Issue 6 by THE NYGC MAGAZINE

the Publisher’s Note

In my opinion, the age-old adage ‘choose a profession you like, and you’ll never work a day in your life’ couldn’t be further from the truth.

As a General Contractor, I can attest to the thrill of seeing my efforts and expertise come to life. However reality quickly sets in when it’s Monday morning again, and the week’s tasks seem insurmountable.

and fire sprinkler guy all idle waiting for the HVAC to be installed. The excuses that follow only add to my exasperation. Welcome to the rough days as a contractor...

“ SUCCESS IN THIS FIELD REQUIRES RESILIENCE, ADAPTABILITY, AND A WILLINGNESS TO NAVIGATE UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES. ”

Today, I arrive at the job site and am greeted by a familiar frustration. The HVAC technician’s absence is causing a ripple effect. The electrician, plumber,

Writing down my frustrations has been therapeutic, but I’m also doing this to offer a dose of reality to those considering a career in construction. Yes, choose a profession you’re passionate about, but be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Success in this field requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate unexpected challenges.

Jacob Surkis Founder & Publisher THE NYGC MAGAZINE

CONSUMER FEEDBACK INBOX

Involving the Kids

Blueprint Contest

Issue 5

Dear NYGC,

Thank you for giving the opportunity for kids to sharpen their brains!

N. Friedman

Traditional Art

Appreciating Fine Work

In ref to “Design Finds”, Issue 4

Hi,

I was pleased to look through the pages in the Woodworking Design Finds section and find such intricate beauty.

As someone who’s been around the block, I find it frustrating how most design trends focus on modern, quick products. Where is the appreciation for hard work in all of that?

Please keep the quality coming!

B. Rothman, NJ

Dear readers,

Send us your thoughts, questions, comments and critique. We will try our best to feature it in our next issue.

All Inbox letters can be submitted by email to thenygc@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

the Pools of Yesteryear...

The Introduction of Pleasure Pools in Society

Splashing around in the pool all summer has been a favorite pastime for ages. Have you ever wondered where the idea for a swimming pool came from? We dove into the vaults of history to bring you some facts about pools from ancient to modern times.

ANCIENT POOLS

The first known swimming pool dates back to ancient history. The Great Baths of Mohenjo-Daro, constructed around 2600 B.C.E., was one of the earliest known pools.

It seems there have always been two types of pool people. There are those who actually want to get wet and those who choose to participate, more or less, while remaining dry. This ancient pool had a narrow brick ledge or walkway, similar to terraced decks that allowed onlookers to move from one part of the pool to another without getting wet.

The pool also featured stairs and benches and its walls and floor were watertight, constructed of tightly fitting bricks plastered with gypsum and natural tar. A number of rooms were located near one side of the pool, perhaps intended as dressing rooms. A nearby well may have provided the water. Experts believe that it was likely used for religious ceremonies.

Around 600 B.C.E., public baths were popping up in Greece when Plato took a stand on teaching children to swim. Around the first century, Roman diplomat Gaius Maecenas oversaw the first heated pool, which then became the norm for each major city in the Roman Empire. The ruins of the Roman baths can still be seen today, including the massive 900,000-square-foot bath that was built in 305 C.E.

Photo Credit: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

... the walls and floor were watertight, constructed of tightly fitting bricks plastered with gypsum and natural tar.

GROWING POPULARITY

Aside from these ancient baths, swimming pools didn’t really take off until the middle of the 1800s. Six indoor swimming pools were built in London by 1837, and once the modern Olympic Games began in 1896 the popularity of swimming pools started to grow.

The fashion of that era, which consisted largely of wool, was a major contributor to why pools and swimming were slow to take off again. Swimming in heavy wool in a cold climate was less than appealing! In the warmer climate of Australia, lidos, or outdoor swimming pools, became popular all over the country and were often filled with seawater. These pools allowed people to swim and enjoy the seawater at times when it may have been dangerous to swim in the sea.

