escape that “Wows!”
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Steep Terrain: Creating a Backyard Escape that “Wows!”

The owner of True Blue Swimming Pools, Michael Truehart, was contracted to do the pool for this project. Much of the small backyard was sloping terrain, and the clients expected, as part of a new “natural-looking oasis that wows,’ that True Blue would build the pool on their only available flat piece of land.

“But Michael felt it was a pity to use up the flat piece of lawn where their children loved to play,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “He suggested, instead, that the seemingly unusable elevated terrain be sculpted into the backyard retreat they wanted.”

This project would require a lot of creative landscaping, and Truehart recommended Deck and Patio be brought in help with the project.

“Manipulating grades — that is working within different levels— is one of the things we do very well,” says Bill Renter, who took the lead for Deck and Patio. “Such gradations can be not only attractive and spatially functional, but, when done correctly, they can make smaller yards appear considerably more expansive. We are also expert at creating natural retaining walls, which was key for this project.”

Bill adds that when he works within tight spaces, he makes sure the chaise lounge, dining and patio areas are all large enough for furniture, and have room enough to walk around. He also tries not to over-build or paver the whole space.

However, it wasn’t just elevation changes that presented problems.

“In order to fit a full-sized 24’ x 40’ pool, we also had to deal with stringent Town setback codes,” says Michael Truehart. “One way we addressed these problems was designing the pool on one side with an exposed wall. Boulder coping on the opposite side was expanded by Deck and Patio into a beautiful waterfall feature that also does double-duty as a natural retaining wall.”

The finished vinyl-lined pool has a concrete wall; extra rebar was added to the exposed pool wall for strength, and the concrete footing was sunk well below the frost line to prevent heaving and shifting. In addition to the waterfall area, throughout the retreat, smaller groups of boulders fitted with plantings act as natural and attractive retaining areas.

“Along with the finish work on the pool, including the Cambridge ledgestone veneer on the exposed wall, we also designed/built the Cambridge XL paver patio,” says Renter. “Our work, combined with True Blue’s beautiful pool, gave the clients what they wanted: a full oasis that “wows” — with a little unexpected space left over for their children to play.”

Note: This project won an international Gold medal from APSP (Association of Pools and Spas Professionals) Bronze medal from LIPSA (Long Island Pool and Spa Association)

Backyard Oasis:

This project’s pool and pool-side amenities include a Wild Ride slide, granite swim-up bar with 3 vinyl-covered in-pool stools, diving rock, Tiki (Hula) patio umbrellas, outdoor shower, and lush plantings.

Lagoon-style Swimming Pools:

Along with designing a freeform shape, True Blue Swimming Pools chose a Loop-Loc “Sea Blue” vinyl liner to give the pool an enticing South Seas’ lagoon appeal. Fullnose coping also offers a harmonizing curved form.

Pool With Exposed Wall:

“One way we addressed the problems in using sloping terrain was designing the pool on one side with an exposed wall, which Deck and Patio veneered in Cambridge ledgestone,” says Michael Truehart of True Blue Pools.

Elevated Backyard Terrain:

The pool’s vertical Cambridge ledgestone veneer adds drama to the lower patio area. Natural boulder steps (left) lead up to the pool surround’s main lounging area. Restful waterfalls running over moss rock (on the Wild Ride slide part of the pool) are not just beautiful to look at, they do double-duty as a retaining wall.

Pool Amenities:

An impressive granite swim-up bar — with 3 vinyl-covered in-pool stools shaded by Tiki (Hula) patio umbrella — contribute to the “wow factor” the clients were looking for.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:32-05:00May 5th, 2016|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Steps, Swim Up Bars, Unique Ideas, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

Upgrading Pool and Backyard: New Landscaped Slope Replaces Old Retaining Wall
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Upgrading Pool and Backyard: New Landscaped Slope Replaces Old Retaining Wall

As part of an overall backyard upgrade, Deck and patio was asked to replace a deteriorating two-tiered retaining wall that had become an unsightly focal point of the clients’ pool and patio area. In addition, loud noises that came from behind the wall were a problem. Other elements that needed refurbishing were the pool’s bowing stack concrete wall, and an aging patio.

To renovate the pool, we reinforced its wall with steel rebar and filled blocks with concrete; we also reshaped its design into an elegant geometric form. In addition, Deck and Patio surrounded the pool on three sides with a durable and handsome Cambridge patio.

