Spillover/Custom Spas

3 Backyard Escapes To Lift Anyone’s Mood
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3 Backyard Escapes To Lift Anyone’s Mood

Design/Build Showcases: Three different families – three different dream backyards

Creating Resort Feel in Backyard:

Our design/build team constructed this resort-style backyard by adding a vinyl pool with sweeping curves, interior stairs and love seat; a white pergola with 10”-round columns adds room-like feel to the patio.

Moss Rock Waterfall:

This eight-foot-high moss rock waterfall was built to ensure a perpetual resort feeling; a large berm has been planted with lush landscaping to add the right touches of color.

Above 2 photos:

The owners of this Long Island property asked Deck and Patio’s design/build team to give their new pool area a “resort feel.” First, our team, under the leadership of our outdoor living expert Bill Renter, designed a vinyl pool with sweeping curves, interior stairs and a love seat.

In addition, an eight-foot-high moss rock waterfall with two-horsepower pumps, that move 250 gallons of water per minute, were added to ensure a perpetual resort feeling. A large berm, complete with lush landscaping, added the right touches of color.

The client’s new patio made of tumbled pavers gives the look of natural stone while staying cool in the warm months. A white pergola with 10-inch-round columns adds a room-like feel to the patio while adding height to the once flat looking backyard.

The project was finished with landscape lighting which adds a sculpture appearance during the day while providing indirect lighting at night.

Elegant Multi-Level Deck:

Our expert team created an elegant multi-level deck to maximize the view of this new pool area.

Geometric Vinyl Pool:

This project’s geometric vinyl pool was created with interior steps, love seats, an acrylic spill over spa, tile walls, and a multi-level patio.

Above 2 photos:

To maximize the view of the new pool area, for this showcase, our outdoor living expert and his team created an elegant multi-level deck which also enhances the traditional look of the sloping property.

In order to match the gray siding on the house, we used a special splinter-free and slip resistant composite decking material in a similar color. Stairs, rails, benches and planters were also made from the same material, which offered the added benefit of not requiring preservation treatments.

The spacious wraparound wide stairs were positioned to maximize the view of the pool area. The geometric vinyl pool includes interior steps, love seats, an acrylic spill over spa, tile walls, and a multi-level patio. An aluminum estate fence winds around the property, blending with colorful evergreen and perennial plantings.

To complete the outdoor experience for these clients, an accessible cedar barbecue cabinet with a built-in stainless steel weber grill was installed close to, but out of the view from, the kitchen doors.

Stellar landscaping was also well planned to enhance the property’s scenic views. Bluestone stepping stones provide a delightful meandering pathway to the pool area.

Gunite Pool Upgrade:

For this project, we upgraded an existing 22-year-old gunite pool and replaced uncomfortable grass with a new stone-like patio.

New Retaining Wall, Spa, Moss Rock Waterfall:

We replaced a non-functioning waterfall and wood retaining wall, upgraded an uncomfortable existing spa with an acrylic spa and beautified the landscape with bright lush plantings.

Above 2 photos:

We were contacted by local clients who wanted their 22-year-old gunite pool upgraded. They also had a non-functioning waterfall, and were very unhappy with their backyard’s uncomfortable spa; an uncomfortable expanse of grass also badly substituted for a patio.

The first step our design/build team took was to demolish the existing spa, waterfall

wood retaining wall, and rock coping. Next, a new, and very comfortable, acrylic spa was installed. To retain the sloping woodland behind the pool and also to beautify the area, our team added a seven-foot-high moss rock waterfall and boulder coping.

Because of the property’s natural setting around the pool, we gave careful consideration to which patio material should be used. Our designers suggested a tumbled pavingstone and wall system made from Techo-Bloc. The color of the patio, which has the look of natural stone, is a blend of tan and natural gray, which ties in beautifully with the color of the boulders used. The patio remains cool even on hot summer days and has the durability of a paver patio. The new technology behind the paving and matching wall systems ensures a lifetime of easy care for these surfaces.

