Creating the Ultimate Staycation Destination

Creating the Ultimate Staycation Destination with Baker Pool Construction

hroughout history,

Tthere have been numerous significant events that have helped to shape modern life as we know it today. However, it’s safe to say that very few, if any, of these events have had the same widespread impact on the world as the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early months of 2020, COVID-19 spread like wildfire around the globe and rapidly changed our perception of “normal, everyday life.” As the number of cases continued to grow into the summer of 2020, it quickly became evident that COVID wasn’t going to be a short-term obstacle. With no end to the pandemic in sight, people realized that any vacation plans they had made were now futile. They began thinking about other alternatives and ways to keep their families busy and entertained while stuck at home. The idea of a staycation destination suddenly became very enticing and, for many people, downright necessary. And with travel no longer a viable option, many families had the extra funds available to invest in such home-remodeling projects.

INCREASING DEMAND FOR POOLS

Almost as soon as the first lockdown went into effect, the phones at Baker Pool Construction began ringing off the hook. “We went from receiving three to five bid requests per day to 20, sometimes 30 per day,” says office administrator Jennifer Hacker. “The increase in demand was drastic and happened basically overnight. It’s definitely a challenge to keep up with at times, but we’re also extremely grateful to have so much business during such a tumultuous time.” Those leads have slowed a bit since last summer, but demand for new construction is still much greater than it was prior to COVID. Of course, while homeowners are eager to get started on projects as quickly as possible, they also want to make sure that they are investing their money into something that their family will be able to use and enjoy for many years to come.

TAILORING POOL DESIGN TO EACH SPECIFIC CUSTOMER

At Baker Pool Construction, every pool is custom designed and, therefore, unique. “We tailor each and every project to the customer,” says lead designer Rob Warren. “The yard may lend itself to certain design possibilities, but the homeowner is the ultimate influence. No two customers have the exact same needs and desires, and so no two projects ever turn out exactly alike.” The design process begins when sales manager Ken Mikes first meets with the homeowners. During this initial consultation, Ken is able to visually assess the backyard and get a feel for what the clients are looking for out of the project. “I’ve been with Baker for over 15 years now, and so I’ve learned what questions to ask people to get them thinking and to open their eyes to all the different possibilities,” says Mikes. “Many of our clients want more than just a traditional swimming pool. They want to create a relaxing environment where they can spend time together and create lasting family memories.” Baker specializes exclusively in custom concrete swimming pools, and so the design options are virtually limitless. Have a small backyard or a boundary easement that limits where you can build? With concrete, you can build any size or shape pool imaginable. Backyard not completely flat, or even steeply sloped? In most cases, a pool is still possible with some grading work and possibly the addition of a retaining wall or two.

ADDING ELEMENTS ENHANCES THE POOL EXPERIENCE

When determining what depth to build a swimming pool, it’s important to think about how the customer plans to use the pool. If they have small children, then they will probably want a substantially sized shallow end. Large tanning ledges are also popular with families with young children, as they provide room for the kids to comfortably sit in the water and play. If a slide or jump board

is included in the design, then you will need include outdoor kitchens, sound and a deeper area to ensure safety when sliding entertainment systems, and even prior diving into the pool. Alternatively, if you vate putting greens or sport courts. plan to add a basketball hoop or volleyball Some Baker clients even choose to innet, then you probably want to include a corporate additional structures, such large, level area where players can easily as pavilions or pool houses, into the stand and move around in the water. plans for their outdoor space. While Once size, shape and depth have been deter- structures are one of the few things mined, it’s time for the homeowners to start that Baker doesn’t handle in-house, thinking about what other elements they they work very closely with other would like to include in their design. While local contractors, such as Heartlands it’s of course not a requirement, many Baker Building Company and Aesthetic clients choose to add additional features to Design & Build, to accommodate their pool to further boost aesthetics and these requests. enjoyment. Concrete spas, either connected Once the design is finalized, clients to or located near the pool, are a common then visit the Baker showroom to request. Water features such as bubblers, select the various materials that will scuppers and sheer descent waterfalls add be used to construct their project. visual interest as well as the soothing sound This includes components such as tile, of continuously flowing water. Custom any stone needed for coping or raised boulder water features, constructed of or exposed walls, and the finish for weathered limestone, are always an impres- the interior of the pool. Once again, sive addition and add this gives homeowners a more natural feel to the pool. “Many of our clients the opportunity to customize the pool to Along with water want more than just a fit their personal tastes features, fire features traditional swimming and, if they so desire, can also create a pool. They want to to match the exterior dramatic statement. Gas powered fire bowls add excitement and intrigue without create a relaxing environment where they can spend of the home itself. If they choose to, clients may also utilize Baker’s in-house landcreating any irritating time together and scaping company, Flora smoke. They’re easy create lasting family Design & Landscape, to operate and tend to cultivate feelings of memories.” to develop a landscape plan for the pool area nostalgia and perhaps and any other areas even romance. of the yard that they wish to include. “It’s really all about what type of ambiance A thoughtful landscape design is exthe customer is trying to create,” says War- tremely important, as these finishing ren. “Is this pool meant to be a playground touches really tie everything together for the kids or a relaxing haven for adults? and make the space feel complete. For many of our clients, it’s both and it’s “We’ve found that our customers really the job of myself and our other designers appreciate the fact that we can handle to meld that all together and design a pool all, or at least close to all, aspects that’s the perfect blend of everything they’re of their backyard renovation,” says hoping to achieve.” project manager Matt Vodicka. “They OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES AND feel more comfortable knowing that LANDSCAPING we can act as the general contractor to At Baker Pool Construction, projects often include more than just the swimming pool itself. Many customers choose to extend the decking around the pool to create additional seating and lounging areas. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are extremely coordinate and make sure that everything goes according to plan. Installs tend to go a lot smoother when everyone involved is constantly communicating and working together.” Once construction wraps up, clients have have for these amenities. After all, spending days and days on end confined to your home is much more manageable when you have a resort-worthy retreat right in your own backyard! popular, as they encourage conversation and not just a new pool, but an entire new To schedule a consultation to discuss the spending quality time together with family outdoor space to enjoy. While many have possibilities for your own backyard, you can and friends. They also allow your outdoor always longed for these types of home call (636)519-POOL or visit their website at spaces to remain useable year-round, which additions and their popularity is certainly www.bakerpoolconstruction.com. is an especially appealing benefit for many nothing new, COVID seems to have intenhomeowners. Other prevalent features sified the appreciation that homeowners