In planning a new home backyard, consider the outdoor spaces as additional rooms in your house.  Rooms designed for your family and friends.  Plan space for the various activities that they enjoy and organize your spaces so that the activities work together.

Consider your outdoor space as a continuation of the indoor rooms.  Look at traffic patterns, views, and privacy.  Look at the overall architecture including appearance and function to provide seamless continuity in your home.

A well-planned outdoor space would include space for the various features and activities to be accommodated. For an example, a swimming pool is a feature that takes careful planning. It is often the center of visual focus providing the sight and sound of soothing water. It is also a place for family and friends to gather for quality time together.

Since each family make-up is different based on size, ages and number, each swimming pool should be carefully planned to meet the family’s needs. Length, depth, and features such as diving boards and slides will differ by family.  Safety provisions will also vary by age of children and swimming proficiency. Sitting and entertainment areas will vary depending on the average size of the group. Do you entertain often? How large a group should be planned for?

Other important considerations follow:

• Do you swim for fitness or just to cool off?
• Is a therapy spa a feature that would be desired?
• What advantages such as views does the site present?
• Are there objects or obstructions that should be screened or hidden from you?
• Is visibility of the pool from living areas of the house important for safety?
• Outdoor lighting is one of the most neglected areas in outdoor space design. This happens because we think about the space in daylight but, ironically, it is the evening that offers the free time to enjoy the space.  Underwater lighting of the pool, spa, water features, as well as path lights, up-lighting on trees, architectural features and step lights will make for an inviting and safe area.
• Material selection to be used for decking, walls, pool finishes should always balance between durability and budget.  Selecting those materials to work with the architecture of the home while striving for the greatest durability possible.  In the long run, a well built project that remains beautiful and functional for may years will often serve the purpose better than a lesser budget and ongoing repairs and additions.

Pools by Design of Tucson, Arizona: At Pools by Design of Tucson, Arizona, we are not your typical “cookie-cutter” low price Tucson swimming pool builder. While we can design and build pools for all needs and budgets, we specialize in designing pools to fit our client’s needs and lifestyles. Just take a look at our pool design gallery. Pools by Design, has over 30 years of swimming pool design and build experience in Tucson.  Contact us today at 520-797-6675 or by email for your complimentary consultation at your home.

http://www.poolsbydesignaz.com

One keep factor to consider is that each home has its own characteristics that will require considerations that will play a part in your final custom design.  It’s very similar to when you built your home.  An architect had to consider many factors before he or she provided you with a design based on your need, desires and property.

Don’t allow any pool company to sell you on a cookie-cutter design for your home.  It may seem inexpensive, but if it’s not planned and designed with your property and use in mind it could turn out not as you would have liked.

At Pools by Design we are specialists in designing pools only after we have had an extensive meeting with you to discover what you’re looking for and how you plan to use your area.  The following are the five steps we follow with each customer:

Step 1: To completely understand what you desire for your swimming pool oasis through our interview process:

Step 2: Pool site evaluation

Step 3: Integrating the interview and the site evaluation for your pool design plan

Step 4: 3-D Visual Graphic

Step 5: Itemized Swimming Pool Construction Costs

To learn more about each step, please visit http://poolsbydesignaz.com/swimming-pool-building-process-tucson  or call us at 520-797-6675 for your complimentary consultation.

Remember, if it looks like “a deal” it might be a pool that’s not meant for you and your home.

At Pools by Design of Tucson, Arizona we take great pride in bringing our clients the finest pool design, construction and equipment that will make our clients happy for a “lifetime!” In this “part two” of our series on “How our pool works for you” we will discuss automation, salt disinfection and ozone and how it helps keep your pool clean and easy to maintain. All Pools by Design pools are individually engineered to produce a product that is energy efficient and remains clean and properly disinfected.Each project has built in protection to prevent injury to users and prevent weather related damage.

