We have updated some of the pics on our Flickr account. These have to do with the recent project that we did in Scottsdale AZ recently.
Luxury Real Estate – Swimming Pools
Series Part 7: Luxury Swimming Pools
We thought we would end this Water Week Series with some of the World’s Greatest Pools. Any piece of luxury real estate worth it’s salt will probably have a swimming pool on the property. Inside, outside, or both perhaps. This is a guide to the most luxurious, most insane, most expensive, most photographed and largest swimming pools in the World!
Although this started as a serious look at swimming pools in luxury homes, it is now just a little fun. As I began researching swimming pools I discover some pretty amazing variations. Not all these are private, luxury swimming pools, in fact, some of them are just plain scary. But they were so interesting I decided to forget about private pools and just make this a compilation of swimming pools from around the world.
Some of them are privately owned and in some of the most luxurious homes on the planet, but some of them are open to the public and a few of them are even free of charge. The pool at the top of the page is inside the Raj Palace Hotel in Jaipur, India. If you like what you read here, please feel free to submit this page to your favorite social bookmarking site.
The most-photographed/most famous pool
It could be argued that the most famous pools are the Hearst Mansion pools.
Interior
Exterior
The world’s largest outdoor swimming pool
The largest outdoor swimming pool in the world is actually a man-made salt water lagoon in San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Southern Chile. Now, they might have a big pool, but I certainly hope the same engineers didn’t build their website. If this one takes a long time to load, don’t be too surprised, all their electricity is going to keeping the pool filtered. The enormous pool uses a computer- controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other. The Guinness book of records acknowledged the pool as the largest in the world – 1,013 meters in length, covering 8 hectares. Many more photos after the jump.
Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build “an impressive artificial paradise” even in inhospitable areas. “As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean.”
The World’s Largest Indoor Swimming Pool
This pool is in the Seagaia Resort in Japan. Capable of holding up to 10,000 people and with a Volcano that “erupts” every15 minutes. I dread to think of the noise with the roof closed.
The World’s Deepest Indoor Swimming Pool
The Nemo 33 diving pool in Belgium is, oddly enough, over 33 meters deep and heated to 33 degrees Celsius. This pool uses un-chlorinated spring water. Any one who has ever tried diving in Belgium will appreciate the luxurious comfort of being able to see further than the hand in front of their face 
Most Precarious pools
Rooftop pools, pools perched precariously and infinity pools seem a popular addition to some luxury properties. The Gallery Evason hotel in Singapore has a glass-walled pool perched atop the stairwell.
The Villa Dall’Ava (Saint-Cloud, Paris) sports (sic) a pretty spectacular roof-top lap pool with a view overlooking the city of Paris. Although, if she dives in from there, I have a feeling she will bang her head on the side of the pool.
For more photos of this luxury home in Paris, pay a visit to Arte y Diseño at GXZONE.
The Four Seasons resort in Bali has a pool overlooking the jungle 50 feet off the ground. You cross a wooden bridge to get to the pool.
The Hotel Joule, Dallas, TX. Not to be outdone by the Four Seasons, the Hotel Joule in Dallas goes for something a little less precarious, but just as spectacular.
Of course, sometimes, you just squeeze one in where you can, and this rooftop pool is in Manhattan, NYC.
This next one is probably my favorite infinity pool. In Bali, Indonesia. Click on the photo to see a larger image.
This one comes a close second. Now that’s a view.
But the prize for the most precarious pool has to go to a natural pool. The Devil’s swimming pool, Victoria Falls.
Scary. And this one’s not for sale thank goodness. Photo Credit.
Oddly Shaped Swimming Pools
Coffin shaped pool
This particular swimming pool is in “Butlins” an English holiday camp. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Butlins have traditionally been named “Butlitz” in reference to the WW2 prisoner-of-war camp, Colditz. It’s a place to take your family secure in the knowledge the kids are not getting out of the compound unnacompanied. Luxury indeed!
Guitar shaped pools.