The final touch was a lush and colorful landscape which was successfully accomplished despite the challenge of a mostly shady woodland setting.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:49-05:00October 24th, 2013|Backyard Escapes, Deck and Patios, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Retaining Walls, Spillover/Custom Spas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

3 Award-Winning Hardscapes
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3 Award-Winning Hardscapes

Deck and Patio’s ability to use proper materials for desired effect garners awards

The design ability and competence of our installation team has gained us a good deal of recognition. We believe this stems from our using the proper materials for the effect intended. The ability to do this comes from knowledge gained over time. For example, it is important to take the texture and shape of the materials into account for each project so they provide the desired natural look in their setting. This includes choosing the proper color and shading of brick and stone to complement any residence.

1. Our first design/build patio project (below two photos) showcases five different patio levels around a pool where we integrated moss rock stone with the pavers. We chose pavers which look like natural stone. This particular manufacturer offers many different sizes and shapes and a broad range of colors, which makes designing the right hardscape for a particular project easier. Once down, hey look both natural and eye-catching. Instead of simply one brick that repeats throughout the entire patio or retaining wall, you get an attractive random-looking design, instead of just straight lines and flat images. For this project, we were able to design/build matching patios, retaining walls, steps, and risers for a cohesive and attractive whole. It captured for us the #1 ranking in the North American Decorative and Durable Pavement Awards.

Multi-level Patios:

For this design/build project, we created five different patio levels around a pool where we integrated moss rock stone with the pavers.

Raised Spill-over Spa:

We used a special “Creta” wall stone to create the face between the raised acrylic spillover spa and swimming pool.

2. Three months of site preparation was key to the success of the next hardscape project (see two photos below). Stabilization of the property came from engineering a manufactured stone, which offers the same hand-chiseled and handcrafted look of actual quarried stone, into a retaining wall, conforming to a compaction ration of up to 99.9 percent — at a 36” depth with recycled concrete aggregate. More than 5,000 square feet of tumbled pavers cover the patios and 3,000 pounds of moss rock boulders and a 20 step system we installed. Two bars, faced with cultured stones and topped with granite are also part of the project: one is a swim-up bar adjacent to the pool and spa, the other is a 56” U-shaped that integrates a number of modern appliances.

This project won an APSP Gold Award in the category of “Concrete paver, more than 5,000 square feet.”

Tumbled Pavers:

More than 5,000 square feet of Sandalwood tumbled pavers were used to cover the patios, 3,000 pounds of moss rock boulders and a 20 step system were also used.

Pool-side Bars:

We designed and built two bars faced with cultured stones and topped with granite for this project: one is a swim-up bar, the other U-shaped bar integrates a number of modern appliances.

Our next award-winner also garnered a Gold Award from APSP in the 1,000-5,000 square-foot category.

In dealing with several site challenges — a 20-foot elevation change with several large Long Island stone boulders among them — the solution we came up with was nesting patios into the slope of the property (see photo below). A 20’-by-40’ free-form concrete wall provides boundary; the deck utilizes 1,400 square feet of tumbled pavers, combined with a 20”-high manufactured stone seat wall and 20 irregular bluestone stepping stones. The pavers and stone captured the tones of the Long Island boulders used for waterfalls and soil retention.

Our designs frequently include lush plantings with bright colors and long bloom periods, spillover spas, cascading water, hot water fall into spas, waterfalls, streams, ponds, and natural. We often recommend gas “firepits” around our pools to create warm areas on the patios, especially on cool evenings. We frequently install wireless outdoor speakers. Instead of placing a single speaker in one spot, we place as many as ten throughout the project area so our clients enjoy a subtle, consistent sound all around them. www.deckandpatio.com

With recent advances in landscaping, swimming pools, and technology, virtually anything you can conceive of should be discussed with an experienced landscape and mason contractor. With a little imagination, the sky’s the limit.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:50-05:00September 26th, 2013|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Deck and Patios, Fire Pits, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Bars, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Plantings/Pondscapes, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Swim Up Bars|0 Comments

Award-Winning Project Showcase: Backyard Paradise
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Award-Winning Project Showcase: Backyard Paradise

Creating a seamless integration of landscape, nature with architecture of house

Our design for this special outdoor retreat included seven-foot-high cascading waterfall into pool, a meandering stream with three-foot-high “sheetfalling” waterfall into spa, and two-foot-high spillway from spa into pool.

