Landscaping and Tulsa Pool Design - Why They Go Hand-in-Hand

The terms "Landscaping” and "pool design" may not seem overly related at first, but they do in fact go hand-in-hand. When it comes to Tulsa pool design, landscaping is very important. 

Having a well-planned landscape design when you’re building a new pool is important because the pool is part of your outdoor environment as a whole. 

“Your pool won’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a vital part of the whole backyard where the landscape provides the perfect setting. This is why pool design is best done by a landscape architect who understands the big picture of site function and circulation so the pool is placed in the most optimal location,” noted The Landscaping Network.

Yes, instead of just an ordinary pool builder who may focus purely on the pool construction elements, a Tulsa landscape architect who also designs and builds pools will plan the pool to function as part of a larger outdoor environment and understand the best way to weave other landscaping and hardscape features into the overall outdoor living theme.

With custom Tulsa pool design, a backyard can be transformed into a complete resort-like destination for the whole family. The custom pool can be designed with features for children like slides and waterfalls while also having elements for adults such as an attached custom spa. Other custom features can include zero or “beach” entry design, in-pool sun deck or tanning shelf, fountains, grottos, and specialty pool lighting.  But these pool design elements are just part of a larger theme designed around the lifestyle of the homeowner and the architecture of the home.

“It’s important then to consider the landscape as a frame for your new pool. It should enhance pool design and solve problems at the same time,” The Landscaping Network added.

Knowing the best plants to add around your custom pool area also makes landscape experience vital to good pool design. Plants can provide additional texture, style, color, and privacy elements that really enhance the pool and outdoor environment design. These should also complement your overall outdoor living space theme. 

The landscape architects and pool designers at Tulsa’s Oklahoma Landscape can design and build the perfect custom pool to match the outdoor environment of your dreams. Blending nature with hardscape elements to complement one another, we can help you create an outdoor living space that you’ll love to escape to every weekend.

Best Tulsa Pool Design Trends This Year

Winter is a great time to begin planning the design for your new Tulsa pool. Here are some of the latest trends in Tulsa pool design for the coming year!

Glass Tiles. 

A lot of people in the pool design industry has been talking about the use of glass tiles in place of ceramic tiles inside pools and to accent the edges of a pool. Glass tiles are more durable and less likely to crack or break than the traditional ceramic tiles. They also bring a gorgeous iridescent look to the pool, and are available in wide variety of styles and sizes.

Knife-Edge Pool Design. 

Known by many names such as “knife-edge,” “Lautner knife-edge,” “slot-edge,” or “wet-edge,” pools, this type of pool design is quickly becoming very popular for its “impressive visual style.” Like infinity or vanishing edge pools, knife-edge pools provide a stunning visual effect my having the water in the pool reach the same level as the pool deck creating a mirror-surface effect. This look is accomplished by having a slot edge around pool’s entire perimeter so that water can spill over into this slot. This knife-edge pool design creates an incredibly luxurious, resort-like look for the outdoor living space but does require different maintenance and construction techniques than traditional pools.

Water Features. 

Another huge trend in Tulsa pool design for 2014 and going into this year is the increase in water features for custom pools. Water features like waterfalls, fountains, sconces, and other artistic and playful features are popular in Tulsa pool designs. Not only do these added features create visual interest, but the soothing sound of water trickling over stones or in a fountain creates a relaxing tone for your outdoor space. Splash pads, slides, and spraying jets can entertain the kids in this resort-like outdoor environment. LED lighting is another feature that is becoming increasing popular in pool design as are fire features.

Beach Entry. 

Another great pool design is what’s often called a “beach entry” or “zero entry” pool feature. This pool design creates a gradual slope into the water to allow swimmers to walk into the pool slowly, much like they would at the beach or allows them to sunbathe in the shallow water. Baja shelves are another pool design feature that creates a ledge or “shelf” at the edge of the pool that’s perfect for sunbathing or relaxing on lounge chairs in the water.