These seem pretty popular. At first I was thinking they would be unusual, but it turns out they are everywhere. In fact, the main claim to fame of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, seems to be the fact that it boasts a guitar-shaped pool and a country music festival.In fact, every third pool in Nashville, TN is legally required to be guitar shaped. Who knew?
Alabama shaped pool
The Governor’s house hotel in Montgomery, AL boasts an Alabama shaped pool.
Texas-shaped pool
This pool, is of course, some where in Texas.
In fact, I think it is a requirement that the governor of each state has a state-shaped swimming pool in the back yard.
Heart-shaped pool
This pool is in the Heartbreak Hotel, opposite Graceland.
Most Expensive Private Swimming Pool
I would think the world’s largest pool also counts as the most expensive, but there are certainly a couple of contenders for the most expensive private swimming pool. Rarely is the swimming pool sold as an optional extra, but this pool in Israeli billionaire, Lev Leviev’s home in London, which was the most expensive new home sold in London certainly warrants consideration.
Most Impressive Public Pool
For my money, the Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest take this one. The Gellért Baths and Swimming Pool, is one of the most beautiful and elegant baths in Budapest, built between 1912 and 1918 in the (Secession) Art Nouveau style. They were damaged during World War II, but then rebuilt. References to healing waters in this location are found from as early as the 13th century. A hospital was located on this site during the Middle Ages. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, baths were also built on this particular site.
The Gellért Baths complex includes thermal baths, which are small pools containing water from Gellért hill’s mineral hot springs. The water contains calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonate, alkalis, chloride, sulfate, and fluoride. There are two different thermal baths, according to the signs on the walls of the baths, one is around 36°C and the other around 38°C. The thermal baths are decorated beautifully with mosaic tiles. The complex also includes saunas and plunge pools (segregated by gender), an open-air swimming pool which can create artificial waves every ten minutes and an effervescent swimming pool. Masseuse services are available. Different types of massage are available. In a half hour massage, patrons and are escorted into a room with 3 massage beds and are asked to remove all their clothing. The massages given are completely nude, with 3 massages going on in the same room at once. Gellért Baths also offer a wide range of medical services, but they must be booked ahead of time.
The indoor pool at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Rajhastan gets second place though.
Weird Swimming Pools
Some pools just defy description, or make you wonder who thought that one up. This particular pool, for instance, is actually a converted barge and floats on the Spree river in Berlin, Germany, where temperatures have been unseasonably warm this year. It’s called Badeschiff (”bathing ship”) which seems like an appropriate name.
Ice cold pool. I am not sure exactly where this pool is, but it looks “cool”
Thai Massage Pool. The Sarojin boutique resort hotel in Thailand believes in combining as many relaxing treatments as possible and lying on a bed floating in the pool looks like a great way to relax to me.
Thanks to: Luxury Property Blog
Chlorine and Salt Water Swimming Pool Maintenance
Series Part 6: Salt Water Pools
In Arizona Salt Water Swimming Pools are becoming quite popular. Salt water swimming pool maintenance has nothing to do with maintaining sea water. Salt water pools have a small amount of salt in the water and a chlorine generator makes chlorine using the salt. Maintenance of these types of pools is generally easier than standard pool maintenance.
Salt Water Swimming Pool Maintenance
For standards pools, maintaining chlorine levels requires the regular addition of chlorine chemicals to the water. In a salt water pool, the chlorine generator generates the chlorine constantly so it doesn’t have to be stabilized. Chlorine generators have been used for many years and have some benefits for pool owners:
- Don’t have to buy chlorine chemicals
- Less worry about algae forming in the pool
- Keep water balanced constantly
- Prevent much of the scum from forming at the waterline
- Water has no chloramines
- Chlorine produced is easier on the skin – less damaging
Salt water swimming pool maintenance is reduced as a result of the chlorine generated by the equipment. With less scum and algae build-up, it’s easier to keep water clear and clean. It’s also easier to keep the pool walls and waterline free of scum. Because chlorine is always being formed by the generator, the water stays balanced and sanitized.
The chlorine generator keeps pool water sanitized by transforming the salt water into hypochlorous acid. This is the sanitizer itself. The result is you don’t have to buy chlorine or sanitizing chemicals. The natural formation of chlorine is easier on the skin and the clothes. Salt water swimming pool maintenance is concerned more with equipment maintenance then it is with water balance.