This backyard oasis garnered our firm two prestigious awards (Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) Gold Metal “Freeform Pools” and First Place for “Residential Concrete Pavers of more than 5,000 square feet” from Hardscape North America (HNA). We believe such accolades are partially due to our early collaboration with the architect and builder in the planning stages. Working hand-in-hand with them and the owners, both the home’s architecture and the outdoor landscape became one seamless integration. www.deckandpatio.com

As a design/build firm, we planned and executed the landscape’s seven-foot-high cascading waterfall, meandering stream with three-foot-high “sheetfalling” waterfall and two-foot-high spillway from a spa into the pool. In addition, the project’s patios and driveway, made of stunning natural earth-tone concrete tumbled pavers, were created by our outdoor living expert to appear as extensions of the geometric patterns and hues of the home’s Glen Gary brick; initial plans by the project’s architect for the house’s turret inspired us to create curves in the backyard’s multi-level terracing design as well as in the backyard’s centerpiece: a glorious freeform pool and spa.

In fact, the architect changed his own plans for the home’s turret so that views from inside the turret of our planned pool area oasis would be fully appreciated. In reference to this, the architect said, “Deck and Patio’s landscaping plan was so beautiful that the windows had to be larger to fully appreciate the view. Now, when you stand inside the bay of the turret, it is just like standing in the backyard.”

Our collaboration with the architect and builder resulted in a the seamless integration of landscape and nature with the architecture of the new house.

Our design and planning team also took into account what the view would be from inside the house. The ease of the back and forth collaboration between the parties was aided by Deck and Patio’s 3-D computer animation program “Pool Studio” which allows viewers to literally fly over and walk through a landscaping project as it is developing.

This 3-D program was also key in getting through some difficult permit processes. The Town involved has strict set back restrictions – meaning one can only build within a certain area of property or otherwise seek a variance — a very lengthy process. These restrictions limit the amount of impervious surfaces such as driveways, patios, etc. that will retain water and cause run off.

This resulted in our creating 13 dry wells, some exceeding 70 feet in depth. This complicated our work as we dug beneath heavy clay soil in order to reach sandy soil that would allow the drainage. Being able to use our 3-D animation program before the Town’s architectural review board was an enormous help in explaining these detailed plans.

Our outdoor living expert noted that the Town board was in awe of what we showed them. It aided in getting the permit granted and is one of the reasons all our permits were approved in a fairly timely fashion. In the end, heavy equipment handled over 3,500 cubic yards of soil generated from excavating, grading, backfilling and contouring the site.

Other Town requirements forced the placing of the pool equipment in the middle of the backyard, which was directly in the line of sight when viewed from inside the front door and foyer. Because of our design, however, all this was hidden by an eight-foot-high pondless waterfall.

Our design includes an eight-foot-high pondless waterfall which hides pool equipment that local regulations required be put in the middle of the backyard.

The waterfall is powered by a 10,000 GPH pump and is center-lined on the main axis of the house, says Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert. It creates an enjoyable audio-visual impact which runs virtually year-round.

More than half of the pool and spa beam is supported by over 30 tons of moss rock boulders. The spa and boulder work was specifically carved into the hillside to enhance a sense of enclosure and deal with the severity of the gradient change.

The project’s mature woodland setting has been surrounded by lush plantings in bright colors with long bloom periods. The landscape design also left ample lawn space for the homeowners’ children to play.

Mature woodland setting has been surrounded by lush plantings in bright colors with long bloom periods.

