PARADISE by A&G Concrete Pools - Volume 3

PARADISE

BY A&G Concrete Pools

HOT TUB TRENDS FOR 2023

POOLSIDE IN THE SUMMER STARTS NOW

MEET THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SAINT LUCIE

COUNTY

15 Boys and Girls Clubs

The Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County is dedicated to providing youth with a world-class experience, assuring that success is within reach for every young person who walks through the doors.

18

Poolside in the Summer Starts Now

Few things are as refreshing as jumping into a crystal-blue pool with the hot summer sun as a vivid backdrop –but don’t delay! Start your planning now!

20 Hot Tub Trends for 2023

Spa manufacturers introduce their latest innovations.

22 Master Pools Guild Awards Winners from A&G

Check out some of A&G’s award-winning pools.

44 Everything you need to know about owning a pool

Swimming pools offer both a relaxing environment and loads of fun during the summertime.

49 The A&G Team

Meet the hard-working people behind the company.

Editor & Publisher: Terence Channon

Project Manager: Maria Laureano

Designer: Chetan Hitang

Contributing Writers: Megan Foley

Adrienne Wertz Muhammad Zain

Our Valued Customers, I

am excited to bring you the third edition of our newsletter; one that will showcase many of the wonderful outdoor living spaces our team has been working on. As our so-called winter in Florida leaves us and we enter spring, expect your water to warm up, as well as the heat and humidity to return – all the more reason to own a swimming pool.

As we see demand decreasing from what was experienced at the height of the pandemic, A&G still has many exciting projects waiting to be started. We continue to have strong relationships with various new home builders, and we are working with many new contractors coming into our market. Celebrating our 35th year of business here in St. Lucie County, we continue to lead the industry with our investments into both new technology and our hard-working team. With that investment, we have seen many new faces join us within the last few months, all of whom are excited to be part of the A&G family.

As the future remains bright here at A&G, we are looking forward to the 2023 St. Lucie County Fair, supporting our local youth during the hog and steer sale. A&G has been a long-standing partner of the 4-H Club, Happy Hams, Westwood FFA, and many other youth organizations within our county. With prices of everything on the rise, supporting our community allows us to feed hundreds of people each and every year.

Please enjoy this newsletter and be sure to tell your neighbors and friends about A&G Concrete Pools, Inc. Our dedicated team of professionals, along with support from our community, has afforded us the opportunity to be the best in the industry. Thank you for your support and trust.

Sincerely,

A&G Concrete Pools Inc.

Travis Leonard CEO/COO and Managing Partner

Creating your Florida dream

At A&G Concrete Pools, we have a single mission: To help you live the ‘‘Florida Dream” while capturing a piece of paradise in your own backyard. We strive to do this while making the process enjoyable, keeping our customers informed throughout every step of the project, and ensuring our results are as expected.

The principles that guide our company

INTEGRITY

We are honest, keep our promises, and are accountable for our actions.

PASSION

A&G was started because of a passion for helping people realize their dreams of building their own pool, providing the best products and services along the way. Every employee hired since then has demonstrated a similar passion for his/her role in the pool-building process and serving the customer. You cannot be your best if you do not love what you do.

EXCELLENCE

Our parents taught us that “everything worth doing is worth doing well,” and they were right.

We strive to be the best at everything we do, regularly measuring our results and striving to continuously improve.

LEADERSHIP

It is not enough to build a high-quality pool and provide exceptional service. We pride ourselves on building the pools that our competitors can’t. We want to be the first to innovate and influence other to improve their products and services, so that we may better serve our customers.

COMMUNITY

We are very fortunate and appreciate the opportunity to serve customers in communities throughout Florida. This support allows us to contribute to the development of our employees, supporting them in their growth and fulfilling their career aspirations.

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Step right into this classic pool design for a relaxing refresh or enjoy some time entertaining on the surrounding patio. With cool tiles and an open setting, there is plenty of space to soak up the sun.

This rectangular pool with a deep blue interior, and various cutout entry points, makes this design truly one of a kind. Relax on the surrounding stone deck or enjoy the warm water of the built-in hot tub – you’ll never find a more relaxing setting.

A true backyard oasis, this pool’s unique geometric design is truly a conversation starter. Guests can lounge around poolside to soak up some sun or step right into the warm waters for a spa experience right in their own backyard.

