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.

Top Pool Features - By the Builders

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape want to design and build the custom pool of your dreams. What features would you like your pool to have? And if you need know some possibilities, here are some of the latest (and coolest) swimming pool designs elements…

Infinity edge pools. Mimicicking  how the edge of a waterfall looks from the top of the waterfall. This type of pool feature creates the visual effect that water in the pool is extending out to the horizon or to “infinity” with no edge to hold the water in. This feature is also called a zero edge, vanishing edge, negative edge, or disappearing edge pool. Infinity pools are often a common feature at luxury resort hotel pools, and give the pool a dreamy, “romantic” look that is easy fall in love with.

Zero entry pool. Rather than steps leading into the pool, a zero entry pool has a gradual slope entry that  gets deeper as you go farther into the pool. This is another elegant pool feature that pairs nicely with your infinity edge pool. This gives you the feeling of being at the beach and simply walking gradually into the ocean. Like being at the beach, this feature allows you to sit comfortably in a shallow pool of water maybe with a drink in-hand, just without sitting in wet sand of course.

Volleyball net.  This pool accessory equals fun for the whole family, and a great way to entertain friends. It's sure to take your pool games to the next level.

Rock climbing walls. Add a climbing wall to your custom Tulsa pool design? And have tons of fun rock climbing without the bulky ropes and harnesses. These exciting and athletic custom climbing walls offer a great way to enjoy the sport of rock climbing while also enjoying the pool.

Jumping platforms. If you want to add even more excitement to your Tulsa pool design, installing a jumping platform or a fun slide will be sure to do the trick. Whether a slab diving rock or a wooden platform, these jumping platforms offer a fun area for kids or adults alike. These platforms or diving boards (if your pool is designed to be deep enough to be safe for diving or jumping in) afford greater functionality for your pool area. Stone pavers or boulders surrounding the jumping platform can add a natural decor to the pool.

Built-in hot tub. A classic and coveted Tulsa pool design accessories, in-ground hot tubs and spas are the quintessential poolside luxury. Create a romantic night at home with a built-in hot tub in your Tulsa outdoor environment. With a variety of designs and options available, a hot tub or spa would complete the look and function of your custom pool area.

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build a custom pool for your Tulsa outdoor living space with all the latest trends in pool accessories. Call us today to discuss features for your dream pool!

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.