Pool Designs – What’s Your Style?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Glenn

In spite of our incredibly up and down temperatures right now, spring is in the air here in Dallas and if you’re thinking about adding a pool to beat the heat this summer, now is the time to get going on the design and build so that you can get full enjoyment out of it as the thermometer begins to inch up and settle in the hot zone.

Anyone familiar with our work knows that everything we do is custom, hence my somewhat tongue-in-cheek remark in a previous blog post that “pools are like snowflakes, no two are ever alike.” The reason no two pools we create are ever alike is because there are so many variables to consider when designing a pool – lifestyle (how the pool will be used), the architecture of the home, the environment and space, and taste preferences in style, materials, esthetics.

So what are the options out there and some of the general considerations to think about before you meet with a pool designer? Here is a quick run-down on basic pool types (other considerations, such as salt water versus fresh water pools and options in pool finishes have been covered in previous posts).

Sports Pool or Play Pool
These are terms that are sometimes used for pools that are typically no deeper than five feet. These pools are built for cooling off and relaxing in, swimming laps, playing volleyball and other water sports.

Lap Pool
Lap pools are typically long, narrow pools to facilitate exercise and swimming for health and fitness. While the ideal size for swimming laps is 6 feet in width by 60 to 75 feet in length, you can still fit a pool that accommodates exercise in as little as 30 feet.

Diving Pool
Diving pools typically have a deeper end for diving and a shallow end for wading. The deeper end is generally about 8-1/2 feet deep with a diving board or platform. Diving pools should be built to NSPI (National Pool and Spa Institute) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards.

Plunge Pool or Spool
These terms are both used for small swimming pools that are larger than spas but smaller than the average swimming pool (typically no larger than 15 to 20 feet and often smaller). The word “spool” is a combination of a spa and a pool. They are a great option for more urban environments where the yards are small.

Freeform Pool
A freeform pool is a naturalistic- or lagoon-style pool. It usually has rock features and lush, natural landscaping surrounding the pool to create an oasis environment.

Geometric Pool
Geometric pools usually have very straight lines or a consistent radius and can be used to create a more formal and traditional look or a very clean, contemporary style.

Negative Edge Pool, Infinity Edge Pool or Infinity Pool
A negative edge pool is an in-ground pool lacking one or more edges and is designed to look like the pool extends all the way out to the horizon. Negative edge pools are especially effective when the edgeless part of the pool is located over high ground that drops away. They are also beautiful when near a water source such as an ocean or lake. The edgeless look is achieved by building one side of the pool below the water line and placing a water collection reservoir below the pool and out of sight. When the pool is at the top of high ground anything below the top is not easy to see visually. The water collection reservoir works like the rest of the pool filtration system and the water collected is filtered back into the pool. The mechanics and engineering of an infinity pool is complex and cannot be compromised – be sure to do your homework before hiring a designer and builder for this type of pool.

Perimeter Overflow Pool
The appearance of a perimeter overflow pool is often described as “mirror-like” because the water is allowed to pour in a thin sheet over all the edges. Since the water is not bound by hard edges, disturbances to the surface don’t persist and the result is a smooth, reflective surface that lends an atmosphere of serenity to its surroundings. With a perimeter overflow pool, the water is level with the pool decking. Around the pool perimeter is a channel that the water drains into and, as with an infinity-edge system, the water that flows over the sides is caught and recirculated. Construction for a perimeter overflow pool is even more exacting that it is for an infinity pool; the edge of the pool must be extremely level to create even flow over the entire perimeter and the building tolerance is typically one-sixteenth of an inch or less.

The Lowdown on Swimming Pool Finishes: What to Consider

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Glenn

A little over a decade ago, most pools were finished in plaster. Plaster, while still widely used because of its affordability, has limitations. Plaster’s biggest limitation is its lifespan – 4 to 7 years – and maintenance requirements that have always been a challenge for pool owners. Additionally, as pool owners began wanting more color options, colored plaster’s tendency to mottle, streak and to fade over time spurred manufacturers to develop alternate solutions. Chemical additives have been developed that help lessen some of these issues, but they do increase the cost to the point where it makes sense to consider other alternatives. Today there are a number of other materials choices for pool surfaces that last longer, are more durable and require less maintenance while providing an array of esthetic options.

These days exposed aggregate pool finishes are widely used and offer greater durability and longevity. They also offer a lot of esthetic options. There are a number of good choices available, but two lines Bonick Landscaping likes to work with Durazzo Pool Surfaces and Diamond Brite exposed aggregate pool finishes.

Durazzo is made from marble aggregates and non-fading colored quartz and Diamond Brite is a non-fading quartz aggregate; both are finer than pebble surfaces. Both Durazzo and Diamond Brite are highly durable finishes that resist staining and etching that result from the exposure to harsh pool chemicals and both are non-skid, slip-resistant surfaces that are safe on both the feet and swimsuits. Other advantages to these surfaces are that they can be drained and cleaned without being damaged and they can be polished or sanded, for clients who prefer a smoother finish. It also means the surfaces can be rejuvenated over time. These newer finishes typically carry a 10 year warranty.