It was also noted by the publisher of the awards we garnered that our backyard design “makes the landscaping appear as though it is yielding to the concrete paver patios, pools and retaining walls” and that it “presents nature as in charge of the design, rather than the concrete.”

Beyond such official recognition, however, according the home’s owner, the public is speaking, too. When everything is blooming in front, the beautiful curb appeal continually causes people to stop – even on what is a fairly busy street. Stopping to enjoy what we did to the front yard, which we designed in a more formal way, they always ask if they can see the whole property. After they see the backyard retreat, we are told they are in awe of its beauty.

Boulder work, reflected so beautifully in the pool’s still water, enhances sense of enclosure while dealing with severity of property’s gradient change.

Artful lighting of homeowners’ pool area paints nightfall with languid romantic hues.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:50-05:00September 12th, 2013|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas|0 Comments

Project Showcase: Recreating Water and Nature As An Art Form
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Project Showcase: Recreating Water and Nature As An Art Form

Design/Build Deck and Patio Company balances relationship between architecture and natural surroundings

At Deck and Patio, we are passionate about recreating water and nature in the “built” environment. We sees it as an art form; we also understand that it takes a trained eye, many years of field experience, extensive knowledge of hydraulics and plant material, a true passion for nature, and most importantly, an understanding of how to balance the relationship between architecture with its natural surroundings.

Our outdoor living expert says this is especially true when integrating water with the “built” environment, because many site-related factors must be considered: topography, solar exposure, soil conditions, existing trees, property size, active and passive use areas as well as style of architecture. www.deckandpatio.com

In order to preserve as much of the natural surrounding landscape as possible, for this beautiful project showcase, rather than clear-cutting the half-acre property, the residence was designed and built amongst the property’s mature oaks, maples and pines.

In developing our landscaping plans, taking into consideration the size of the property and overall dimensions of the house became an important aspect for Deck and Patio’s design/build team. We also left space for, and access to, where the pool and spa would be constructed the following year. Our plan also ensured that future construction would not disturb anything already in place.

Our design plan left space for, and access to, where the pool and spa would be constructed the following year; we also ensured that anything already in place would not be disturbed during this process.

The client wanted our design/build team to consider visual and audio impact as key elements, taking into account viewing angles from inside the house and when entering the back yard, as well as interaction with the water feature when sitting outside.

Our design/build team took into account the viewing angles from inside the house, when entering the back yard, and interaction with the water feature when sitting outside.

To make this water feature successful, the installation process was very detailed and relied upon our design team’s keen eye for rock placement which includes comprehensive knowledge of its direct correlation with the ‘architectural’ elements of form, texture, shape and height, including the finishing touches that plant material and gravel provide when recreating nature.

Our design team’s keen eye for rock placement includes comprehensive knowledge of its direct correlation with the ‘architectural’ elements of form, texture, shape and height, including the finishing touches that plant material provide when recreating nature.

So as to minimize the impact of this feature against the much needed lawn area for the clients’ active children, we designed the stream and waterfall to transverse the rear property line; we utilized the existing topography to create multiple spills and changes in water direction so it could be easily seen, as well as heard, from the rear patio and from inside the residence.

Low-lying evergreens and groundcover perennials were used in and around the rock outcroppings and stream for color and texture and to soften these large boulders which would otherwise stand out and detract from the overall intent of looking “natural.” Larger flowering plantings were installed behind the water feature to provide accenting and screening as well as to blend with other mature plantings that existed on the site. On lower portions of the slope, the water feature was planted with flowers for cutting and small beds for annuals so the client could interact with the stream garden throughout the season.

Deck and Patio designed the stream and waterfall to transverse the rear property line and utilized the existing topography to create multiple spills and changes to water direction so it could be easily seen, as well as heard, from the rear patio and from inside the residence.