A pool’s accessories are sometimes just as important as the pool itself. Don’t let cooler nights cut the fun short. Instead, opt to install this sleek firepit to keep the entertainment going long into the night.

The crystal blue waters of this classic pool design will lure you in for just a few more hours of relaxation. Enjoy the sounds of the pool’s built-in water feature and take in the lush greenery surrounding the covered design and you’ll never want to leave.

Celebrating the Holidays

Supporting those in need

At A&G Concrete Pools, community comes first. We’re proud to be key supporters of several charitable organizations across the Treasure Coast, forging rewarding and invaluable relationships over the past several years.

The holiday season presents a meaningful opportunity to join together and support those in need. This year, we were thrilled to once again be the main sponsor for Christmas 4 Kids.

Christmas 4 Kids

Christmas 4 Kids is a non-profit organization located in St. Lucie that’s been helping the community for over 15 years. Every holiday season, C4K collects and wraps Christmas gifts, then delivers them to children with special needs on Christmas morning. It’s a true community effort, bringing together numerous volunteers and donors to give St. Lucie families a Christmas to remember.

The needs of the St. Lucie community are growing, and we’re proud to continue working with C4K to uphold their admirable mission: To ensure that the community’s neediest children are cared for on Christmas Day.

Christmas 2022: Helping the Community’s Most Deserving Kids

Each year, C4K’s Christmas mission begins with an annual Shopping Morning. Volunteers collect toys, clothing, blankets, and a variety of other gifts for St. Lucie kids, checking personalized lists to make sure that each child gets their wish. It’s this attention to detail and commitment to St. Lucie children that makes Christmas 4 Kids one of our team’s favorite annual events.

This year, the organization delivered over 4,000 gifts to local children in St. Lucie County fire trucks. The trucks were met by glowing smiles from all of the children; a moving reminder of the impact we can have when we come together.

Scan QR Code to buy tickets

Presents its 2nd Annual Signature Fundraiser

Challenge

To Benefit Homeless Dogs & Cats

Saturday March 11, 2023

ENDING 03.11.2023 @ MIDNIGHT

Hors D’Oeuvres & Moonshine

Live & Silent Auction

Music & Dancing

Casino w/Vegas Style Gaming

Ticket $125 Per Person

Roulette - Black Jack - Craps - Slots

Our premiere sponsor A&G Concrete Pools has generously issued a 'MATCH" challenge to all who care about homeless animals. From now until Saturday, March 11th, 2023, A&G Concrete Pools will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000! All the donations support the thousands of dogs and cats that come through our shelter every year.

The Humane Society of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and safe shelter for homeless animals and education to the community on responsible pet ownership. We are proud to be an official no-kill shelter with the goal of finding good, safe, and loving homes for all of the animals in our care since October 2019.

Premium Sponsor By:

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County is dedicated to providing youth with a world-class Boys & Girls Clubs experience, assuring that success is within reach for every young person who walks through our doors. The mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need Boys & Girls Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

With 25 locations throughout St. Lucie County, Boys & Girls Clubs programs serve a diverse group of kids from grades K-12. The Clubs offer daily access to a broad range of programs that promote health, social, educational, vocational, character, and leadership development. Club programs foster a sense of belonging, competence, usefulness, and influence that builds self-confidence and selfesteem.

Now, for the first time, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County is serving two local high schools thanks to grants awarded to operate 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These centers provide academic and personal enrichment opportunities for young people to be exposed to a new educational environment with a project-based learning approach along with up to five certified teachers who are on-site to assist with academic support and tutoring. Programming includes hands-on learning in areas

such as finance, geometry, reading comprehension, public speaking, and so much more. The Clubs also provide opportunities for personal and workforce development, physical fitness, and college preparation.

In addition to regularly-scheduled workforce readiness programming, Club teens have access to leadership opportunities such as Youth of the Year. This program is specifically designed to encourage young adults to discover their leadership potential and serve as a representative for their Club and community. Candidates from four different Clubs shared their stories at the Youth of the Year Celebration held in February at Treasure Coast Lexus.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Club locations, and programming, visit www.bgcofslc.org.

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Poolside in the SUMMER STARTS NOW

Few things are as refreshing as jumping into a crystal-blue pool with the hot summer sun as a vivid backdrop. With that pool in your own backyard, you’ll gain anytime access to relaxing afternoon swims, poolside parties, and quality outdoor time with the family.