These are just a few of the latest trends in pool design that are sure to make a splash in 2015. The Tulsa pool designers and pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build you a custom pool to fit your lifestyle and outdoor environment. We can also remodel your existing Tulsa swimming pool to include some of these new features that will make your pool area even more enjoyable.

Tulsa Pool Builders Designing Pools Now For Summer

Although it is still winter in Tulsa, now is a great time to start planning for next summer, especially planning your new swimming pool. The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can start designing the best custom swimming pool for your home. 

Why build a swimming pool for your Tulsa home? Here's just a few of the reasons many have chosen to build a pool in their Tulsa backyard. 

Your own personal resort.

Staycations are increasing popular. Many Tulsa residents love the convenience of having in their own custom pool. And custom Tulsa pools today are much more than they used to be. These pools can be part of a complete outdoor resort with infinity or vanishing edges,waterslides, waterfalls, zero entry or beach entry, tanning shelves, and other features. Today’s custom pools can have all the amenities you’ll find in a world-class resort hotel pool –except you don’t even have to leave your home. Thus, these custom pools also allow you over time to save money on expensive family vacations at resort destinations. Escape after a long day or long week at work and relax in your own custom designer swimming pool. 

Great for entertaining. 

Whether you’re throwing a party for your children or entertaining friends, colleagues, or clients, a custom pool makes the perfect backdrop for entertaining guests. Have a barbecue by the pool in your nearby outdoor kitchen or watch the game by the pool in your custom outdoor environment. Whether guests take a dip in the water or just relax by the pool and talk, your custom swimming pool becomes the centerpiece for a great evening of entertaining. 

Increase the value of your home. 

Although pools are an investment, they can significantly increase the value of your home and property.  They also make your home more attractive to buyers if you later decide to sell your home. Building a pool in your backyard is a great investment that will last and provide years of family fun and entertainment. 

Do things as a family. 

Swimming pools provide families with a fun activity they can all do together. Spend more time together as a family during the summer in your own backyard outdoor environment. Create lasting memories for years to come with your pool and outdoor living space. 

These are just a few of the many reasons Tulsa homeowners decide to build a pool. To ensure your pool is ready for next summer, start planning now! The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can help design a custom pool to fit your lifestyle and landscape. We can design and build an entire outdoor environment for your home complete with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, outdoor kitchen, dining area, and much more!

Tulsa Landscapers Offer Beautiful Backyard Makeover Ideas

Deck and patio. If you’re looking to add liveable space to your home consider a custom deck or patio. A multi-level deck brings not only more room but also much style to the outdoor environment. A patio created with stone pavers gives a unique and fresh touch to your patio area, and comes in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. Often these become the foundation of your entire outdoor living space and can provide ample room for cooking and dining, or relaxing.

Is your backyard looking a little uneventful or even depressing? Would you like to get more out of your landscape? Here are a few ideas on changing your landscape into the perfect Tulsa outdoor living area. And remember, at Oklahoma Landscape the Tulsa landscape contractors can take your backyard from barren to breath-taking!

Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces. Nearly any Tulsa landscape can be enhanced by an outdoor fireplace or fire pit for those chilly spring and fall Oklahoma nights. An outdoor fireplace turns your backyard into a private haven for your family. With comfortable built-in seating around the fireplace, you can entertain friends gathered around the fire talking or enjoy a night underneath the stars with your loved ones. If you want to esthetically highlight the outdoor fireplace, add a pergola to cover it and you’ll have an visually amazing outdoor space.

Outdoor kitchens. Not just simply an outdoor grill, these sophisticated Tulsa outdoor kitchens can  come complete with pizza ovens, stainless steel appliances, sinks, granite countertops,wine coolers, mini refrigerators, and more. Tulsa homeowners are building complete outdoor kitchens in their backyard. You can have the ultimate outdoor dinner party with a complete outdoor kitchen.

Landscape lighting. If you want a stylish Tulsa outdoor living space you’re going to need well-designed landscape lighting to go with the décor and purpose of the outdoor space. It can be subtly used to guide guests to the backyard or as a way to accent your deck or patio, landscape lighting can help beautify your outdoor environment while creating more functionality, safety, and security.

