Topic: Outdoor Design

Pool Design: It’s all in the Shape

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Ewing Aquatech - Outdoor Design, Pool Additions, Pool Landscape

Determining the shape of your brand new pool is an exciting task, and one that requires much collaboration with your pool designer. First, you need to consider the size and shape of your backyard. Then you need to take into account the style of your home. Your pool design should complement your home’s aesthetic, and the shape will govern whether you go for a classic look or something more modern. The possibilities here are almost endless. The best part is that we don’t charge for the shape. You achieve the look you’re after without worrying about cost.

Freeform or Geometric?

When it comes to pool design, this is the first big decision you’ll make. That decision often boils down to two choices between freeform or geometric looks. Neither is better than the other, and working through the factors mentioned above will often yield the best answer A free form shape allows you to customize the look of your pool without being constrained to the lines of the house. These styles can range from contemporary to natural. A popular option in this genre is the lagoon look. These pools trend family friendly, lending themselves to hidden grottos, rock wall slides and other water features.

Geometric pools range from the classic roman shapes to the very modern use of intersecting squares and rectangles. Roman and Grecian shapes complement Mediterranean style homes quite well, while the angles of more modern designs suit the hard edges of modern architecture.

What people often don’t consider is that the materials being used in and around the project can dictate the decision as well. Natural rocks don’t look right on rectilinear pools just as travertine coping contradicts a lagoon look.

Ready to pick your pool shape? Let the designers at Ewing Aquatech build your perfect pool.

Luxury Pool Design: Let’s Talk Decking

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Ewing Aquatech - Outdoor Design, Pool Landscape

A beautiful geometric swimming pool and spa by Ewing Aquatech.

Once you decide on a pool shape, add those water and fire features, your pool designer will turn your attention toward the decking. The selections for pool decks vary widely from less expensive concrete designs to luxurious travertine stone. Each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. The choice really depends on your preference and budget. Your pool designer can walk you through the details, but here are is some general information regarding the pros and cons of both.

Concrete Pool Decks are Trendy and Inexpensive

Concrete pool decks offer a wide variety of options. They have also come a long way from the plain slabs of old. In fact, concrete pool decks are considered one of the hottest outdoor design trends. Versatility is why. Pool designers have been pushing the creative possibilities using stamped concrete overlays to mimic the look of stone or brick for much less. Different overlays can also be combined to create a border around the pool. Traditional looks or more modern industrial aesthetics can all be achieved with stamped concrete. However, concrete does need to be sealed every couple of years, which can add to the expense over time.

Natural Stone Provides Endless Variation

Natural Stone pool decks can last generations with minimal maintenance. They lend elegance and sophistication to any backyard. Limestone pool decks have become increasingly popular. Limestone can be cut into many shapes and tolerates extremes of temperatures very well. Coral stone is particularly durable and contains a unique mixture of shell fossils, coral, and bits of compressed sand or limestone. Travertine is perhaps the most luxurious choice. You can find it in a variety of rich tones and finishes to complement your home’s exterior. Natural stone is more expensive than concrete, but prices vary greatly depending on the stone you choose.

Talk to Your Pool Design Company about Decking

Whether you’re interested in a new pool or maybe want to renovate an existing one, Ewing Aquatech can show you all the beautiful the possibilities and help you choose the best decking for your lifestyle and budget.

Creating Ambient Pool and Landscape Lighting

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Ewing Aquatech - Outdoor Design, Pool Additions, Pool Landscape, Tips & Advice

A beautiful pool design by Ewing Aquatech that is enhanced by ambient pool lighting.

The role of lighting is essential in bringing balance to your pool and landscape. Lighting provides an opportunity to enhance and create the perfect ambiance for entertaining and relaxing. It unifies your pool and landscape into a seamless environment. However, to be successful, landscape lighting must go beyond the basic functionality of merely pointing light to evoking a mood that will transform your backyard at night. Similarly, the traditional two large lights embedded into each side of a pool’s interior should be exchanged for playful lights that add color and excitement LED and fiber optics are two lighting elements for both pool and landscape that can provide you with the ability to create the perfect ambient lighting.

LED and Fiber Optic Lighting for Pools

When it comes to pool and landscape lighting, they each have their own rules. For swimming pools, LED lighting is the ideal choice, providing both energy efficiency and endless color options. Reminiscent of the traditional pool era when incandescent lights were the norm for providing a safety light during night swimming, LED lights offer much more versatility. With their rise, incandescent lights started to pale in comparison to the LED’s energy savings and vibrant colors. LED lights owe their vibrancy to their higher color temperature, resulting in increased brightness and visibility at a lesser cost.

Fiber optics can compete with the LED’s vibrancy, but tend to be more expensive. They are best used to compliment pool designs by lending more of a decorative touch. For instance, fiber optics strategically placed at the bottom of a pool can portray a starry night sky to the delight of the pool owner. The goal is to balance having a well-lit pool while maintaining the ambience you desire. When choosing color for your lights, it is also important to note that the different types of interior pool finishes will influence the way the pool light renders. Your pool’s texture and color should be taken into consideration when choosing lights.