With the holiday season in full swing, constructing a swimming pool likely isn’t the first thing on your mind; however, preparation is the key to enjoying all of the benefits of having a pool in the summertime. By getting started now, you can secure a summer of joy and relaxation in your own home pool.

Here are a few benefits you’ll want to take advantage of:

Make the Most of Your Summertime Workouts

Swimming is one of the most recommended forms of exercise for all age groups. It’s low-impact, making it safe for people with joint conditions and chronic pain. Additionally, the water provides resistance, making swimming an excellent choice for strengthening your muscles.

It’s low-impact, making it safe for people with joint conditions and chronic pain, while simultaneously strengthening your muscles with natural water resistance.

Schedule Your Poolside Parties

Preparing your home pool now will give you the chance to schedule private parties and get-togethers all summer long.

From children’s birthday gatherings to family reunions and poolside cocktail parties. Home pools present virtually endless hosting opportunities.

Save Money on Entertainment

While a home pool is a significant financial investment, it pays off in numerous ways. Besides increasing the value of your home, your backyard pool can provide entertainment savings all summer long. Rather than paying for a community pool membership or admission to a local waterpark, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of water recreation at home.

Don’t Miss the Fleeting Summer Months

Summer only lasts for three months out of the year. To make the most of this beloved season with a home pool, it’s important to start construction as soon as possible. To have your home pool ready for summer 2023, it’s time to get a jump-start on construction. Give the A&G Concrete Pools team a call today to make the most of your summer months.

HOT TUB TRENDS FOR 2023

A

t the International Pool and Spa Expo, various spa manufacturers gathered to represent their innovations. Businesses have been listening to the suggestions and feedback of their clients and are responding with new options that are designed to meet their needs.

Hot tubs date back to ancient Egypt and Rome and remain a popular way to enhance the value of a backyard pool area. The use of a spa can offer physical, mental and emotional benefits.

For those who are thinking about adding a hot tub to their pool design, this article can help you with the most important details.

Best Hot Tub Features

Modern spa manufacturers are experimenting with design and the latest include incredible features. Check out some desirable characteristics below:

Customizable Jets

Customizable jets can help produce better water circulation, reducing neck pain, tense shoulders, and lower back pain.

Advanced Filtration

Advanced filtration is also an addon for people who want hasslefree hot tub maintenance. Ozone, automation, and salt systems allow you to filter the hot tub effectively.

Audio System

An audio system is a great addition for soothing music or throwing a party at your place.

Spacious Seating

Hot tubs are best when they have ample space to sit, a great feature for people who host guests regularly. Quality also matters and a non-slip, comfortable seat is important.

Add a Hot Tub to Your Existing Backyard Design

According to customer reviews, there are many trending hot tub options on the market, including the jet square plug hot tub and the inflatable outdoor round hot tub.

Most people think they cannot install a hot tub in their existing backyard design, but this is untrue. Anyone with an outdoor pool can modify the overall look by adding a hot tub, going for a variety of designs, such as:

An Indoor-Outdoor Room

A hot tub shelter is one of the best options for relaxing in any weather. One option is a domed structure that can open and shut with a slide. This looks fantastic with pale stone paving and simple furniture.

A Super-Sized Spa

You can go for a super-sized spa if you want family garden ideas. The backyard should be a place of relaxation and family fun time.

A Couple Spa

A cozy hot tub for two is the right option for couples. It will add a romantic vibe to your backyard. And if your home is sea-facing, you can install the hot tub in a location with an amazing view.

Perks of Installing a Hot Tub in Your Pool

Research has shown that a hot tub can provide numerous health benefits. Researchers also say being in a hot tub can give you advantages like aerobics exercise.

Here are some amazing benefits of adding a hot tub to your pool area.

Stress Reduction

People are exposed to numerous types of stressful situations in today's world. Daily stressors can be balanced with regular use of a hot tub. Hot water flow relaxes the muscles, leading to a sense of calm. Relaxing in water can also calm down brain waves. Scientists compare the theta waves produced by the calming water with the chemicals produced while sleeping. Playing soft music and lighting some aromatherapy candles can add to the relaxation.