After a year of enjoying their water feature, the clients decided it was time to install the pool and spa and complete the back yard renovation. The swimming pool had similar design constraints being that the depth of the property was minimal at best; it would take up the majority of the left side of the rear yard once installed. The pool was designed with the intent to be “organic” with its natural surroundings. The 24’ x 42’ freeform concrete wall, vinyl lined swimming pool and raised 8’ diameter spa with spillway captured the very essence of 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.

The pool was nestled into the landscape with careful consideration for existing trees and mature shrub root systems so that minimal impact would occur during excavation and construction.

The spa was built 12” above the pool water line, providing a picturesque spillway intermingling with the surrounding landscape. From certain vantage points you could see the spa itself, but the client wanted the spa to be unique and provide some seclusion from the main patio and other viewing angles. A 2’ high cascading waterfall was incorporated into the spa design which provided not only a gentle massage should you sit under it, but it also added to the overall theme of visual and audio effects of moving water in the rear yard.

The spa was situated not for ease of access from the pool; rather it was so the client could view the koi pond and waterfalls while relaxing in the spa. Since the client did not wish to remove the entire existing brick patio, nor have a walkway around the entire pool, a random bluestone coping was incorporated which brought the lawn area up to the pool. This also aided in creating an “organic” relationship between landscape and hardscape. With minimal space, such inventive ideas must come into play in order to conserve on cost and impact to the surrounding setting.

A 2’ high cascading waterfall was incorporated into the spa design which provided not only a gentle massage should you sit under it, but it also added to the overall theme of visual and audio effects of moving water in the rear yard.

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.

The pool and spa is fully automated with state of the art technology salt chlorine generator, mineral purifiers, pumps and filtration system. All of which can be accessed from inside the house, by the spa or by remote. With rising fuel and energy costs, many of the pool functions are energy efficient and can be programmed to perform minimal tasks to keep the pool water clear and circulating and, when needed, the functions of the pool and spa power the waterfalls, spa jets and filtration system.

The pool was also constructed with a moss rock boulder coping which brings the landscape right up to the beam of the pool and created a natural setting. Vibration flowers and fragrance provided by many varieties of perennials, evergreen and deciduous plantings creates successional color throughout the pool season.

In recognition for the design and installation of the pool, spa and water features, this back yard won two prestigious awards from NESPA and APSP in 2007.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:50-05:00September 9th, 2013|Awards, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas|0 Comments

Why Choose A Design/Build Firm For Your Backyard Retreat?
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Why Choose A Design/Build Firm For Your Backyard Retreat?

What if you could have a vacation resort of your own in your backyard? Knowing how to do it and who to call is an important first step. www.deckandpatio.com

Ready For Your Own Vacation Resort?

If you are considering a vacation resort in your own backyard, to get the most out of your time and money, you should be looking for a contractor that offers both design and build services. That is because design/build firms not only think about the way the project will be constructed, but also about other factors, such as sufficient functional family space in the yard, the sun’s location from different yard locations, viewing angles of water features and other focal points, elevation changes, drainage considerations and colorful landscapes.

Our outdoor living expert says a design/build firm will consider such factors as sufficient functional family space for children to play as well as sun location and viewing angles of focal points.

Where to Begin:

A swimming pool or spa is usually the main part of creating a personal paradise. That means you will need to make a big decision: do you want a gunite/shotcrete, or vinyl-lined pool? At Deck and Patio we build them all but some pool companies sell what is referred to as “kit pools” which limit what can be done. A custom design lets you have more freedom when it comes to the planning stage. In fact, when using a design/build firm, you can customize your entire project.

We always begin by asking customers about their plans for a pool, their lifestyles and their children’s needs. Then we come up with a unique concept to fulfill every desire. At Deck and Patio we use CAD drawings, digital imaging and a 3D animation video on a flat screen television to show clients how the pool will look with the existing home and environment.

A design/build firm helps you decide what kind of pool you want and which amenities. Will you want swim up bar stools in the pool, for example?