Custom pool. With an increasing array of  accessories and features that can be built-in to a custom pool, there’s seems to be no end to the possibilities for a luxurious backyard. Entertain guests or have a relaxing day in your own custom swimming pool or spa, or both. The Tulsa landscape contractors Oklahoma Landscape can design and build a one-of-a-kind pool as a beautiful counterpart your home and your lifestyle.

So, if these ideas have you thinking about creating an amazing outdoor environment. Let the Tulsa landscaping company Oklahoma Landscape take your outdoor living space dreams and turn them a reality.

How to Select the Best Tulsa Pool Builder for Your Project

Selecting the right pool contractor can be a pleasure, picking the wrong one a nightmare. So what are some things you can do to ensure you find a Tulsa pool designer that you won’t regret.

Compile a list of potential builders. Ask friends, family, and neighbors which pool contractors they would suggest. If you see a pool you like in a neighborhood, you might stop and ask the homeowner who they used and how the building process went. Check out the websites of local pool builders to see a variety of pool designs and get an idea of which features or designs you like best. It's wise to choose a local Tulsa pool builder who will be here to assist you even long after the pool is finished.

Make an unannounced visit to the company. Stop by the company in person to get a good feel for how their business is managed. Are they courteous? Do they seem professional and knowledgeable? Is the owner involved in the company full-time?

Check their Stats. Always look up your list of potential builders on the Better Business Bureau’s website to see their rating and if they have had any complaints filed. See how long they have been in business.

Ask for references. The pool builder should be able to provide you with a list of recent customer references. Check with these references and ask them how the building process went and what they thought of the finished product. Marcus Sheridan from River Pools and Spas in Virginia recommended a certain way of asking for these references. He said to first ask how many pools they built last year. Then ask the contractor to give you a list of those references from that year. If the contractor only gives you a small number of references in comparison to how many he said he built total last year, then as Sheridan said, he may not have had a good satisfaction rate.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to ask to see their insurance certificates and a list of supplier references to make sure they are financially stable in themselves.

Get everything down in writing. When the pool builders comes to your home to discuss your pool building site and design ideas, ask them for a pool design and a written bid.  If they make any promises or claims including warranties or purchases, get it in writing. Also, make sure the bid is specific including brand names for products.

Comparison shop. Carefully consider your options and don’t rush your decision. It may not be in your best interest to sign any contract on your first appointment. Make sure you read all proposals carefully before you sign. Make sure you choose a designer that will listen to your needs and wants.

Again get all contracts in writing. Once you’ve told the Tulsa pool builder any changes you would like to see to his initial design, get a revised bid in writing again with all specifics and brand names of equipment included. Also ask them for a completion date estimate. Get all the specifics with the construction in writing.

If you’re searching for a Tulsa pool designer, make sure you keep in mind these things, so that your exciting experience of completing your new pool project can be a splash! Check out the Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape, measuring us against these tips, to see why we’d be a great fit for you.

Splash Pads! A Great Alternative to Tulsa Pools

Designing and building swimming pools for Tulsa residents to enjoy is something we’re known for here at Oklahoma Landscape. But if you’re looking to create a great summertime play area for the kids without the investment of a pool, splash pads may be the way to go for you and your family. You may have been to a splash pad at a local Tulsa park, but these cool outdoor environments we can build right in your own backyard.

The Landscaping Network mentioned how these residential splash pads have been continually gaining popularity.

“If you want to save money, don’t have the space for a pool, or are looking for a safe way to stay cool, a splash pad is for you,” the article noted.

Ryan Werlich, representative of Rain Deck, a company that makes splash pad kits, indicated that splash pads are very versatile serving as a fun area for kids during the day, a fun area for dogs to play, a great landscaping water feature and even a patio area when they’re not in use.

These fun areas can be smaller than 100 square feet, Werlich noted, or as large as you want.

“A splash pad can be right next to the side of a building, making them a good option for side yards,” Landscaping Network reported. “Splash pads may also be installed as pool tie-ins when building a new pool.”