Aesthetics

May customers want to include a pool as a luxurious element to their homes, but a simple pool design might not be what they’re dreaming of. Hot tubs can improve the pool’s appearance while offering great health benefits. With the help of a hot tub provider, you can select the color, size, design, shape, and more, resulting in the perfect addition to your pool area.

Final Touch

A hot tub could be the right choice for your backyard design. A&G Pools provides exceptional pool service for people who are looking for the best in hot tub designs.

MASTER POOLS GUILD AWARDS

WINNERS OF THE MASTER POOLS GUILD AWARDS

Only 100 pool builders in the world meet the rigorous and exceptional standards enforced by the Master Pools Guild. These are some of the award-winning projects designed by A&G Pools.

For more than 32 years, A&G Pools has been living up to its motto to take your backyard “from simple to sensational.” Travis Leonard, CEO & Partner, along with more than 85 employees, is fully invested in the Treasure Coast and it shows in the company’s high-quality pools, the best in service, an unmatched customer experience and a commitment to enriching the community through philanthropic efforts.

A&G’s award-winning pools begin with a dream and the company’s team of experts works with customers every step of the way, transforming those ideas into design plans and delivering a piece of paradise right to your own backyard. Only 100 pool builders in the world meet the rigorous and exceptional standards enforced by The Master Pools Guild. A&G is proud to have received 11 awards in 2022 and 110 over its lifetime.

The secret lies in A&G’s commitment to the highest levels of performance for business professionalism, community involvement, construction quality, financial stability, and client success and recommendations. Whether it’s residential, commercial or reconstruction, freeform, traditional or geometric, our team of designers and builders can help any client turn their dreams into a reality.

A&G Pools is immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of our team that connects with customers throughout the entire process. Our expert designers, technicians and builders ensure that customers are informed every step of the way. Collectively, our full-time employees have amassed centuries of experience in the pool industry and it shows in each and every one of our pools.

Bronze: Freeform-(Frontera)

The classic look of this pool design should not be mistaken for a lack of character. Climb the stone steps to a fun sliding board or relax in the circular hot tub area. Either way, there is no lack of poolside fun with this design.

This dark interior finish pool is eye-catching, to say the least. With its cutout design, baja shelf and covered options, this is the perfect pool to relax away the workweek.

Super sleek, this dark interior finish pool is impressive in its simplicity. With a clean, geometric design and cool, marble surrounding deck area, relaxing by the pool takes on a whole new meaning with this design.

Simple in its design, this geometric pool is perfectly paired with a small backyard or an expansive landscape, such as the one seen here.

Silver: Freeform - (Ganley)

Don’t be fooled into thinking your area is too small for a swimming area. This freeform pool, with its curvaceous and fun design, is the perfect choice when space is limited. The crushed pebbles that surround the pool area and wooden walkway connecting the canal add a unique flare to this backyard.

The turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls make this pool area a truly serene retreat. The extended step is perfect for sitting and taking it all in, from the lush greenery and potted plants to the soothing sounds and cooling waters.

Featuring a swim up bar, this pool design literally fills the space of any area, creating a unique and hidden oasis right in the backyard. Find a nook for some alone time, have a drink or snack at the builtin table or seek some shade under the pop-up umbrella.

GOLD: Residential Water Feature - (Sheets)

This design is all about sights and sounds. Escape to the oasis of your dreams with the sound of calming, trickling waters. This design is sure to be a conversation piece.

Why pay for an expensive getaway when you can create the perfect retreat in your own backyard. Step right out of the swim-up room and into the pool of your dreams. Cool off, relax, or catch some sun in the lush green grassy deck or enjoy some alone time in the pool’s baja shelf or hot tub.

OUTSTANDING AWARDS:

Renovation - (Eve St) - After

The aerial view of this Atlantic coast location showcases all the unique features of this expansive pool area. From the long, narrow lap pool area to the massive baja ledge and the perfectly wrapped deck, there is no shortage of space with this impressive design.

Everything you need to know about owning a pool

Swimming pools can have a great appeal in terms of providing a relaxing environment and they can offer loads of fun during the summertime. The construction of a swimming pool can also be a useful investment that will increase the property value of the house.

Swimming pools are sometimes a luxury for occupants and sometimes a necessity. In either case, the owner must have extensive knowledge of requirements for maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the swimming pool. If you are planning to start building a swimming pool, there are a few things you should know.