Though you don’t have to invest as much time and money in water maintenance, you do have to make sure the chlorine generator is always running efficiently. If it’s not well maintained then the chlorine levels will not be adequate which can actually damage the pool. Some of the units are designed to be self-cleaning, but no matter what kind of system you purchase, the generator cells must always be clean.
Of course, in order for the chlorine generator to do its job, the salt in the water must be maintained at the right amounts. In some situations the chlorine levels can fall too low which means you must shock the water with additional granular chlorine. But as you can see, salt water swimming pool maintenance is much simpler than the maintenance on a regular pool.
Check out our gallery of pools and call us for a free estimate on remodeling your pool and upgrading to a salt water system
Article provided by: < ahref="http://www.diyfinds.com/do_it_yourself_94.html">diyfinds.com
Add an Outdoor Shower to Your Backyard Landscape
Series Part 5: Outdoor Shower
backyard outdoor shower
You’d expect to find an outdoor shower at a suite at a lush Caribbean resort, but in your own home? Why not? That’s what more and more homeowners seem to be saying, as the master bath becomes yet another room in the house where people are letting in a little bit of the great outdoors.
To be clear, we’re not referring to those freestanding outdoor showers for rinsing off after you get out of the pool. We’re talking the alfresco shower as a permanent outdoor extension of your indoor bathroom.
“We spend so much time in cyber reality, in front of the TV or the computer, on the phone, in our cars, divorced from the natural world, that people really respond to something like an outdoor shower,” says Ethan Fierro, a Hawaii-based designer and builder and author of The Outdoor Shower. “It allows you those 10 to 15 minutes to connect with nature.” “There’s definitely the back-to-nature aspect of baring it all outdoors,” seconds Elizabeth Demetriades, a Lakeville, Conn., architect who has worked on a pair of projects with outdoor showers.
“The outdoor shower is definitely part of the trend of people bringing the outdoors in, with people now building outdoor bathrooms and even outdoor kitchens,” says David Buchanan, a principal with Horst Buchanan Architects in Jamaica Plain, Mass. For a client in Litchfield, Conn., Elizabeth designed a walk-in shower that opens up to the sky and has access to both of the house’s main bathrooms as well as an outdoor entertainment area.
That project is also an example of how outdoor showers aren’t just limited to warm-weather states like California and Arizona. “Clients who ask for outdoor showers aren’t usually deterred by a chill in the air,” Elizabeth says. “The showers are typically used until the onset of freezing weather mandates draining the pipes for winterization — and clients frequently push the envelope in this regard.”
“At a house we did in South Dartmouth, Mass.,” notes David, “part of the appeal was that you could take a hot outdoor shower in chilly weather then crawl immediately into a warm bed.”
But there are certain considerations you need to keep in mind when contemplating your own outdoor shower, whether you’ll be installing one during a remodel or starting from scratch.
Plumbing
The average outdoor shower doesn’t require special fixtures and doesn’t have to cost a penny more than an indoor shower, but, depending on the design and local building codes, there may be drainage issues to consider. “When hot water — and by inference soap and shampoo — will be used, connection to a properly engineered septic or dry-well system is a must,” says Elizabeth. “You have to be respectful of the environment,” adds Ethan. “And the gray water has to be collected somehow.”
Privacy
You’d think privacy would be priority one, but it’s not as big a concern as you might think.
“Many clients aren’t all that concerned with privacy,” says Elizabeth, “particularly in more rural areas where neighbors aren’t an issue.”
Says David: “I’ve only built outdoor showers in second homes, where it’s generally more relaxed and there are fewer people around. But it’s one thing if you’re in the middle of the woods, and another if you’re in a suburban setting.”
For more modest clients as well as those who may have nosy neighbors, Ethan suggests incorporating a screen of some sort, preferably something in keeping with the natural feel, like bamboo or pergola vines. “You also want to take sightlines into account,” he says. “Make sure there are no buildings overlooking it.”