So if you’re planning building a swimming pool, consider also adding a splash pool!

As the article brought out, there are a variety of options available in splash pad building materials including stamped and stained concrete, pavers, rubber surfacing, slate, flagstone, broom finish and salt finish concrete, and many more.

Accordingly, not only are these splash pads fun for the kids, but they can also be built to match well with the architecture of your home and other Tulsa outdoor environment elements.

A blog post on apartmenttherapy.com featured a backyard super splash pad for a family with four children built from non-slippery Travertine tiles. The mother noted that they wanted something that looked mature but was also very child-friendly. She said it’s something their whole family enjoys in the hot Florida sun. Pictured above, this residential splash deck has a sophisticated design and yet is also kid-friendly. Keeping the design modern and simple like this one is provides a water feature that will not look too childish, but one that will coordinate with any luxury residential space.

So these exciting Tulsa outdoor living spaces can be kid-friendly and sophisticated all at the same time. They can be the perfect addition to your outdoor environment, particularly if you’re worried about space for a pool or the cost.

As experts in Tulsa pool design, our landscape contractors can design and build the ideal splash pad for your family and your landscape. We can create an entire outdoor living space for your family to ‘find themselves outside’ this summer!

Pool Design for your Tulsa Outdoor Enviroment

To have a pool built at their home some feel they need to have a very spacious outdoor enviroment, but actually that doesn’t have to be the case. Tulsa pool builders like Oklahoma Landscape can design a custom pool to fit perfectly in a variety of landscape areas. Using a few carefully planned landscape design elements, you can have a pool that will look great and be functional in even smaller outdoor spaces.

How can design elements help you make the most of the space in your backyard? 

Custom Tulsa pool design. The beauty of custom-designed pools is that not only do you have a unique pool designed specially for your family and the architecture of your home, but your pool can also be planned to fit your specific backyard space. This custom designed can open up new possibilities for landscapes that might not fit a standard size pool. Landscape architects can tailor the pool size to be proportional to the size of your outdoor environment so that it perfectly complements your outdoor space and does not overwhelm it.

Build a pool close to other outdoor structures. You can maximize space in a smaller landscape by building the pool near the home or close to the fence or another outdoor structure. Not only are there spacing benefits by building a pool closer to the home, but this can also allow you to more easily supervise children as well as cook and entertain guests with an easier transition from inside to outside. Pool designers can create a pool that will aesthetically match the look and feel of your home.

Use stimulating design elements. Including native plants, rock accents, and shrubs around the pool or even integrating a vanishing edge or a rock waterfall in the pool design can help to blend the pool with the rest of the outdoor environment. Also using materials with different but complementing textures and shapes can help the pool area seamlessly integrate with the home and landscape. A retaining wall is a practical landscape design element that can help to level out uneven landscapes as well as provide aesthetic interest and structure to the outdoor space.

Built-in outdoor living features. A swim-up poolside bar creates an easy connection between the pool and an outdoor kitchen. Built-in seating areas around a nearby fire pit help to consolidate space while offering interesting and appealing designs. These and other multi-purpose landscape design elements allow homeowners to create functional and engaging outdoor living spaces in even smaller landscapes.

With custom landscape design touches, the Tulsa pool designers at Oklahoma Landscape can help you transform your backyard into the outdoor environment of your dreams.

 

Pool Maintenance Tips from Tulsa Pool Builders Oklahoma Landscape

Swimming is always a much loved summer pastime for many Tulsa residents, especially children, and many kids will be even asking to get in the backyard swimming pool before school gets out for summer.  Before the weather gets too hot, make sure your Tulsa pool is safe, clean, and ready for all the fun that summer brings with these few pool maintenance tips.

Take away any leaves or debris and remove any water that may be on top of the pool cover or that may be around the pool. Then, remove and clean the pool cover before you put it away in storage. After you clean the pool cover, let it totally dry out before storing it.