What to Watch Out for in a Design/Build Firm:

When looking for someone to build your swimming pool make sure you are comfortable with them. The design process can take anywhere between several days to several months and you and your builder may see a great deal of each other. Remember that you will be interacting with your contractor in good times and in bad so it is important they be responsible and reliable. When choosing a design/build firm look for a company that has an office and/or showroom so that you know where they are. Be wary of people who will not provide you with an address or give you just a P.O. Box and look for one that will give you their cell phone numbers.

When choosing a design/build firm look for a company that has an office and/or showroom so that you know where they are.

Realizing Your Dream:

As you consider contacting a design/build firm, a picture perfect paradise that fits your dreams starts to beckon. In your mind, you can almost see the bright and colorful plants peeking from around the natural rock waterfalls, the cascading water spilling into a lagoon inspired pool. The stone patio beneath your feet is cool to the touch and exudes a warm ambiance that welcomes and entices. You imagine ordering a cocktail from the pool bar and bringing it back to the lounge chair beneath an umbrella. You can see yourself sitting back and thinking: “Life is good.”

Once you awaken from your daydream, reality hits you. It is a scorching hot day; the sun would have baked you and your family if you hadn’t retreated to the solace of the air conditioning. As this summer comes to an end, its lingering warm temperatures are a reminder that next year will be just as hot. Now may be the perfect time to start planning the backyard of your dreams.

You can almost see the bright and colorful plants peeking from around the natural rock waterfalls, the cascading water spilling into a lagoon inspired pool.

Your perfect outdoor retreat might offer the ability to get a cocktail from the pool bar and bring it back to the lounge chair beneath an umbrella where you sigh: “Life is good.”

Lastly, we suggest looking for a designer/builder that is certified by Association of Pool and Spa professional (APSP). These certified building professionals (CBP) are tested and certified every three years. A CBP can assist you in choosing the right equipment for your project as well as provide or recommend a service professional for your ongoing maintenance. Look for things such as awards from industry groups and certifications from other professional organizations.

A swimming pool project is a big task to take one. Pools are a long lasting investment that add enjoyment to your life and value to your home. When you decide that you want to stop daydreaming and start enjoying your own backyard paradise, remember three things: start early (that means start planning now to be ready for next year’s summer heat), do your homework and choose wisely.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:51-05:00August 29th, 2013|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Swim Up Bars, Unique Ideas, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

When to Use Paving Stones
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When to Use Paving Stones

Whether it is for a patio, stepping stone path, driveway, or spa and pool surround, there we often recommend concrete pavers. In many cases, these are not only cost-effective, but because they come in so many designs, shapes, and colors, they are extremely flexible and adaptable to a large variety of jobs.

Also, we love them because they look so natural. Instead of one-sized brick being placed throughout an entire patio or retaining wall, some manufacturers’ kits — which include varying shapes — ensure an attractive design, for example, a random pattern in lieu of straight lines and flat images, or in a running block pattern. It also means that because of manufacturers often offer a wide list of product materials, matching stones are readily available for complementary retaining walls, steps, risers, coping, etc. The following is one example of an attractive random pattern.

For this project, we helped our clients choose an attractive random pattern for their patio.

For another design and build project (below 2 photos), our outdoor living expert created five different patio levels around a pool and integrated moss rock stone with the pavers.

In addition to the patios, this overall project features cascading water, a hot water fall into a new spa, then a spillover from the spa five feet above the main pool. In total there are five waterfalls. From the highest waterfall to the lawn below is an elevation change of twelve feet — all with different grades.

We created five different patio levels around the pool, all comprised of concrete pavers.

Five feet above the main pool, this backyard retreat renovation features cascading water into a new spa surrounded by spa patio made from concrete pavers.

We also believe that using pavers will not only provide a beautiful pool deck, but they offer a safer surface that prevents slipping.* In addition, they maintain a cooler walking area and can handle moisture better than concrete surfaces. And because the pavers we recommend to our clients are stronger than regular concrete, they are extremely durable for regular entertaining.