Materials
“Any material that can stand up to a rainstorm can stand up to an outdoor shower,” says David. “You want something durable, that you typically find outdoors, like stone or wood. Tile isn’t a practical option.”
Ethan likes the idea of using found materials: “Take something that ended its life as one purpose and give it a new life,” he says. “It’s not only more cost-effective, but also creates another level of enjoyment. Plus, recycling is what nature is all about.”
Other Considerations
As with any shower, you’ll want to include a place to keep your shampoo, soap and a dry towel. But be sure they’re covered to protect them from the elements. “A bench and a hook to hang your robe on are nice additions, too,” David says.
Article reprinted from HGTV.com.
Swimming Pool Remodels
Series Part 4:Swimming Pool Remodels
Pools age, but unlike a fine wine, they don’t get better with age. Tiles chip and fade, plaster degrades and decking shows wear and tear.
Modern upgrades such as pool water features, rocks, waterfalls, attractive finishes and fiber-optic lighting inspire many renovations.
There are two basic levels of swimming pool renovation: new tile and plaster or a complete makeover, which often includes new plumbing and equipment. Dream Retreats landscaping will also put new pool decking on the pool which can give it new life.
Don’t forget the features! Adding pool features enhance the look and usability of your pool.
Water Features
Waterfalls and fountains are two great ways to enjoy the sound and beauty of moving water. They also provide strong focal points for your pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool. Spilling over from a raised spa, rock wall, or any number of interesting places, water creates a spectacular point of interest.
Lighting
Lighting is another feature that can be added to your pool so that you can enjoy your pool into the Arizona desert nights. Underwater pool lights can provide clear or colored lighting to extend your swimming enjoyment well into the night. And fiber optic lighting can be even more delightful and can be used to emphasize other features such as waterfalls or spas. Landscape lighting brightens your pool setting for evening enjoyment. Highlight beautiful trees, shrubs, or pool features with uplights and spotlights, or light the way to romantic, secluded areas of your lawn with low-voltage pathway lights.
Digital Controls
Pool control has never been easier. With convenient digital controls, you can operate and even program your pool’s equipment without going outside. Lighting, heating, and cleaning can be controlled with the touch of a button. Additional control panels can be installed in other appropriate locations like a bathhouse.
Having a beautiful pool means having a mini-vacation every time you enter the backyard oasis. Even when your not in your pool it is a work of art that can be enjoyed.
Maintaning a Backyard Pond
Series Part 3:Pond Maintenance
When it comes to filtering the water elements of your garden, there are three basic methods of filtration: biological, mechanical and chemical. The following advice demonstrates why you need to filter your garden ponds, pools and other water features, and explains the various methods employed and which might work best for you. Also included are tips to clean your water features when simple filtration devices are not enough.
Filters will keep your water clean and attractive-looking. A clean garden pond will allow you to keep greater numbers of fish healthy. Cloudy, stagnant water is seldom pleasant to behold, and a filtration system will rid your water of debris, fish waste, rotting plant detritus that becomes toxic, and so forth. For a healthy garden pond – fish or no fish – you have only to benefit from filtered water.
A biological filter is often preferred by strict organic gardeners. Biological filters allow for aerobic bacteria to convert harmful ammonia into less toxic substances; this system is referred to as the nitrogen cycle. This is the closest to nature a gardener can get without leaving the pond to Mother Nature completely – which is not effective in manmade garden conditions. Basically, as fish and plant life is converted to ammonia, the bacteria in the biological filters first convert the harmful substance in nitrites and then finally into nitrates, which are beneficial to pond plants as a fertilizer. Keep in mind, these filters require oxygen-rich conditions, so the more plant life in your pond, the better these work.
Mechanical filters are simple enough. With this type of filtration, pond water passes through a medium such as a sponge, gravel or some kind of synthetic material and the wastes are trapped there. Generally, these wastes are then removed by back-flushing them into a drain. These are quite popular and there are many varieties available from online or local garden centers. Simply choose one that is most adequate for the size of your water feature.