POOLS IN THE US

The United States saw its first swimming pool in 1868 at the Cabot Street Bath in Boston. Though not a “pool” in today’s sense of the word, it was built to serve a neighborhood where most could not afford homes with baths.

In 1907, Philadelphia saw the U.S.’s first aboveground swimming pool. This pool was built at a club known as the Philadelphia Racket.

Soon after, in 1910, the first major technological advancement in modern swimming pools came about. The use of sanitation and filtration methods in swimming pools was a modern marvel.

Prior to these advancements, pool water could only be cleaned by replacing the dirty water with fresh water. This same year, gunite was invented by Carl E. Akley, which made the way for inexpensive and quick pool construction.

POST WORLD WAR 2

After the end of WWII, swimming pools became a luxury and a status symbol. When the middleclass rose after the war, the use of gunite to build affordable pools grew, and the pool-building industry skyrocketed. Not long after gunite became popular, another affordable option grew in popularity. In 1947, above-ground pool kits became available, which changed the pool experience in its entirety. In just one day, you could now have your pool built and ready for you to enjoy.1 If you ever moved to a new home, or found yourself no longer using your pool, it could be taken down and moved to the new home, or even sold.

To this day, modern pools continue to evolve in construction, design, and features. Now, you can have your pool completely controlled and monitored right from your smartphone!

The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro at sunset.

St. George’s Baths Indoor Swimming Pool built in 1828. The first public indoor municipal swimming pool in England.

HOW’S BUSINESS?

Interview Conducted by: Elisheva Maline

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS SELLING A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

THE WESTROCK INVESTMENT

When I sat down to speak with Andy Bari, the owner of Westrock Pools, I wanted to know if getting a pool was a smart business decision. After all, in today’s economy, people don’t have as much disposable income to throw around. Anyone who wants a pool is probably thinking twice before purchasing one. Does the average American family have the finances necessary to plonk down money for a pool? Would they be able to afford the upkeep? What if something expensive broke? Would the aggravation be worth it in the long run?

A Pool For Every Budget

As a family-owned business that services Rockland and the surrounding counties, Westrock puts family and community at the forefront of its business philosophy. ‘I believe there is a price point for every budget. If your family wants a pool, we will make it happen,’ Westrock’s current owner told me. ‘Yes, we’re running a business, but our goal is not the money. It’s ensuring that families have whatever they need so that they can build happy memories together.’

Yes, we’re running a business, but our goal is - ensuring that familiescan build happy memories together.

“

ANDY BARI (center) with two Westrock service technicians at an indoor pool recently completed

‘Originally, Westrock was started by my father and his partner, Robert (Bobby) Ball, in the Catskills’ Andy continued. ‘When he moved to Rockland in 1967, we renamed the business Westrock – after Westchester and Rockland Counties. Now, I’m 62, and Bobby is 83.

‘People often ask him when he plans to retire, and he always tells them, ‘Never.’ He loves building swimming pools, and it shows in how he runs the business. He genuinely cares about the customer’s happiness.

‘Over the decades, big corporations have offered to buy us out, but we decline. We’re determined to keep Westrock a local, multigenerational, business. Five years ago, the resolve to keep the business, and the business philosophy, in the family was formed further when my son Jordan decided to quit his teaching job so he could learn the business and take over after I retired. That meant so much to me.’

Which Rate is Great

When buying a pool, it helps to know what dollar amounts to expect. Prices for pool construction differ greatly: above-ground pools can start at as little as three thousand dollars while some fully in-ground options cost as much as a cool half a million. Standard semi-in-ground pools fall between twenty to thirtyfive thousand. Fully in-ground options start at fifty thousand.

The Stealth’s a Steal

Many hopeful buyers who initially want to see samples of Westrock’s fully in-ground swimming pools immediately realize they can’t afford it. Then, they start exploring other options: is it possible to get something cheaper? If they don’t want to hear about the aboveground pool (since above-grounds tend to be smaller and their walls are less durable than the fully in-ground ones), Westrock mentions the Stealth Semi-in-Ground. The Stealth has the appearance and the features of an in ground pool – at half the price. Compared to the fully in ground pool, it’s a steal.