Work in Progress

Transforming the dual four-foot retaining walls called for a major transformation: removing and replacing the walls, and filling the space with naturalized boulders before colorful plantings, and a seven-foot high water feature could be added. Deck and Patio’s project manager/designer for the job was Bill Renter, who is an avid outdoor enthusiast.

“I spend as much time as I can walking the hillsides of New York’s Catskills and studying the landscape,” says Renter. “This has increased my expertise in how rock placement affects the flow of streams and waterfalls.”

Indeed, over the years, Renter has received a multitude of awards for choosing the perfect rocks, and artfully installing them to great effect and function.

Seven-Foot High Waterfall

Replaces Old Retaining Wall

“Bill wanted our clients to experience what he does when he explores nature,” adds Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio.

“Not only did he create a beautiful focal point behind the pool, the dramatic waterfall drops into a pond-less system by Aquascape that filters and collects the water underground to recirculate it. Not having a pond capturing the falling water allowed Bill to add a stepping stone path that bring strollers right up to the fall, as if they were on a nature walk in the mountains.”

Backyard Upgrade Before and After:

Before Photo of Pool and Retaining Wall

After Photo of Pool/Retaining Wall

Cambridge Pavingstone Patio:

Replacing the clients’ old patio with Cambridge Sahara Chestnut pavers included this new handsome entrance to the pool area with a spectacular view of of the new natural retaining wall.

Natural Noise Barrier:

The new seven-foot waterfall is not just a delightful feature, it serves as a natural noise barrier for unwanted sounds that might intrude on a serene backyard oasis such as this.

Natural Retaining Walls:

Plantings are a key part of creating any natural retaining walls. Along with boulders and other rocks, their root systems add to the overall strength of the support system. Deck and Patio always chooses plants for their color, bloom periods and how they grow — ensuring color all through the seasons that keep their harmony year after year.

Here’s one additional “before” and “after” grouping that highlights the process of replacing a retaining wall.

New Wall Includes Aquascape Pondless Waterfall

New Wall With Aquascape Pondless Waterfall

Natural Retaining Wall as a Work in Progress

Geometric Swimming Pools: The Shapes of Things to Come
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Geometric Swimming Pools: The Shapes of Things to Come

In recent years there has been a growing re-appreciation of swimming pools in a geometric design (straight lines, triangles, circles, or similar regular shapes) and this trend is predicted to continue well beyond 2016.

The reasons for the renewed appreciation could be that “geometrically” shaped pools are sleeker and more contemporary than freeform pools. They also are more traditional and, therefore, suggest permanency — a comforting image in times of rapid change.

Perhaps an even bigger factor is that today’s pool builders can incorporate deluxe features in any pool design, e.g., baja or tanning shelves, waterfalls, beach or sloping entries, swim out steps, in-water ledges and spas, providing extra interest to plain geometric shapes.

In the first two photos below, Deck and Patio’s Marc Wiener worked with Michael Truehart of True Blue Swimming Pools to create a sleek and elegant modern geometric design. Indeed, the completed pool won a Gold medal from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals’ (APSP) International Awards of Excellence Program.

However, despite geometric design’s simplicity, these pools are not simple to build.

“With freeform pools, there really is no right or wrong,” says Truehart. “But with parallel and perpendicular angles, geometric designs have to be exact. Plus, vinyl liners, which are so popular today, these are measured and cut by computer and require that everything be on the money.”

Geometric Salt Water Pool and Surround:

Deck and Patio’s Marc Wiener’s chose sandy-hued Techo-Bloc pavers to harmonize with the ‘Sand Pebble’ vinyl pool liner by Loop-Loc installed by True Blue Swimming Pools. (Photo: True Blue Pools)

Geometric Salt Water Pool Amenities:

This same salt-water pool includes a generous amount of interesting corners and notch-outs, a “cuddle cove” in between two sheer descent waterfalls, and clean-lined pool steps at each end (swim-outs at the deep end). (Photo: True Blue Pools)

Roman Ell Geometric Pool:

True Blue Swimming Pools also built this lovely geometric pool in a Roman Ell shape with a long shallow and full deep end. It is also a vinyl pool with a liner by Loop-Loc; Also note the Wild Ride water slide by Interfab. The pool boasts a Cambridge Ledgestone XL paver surround/patio and sheer descent waterfalls. (Photo: True Blue Pools)

Geometric Pool with Seating Ledge:

Deck and Patio’s design for this sleek vinyl pool included an in-pool seating ledge and swim-out steps. Vinyl refers to the method used to line the pool’s interior. Its base construction, however, is the same as any other. The pool surround/patio was created in a warm chestnut-hued random pattern using Cambridge pavers.