Chemical filtration is frequently chosen for new ponds that have not yet achieved a good water balance, but it can be used for mature ponds as well. A substance such as Zeolite in the form of chippings made from Calcium and Aluminum is added to the water. As water passes through the chips, the harmful ammonia becomes absorbed. This is generally how chemical filters work, but you will also find variations available.
Of course, part of maintaining a garden pond or other water element usually means testing the water from time to time. It makes sense to test to see if your pond is sporting an adequate balance and to see if your chosen filtration system is doing its job. Testing kits will allow the gardener to check levels of pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and protein. Anything out of whack can then be dealt with – the sooner the better. In such cases where your water testing kit indicates areas that need change, you can then apply a water treatment that will generally cure such problems as sludge, algae or surface foam and restore your water to a proper balance. These too are available to be purchased from online and traditional garden centers.
There are other devices available that will help gardeners perform routine pond cleaning. Pond vacuum cleaners are not miracle workers when it comes to cleaning up a real mess, but they are helpful at removing silt, sludge and detritus. A simple pond net is necessary to get at floating debris, and pond scissors will allow the gardener to cut through dead or overgrown plants and pond weeds, which can be great hazards to the health of your garden pond.
Occasionally, your water pond may simply need a complete overall, although most experts say that with a good filtration system and proper maintenance, this should not be necessary. However, emptying your pond is not unheard of, and if it is needed, it is just part of the routine of caring for your water garden. The best time of year to empty and dredge your pond in order to clean the liner is between mid to late fall. In the case of a concrete pond, this is the time to check for hairline cracks that should be resealed with waterproof paint. Then it’s time for a good scrub (be careful not to cause any tears if your liner is a flexible one) and start anew.
Of course, you will have to store your fish in such cases for a week or two in large containers with the old water until the new pond water has a chance to settle. This is seldom convenient and never appreciated by your fish – it is traumatic for them – but they may have less chance for survival in a mucky pond. Your pond can be refilled by plain tap water using the hose, and this is the ideal time to get your filtration system kicked in so emptying will not be necessary down the road.
Article provided by J. A. Young as seen in Doityourself.com.
Arizona backyard Landscaping with Ponds
Series Part 2: Backyard Pond
Water landcaping is hot and one of the most popular additions is a picturesque water garden with a babbling stream, cascading waterfalls, colorful fish and beautiful aquatic plants. Sitting beside the pond creates a union with peacefulness and tranquility that you can’t get elsewhere.
The pond isn’t just for the daytime. Extending your enjoyment to the evening with underwater lighting that will transform your pond to a summer evening event. You won’t want to miss the activity of the fish swimming around in your lit pond. It will become the center of your entertaining.
The best way to be successful with a water landscaping is to keep it simple! Work with nature instead of against it and don’t cut corners. The easiest way to build a low maintenance water feature is to create a balanced working ecosystem within the water feature. All things work together to systematically maintain your water garden naturally instead of artificially, and being your Arizona landscape contractors we understand what it takes to maintain that system in our heat.
Location and size are the two most important decisions you’ll make about your water feature. It is said that 90% of the original water gardens sold or built are replaced later with larger ones. We recommend that you consider adding the largest water feature that can be incorporated into your landscape.
When selecting a site, consider two factors: sun and visibility. A pond site requires a location that gets at least four to six hours of sun each day so water lilies can bloom. Water gardens work in the shade but you just do not get the flower bloom if you get less sun. Of course, some of us don’t have that problem at all in our backyard. Another thing to do is to look at your location from inside the house to make sure you can enjoy it from both inside and outside. You will want to sit near the pond so place it near a flagstone deck or sitting area. Your sitting area can be created from natural materials such as stone.
Stay tuned as our next episode will deal with pond maintenance.
Swimming Pool with Stone Slide
Video Extra: Swimming Pools
We are working on a project in Scottsdale Arizona with a pool remodel. We are using artistic pavers and have incorporated one of the core elements for Arizona desert landscaping design: Stone. We are using stone around the pool to create a natural looking slide. We are your Arizona landscape contractors and your “Dream Retreat” experts. Contact us today and get a free estimate and turn your backyard into a “Dream Retreat”.