‘Water’ Articles at  Dream Retreats, Arizona’s Premier Landscape Contractor and Design, Page 2

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

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.

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.