The Stealth Semi-In-Ground is the more viable option for many reasons. It doesn’t require as much digging, it’s easier to build on uneven ground, and its

partially elevated design makes it easier for people to get in and out of the pool. This is particularly beneficial for families with children or elderly members. Like the fully in ground pool, semi-in-grounds also have aesthetic appeal as well as room for personalized addons such as decking, landscaping, longer pools for swimming laps, waterfalls, sun shelves for sitting with children and grandchildren, sunroofs, seats in the deep end, and the like.

Potential buyers might want a particular pool or a specific customization (for themselves, or their kids and grandkids). Yet they are intimidated by the price tag. If that is the case, Westrock offers interest-free, long-term financing packages. Not because they care, but because they can. As the largest pool retail in a fifteen-mile radius, they have the financial flexibility to ease a client’s path to payment.

LOOKING BACK; GOING FORWARD

When Westrock first opened, its store was roughly two to three thousand square feet. Today, the retail has over nine thousand square feet, has over ten thousand pools constructed, and is primed to sell more. There are over thirty hot tubs on display. There is also an annual catalog with cutting-edge samples of outdoor/indoor pool designs, saunas, spas, hot tubs, plunge pools for smaller yards, and cold plunges.

Next Best - Hot Tubs

‘If you can’t get a pool, there’s always a hot tub’, says Andy. Hot tubs are often a great financial alternative to swimming pools because they’re cheaper and will immediately improve your quality of life. Apart from being a novel experience if you appreciate relaxing outdoors on a frosty winter evening, they are also a fabulous way to relax and soothe physical aches and pains. Andy informed me that he sells a hot tub every day of the week.

‘It isn’t uncommon for a person to walk into my store looking to buy himself a retirement gift.’ But who said you need to wait that long to experience the finer things in life? Bring the vacation home, now. Viva la hot tub.

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

The Best Time to Order a Pool

As residents of the northeast, we know what it’s like to wait with mounting impatience for pool season. Finding the opportune time to order a pool so that it’s ready for the summer months is paramount in the minds of swimmers and sunbathers.

On average, building a pool can take eight to twelve weeks. There’s the customized design to consider, acquiring permits, the actual excavation, installing the shell or gunite, and finishing with a deck or patio. As a result, smart pool buyers are ordering pools between August and late December, so they can be ready to go swimming by Memorial Day (the last Monday of May).

Winter’s Impact

While the winter generally brings a lull to pool construction, sometimes, the winters are milder and allow for continued outdoor excavation. Weather permitting, the work must go on.

Construction aside, Westrock’s two other divisions, the retail store and service department, are open and operative all year round. When pool demand slows down, the sale of hot tubs, spas, and saunas kicks in. For instance, in October 2024, Westrock will be selling the cold plunge, hot tub duo. Since taking cold plunges has become wildly popular in the last few years due to its many health benefits, Westrock was eager to add the item to its inventory.

Like the retail store, Westrock’s service department sees consistent movement throughout the year. With twelve to sixteen trucks providing upkeep for indoor/outdoor pools winter, spring, summer, fall, rain, and shine, the work never stops. There’s a weekly maintenance offering and an annual package called the Butler Service which includes, but is not limited to, opening and closing the pool, vacuuming the pool, balancing the chemicals, and cleaning the filters.

Since most pool companies only offer pool construction, they lay off their staff during winter. Westrock, on the other hand, keeps a core staff of over twenty-five employees. The pool company uses the quieter months for innovation and preparing for the next season. During this time, the office workers and business technicians are given weekly educational seminars on what is new in the industry and to improve their customer service skills. They also restock the store’s supplies and prepare the layout for the summer catalog.