In another design and build project (below), we added a swim up bar in the main pool that features stunning granite countertops, as well as in-pool bar stools, swim out steps, a slide, and pergola.

Durable and resilient, certain concrete pavers can create a pool surround that stands up to lots of foot traffic.

In addition to using our favorite paving stones for the following patio project, we recommended using one manufacturer’s “Rocka” steps, along with moss rock boulders and creeping plant material. This combination handsomely stabilized a hill area without the need of a retaining wall.

The “Rocka” steps we recommended have a wide-walking slip-resistant surface* — key to any project that is part of a water feature. www.deckandpatio.com

*Note: Some pavers claim to surpass the slip resistance standards established by the American Disabilities Act. However, these manufacturers also say that some sealers on the market can decrease the friction coefficient of pavers under wet conditions. Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert therefore recommends speaking with a professional when considering sealing pavers where non-slip resistance is desired.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:51-05:00August 8th, 2013|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps|0 Comments

How to Breathe New Life into Pool and Landscaping
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How to Breathe New Life into Pool and Landscaping

Just as indoor living areas become outdated over time, outdoor landscaping, patios and pools require updating as well, says our Deck and Patio outdoor living expert. When he was brought in by the homeowners to consult on this special project, for example, he worked out a plan of what to keep and what to improve or restore.

Before work began, our outdoor living expert showed the homeowners exactly what their transformed backyard would look like using our AutoCad 3-D animation computer program. Through this software application, the clients were able to get a clear picture of our proposal which included (1) upgrading the pool and spa; (2) expanding the property’s confining upper and lower patios to open up the space and show off their property’s spectacular views of Long Island Sound; (3) the addition of new colorful plants and flowers to enhance the opened up water views.

Using a 3-D animation computer program, we were able to show clients what upgrades to pool and patios would look like.

The Pool: The existing 20-plus-year-old gunite pool was operating with equipment that was out of date. Since the plan called for tearing out all the existing patios, this presented the perfect opportunity to gain access to the pool’s equipment for upgrading. The old plumbing system was replaced. Also, new items such as piping skimmers, filter, heater, pump and inlet valve returns were added.

We also refinished the inside of the pool, changing it from white to a dark gray. This new color reacts with the water to give a more desirable “natural lagoon” effect. Swim-out steps were added, as well as a new stepping stone path beside the pool to provide a swath of natural charm within the expansive patio areas.

This upgraded pool with its new amenities will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The pool upgrade included refinishing the inside of the pool, adding new pool plumbing, filter, pump, piping skimmers, and inlet valve returns.

The Patios: Our outdoor living expert transformed what the client described as a “problem area” — a confining upper patio — into a special feature. The upper patio was where the clients liked to sit in the shade and enjoy the view and it was expanded to allow flexibility in outdoor furniture choices as well as opening up their property’s vistas of Long Island Sound. In addition, an equally confining lower patio was enlarged for sunning and an outdoor kitchen was added for entertaining.

Backyard retreat renovation includes enlarged patios and beautiful new landscaping.

The existing spa, which circulates pool water, constantly fills up with pool water, then water falls via the spillover channel into their pool. When expanding the patio near the master bedroom, we took the opportunity to upgrade the spa by adding boulders and turning the spill over into a larger waterfall to create a more beautiful pool scene.

Boulders and a waterfall were added to the existing spillover spa. The spa patio was also enlarged by the master bedroom.

Landscaping: In addition to adding a new outdoor kitchen to the main pool patio area, Deck and Patio created a secret garden path at the side of the house that leads to the clients’ private barbecue patio and a new pondless water feature. Other landscaping upgrades included new plantings to screen out unwanted views and the addition of colorful plants and flowers to enhance the breathtaking water views. The result of the overall transformation is the homeowners enjoy stunning vistas and a feeling of space from all areas of their yard.

The landscaping was upgraded to screen out unwanted views and also to enhance the property’s stunning views of Long Island Sound.