Like other similar surface finishes, both aggregates come in a wide range of colors from whites, blues and greens to onyx or slate shades. Gold and brown colored flecks bring green into water surface reflections that are synonymous with natural bodies of water. White or light flecks reflect sky colors more readily. At Bonick Landscaping we often create custom colors for our clients by combining several colors to create a deeper, richer finish with more subtle hues. Lighter colors are a bit more contemporary, providing a “cleaner” look that is popular today.

Salt Water Pools Versus Low Chlorine Pools – Which is Best?

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Glenn

Bonick Salt Water Pool

You probably wouldn’t sit down to dinner without salt on the table. But can you imagine buying 300 pounds a year? If you choose a salt water pool, the average 18,000 gallon pool can require that much (which is a lot of lugging from the pool store). Many people believe salt water pools are naturally healthier because you’re not adding chemicals. But the reality is, salt water pools still require the presence of chlorine; a salt water system simply creates chlorine as a by-product in the process of breaking down the salt. So there’s really no way around chlorine in a pool, but we believe the key question is….how much chlorine do you have to use?

We’re doing very few salt water pools these days because technology has advanced to the point where we can use far less chlorine. Salt water pools used to be a top request, because people liked the fact that salt water was easier on the skin and on dyed hair (no more lovely green locks). Salt water pools were far less caustic and burning eyes were a thing of the past. These benefits offset the typically higher cost of installing a salt water system, which also requires more maintenance throughout the years.

The same great salt that breaks down ice on your driveway during those Dallas ice storms does the same number on your system over time. Salt is a corrosive and damaging to plaster, stone, concrete and metal. The chlorinator cell, a critical component, can become encrusted with calcium and should be cleaned frequently with an acid wash. If you don’t clean it, you can find that the surface of the cell degrades and then you’re facing a very expensive replacement.

We’ve found a better way: the low-chlorine alternative pool. By using a combination of ozone to purify (as water runs through your pipes) and minerals to retard algae, your pool is engineered to be healthy and sparkling clean while consuming far less chlorine. You’ll still need some, but there’s less chance of eye irritation and no green hair. Best of all, you’ll save dollars at the outset and continue to save year after year over salt water’s higher maintenance costs.

And it’s not just pools that benefit from the latest technology. In our ponds, we now use a combination of ozone and UV to fight algae and keep your water looking its sunlit best. Interested? View our pools page for more pictures or contact us to learn more.

Landscaping Under the New Water Restrictions

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Glenn

Dallas is experiencing its fourth drought since 2000. We went into Stage 1 water restrictions on December 12, 2011 and meteorologists are currently predicting that the drought will continue at least through the summer. Nearby areas such as Frisco and Plano are in Stage 3 water restrictions, that mandate watering no more than one time a week.

It seems to me that “the writing is on the wall” in that smart Dallasites will move toward landscaping designs that involve more draught-tolerant plants. Stage 1 water restrictions mandate that watering can be done twice a week but if draught conditions continue, restrictions could become more severe. Either way, many of the lawns and landscapes I see around Dallas simply aren’t “simpatico” with the concept of water conservation.

As a professional landscape designer, I understand the challenges this presents. The palette of draught-tolerant plants simply isn’t as broad, but there is still plenty to choose from. It is important to remember that just because a plant is native to Texas, doesn’t necessarily mean it is draught-tolerant and that the Southwest, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chili and the Mediterranean all are sources for beautiful plants that come from climates that are similar to ours. Among my personal favorites are native grasses, they are great for adding drama and focus to an environment. Other plants I love that are draught tolerant include rosemary, yuccas, agave and roses.

What can you do in the meantime to optimize the appearance of your landscape while moving toward a more draught-tolerant landscape? Here are some general tips:

Water restrictions mandate that all watering take place between midnight and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and midnight. Because it stays hot into the evening in Dallas, it is better to water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are at their lowest. This reduces evaporation and waste.
Cycle soak. This allows the soil to absorb all that is applied, avoiding runoff. The length of the cycle will vary based on the conditions of the landscape, but you want to schedule several short cycles about an hour apart in order to allow the water to absorb to a depth of about 6-8 inches. This is the most important thing that we can all do to save water and improve the health of the plants. We have successfully kept many landscapes alive in Frisco when we were only allowed to water once a week in 100+ degree weather by cycling the water 3-5 times to get a deep soak without runoff. This also helps to promote deep foot growth where the soil stays much cooler.
Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches, or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture.
Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
Install irrigation devices that are water efficient. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples. The most important thing is to make sure that your irrigation system is well-designed and operating properly.

The reality is that the current water restrictions are simply forcing us all to do something we should be doing anyway and that’s reducing the amount of water used in our landscapes though good water management practices. Maintenance becomes even easier when these best practices are combined with draught-tolerant plant choices. Do you have a favorite draught-tolerant plant? How well did your landscape survive last summer’s heat wave and our current draught? We’d love to hear from you.

Our Pools are like Snowflakes

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Glenn

Although we design and build all kinds of outdoor environments, pools are at the top of the list in terms of popularity. Not surprisingly, we build just as many pools in the cooler months as we do in the warmer months. Hint: They make great Christmas gifts. The great thing is, like snowflakes, no two are ever alike.