In-pool Hot Tubs:

Another trend in pool design is to make the spa or hot tub disappear within the pool. For these Deck and Patio clients, such an option wasn’t just for beauty. With young children, for safety reasons they wanted an automatic cover that would overlay both bodies of water; special automation also allows them to isolate the spa and heat only the spa water.

Geometric Pool with Landscaping:

The steps Deck and Patio installed just above the far end of the pool are part of a natural retaining wall of boulders; they lead to a delightfully landscaped wilderness where pool equipment has been artfully hid. Pool includes sheer descent waterfalls and is surrounded by a patio with complementary random geometric patterns.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:35-05:00March 17th, 2016|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Retaining Walls, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

Design/Build Landscaping: Owning a Piece of Paradise, One Phase at a Time
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Design/Build Landscaping: Owning a Piece of Paradise, One Phase at a Time

A backyard oasis can be a major undertaking. Depending on the scope of the project, it isn’t always possible to bring it about all at once. Depending on when you get started, time constraints can limit what is possible to do in one season. Budget can also be a factor. Even local codes may cause temporary roadblocks.

When any these factors frustrate completing your heart’s desire in one season, the answer, of course, is build it in stages. However, in order to ensure that each stage is in harmony with earlier work, the project’s design requires an extra measure of care.

Phase I should include enough enjoyable elements so that the family can experience a bit of paradise from the get-go. Certainly that was true for the project showcase we’re highlighting here, which was done in two phases.

In addition to a swimming pool and spa, the clients were passionate about having backyard water features in a natural setting that appeared as if Mother Nature did the work — not a landscaping firm. Our Phase I plan included just such backyard delights: a pond, stream and multiple waterfalls that seemed to have always been there.

“In addition to appearing natural, the clients wanted to enjoy beautiful natural sounds and sights from various points in their yard and residence,” says Bill Renter.

“A key decision we made was not to clear-cut their backyard just to make it easy on us to work,” says Bill Renter. “We kept much of the property’s mature oaks, maples and pines in the overall design. In the initial phase, we were also careful to leave sufficient space and access to where the pool and spa would be constructed the following year, taking care that any future construction would not interfere with anything already in place.”

Not only did the homeowners end up with their heart’s desire — owning a piece of paradise that was theirs alone — but the project won Deck and Patio three prestigious awards: Gold, Silver and Bronze from the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI).

Backyard Paradise:

Before any pool was built, Deck and Patio designed the property’s new stream and multiple waterfalls to transverse the rear property line ending in a koi pond. By using the existing topography, we created spills and changes to water direction so they could be easily heard as well as seen from the rear patio and from inside the residence.

Swimming Pool with Spillover Spa:

After a year of enjoying their water feature, we installed the pool and spa to complete the backyard renovation. The pool was designed to be “organic” with its natural surroundings and to meet the clients’ desire to have a body of water that would be harmonious with the residence’s existing patio, outdoor kitchen area, waterfall, stream and koi pond.

Spillover Spa:

Built 12 inches above the pool water line, the spa provides a picturesque spillway that intermingles with the surrounding landscape. The clients wanted the spa to be unique and provide some seclusion from the main patio and other viewing angles. A 2-foot-high cascading waterfall into the spa not only offers a gentle massage should you sit under it, but it adds to the overall theme of having pleasant visual and audio effects of moving water.

Landscaping Backyard Oasis:

The pool was also constructed with a moss rock boulder coping which brings the landscape right up to the beam of the pool in a natural setting. Vibration flowers with fragrance that also offer successional color throughout the pool season include a wide variety of perennials, evergreen and deciduous plantings.