Our outdoor living expert says of this job, “The clients’ ideas were turned into reality with the blending of the old pool and expanded new patios, waterfalls, boulders and, of course, landscaping. Plus the upgrade of the pool — the heart of their outdoor retreat — means they can enjoy this special backyard retreat for many years to come.”

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:51-05:00August 1st, 2013|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Deck and Patios, Landscaping, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Terraces|0 Comments

What’s “Cool” in Pools
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What’s “Cool” in Pools

Deck and Patio’s Shares 8 Trendy Pool Amenities

Award-winning vinyl pool by Deck and Patio showcases lots of what’s ‘cool’ in pools

– Vinyl Pool Liners

The Deck and Patio Company designs and builds gunite (concrete), in addition to vinyl-lined pools. However, many of our clients prefer the padded, smooth, soft feel of vinyl, such as seen above.

In fact, according to reports, there are now more vinyl pools worldwide than any other combined group.

Of course, the base construction of a vinyl pool is the same as any other. “Vinyl” simply means 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 the romantic “grotto” or “lagoon” effect so desirable today. For all these reasons, we feel we have to put vinyl’s soft cushion-y feel as #1 in what’s “cool” — especially since vinyl pools, designed and built by Deck and Patio Company, have become award winners.

2. & 3. – Custom Raised Spa and Heated Waterfalls

If enjoying a heated waterfall spilling its therapy into a custom raised spa isn’t at the top of desirable pool amenities (pictured above), it may be time to fold our deck chairs and go inside. Imagine! You are seated in just such a spa; the pulsations from a raised heated waterfall are massaging your neck and shoulders, while you lean back in swirling warm water and delightful air bubbles. Add to all this hydrotherapy that there is a picturesque, natural look to it all — the result is you feel as if you are in a small lagoon, created by Mother Nature, in a distant south sea isle. Yup. It’s way up on the “cool” list.

4. Flexible Shade

Embedded umbrellas, and the flexible shade opportunities they provide, are also at the top of Deck and Patio’s favorite things. Positioned 9 feet apart, when open, they provide a bank of shade, perhaps 27 to 36 feet long, as pictured above. The umbrellas are a great substitute for pergolas; they are more flexible than such fixed shade amenities because various umbrellas can be open and closed at the same time. All open, and you have a perfect area to place a buffet lunch or relax in full shade; partially closed, and those who want shade can lounge next to those who want sun.

5. Tanning Shelves and Custom Steps

Also called “sun shelves”

Tanning shelves (photo above) are a cool way to stay cool when you want to lay out in the sun, says Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert.

These shelves are set in several inches of water and are wide enough for parents to sun bathe while young children play beside them. Tanning shelves (photo above) are a cool way to stay cool when you want to lay out in the sun, says Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert.

Custom steps are additional cool amenities which make moving in and out of the pool natural and comfortable.

6. Bar Stools and Swim Up Bars

Building a vinyl pool requires precise measurements, so plan ahead for such cool extras as tanning shelves, bar stools and swim up bars (see above). Note: Deck and Patio installs a quarter-inch padding between any vinyl liner and the concrete. This is what gives steps, walls, and other amenities their cushion-y feel.

7. Natural Stone Paths

We have to thank the Japanese Tea Ceremony and that country’s love of simplicity and natural beauty for our #7 “cool pool” landscaping idea — the stepping stone path. Breaking up expansive pool surrounds with a natural stone path allows for “softscape” in between stones to show through, as well as creating a focus to particular directions. They are also great do-it-yourself projects. Just remember: they are best laid down on flat areas around your pool. Wet stepping stones can be dangerous on slopping areas.

8. Natural Gas Campfires

Deck and Patio help create romantic outdoor mood with addition of bonfire-style fire pits.

You can almost hear the beating of steel drums when your “lagoon” pool has a bonfire-style fire pit — or several — lighting its surround at night (below). This style takes the fire pit from a simple campfire to a piece of art.