August 26, 2011category | Backyard Landscaping Landscaping Ideas Outdoor Living
In today’s economy, staycations are becoming increasingly popular, and many people are trying to add value to their homes. One way to make your family’s time at home more enjoyable as well as increase the home’s value is by creating a backyard oasis for relaxing and entertaining.
Owning a swimming pool means you already have a head start on your outdoor retreat. You can escape to your own backyard for a fun family gathering or have a party to entertain friends. Also many homebuyers will be delighted to see that you have a pool should you decide to put your house on the market. Updating your swimming pool and/or the surrounding landscaping will take your backyard oasis to a new level.
First, decide on the overall look and feel you want for your Arizona outdoor living space. Do you want to keep things casual or would you prefer a more formal space? Would you rather have lots of color or does monochromatic color scheme fit your taste better?
Next, consider which elements of Arizona outdoor living will fit your lifestyle and budget. If you want to keep things simple, consider:
If you want your new Arizona backyard landscape to be more lavish, ideas include:
Many backyard renovations are ongoing efforts, but as long as you plan strategically so you know what the finished design should look like, nearly any project you take on will both increase your family’s enjoyment of the outdoor living space and add value to your home.
March 24, 2011category | Belgard Pavers Landscape Pavers Patio Paver Pool Decks pool remodeling
Are you tired of looking at your ugly gray concrete patio? Or how about your cracking and peeling pool deck coating? Are you worried about the cost and mess involved in removing all that concrete in order to update your pool deck or landscape? Well I have a great solution for you to beautify your front or backyard landscape or redo your pool deck without having to go through all the cost and hassle. The latest products in the market are the new thin overlay landscape pavers. These pool deck pavers can be placed right over the top of your concrete patio or pool deck. They can also be used to extend any patio or pool deck!
The best choices for pool decks are the new white cement pavers from Arizona Block or the travertine pavers. Both are cool on your feet, look great, and have coping pieces that finish around the pool without having to remove the pool deck or damage the tile or pool interior.
If you’re considering extending your current patio to create a larger outdoor living space, thin overlay pavers are a great choice as well. The paver can be placed on the existing concrete and then extended out into the yard on a prepared crushed granite sub-base. This is a great way to beautify your current patio as well as achieve the appearance of a larger overall space since it’s all one type of material.
In either case, using thin overlay pavers is a great way to improve your landscape patio, or pool deck without the hassle of removing the existing concrete. Check out these jobs we did in Scottsdale and Chandler.
Thin Overlay Pavers for a patio & patio extension
Thin Overlay Pavers used for a pool deck
August 31, 2009category | Water
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.