Clean out any debris and dirt from inside the pool itself with a cleaner designed for pools to prevent mold from growing or discoloring the pool.
Check the steps, ladders, diving board, etc. to make sure they are completely safe. Make sure the deck or patio around your pool is also safe and well-maintained.

When adding more water to your Tulsa swimming pool, make sure there is adequate water for the pump to work correctly. The water level needs to be in the middle of the skimmer opening for the pump to work properly, doityourself.com noted.

Check the circulation system and make certain the pump and all its components are clean and in good working order. Doityourself.com tells pool owners to let the system run for about 8 to 12 hours.
Then check the pH levels of the water by getting a water sample at least 18 inches below the surface of the water away from the pump inlet, the website also noted. From this test you’ll know what chemicals need to be added depending on the type of pool you have.

Now that your Tulsa swimming pool is clean and all the components are working correctly, you’re ready to make sure your pool area is prepared for entertaining. Is there suitable seating and dining space near the pool? New waterproof outdoor furniture can really spruce up your outdoor environment area.

Installing outdoor lighting nearby the pool area can help make your Tulsa outdoor living space more inviting and allow you to enjoy it for a longer period of time. Lighting fixtures mounted around the pool will also help to ensure everybody can safely navigate around the pool at all times, especially at night. Fun outdoor lanterns can create a delightful atmosphere for evening entertaining.

Call the Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape for more information on pool designs, pool maintenance, and cleaning. Get the summer pool fun started with these simple reminders to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Tulsa Pool Design Ideas - Salt Water Pools Vs. Chlorinated Pools

Are you considering adding a swimming pool to your Tulsa outdoor living space? Pools are an excellent way to increase your family’s summer fun while also increasing the value of your property and home. Today, the pool design ideas for Tulsa abound. You can have a custom pool designed and built especially for your family’s way of life and a Tulsa pool that will seamlessly complement your home’s architecture.

On the matter of Tulsa pool design, there is an increasing debate between chlorine versus salt water pools. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of swimming pool. In the end, it really depends on which type is better for your lifestyle, family, and overall needs. Although there are many points to consider, it is nice that there are more choices in pool design today. Below are a few of points to consider.

Salt water pools are literally easier on the eyes. Although they do still have some chlorine in them, salt water pools do not create all the harsh effects that chlorinated pool systems do. They are less likely to cause dry skin and red eyes than chlorinated pools. And they won’t leave that tough chlorine odor on your skin for hours after you swim. These pools can be safer for your pets and family.

Salt is corrosive. Because salt by nature is very corrosive, it can be harder on surrounding materials causing them to wear out faster. Experts have reported that nearby ladders, decking, concrete and furniture has been damaged by salt water systems. Thus, when building a salt water pool, it’s important to pick materials that can endure the effects of salt.

Salt water pools may require less regular maintenance. To keep a chlorine pool clean and safe, it’s important to have a constant routine of testing the pH levels of the water and then adding chlorine depending on those levels. Continually adding more chlorine to balance out the water may cost more in maintenance.

Ehow.com noted that extra chlorine may be needed to remove chloramines that are formed from free chlorine mixing with organic substances. While chlorine kills contaminants, the website quoted the Chicago Tribune as saying, chloramines remain, and more chlorine is needed to eliminate the chloramines that are irritating to the eyes and skin. Having an inadequate chlorine balance can also cause a build-up of algae. The website also noted that chlorine pools should be shocked every three to four weeks to eradicate excess bacteria.

Salt water pools use a generator unit to separate dissolved salt into the water. This generator creates its own chlorine from the salt and sends a regular stream of this chlorine into the water. This will keep the chlorine levels in the water more consistent, thus causing less harm to your skin and eyes. However, this generator unit does mean extra up-front costs in building the salt water pool versus a chlorine pool. A good salt-to-water ratio and good pH levels must still be maintained, Wright’s Pool Service, Inc. of Indiana noted, but you just have to add more salt to maintain the levels. This may be easier and more cost-effective than constantly adding chlorine manually, so maintenance may be less time-consuming with a salt water system.