BOBBY BALL (left) original partner; still going strong at 83 standing with Jordan - Andy’s son

BUSINESS LONGEVITY SECRETS

Employee Passion, a Priority

I asked Andy whether he experiences high employee turnover, and he smiled, ‘When I hire, I’m looking for someone who wants to build a career with me. Consequently, many of my workers have been with me for over twenty years. We have a low turnover rate. I avoid it. And my employees know that if they invest in the business one hundred percent, I’ll give them one hundred percent. There’s no limit to what they could be making.

‘Also,’ he added. ‘I want employees with a passion for the business. Having your property dug up can be stressful, and I appreciate that. I tell my construction crew, ‘If a customer is nice, you be nicer.’ I don’t differentiate between how much or how little a client is paying. I don’t care if it’s a staff member or a paying customer. Everyone gets the same treatment.’

Customer Service is Everything

Ideal clients are people with children and grandchildren. They’re families who are excited about the prospect of getting a pool. If a potential customer can’t afford a pool, or their property isn’t the appropriate fit, or there’s palpable tension even at the beginning of the sale, getting a pool is probably not for them. Buying a pool in the northeast can be stressful because there isn’t as much swimming time. It might not be worth it.

However, if everything makes sense, the retail staff informs the family of their options. There is no

upselling, no pressurized sales. Once a sale is made and a pool is built, Westrock switches over to focus on building a strong client, business relationship. ‘Every year, we call pool owners to check in and ask if they need anything. We let them know we are available if they do. If a customer has a problem – he couldn’t afford to open his pool, or his kid broke something, I let them know I will handle it. It’s not about money to me. I want to do my best for the client. This is incredibly important to me, and there is no way we’d be successful if we weren’t so hands-on.’

Perhaps this is why over seventy percent of Westrock’s clients are referrals. Over the years, Andy told me he was invited to countless pool parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and Shabbos meals. ‘We are extremely fortunate because we have a wonderful customer base. And it spans decades. It’s happened more than once that people come in, saying, ‘My grandfather got a pool from you. Now, we want one.’ We’ve been in touch with customers for over fifty to sixty years. And we assure them that we will be around to take care of them in the coming generations.’

Who wouldn’t want to buy a pool from someone like that?

What We Sell is More

Getting a pool is investing in a lifetime of memories, and you can’t put a price tag on quality of life. Not only will getting a pool significantly improve your life, but it will also impact your property value. Every family has been clamoring for a pool since the world shut down.

‘We’ve been in touch with customers for over fifty to sixty years. And we assure them that we will be around to take care of them in the coming generations.’ “

One of the most frequently asked questions brokers have gotten after the COVID-19 era is whether the house has a pool. People want to stay home!

Once you do, you can start planning additional family and holiday gatherings, BBQs, birthdays, and class parties. As it is, having a pool is just an amazing excuse to get out, breathe the fresh air, take in the world around you, and revel in existence.

Giving Back

Andy wrapped up our conversation by sharing a final thought, ‘I get so much from the community, and I make a strong effort to give back. I donate to Meals on Wheels, Helen Hayes, and Jawonio. I also gift one swimming pool to a family in need every year. The truth is, I don’t do what I do because I want the publicity. I want my kids to see me leading a good example.’

If reading this article has elevated your desire to get a pool, you might think you’re investing in one, but you’re not. You’re creating an environment that encourages stronger relationships with the people most important to you!

Post Construction Cleaning,

Get your new house cleaned to the highest standards, Our experienced team will clean every inch of your space, so you can enjoy moving in to your fresh home!

on the Production Line

HOW VINYL POOL LINERS are made.

have you ever wondered how those durable, colorful vinyl pool liners are made? In this article, we’ll take a look at the fascinating process of creating vinyl pool liners. From the raw materials to the manufacturing techniques, we’ll explore every step of the production journey to gain a better understanding of this essential component of a swimming pool.

pool liners serve several important purposes in a swimming pool. First and foremost, they provide a waterproof barrier that helps to prevent water from seeping into the ground. This not only helps to maintain the water level in the pool but also protects the pool’s structural integrity. Additionally, pool liners come in a variety of colors and patterns, enhancing the visual appeal of the pool and creating a more inviting environment for swimmers. Furthermore, they also provide a smooth surface that is comfortable on swimmers’ feet and helps to protect the pool’s walls and floor from damage.

