Here in the Orlando and Central Florida area, we are accustomed to heavy rains, especially those late afternoon storms during the summer and fall months. Most of the time these storms are welcomed, as a good rain usually cools down the temperature and provides our lawns and landscaping a much needed watering. Hurricane season has also just begun, meaning we are more susceptible to perhaps seeing some big storms. When strong storms like tropical depressions or hurricanes do hit, they can dump too much rain on our property, including excessive water being “dumped” into our pools. But what do you do when your pool’s water level gets too high? Plus, exactly how high is too high? Here’s what you need to know about draining your pool, when to be concerned, and how you can lower your pool’s water level. Draining Your Pool to Lower the Water Level Accumulation of excess water is one of the largest problems caused by heavy rains and is the cause of multiple problems. When your pool overflows, it can lead to debris and extra runoff in your pool and can also flood your pool equipment like the filters and pumps (an essential and expensive component to your outdoor recreational space). Even if your pool doesn’t overflow, yet the water rises enough from a heavy rain, your surface skimmer will no longer effectively skim the surface debris into the skimmer basket and draining it back to the correct level is necessary. If you know a hurricane Read the full article…
As you’re designing your dream pool, one of the most important aspects of the design will be your decision what deck size and deck material will be used. There are many choices for decking, all of which are based on factors such as cost, appearance, size of area and typical use. The main rule when choosing pool decks is to purchase as much as you can afford once you make your final decision. The main reason for this being that it is more cost effective and easier to add square footage while you are building. Deciding to add more deck later will definitely cost you extra, not to mention having to give up your back yard again plus the potential of the decking you choose no longer being available. This is often easier said than done seeing as you have a budget to stick to and adding a few thousand dollars on additional decking isn’t in the cards. So you have to decide if you’re going to go for a larger deck using less expensive material, or a smaller deck using a more expensive option. It comes down to personal choice and is a decision you have to make for yourself. When exploring the pool decking options that are available to you here in Central Florida and the Orlando Metropolitan area, please keep in mind that we here at Pools By Bradley try to educate our clients that they should perhaps stay away from the stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, brushed concrete Read the full article…
You have the pool of your dreams, but now it’s time to think about the landscape around your pool. Enhancing your pool area with plants and flowers adds depth and color to the landscape and can also provide privacy, shade and wind protection. You may already have your favorite plants in mind: however, they may not be the best choice when grown around or near a chlorinated or saltwater pool. Plants that are “pool-friendly” need to be able to survive and thrive in semi-to-full sunlight, be wind tolerant (due to the typical exposed nature of pool decks), as well as be able to hold up to the occasional chlorine or salt exposure from splashing. Regardless of your pools design (free form, geometric, lap or infinity), you want to choose the right plants, trees and shrubs for your outdoor pool area, saving you money, time and effort in the long run. Determining your Landscape Design Before starting your garden, you want to have a well thought out design plan. There are many options to do this yourself, such as website research, books or gardening courses; or you can hire a professional. If you choose to hire a landscaping company to plan out your outdoor space, make sure you do your research and make sure they’re licensed and recommended. Remember, you are protecting your investment! Here are some things to consider when designing your landscape: Personal Taste. Do you like a formal or informal setting? Do you prefer simple, clean lines or Read the full article…