Landscape Lighting

Extending the use of your backyard for enjoyment year-round can be as easy as adding fire features and, of course, the right landscape lighting. Enhancing your landscape with the strategic placement of lights can create a variety of visual destinations. While every backyard environment will differ, there are common techniques that can add the perfect amount of ambience and class to any landscape. Elements to consider when choosing lighting are types of plant life, pathways, and water features.

A lighting technique that can be used universally among most landscape designs is uplighting. Uplighting is perfect for calling attention to softscape elements such as small trees. Uplighting can also be used to highlight textures and create unique visuals. On the other side of the spectrum, down lighting can provide subtle, yet inviting light where needed, such as around pathways. Pathways with interesting designs can become more visually appealing at night as the subtle lighting follows the curves and dips of the path. For a more dramatic tone, highlight the focal points of your landscape such as water features. The playful movement of water combined with colorful lighting results in a striking feature that enhances its surroundings.

For more information on how lightening can enhance your pool and landscape, contact Ewing Aquatech today to get started on the backyard of your dreams.

Luxury Pool Finishes

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Ewing Aquatech - Outdoor Design, Pool Additions

Photo of luxury pool finish, glass tiles.

A look at Aggregates, Glass Tile and Marble pool finishes.

When designing a pool that seamlessly integrates with your home, there are many distinct elements to consider beyond shape. One such facet is the finish. Luxury pool finishes are used to line the interior of your pool and spa as well as enhance the coping and decking. Interior finishes can consist of aggregate materials like glass beads, crushed marble and quartz crystals that are integrated into the cement. Exterior finishes encompass the tile and stone selections. Pool finishes can shift the entire aesthetic of your pool, giving rise to a whole new level of beauty.

Take a look at these popular luxury pool finishes that are sure to take your pool design to the next level.

Aggregates

Photo of aggregate luxury pool finish from Pebble Tec.

Aggregate pool finish. Image from Pebble Tec.

When thinking about the traditional pool aesthetic, pool plaster comes to mind. It has a classic appearance that is commonly used in pools due to its relatively inexpensive cost. Aggregates are a revitalizing take on plaster that has a unique style that can be customized, creating an opportunity to instill a dramatic effect to your surface. It’s also a popular option for pool renovation. Aggregates can be applied as polished or exposed, each having a set of unique benefits. Polished aggregates contain finely crushed stones that after being polished create a brilliant sheen that can extend the life of the plaster significantly. Exposed aggregates are mixed with glinting glass beads and pebbles that become exposed after the application is complete, providing a non-slip surface in union with its contemporary beauty.

Glass Tile

Always the favorite among luxury pool builders, glass tile has transformed the way pools and spas are customized. Glass tile has breathtaking and enduring beauty that has the versatility to achieve anyone’s vision. Another added benefit is its resistance to staining and chemical erosion thanks to its non-porous makeup, making it a worthwhile investment for its longevity. The options are endless as you transform your pool with avant-garde glass tile mosaics or just utilize the colorful iridescent tiles for accents throughout the interior of the pool or spa. Areas that are popular to adorn are the waterline, steps and edges creating alluring focal points.

Marble

Marble has its mainstay in upscale home décor, often appearing in bathrooms and on counters. Appearing in the finer detail work of the pool, marble has started to make its presence known in the industry. Hand polished, marble has a luxuriously smooth feel and luster that can provide the best defense against scaling and algae. It has longevity that aggregate finishes can’t compete with, furthering its reputation as one of the most durable materials. Creating a timeless look with marble can be as simple as integrating marble tile into the coping or as bold as having a marble deck. Although pricey, marble has an undeniable beauty and longevity that makes it an enviable pool finish.

If you’re considering a new pool or renovation, contact Ewing Aquatech today to get started at 225-751-7946 or by filling out our contact form here. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.

Elevating Your Pool Design to Meet Your Lifestyle

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Ewing Aquatech - Outdoor Design, Pool Additions

A beautiful house and rectangular pool that demonstrates expert pool design.

Dreaming up the perfect pool design is the most enjoyable part of planning a new pool, or even renovating an existing one. Ewing Aquatech excels at elevating any backyard to its highest potential. Yet creating an aesthetically pleasing yet functional space is no easy task—and it is something we’ve been perfecting for 50 years. Here are some tips for taking your pool project to the next level.

Think Outside the Pool Shape
Whether geometric or freeform, there’s no reason to stick to a standard shape. The better way to go is to let your yard and home inspire the pool design so that all elements work beautifully together.

Beauty with Glass Tile
When it comes to glass tile, your imagination is the only limit. It is available in various colors and finishes that offer great versatility when planning your overall design. Glass tile can also be used sparingly to achieve a similar luxurious effect. For example, lining the pool steps and edges will give a stunning and unique accent.

Add Excitement with Water Features
Whether you’re going for the feel of your own private oasis or want something playful, a customized water feature can accomplish that. For example, sheer-descent waterfalls can lend exceptional beauty. They differ from traditional rock waterfalls because they line the perimeter of the pool, creating a sleek and elegant look.