Suitability of the location

It is necessary to investigate the ground on which the swimming pool is to be constructed. Various tests need to be conducted to check the suitability of the site before actual construction. The ground must support the swimming pool for

sustainability. Our swimming pool construction company ensures that.

Maintenance

The swimming pool can be kept clean by performing skimming daily to remove debris. A swimming pool has the potential to become an abyss for different microorganisms and desensitize the stored water. A swimming pool must be vacuumed weekly to keep the water clean. Regular testing procedures (twice a month) are necessary on the stored water to ensure an excellent level of sanitization. To perfectly maintain a swimming pool:

1. Test the pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, and sanitization level of

water regularly. Pool dealers can be contacted for these tests or a good testing apparatus can be procured.

2. Use high-quality chemicals (hydrochloric acid, sodium carbonate, bromine, oxidizer, chlorine, etc.) for cleaning purposes and always conform to the directions on the label of these chemicals. Make sure to wash your hands after using these chemicals.

Risks

Swimming pools are constructed for fun, but they don’t come without their risks. The most frequent one is the risk of drowning. It is not advisable to leave a child unattended by the swimming pool. If the pool

doesn’t have a latching gate or fence, the pool owner could be liable if someone drowns.

The following measures can be taken to minimize these risks:

1. A fence should be installed around the perimeter of the pool up to 1.2 meters.

2. A self-latching gate should be installed for the safety of pets and children.

3. Ensure floating devices or lifejackets are available for kids when they want to swim.

4. Make sure hazardous chemicals and glass containers are kept away from the swimming pool.

Insurance

Typically, insurance companies are responsible for providing rudimentary coverage for a house and additional coverage is required for the protection of the swimming pool. It is necessary to apprise the insurance company if the pool is installed in an already insured home. Ensure that the swimming pool has acquired liability coverage in the wake of an accident.

The insurance company provides insurance if the pool is installed and maintained according to municipal bylaws. These laws usually include the provision of a fence, installation of a latch gate of a certain height, and cleaning of the pool during the winter months to reduce the likelihood of damage.

Municipal Bylaws

It is necessary to look through the municipal bylaws of the state or city in which a pool is being constructed. Generally, a permit is required before the construction of a swimming pool. It is necessary to make sure all permits are acquired before the start of construction to avoid any legal issues. The insurance organizations provide coverage only if the pool is constructed according to respective municipal bylaws.

Consult Pool Companies

Pool construction and maintenance companies are a viable option for the construction and maintenance of a swimming pool. These companies provide professional experts who have extensive knowledge about different facets of a pool job. They provide useful information and advice for the upkeep and maintenance of a swimming pool.

A swimming pool is becoming an indispensable part of a house. Most people prefer to buy a house that has a swimming pool. However, it is a concrete fact that swimming pools can only operate if continuous supervision and maintenance are provided. Otherwise, a swimming pool can become problematic for the homeowner and the financial value of the house could decrease. Swimming pool service companies are a viable option for providing maintenance services at reasonable costs. Proper care of the swimming pool can add to the beauty of a house.

DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

Administration

We're responsible for the big picture down to the pixels that form it. We are dedicated to our Vision, Mission

Travis Leonard CEO, Licensed Pool Contractor

Art Allen

Founder, Chairman of the Board, Licensed Pool Contractor

Tracey McGhee Receptionist

Lillie Shepherd Purchasing Director

Shelley Garcia Accounts Payable

Dan DiDominici Expeditor

Patti Giunta Office Manager

& Values.

Design

We help you turn ideas into a plan for paradise.

Bobby Austin Professional Designer

Jason Baran Professional Designer

Dave Curland Professional Designer

Heather Vizzo Permitting & Design Assistant

Frank DelRocco Professional Designer

Construction

We transform construction plans into the best pools that can be built at a value that can't be matched.

Service

We ensure that the best pool that can be built stays the best for as long as you have it.

Angie Brosodi-Brimingham Inspections & Construction Administrative Assistant

David Hardin Project Manager

Pat Corby Project Manager

Jonathan Hoyt Service Manager

Santa Trombetta Service Coordinator

WANT A POOL?

We'll help you realize your dream of owning a pool through excellence and integrity. From the pumps to the décor, we'll design and execute your entire pool system with unmatched quality.