THE PROCESS

THE BACKSTORY

Initially, pool construction - for the most part- involved concrete, tile, or painted surfaces for the pool’s interior. However, the introduction of vinyl as a durable and waterproof material revolutionized the pool industry.

In the 1960s, vinyl pool liners gained popularity due to their costeffectiveness, ease of installation, and wide range of design options. This innovation marked a significant shift in the way pools were constructed and paved the way for modern vinyl pool liners, which are now an integral part of swimming pool design and construction worldwide.

Step 1

MATERIAL SOURCING

Good quality starts early in the manufacturing process. In fact, it starts way back when the vinyl is but a distant dream. The first step the company needs to do is source materials as ingredients for the vinyl. Better materials mean a better end product and most manufacturers pride themselves on using only the very best.

Step 3

PRODUCT TESTING

The ready vinyl goes through rigorous testing to ensure optimal stretch and strength before

Step 2

VINYL MANUFACTURING

Once the materials have been sourced and delivered to the factory, they are combined with special machinery and are formed into long rolls of vinyl.

Step 4

INITIAL DESIGN

Once a client sends in their custom pool measurements, the individual liners are designed via a specialized computer program. Because of the vast variety of pools out there, each liner is unique in shape, size, thickness, texture, color and pattern type.

The Vinyl covering encompasses the floor, walls and sometimes even the steps; therefore measurements are usually done extremely accurately - within an eighth of an inch - to enable proper installation.

Step 6

SEAMING

The individual pieces are joined together to form the entire pool liner. Technology advancements have allowed some companies to create a seamless design, by using a heat weld to seam the entire length of the liner. Not only is the seam unnoticeable with this Ultraseam technology, but the result is a stronger and more durable product. The heat setting varies based on the specific liner type and thickness being handled.

Step 5

CUTTING

Using high output digital cutting machines the vinyl is cut to the exact specifications. Keeping as exact as possible helps minimize waste of extra vinyl. In addition, each cut piece is labeled for seaming.

Step 7

FINAL INSPECTION

The engineers use special lighting to view the product as if it were outside, and they make sure every part of the liner is exactly the way it was ordered and meets quality standards with no discrepancies or blemishes.

Step 8

PACKING & SHIPPING

Finally, the liner is folded up and carefully boxed for shipping.

The Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA) is an international trade association representing manufacturers of polymerbased fabric and film products used in the building, construction, and more. In 2023 they launched the certification program for vinyl-pool liners that meet the CFFA-P-101 –Recommended Minimum Performance Standards for Vinyl Swimming Pool Liners - In Ground.

...and voila the custom vinyl liner is ready to be installed on its intended pool!

designinbrooklyn

How To

how to create your own outdoor mosaic

Outdoor mosaic art can be an exciting way to add a unique flair to your yard, and of course, it’s an amazing conversation starter!

If you’ve never tried it before, don’t be intimidated – it’s actually quite easy. With the right materials and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful works of art to display in your outdoor space.

TOOLS & MATERIALS NOTES

o Tile Saw or Wet Saw

o Ruler/Measuring Tape

o Pencil/Marker

o Trowel

o Sponge

o Container (for mixing the grout)

o Mosaic Tiles (make sure you do step 1 before buying tiles, to ensure you have the right colors to create your design.)

o Mounting Tape (*optional)

o Waterproof Tile Adhesive

o Waterproof Epoxy-based Grout

o Outdoor Sealant

Tips before starting:

• You will need to decide on a specific area - or base - on which you’ll be doing the design. For example a brick wall, stepping stone, tabletop etc. It can be anything as long as it contains a flat, hard surface.

• Mosaics can be created using a broad variety of materials including marbles, glass pieces or even broken pottery fragments. Depending on what you have available, what type of design you’d like to try, and where exactly you’ll be doing it you can exchange the mosaic tiles for any component you fancy. These pieces are referred to as the tesserae.

