
Mark asks…
how do the landscaping people build a pool in your backyard?
well next month or this month since its going to be summer i wanted to get a backyard pool instead of driving to a public pool that cramped because everyone is hot! so anyways what do they do when they build it can i tell them how big i want it and how much time does it take to build the whole pool including the hot tub on the side? if anyone has any experience please share your story with me i like these kinds of pools with designs on them and im probably going to get one im going to show them this picture and see if they’ll build it:
http://royalwestmoreland.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/09/waterfall.jpg
with the little water fall i just love those things! and yes i do have the money and the space

Suntan answers:
We looked at a lot of photos and came up with our own design and hired all the contractors ourselves, submitted the plans and pulled permits through the city. And our pool ended up being amazing. Do your homework – these guys over price a lot. I you’d like I don[‘t know what state your in, but if you’re in california i’ll give you a step by step instruction manual for how to do it yourself.

Ken asks…
About My Swimming pool?
I live in Phoenix arizona and I want a new pool put in my backyard, I got sevral offers from many pool builders but the best was by Blue Wave Pools of AZ, Below is a list of whats included in my package with a total price tag of $16,000 plus tax.
My question is how much more would it cost to add “pop up spray cleaners, and about 150 more square feet of decking”
75 perimeter/350 sq. ft. surface area
All engineered construction plans, building permits and inspections
Pool layout
Professional quality control inspections and supervision throughout construction
Custom design
Play pool – 3’ x 5’ x 3’, 3’ x 5’ x 4’ or 3’ x 5’
Normal backhoe excavation and dirt removal (tight access and/or unusual soil conditions such as rock, caliche, etc., additional cost to buyer)
Schedule 40 N.S.F. approved; pressure tested throughout construction
2” suction lines
15’ plumbing run (filter to skimmer)
Aerator with adjustable valve
Dual main drains
Deluxe hydromatic surface skimmer
Automatic water leveler
Hayward filter system of your choice
1.0 h.p. Hayward pump
Hayward pool vac
Pre-cast concrete equipment slab
3/8” steel reinforcing with 4 bar bond beam
400 watt pool light with 15’ brass run
40’ rigid, wrapped galvanized electrical conduit run
Light switch at equipment
6.5 sack shotcrete mix w/ fibermesh
3 entry steps & bench (up to 35’)
200 sq. ft. Travertine deck
6” waterline tile (over 50 standard choices)
Clean up of all construction debris
Custom hand troweled marble white plaster finish
Complete instructions and start-up chemicals
Maintenance kit with pole, brush, leaf net, thermometer and test kit

Suntan answers:
Ask them..but if you can afford it …DO IT! It is better to make sure you get what you want and not regret and try to add it on later. Pools settle and things are not the same.
They are a lot of work and expense…we had one for 25 years and we just filled it in two years ago. I am so relieved and so happy we did that. It was very expensive especially when the chlorine locked in. Man..sometimes it took over 2000 bucks of chemicals to get that unlocked and show a reading…and the water was beautiful and clear…and yet so unsafe no one could swim. It takes one to two weeks to get that cleared up.
Make sure they don’t use lotion and make sure they wash their feet off when they go in. If they get anything like some kind of pesticide or something like that on their feet….you are in for one expensive week or two.
The neighbors would have their trees sprayed and taken care of and the air would drift it over into the pool….and we have three acres each…and that was it. It was horrible.
Lots of responsibility…and lots of expense……

George asks…
Your own private oasis getaway in your own backyard?
If you could design the backyard of your dreams. What theme would it be? Tuscan, Hawaian, Rustic, Natural, etc. With what ammeities? pool, outdoor shower, sauna, cabana, hot tub, firepit, hammock, ponds, waterfalls, dream bbq, outdoor kitchen, pergula, etc.

Suntan answers:
The first consideration is your location. The secound is your budget and the third is the amount of time you have to spend in your yard each week. Next would be what you prefer. Each person has a different situation to deal with.
Start with a map of your property and a list of your wants and needs. Start filling in your map with the items you desire and work tword those goals.
If your budget is limited, I would start with a seating area and Bar-B-Que. Next would come privacy (if that is a concern). Then any other major piece (a pool for instance). Themes will grow from there. Look at garden pictures and decide what you like or dislike about them. Just remember, a place filled with flower beds takes lots of time to mantain.
The design theme I would choose would rely heavily upon the climatic location of my home. It is difficult to grow lush tropical looking plants in an arid environment, for instance. Also, many plants that would provide the ideal tropical environment will not last in a northern climate.
Exactly what ammenities I would choose would depend greatly upon were my yard is located and my home situated.
I would have a Bar-B-Que with counterspace nearby (even if it is something that is stored for the winter). A dinning area or screenhouse (if bitting insects are a problem), would be included as would a comfortable seating area were I could entertain or just have a morning cup of coffee.
A pool would either need to be situated near an accessable bathroom or a cabana built nearby. Outdoor showers are a must in sandy areas to avoid a dirty spa or pool.
Hot tubs are great but in cold winter areas you will need to insulate under it and have a good insulated cover. Getting out of a hot tub into 4″ of snow is an experiance you will not soon forget.
A pond with a waterfall is a must if you have a “natural” theme. Just remember that cold winters will necessitate certain precautions in order not to damage your pond or kill any fish. No goldfish please in any areas that may overflow into a natural stream.
In an arid area I would go with plants that are native and capable of providing shade, and color with a minimum of water. A desert scape with stones and only a small lawn area would do (lawns are water hungry). A southwest theme, Tuscan or Spanish style would work well especally if you provide a varandah or a large grape arbor (or use climbing vines) to add a cool seating area.
A warm southern climate would be ideal for that Hawaian them as would a gazebo. If you live in a wooded area rustic fits in very well. Think about a tire swing to add a touch of nostolgia to the country view.
No mater what theme I chose, I would recommend installing an underground water system to mantain the growth, watering cans are for potted plants only.

Donna asks…
What is a good landscaping company for the cedar hill area.. Must be hgtv type..?
My mom recently bought a house and I wanted to find a outdoor designer/ landscaping company that can help her design her perfect backyard… Backyard will include pergula, basketball court, BBQ pit, and pool with a retaining wall or maybe not a wall… Idk that’s why im asking for help.. Thanks
Cedar hill, Texas.. Sorry about that ppl

Suntan answers:
Give us a little help here. There are lots of cedar hills in this country. What state are you in?

James asks…
what software can i use to design our backyard..?
I would like a layout program that will allow me to map the yard, pool, house……then tools that allow me to plot out landscaping options…..hardscape around the pool, concrete walks, or pavers, plants, bbq. I’m good with the computer, but I’m not learning Auto CAD for this……I need something less complex. If a plan could be imported into Auto CAD that would be terrific.
thanks
this is for landscaping/exterior, not interiors.
thx

Suntan answers:
The best:
http://www.punchsoftware.com/index.htm
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