*Automation, Salt Disinfection and Ozone

Every project must have an on / off control to cycle the water for cleaning and disinfection.At Pools By Design we build a software driven control system called a Pentair Easy Touch into ever project.This product gives the homeowner the ability to program operating times for circulation, cleaning, and light control.It is easily expandable to include optional heat and solar control.Each Easy Touch comes with a built in Salt Disinfection System that allows regulation of chlorine output.Easy Touch also has freeze protection built into each unit.A salt water pool has becomethe most desirable pool feature in many years. Salt water circulates through a cell the provides a small electric charge that converts salt water into chlorine.This automatic process will eliminate the need for expensive chlorine tablets or sticks and provide a comfortable soft water feel to your pool.

At Pools By Design we only use chlorine as a back-up disinfectant.We find high levels of chlorine to be unhealthy and contribute to poor water quality.The primary system to kill bacteria in our pool is ozone.Using Water Quality Management UPP-15 ozone generates O3 active molecules that kills bacteria in water much more effectively than chlorine.By using ozone as the primary oxidant, we are able to maintain our pool chlorine level at a about 1/3 the level of a non-ozone pool.Ozone dissipates in water very quickly leaving behind no negative chemicals and low chlorine level provides a residual disinfectant when the operating system is off.

For more infomration on water quality and our services please feel free to call Pools by Design at 520-906-1920 or visit www.poolsbydesignaz.com

The equipment included in our example package are the finest available. Our partnership with Pentair Pool Products and A & A Manufacturing provides us with tried and true durability all backed by a local Tucson based Warranty Station that gives you quick turnaround time if there are any mechanical issues. All Pools by Design pools are individually engineered to produce a product that is energy efficient and remains clean and properly disinfected. Each project has built in protection to prevent injury to users and prevent weather related damage.

*Equipment: Pool Pump

Every Pool starts with the circulation pump. This feature is the heart of your pool. Pools by Design uses the Pentair VS 3050 variable speed pump, which provides the best water quality and the lowest possible operating cost. The motor is very quiet compared to most pool pumps and works with an efficiency that is unmatched by the competition. The variable speed that this pump provides allows us to dial in the best flow rate for each pool and adjust the flow to meet each feature requirement. For example, if you have a pool and spa and you want to have lots of therapy action when using the spa, but that need is only for 30 minutes per night, the variable speed gives the capability to meet that feature demand and return to a lower speed when you are done using the spa. With a single speed pump, the only way to provide a pool and spa with adequate therapy head flow is to size the pump to the highest demand and live with an over sized and higher operating cost at all times. With this in mind, a Pools By Design pool is equipped with a variable speed pump and motor capable of being programmed to operate at several different speeds and flow rates specific to each pool feature.

At Pools By Design Inc. the evaluation is done without obligation from the homeowner. I have always believed that given the opportunity to show a client what I can do for them is the best way for them to see how well I can reflect their interests in a great design solution. Earning their trust and confidence logically follows when a client sees a good design solution that works for them and has had their various questions and concerns answered by a builder that truly know the details.

When it comes to cost, budget is a reality for all of us. Sometimes budgets are fixed by conditions, and other times a budget is flexible if a client really sees something that they like. My job is to be the expert on options and good design solutions. It is the homeowner’s position to evaluate the information to see how the overall design and features work within their budget. Occasionally an impasse occurs where we can’t find a balance between value and budget resulting in the process ending. For many prospective clients the process moves into the contract phase where agreements are made that become binding to all parties.

The evaluation process starts with an interview of needs, wants and constraints.  I often look at the entire back yard and what activities and participates will be using the space.  We look at safety issues, site challenges, and design solutions.  As an experienced Landscape Architecture graduate, I have always looked at the entire picture and how to accomplish the best traffic patterns, visual elements, and how to create a comfortable extension of a home’s living space.  Coupled with years of construction experience, I am always searching for cost effective ways to bring an attractive and functional design together.

Once a good concept plan is outlined the next step in the process is material and equipment selection.  With over 30-years of experience designing, building, and servicing swimming pools and spas, I have developed extensive knowledge on all facets of construction and material uses.  Even with that knowledge, my role is to make each client aware of the possible choices, costs, and durability.  Typically this is done with a cost – benefit analysis. It is ultimately the client’s decision to make the choices that make them happiest.