• Try to pick a day with a sunny forecast ahead to prevent rain damage, since you will need to let the tiles dry for at least 24 hours after applying the adhesive before sealing.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN

Decide on a design for your outdoor mosaic wall art. You can create a simple design, such as a pattern of interlocking circles, or a more complex design, such as a landscape scene. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of free mosaic patterns available online. See below for some of our favorites.

An object/animal mural

Spelling out a name/address A geometric/wave pattern

Once you’ve decided on a design and you’ve gotten together all your tools and supplies, it’s time to start out!

If you see something, say something

Say you saw it in the

NYGC

STEP 2: CLEAN YOUR BASE

Clean your base with a brush, or spray and let it dry to ensure proper bondage with the adhesive.

STEP 3: SKETCH OR MARK ON THE BASE

Use the pencil to sketch the main components of the design. (If the pencil doesn’t work on your specific base, try using a marker since it will all get covered up either way.) Some online patterns will give you exact instructions, but you can also take any image and incorporate the basic idea in your sketch.

You can figure the exact tile placement out in the next step; to start all you need is the basic shape. Use your ruler/measuring tape for the most accurate and neat result.

STEP 4: MEASURE AND CUT THE TILES

Once you’ve mapped your design, it’s time to measure and cut the tiles. Using a ruler and a pencil, measure out the sizes of each piece of tile you’ll need to create your design. Then, using a tile saw or wet saw, carefully cut the tiles to the desired sizes.

You can also do this in tandem with the next stepmeasuring and cutting a piece at a time to form the design.

STEP 5: GLUE AND LAYOUT THE DESIGN

If you are doing a larger design use your trowel to apply adhesive to the back of each tile and press it into its place. If the design is small, you can just use the adhesive as a drawing guide by gluing parts of the design and then placing tiles along the line of glue.

Start with the main design, and fill in with the smaller details and surrounding colors. For designs with letters/numbers start with those areas first.

Make sure that the tiles are placed close together with no gaps between them, and that each tile is firmly attached. Once they are all placed, leave the tiles to dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.

*You can also use mounting tape to lay out the entire design face down, then cover the entire base with adhesive and attach the entire design at once. The mounting tape is removed after gluing.

STEP 7: SEAL THE MOSAIC

STEP 6: PUT THE GROUT

Once the tiles have dried, it’s time to grout them. Begin by mixing the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a trowel, apply the grout to the tiles, making sure to fill all of the gaps between them. Once the grout has dried, use a damp sponge to remove any excess.

Finally, it’s time to seal the tiles. Using a sealant designed specifically for outdoor use, apply a thin layer to the tiles. This will help protect them from the elements and make them last longer. Allow the sealant to dry completely before displaying your outdoor mosaic wall art.

...TIME TO ADMIRE YOUR NEW MASTERPIECE!

Hey kids,

...and all of you who haven’t done a floor plan yet, COME ON - YOU CAN DO IT!

Reminder: Send them in to: submissions@thenygc.com with your name, age, and address included in the email. We can’t wait to see yours!

Upcoming Deadline: August 30’th

check out last month’s issue for full details find all issues online: www.thenygc.com/download

Design Architecture +

The way we design our living spaces has a profound impact on our day-to-day lives.

Join us in exploring different trends and issues in today’s Architectural Design Field, and how the world has evolved in architectural design throughout the ages!

Contributed

by:

Silverlock Design Group

Haven for a Relaxation

The Serenity of Pools and Their Surroundings

A well-designed pool and its surrounding space can be a true oasis, providing a serene escape from the stresses of everyday life. The gentle lapping of water against the pool’s edges, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the soothing ambiance of the surrounding landscape all combine to create a tranquil retreat.

When designing a pool and its surroundings, there are several key elements to consider.