Professionals also say that the salt water pool generator may need to be cleaned a number of times during the year to remove build-up and may eventually need to be replaced.

So what type of pool is better? Well, it may be contingent on what the pool owner wants to care for and what he or she likes best overall. Salt water and chlorine pools may have a similar number of pros and cons in the end. As a Tulsa homeowners, it may come down to preference, but there are viable options in the world of Tulsa pool design.

Tulsa Pool Builders Oklahoma Landscape Create Luxury Backyard Retreats

A swimming pool for your Tulsa home may be one of the first things on your list for summer. Especially since Oklahoma summer weather can get pretty extreme, Tulsa homeowners often choose a custom swimming pool to relax and cool off in during the summer heat. Children gather around pools during the summer, and parents who give their child a pool party will unquestionably win ‘the coolest parent’ award. 

But more than simply a way to entertain friends or keep children busy during the summer months, custom-designed pools and spas give added value to Tulsa homes and property, providing Tulsa homeowners with a great investment for the future. 

What are some choices when it comes to designing and building a pool for your Tulsa home?

Swimming pools in Tulsa become the center of a complete backyard retreat for your family. Imagine going to a luxury resort in Hawaii, lying by a magnificently-designed pool with waterfalls, fountains, swim-up bars, slides, and other elegant amenities. All of these can be designed and built in your custom Tulsa backyard pool area. Nearly, the only limit is your imagination. 

Baja steps allow for cool relaxing as chairs can be placed in the water on the Baja step, giving sunbathers a way to easily put their feet in the water to cool off.

A poolside fountain with dramatic lighting can create a romantic atmosphere to relax by at night. Waterfalls and spillways also create that soothing and elegant environment that differentiates a simple pool from a resort spa. The variety of styles of these water features can range from soft and peaceful flowing water as a small accent to the pool to surrounding the pool with chic columns and rushing waterfalls. 

 

A variety of materials can be used to create your custom Tulsa swimming pool and surrounding patio area including natural stones, tiles, stamped concrete, gunite, and other materials that give your pool area the sophisticated look and feel you want.

And of course, pool areas can also be combined with other elegant outdoor environment features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits to create a total outdoor entertaining area. 

Relax in style this summer with a custom-designed and built swimming pool. Create a luxury resort in your very own backyard with landscape designs from Tulsa’s Oklahoma Landscape.

Tulsa Outdoor Environments - Even Movie Theaters in your Backyard

What’s better than a custom-built Tulsa pool, outdoor kitchen, or outdoor living space? A custom-built pool or outdoor living space with a complete entertainment center! Today many homeowners are adding more entertainment amenities to their Tulsa outdoor environments like televisions, movie theater areas, projection screens, surround sound, and more. Watch the big game with friends outside while you barbecue or throw the ultimate pool party, watching the latest movie as you lounge in the pool.

With all-weather televisions, you can watch the game outside, hosting the premier tailgate party, or play your Xbox or Wii game system in your outdoor living space. Landscape lighting added to your outdoor theater area can help set the tone for your outdoor event or provide romantic lighting for a great date night at home. With high definition video and a powerful surround sound audio, your outdoor enjoyment will be taken to a whole other level. These custom-built entertainment systems give you the nostalgia of a drive-in movie in your own backyard. And with an outdoor entertainment system, you can spend time with family on holidays or host family reunions outside while still enjoying the entertainment you want.

To give added protection from the elements, homeowners can also build a pergola, gazebo, arbor, pavilion, or other outdoor hardscape structure over their outdoor entertainment center. These can be designed as simple or as ornate as you like. Some provide complete shade while others may allow some sunlight to shine through. These outdoor structures offer an ideal way to add cabinet space to your entertainment system as well as other comfort elements like fans to keep those not relaxing in the pool cool and happy.

There are an almost endless array of possibilities with outdoor entertaining. From state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens to cozy outdoor fireplaces to entire outdoor living rooms with movie theaters and stylish seating, Tulsa homeowners can have the staycation of their dreams or entertain with luxury and class with these premier and now more affordable outdoor entertainment centers.