With price driven specials offered by many companies in the swimming pool industry, the package offered is never a good product. Price drives the builder to select the cheapest products, the cheapest materials, and the cheapest labor available. Who would want that, unless somebody is trying to convince an unknowing consumer that their special is really a quality product.  Can you ever get the best products and best craftsmen to work for the lowest cost?  So, for me I choose to play that game and I respect my customers as being more intelligent than to be drawn in by apparent super deals.  At Pools by Design, you can count on us to provide accurate information on the best products and durable materials that we can provide.  I only use the best craftsmen available in our community, preferring to support local trades people rather than shipping in outsiders than will work for less but are gone tomorrow.  When you look at our “Package Pool” keep in mind that I start with one basic premise: would I want my product in my own backyard?  With that I mind, please examine my package that includes the basics necessities to build a quality pool.  While every pool should be unique to a specific site and family, my package includes the products to make pool ownership fun, easy to care for, durable for many years, and energy efficient.

I am often asked in my first conversation with a prospective client whether I have a package pool or what is my current promotion.  It seems that many pool builders offer a continuous line of special prices or seasonal discounts.  Apparently, many consumers are brought to action by the belief that there is a great deal to be had if we are just focused enough to find ‘the best deal.”  Actually, these companies are doing a disservice to consumers.  Pools, unlike buying an apple, cannot be picked up and surveyed for color, texture, and soft spots.  A pool has to be “built” starting with site evaluation, design, customer input and finally construction. The process involves many people and lots of material choices.  In providing the best service I recommend spending some time evaluating a client’s interests, budget, and site limitation and advantages and then tailoring a “package” that uniquely fits a family.  It cannot be a “cookie-cutter” process and be warned that anyone that sells you a cookie cutter pool will find ways to up-charge you for many different construction and material needs that arise due to many unforeseen circumstances.

With price driven specials offered by many companies in the swimming pool industry, the package offered is never a good product. Price drives the builder to select the cheapest products, the cheapest materials, and the cheapest labor available. Who would want that, unless somebody is trying to convince an unknowing consumer that their special is really a quality product.  Can you ever get the best products and best craftsmen to work for the lowest cost?  So, for me I choose not to play that game and I respect my customers as being more intelligent than to be drawn in by apparent super deals.  At Pools by Design, you can count on us to provide accurate information on the best products and durable materials that we can provide.  I only use the best craftsmen available in our community, preferring to support local trades people rather than shipping in outsiders than will work for less but are gone tomorrow.  When you look at our “Package Pool” keep in mind that I start with one basic premise: would I want my product in my own backyard?  With that I mind, please examine my package that includes the basics necessities to build a quality pool.  While every pool should be unique to a specific site and family, my package includes the products to make pool ownership fun, easy to care for, durable for many years, and energy efficient.

I hope this post was helpful.  Please feel free to post your comments or call us at 520-797-6675.

Ken Larison, owner, Pools by Design

A custom designed swimming pool from Pools by Design of Tucson, Arizona

Pools by Design, Tucson, Arizona

Five Tips for a Cost Efficient Swimming Pool

Pools by Design of Tucson, Arizona specializes in providing its clients with spectacular swimming pools that are beautiful and “eco/energy friendly” in so many ways.   The information below gives you all of the necessary information for you to consider regarding efficient swimming pool equipment and associated energy and water costs.

1.  Energy Savings

Choosing the right pool pump for your swimming pool is very important.  The swimming pool pump is the work horse that keeps your pool clean and inviting.  The pump circulates the water to keep it clean, filtered, heated, and disinfected.  In doing so the pump can also be used to create the sight and sound of water flowing, operate therapy heads, and operate accessories such as slides or splash pads.  Each of these uses are considered a feature that requires a predetermined flow of water to operate correctly.  Some features operate simultaneously with others, while other features typically operate alone.

The old rule of thumb has always been to oversize the pumps and plumbing to make sure that there is plenty of volume to handle every feature.  Unfortunately, as utility costs have risen, the error on the “high side” mentality has put many homeowners in a position where operating their pool has become expensive.