First and foremost, the pool itself should be a focal point, with clean lines, sparkling water,

and a comfortable temperature. Surrounding the pool, a carefully curated selection of plants, furniture, and decorative elements can enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

a backyard pool surrounded by lush greenery, and comfy seating, the perfect sanctuary

Let’s explore some more specifics pertaining to pool-side design to see how much impact small details can have on a space.

POOLSIDE FURNITURE

Comfortable, stylish seating is essential for a relaxing poolside experience. Consider plush lounge chairs, hammocks, or even a poolside daybed. Add tables, umbrellas, and canopies to provide shade and shelter from the elements.

Take a look at some of our favorite outdoor furniture picks:

POOL HOUSE CHAIRS

COLOR: Teak/White

VENDOR: WAYFAIR

PRICE: $524.07

POOL HOUSE COFFEE TABLE

COLOR: reaf

VENDOR: west elm

PRICE: $749

patio sofa

COLOR: White

VENDOR: amazon

PRICE: $2097

pillow

COLOR: thierney

VENDOR: pottery barn

PRICE: $55.50

POOL HOUSE rug

COLOR: cream

VENDOR: WAYFAIR

PRICE: $139.99

PATIO accent chair

COLOR: natural

VENDOR: pottery barn

PRICE: $629

PATIO SET

COLOR: reef

VENDOR: west elm

PRICE: $4595

PATIO SIDE TABLE

COLOR: White

VENDOR: pottery barn

PRICE: $199

LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING

The surrounding landscape should be designed to create a sense of calm and serenity. Incorporate lush greenery, colorful flowers, and natural elements like stone or wood to create a harmonious balance. Strategic lighting can also enhance the ambiance, with soft glow lights or string lights adding a warm, inviting glow.

WATER FEATURES AND FIRE ELEMENTS

Water features like fountains, waterfalls, or even a small pond can add to the soothing soundscape. Fire elements like fire pits, chimineas, or outdoor heaters can extend the outdoor living season and create a cozy ambiance.

Photo: Westrock Pools

CREATING A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

To create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors, consider incorporating materials and design elements from the surrounding architecture into the pool area. This can include matching stone, tile, or wood accents to create a cohesive look.

THE BENEFITS OF A WELL-DESIGNED POOL SPACE

A beautifully designed pool and its surroundings can have a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being. Relaxation, stress relief, and quality time with loved ones are just a few benefits of investing in a serene pool oasis.

A thoughtfully designed pool and its surroundings can be a true haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. By incorporating comfortable furniture, soothing landscaping, and carefully considered design elements, you can create a serene escape that will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way!

Photo: Westrock Pools

Design FINDS

From DIY to mood boards, from design trends to functional hacks, we look forward to bringing you the greatest design finds to help you make any space feel like your own!

This time we’re bringing you some more poolside ideas via moodboard because you can never have too much of them:)! So, what are you waiting for- go check ‘em out as you enjoy the last licks of summer!

Curated by: Silverlock Design Group

PoolsideDesign

WET SUANA accent tile

WET SUANA floor tile

POOL HOUSE FLOORING RUG

WET SUANA wall tile

MARBLE GAME SIDE TABLE

OUTDOOR DAYBED

OUTDOOR LOUNGE CHAIRS

OUTDOOR CHAISE LOUNGE

POOL UMBRELLA

towels

Dark-LightContrast

“Having a pool undoubtedly adds expenses and occasional headaches, but the joy it brings makes it well worth it.”

When I was house hunting, a pool was a top priority on my bucket list. For some, it’s a luxury, but for me, it’s a necessity. Having a pool undoubtedly adds expenses and occasional headaches, but the joy it brings makes it well worth it.

If you’re on the fence about buying a house with a pool, I say go for it! In fact, I’d advise those who’ve purchased a home with a pool and are considering filling it in to wait. Try using it for at least two seasons before making a decision. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the bliss of pool ownership, there’s no turning back.

The memories, the relaxation, and the fun that comes with having a pool will make any additional costs or maintenance worthwhile. So, take the plunge (pun intended) and enjoy the benefits of pool ownership. You won’t regret it!