Let's talk Swimming Pools, Please!

[SSLance]

That pool looks very useful, I like it. That is the kind of water feature I'd get if we weren't putting the spa in. Our spa will act like that water feature if we want, water spilling over the edge into the pool.

We walked on both red pavers and some red stone on pool decks during a hot day and they were DAMN hot...compared to Travertine. The kool deck is the coolest temperature wise by far, but looks dirty all the time, definite no from my wife.

This is the first I've heard of Travertine being an issue, everyone I've talked with says it's the best alternative by far.

I too am looking to lighten up on the maintenance, of course I've been taking care of this for 17 years so hopefully just about anything will be easier for us.

[JKnight]

Went down to visit the presidential pools "Pool Park" showroom. We were able to walk on all the different materials, it was a sunny 105. It seems to me that the color of the material has a greater impact on how hot it feels than the material itself. The darker travertine and kool deck seemed as hot as the lighter pavers.

The one that felt significantly cooler than all others was a very light tan limestone.

[Vegas69]

Rely on the experts. I've just seen issues inside homes. It very well may be well suited for pool decks.

[JKnight]

Originally Posted by califconstruct

Nice!..

don't forget the deck jets!


I like the salt systems myself.
just add an in-line anode and your set.
.
..

Is a deck jet like a sprinkler to keep it cool? Or is it the bellagio-esque water feature thing?

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by JKnight

Went down to visit the presidential pools "Pool Park" showroom. We were able to walk on all the different materials, it was a sunny 105. It seems to me that the color of the material has a greater impact on how hot it feels than the material itself. The darker travertine and kool deck seemed as hot as the lighter pavers.

The one that felt significantly cooler than all others was a very light tan limestone.

Would make sense that the limestone would be cooler -- it's less dense -- so think about walking on a beach.... although I've walked on sand that would dang near burn your feet!

Make sure you ask and understand the effects of what water treatment you decide on, would have on the various deck materials etc. Our friends in Tucson had to have the waterline tiles replaced because they couldn't stand the white line the water made on them. Funny -- they were "glass" tiles.... you'd think that wouldn't happen but it was nasty looking.

Limestone is a super porous material.. and I'm wondering if you used salt water treatment - you might be real unhappy with the salt stains that could form.

Our water here is SUPER loaded with Calcium... I have to pre-filter the hot tub water. If I don't - I have to drain it and clean the whole thing with CLR (Calcium - Lime - Rust remover). It's crazy, and no amount of chemicals added to the water will make it go away. It actually used to create chunks of white calcium "scale" and spit it out of the heater before I figured out how to filter it first.

[DBasher]

Nice property Lance! And I've got to ask, why Arizona...you're not that old.

[ironworks]

I have been working on my back yard so long, I'm sick of yard work. Still a few more things I want to do but until the dogs go out the open gate or they die its probably not going to happen. But its great fun in the summer with little kids and we entertain alot. The salt water pool is awesome. My skin doesn't get dry from swimming all day.

Here are a few pics from over the years. I have gotten rid of the potted plants as those are cool. But the jungle look is just too much up keep.




I dont seem to have a picture with this water fall going.

[DBasher]

Looks like a great place to relax,

What's the weight limit on that lil car ramp set up? I understand it's probably for the kids but....

Is that the home shop with the glass door (very cool) and solar panels?

[ironworks]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Looks like a great place to relax,

What's the weight limit on that lil car ramp set up? I understand it's probably for the kids but....

Is that the home shop with the glass door (very cool) and solar panels?

My 3 year old rides the car into the pool. Yes home shop for my personal cars and shop inventory storage. I traded a 4 seat UTV and a paint job for the solor panels. Kinda nice having no power bill any more. Glass doors look awesome. They are not much more then a standard roll up door to my amazement.

I had the big trees planted with a tractor and did the rest by myself. If you find a wholesale grower the palms are way cheaper. The Sago's around the perimeter were all 30 Dollar plants 5 years ago. The big dates were expensive but worth it for the size. Most of the Canary dates were 60 dollar 8 year old trees 5 years ago. In 20 Years I'm gonna look like a casino in my back yard.

[SSLance]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Nice property Lance! And I've got to ask, why Arizona...you're not that old.

My body is older than my heart...