Backyard Koi Pond:

The spa was situated by Deck and Patio’s design/build team so the client could view the koi pond and waterfalls while relaxing in the spa.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:35-05:00March 3rd, 2016|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Plantings/Pondscapes, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Seasonal Landscapes, Spillover/Custom Spas|0 Comments

Trends in Backyard Design: Water Features Are Enjoying a Rippling Effect
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Trends in Backyard Design: Water Features Are Enjoying a Rippling Effect

In a recent online post on what’s new in outdoor design, hgtv.com (House & Garden/TV) set water-feature-loving hearts a pumping. They have found that one of today’s top outdoor trends in backyard design is the backyard water feature.

In our experience at Deck and Patio, there are many reasons for this popularity. In addition to water features providing an attractive focal point all year through — be it a simple easy-to-install single portable fountain, or a gorgeous deep natural swimming pond complete with waterfalls and streams — the sound and sight of moving water is instantly soothing. And when created on a large-enough scale, such a feature can even block out unwanted noise.

Another major factor in their popularity are the many options available. Whatever one’s taste, there’s a feature to match it — from historic rustic to contemporary and sleek.

That brings us to perhaps the biggest reason for the growth in this backyard trend:

Any budget can absorb it!

Bubbling Fountains

Relatively inexpensive, bubbling rocks, single urns, and multiple rock fountains bring the sounds and sight of moving water to your backyard effortlessly.

Garden Fountain (Long Island/NY)

When Deck and Patio’s designer was completing this garden, he noticed that “something was missing.” The clients agreed that a modest water fountain would add more life and provide a focal point in the garden. The “stacked stone urn” design they chose is the smallest kit available from Aquascape Inc. (32” tall), which suited their style and was the perfect scale for the garden.

Bubbling Rock Water Features (Brooklyn/NY):

While this bubbling rock is part of a larger rainwater harvesting/pond project (Brooklyn/NY), it can be installed on its own to provide the sight and sounds of moving water. When sitting out on their patio, the fountain offers the homeowners a serene focal point that also helps irrigate the garden.

Sheet Waterfalls

Sheet waterfalls are a popular choice for people who enjoy a sleek modern look. Also called Sheer Descent, these waterfalls provide a particular soothing sound unique to their design.

Outdoor Bar with Waterfalls (Long Island/NY):

Space was at a premium in this yard and the usual type of large water feature (e.g., pond fed by streams with waterfalls etc.) wouldn’t have fit. The Deck and Patio designer suggested adding two sheer descent waterfalls flowing out of the new stone bar we were constructing for them. The flowing water is collected underground and re-circulated, eliminating the usual above-ground presence of a pond.

Waterfalls/Ponds and Water Gardens

Cascading water in our backyards offer more than beauty. They can help eliminate noise problems.

Waterfalls (Long Island/NY):

These clients had a backyard noise problem. Their home is located close to a very busy street and the solution we came up with is for this lovely pondless waterfall. The noise is completely eliminated by the flowing water cascading over imported moss rock boulders. It’s beautiful to look at whether you are lounging on the patio or taking a swim in the pool — and when outdoors, the family feels like they are far away from the hubbub of daily life.

Ponds and Water Gardens (Long Island/NY):

Backyard ponds and water gardens have been growing in popularity for some time; recent trends are for adding aquatic plants. These plants are not just beautiful to look at. Carefully chosen, they absorb nutrients an pollutants and help purify the pond. Along with the water, these plants become a magnet for local birds who come to bathe and rest on or near the plants. In this project, we added ornamental grasses and lily pads inside the pond surrounded by flowering perennials for color and charm.

Water Features are for All Seasons

When our clients ask our experts if they should close down their ponds or fountains for the winter, our answer is frequently, No! Most ponds — even stocked with koi — can operate during winter.

Fountainscapes (Long Island/NY):

Crafted in delightful old-world charm, this fountainscape is part of a fountain/miniature pond feature that is as peaceful in winter months as it is in summer. Note how the small stream of water becomes a jeweled thread of ice during winter’s icy blasts.

Natural Swimming Ponds

Being able to swim in your own backyard pristine natural pond is perhaps the ultimate in backyard water features. The best natural swimming ponds are built big and deep enough to allow for snorkeling and provide ample room to swim.

Natural Swimming Ponds (Long Island/NY):

It requires expertise to create a natural swimming environment and be able to enjoy it much like we did swimming holes in years past. It takes, for example, the correct underlayment, liner, Biofalls (Aquascape Inc.), bog filtration, as well as the ideal water plants etc. Photo: Courtesy of Aquascape Inc.