The utility cost to run your swimming pool pump is the biggest maintenance expense of pool ownership. Fortunately, some newer products have given us the capability to adjust the flow and therefore the energy costs to meet the needs of every unique pool feature individually.  This is done using the new Variable Speed and Variable Flow pumps with programmable functions that adjust the flow rate to the actual needs of each feature in the pool.  This can save you between 30% to 90% on the electrical expense. To learn about Pentair Pools Products latest advances in swimming pool hydraulics and the programmed application approach to maintaining a cost efficient pool please visit http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owner/resources/equip-your-pool/energypumps.htm

2.  Cost Savings

The plumbing that makes up your swimming pools circulation system is mostly hidden underground, but is very important when it comes to efficiencies.  Plumbing that is too small will restrict the flow of the water causing the pump to work harder and achieve less.  The result is a higher utility bill and more water maintenance issues. At Pools By Design we design each pool with the optimum piping and equipment to make the job of pool ownership the least demanding. Allow us to explain how our “Spit Suction and Circulation / Cleaning System” works to offer the greatest efficiencies, while the appliances work with the least resistance and keep operating costs low and longevity at the maximum.

3.  Pool Cleaning and Clean Swimming Pool Water Systems

At Pools by Design, each pool comes with our QuickClean Max System.  The QuickClean in-floor systems are custom designed to each pool to provide the cleaning system that pushes the debris from the pool while returning the filtered and disinfected water to the floor of the pool for maximum efficiency. For detailed information please visit http://www.aamfg.com/infloor_pool_cleaning.php.

Each Pools By Design project includes our unique disinfection design and delivery system that will give you,  the pool owner, the very best pool water with the least amount of labor and operating expense.  This is done by combining the cleaning power of ozone (http://www.aamfg.com/quikPure3.php) with the bather comfort and cost efficiency of our Salt Disinfection System (http://pentairpool.com/pool-owner/products/sanitizers-intellichlor-salt-chlorinator-75.htm).  Using our dual Circulation / Cleaning System, Pools by Design can tailor each pool to stay clean and comfortable with the least amount of chemical expense.

4.  Water Conservation

Water Conservation is achieved in several ways with a Pools by Design project.  First, we only use water efficient modular media filters where no backwashing of pool water is required.  Next, we use our Quick Water leveler to maintain the pool level exactly where it needs to stay.  This avoids wasting water overfilling your pool with a manual replacement system.

Pools by Design offers a custom cut and fitted solar blanket with each pool.  Solar blankets do more than just warm the water.  They substantially reduce water evaporation, chemical consumption, and keep the blowing dirt out of the water.

With the Pools By Designs unique Disinfection System, the addition of chemicals is substantially less.  When less chemicals are needed the water is more comfortable and reduces the long term effects that the chemicals have on the pool water.  These effects are sometime referred to a old water, where the hardness of the water increases over time as a result of the calcium included in the chlorine products that are traditionally used.  Higher levels of hardness in the water will result in calcium deposits forming on the waterline tile and interior surface.  The water also becomes increasingly difficult to maintain requiring larger amounts of chemicals to keep the pool water clear and clean.  The solution for this problem is to drain the pool and start over.  All pool water will eventually need to be replaced, but with a Pools By Design engineered system this need will be much less frequently needed, saving you thousands of gallons of water.

5.  Lasting Value

At Pools By Design our focus is the build a quality product that provides many years of trouble free use.  Many of the traditionally used products, such as plastered interior finishes and Kool Decking surfaces, can wear out quickly and leave your pool an eye sore.  Lasting value should mean that the pool enhances the value of your home, not detract from it.

As an interior finish, Pools By Design recommends Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen of Pebble Fina.  Each of these products will give you years of use and remain beautiful and stain resistant.  Available is dozens of colors and looks, these products go with any design concept. Visit http://www.pebbletec.com/new_pool.aspx for more information.

Pool decking can show the effects of our hot sun and rainy winters more than any other pool products.  A poorly done deck will show deterioration causing the pool to look old.  The traditional “Kool Deck” products are subject to staining, chipping, and sun fading.  Better quality products are available and highly recommended.  Choosing a quality product as your deck surface is a major factor in retaining and increasing the value of your home.

Our number one goal at Pools by Design is to insure that you are a well informed client and understand all of the factors that go into building, maintaining and enjoying your swimming pool.  Please feel free to call us anytime at 520-906-1920 for your personalized consultation to build the pool you’ve always wanted.

Thank you,

Ken Larison

Pools by Design