Master Landscaping
http://www.masterlandscaping.net

Jeff Erkfritz, owner of Clearwater Pools and Service of Ann Arbor, says he likes to talk to his customers about their expectations before he begins work.

“We ask what the needs are for the pool and we design the pool to fit those needs,” says Erkfritz, whose company specializes in in-ground pools.

A well-designed pool should also flow with the backyard’s landscaping and home’s architectural style, he adds.

Pointing to the slow economy, Erkfritz says he’s been doing a lot more high-end work, and there have been fewer inquiries about in-ground pools from middle-class homeowners.

Whatever style of pool you choose, Erkfritz says, keep in mind it’ll require an investment of time as well as money. But it’s worth it, he says, because you’ll get instant entertainment without leaving your home.

“With the rising gas prices, they can create something in their backyards that they can actually enjoy,” Erkfritz says. “You get what you put into it. If you put time in testing the water, you’ll get a lot out of it.”

Chemicals to keep the water clean usually range from $200 to $500 annually, depending on the pool’s size.

Tags: ann arbor, architectural style, backyards, ground pool, ground pools, inquiries, Landscaping, money, pool, rising gas prices, rta, slow economy
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So your children or grandchildren have somehow convinced you to get a pool. Look at it as an interesting landscaping opportunity. At the least, if you are landscaping for above ground pools, the first thing you have to think about is a deck to access the pool. And a deck has plenty of decorative possibilities. Besides the hardscape, the landscaping for above ground pools often includes plants around the pool%26#039;s perimeter and something growing on the deck itself.

Decking The Walls

Okay, it is possible to not build a deck for your pool. They can sell you a ladder that fits over the edge for pool access. But not only is that not a pretty solution, it is impractical. The pool is not just for swimming, it is also for lounging. Good landscaping for above ground pools must include a place for parents to sit while they watch their kids, a place to jump out and play %26#034;Marco Polo%26#034; and a clean place to dry off before going in the house.

The deck does not have to be very big or elaborate. Something as small as a ten by ten foot platform is enough for a few deck chairs. Some people end up making a deck that completely encircles the pool. Either way, if you are handy enough, this is an easy do-it-yourself project. Otherwise, the pool company can recommend builders.

Also, some people recommend constructing a fence around the pool. If you have very young children (or young children run around in your neighborhood), consider a fence. The fence can be a decorative part of the hardscape. For example, hang decorations or plant vines around it.

Creating An Oasis

The plants for landscaping above ground pools must be able to take full sun, and even an occasional splash of chlorine water.

If you plan to put shrubs around the pool%26#039;s perimeter, choose something that stays short and rarely needs pruning. Landscaping for above ground pools involves avoiding plants that can drop leaves or debris into the water. And if you are pruning near the pool, some of those cuttings are going to end up clogging your filter. And do not select a shrub that will grow so fast it blocks access to the pool machinery.

Adding tropical-looking flowers to the deck is a great oasis touch. Pick plants that can take the full sun. Canna lilies are a good choice, for example. Something like lantanas are pretty too, but they may be prone to dropping flowers into the water.

Tags: amp, fence, ground pool, ground pools, Landscaping, plants, pool, shrub, shrubs
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So your children or grandchildren have somehow convinced you to get a pool. Look at it as an interesting landscaping opportunity. At the least, if you are landscaping for above ground pools, the first thing you have to think about is a deck to access the pool. And a deck has plenty of decorative possibilities. Besides the hardscape, the landscaping for above ground pools often includes plants around the pool%26#039;s perimeter and something growing on the deck itself.

Decking The Walls

Okay, it is possible to not build a deck for your pool. They can sell you a ladder that fits over the edge for pool access. But not only is that not a pretty solution, it is impractical. The pool is not just for swimming, it is also for lounging. Good landscaping for above ground pools must include a place for parents to sit while they watch their kids, a place to jump out and play %26#034;Marco Polo%26#034; and a clean place to dry off before going in the house.

The deck does not have to be very big or elaborate. Something as small as a ten by ten foot platform is enough for a few deck chairs. Some people end up making a deck that completely encircles the pool. Either way, if you are handy enough, this is an easy do-it-yourself project. Otherwise, the pool company can recommend builders.

Also, some people recommend constructing a fence around the pool. If you have very young children (or young children run around in your neighborhood), consider a fence. The fence can be a decorative part of the hardscape. For example, hang decorations or plant vines around it.

Creating An Oasis

The plants for landscaping above ground pools must be able to take full sun, and even an occasional splash of chlorine water.

If you plan to put shrubs around the pool%26#039;s perimeter, choose something that stays short and rarely needs pruning. Landscaping for above ground pools involves avoiding plants that can drop leaves or debris into the water. And if you are pruning near the pool, some of those cuttings are going to end up clogging your filter. And do not select a shrub that will grow so fast it blocks access to the pool machinery.

Adding tropical-looking flowers to the deck is a great oasis touch. Pick plants that can take the full sun. Canna lilies are a good choice, for example. Something like lantanas are pretty too, but they may be prone to dropping flowers into the water.

Tags: amp, fence, ground pool, ground pools, Landscaping, plants, pool, shrub, shrubs
0

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So your children or grandchildren have somehow convinced you to get a pool. Look at it as an interesting landscaping opportunity. At the least, if you are landscaping for above ground pools, the first thing you have to think about is a deck to access the pool. And a deck has plenty of decorative possibilities. Besides the hardscape, the landscaping for above ground pools often includes plants around the pool%26#039;s perimeter and something growing on the deck itself.

Decking The Walls

Okay, it is possible to not build a deck for your pool. They can sell you a ladder that fits over the edge for pool access. But not only is that not a pretty solution, it is impractical. The pool is not just for swimming, it is also for lounging. Good landscaping for above ground pools must include a place for parents to sit while they watch their kids, a place to jump out and play %26#034;Marco Polo%26#034; and a clean place to dry off before going in the house.

The deck does not have to be very big or elaborate. Something as small as a ten by ten foot platform is enough for a few deck chairs. Some people end up making a deck that completely encircles the pool. Either way, if you are handy enough, this is an easy do-it-yourself project. Otherwise, the pool company can recommend builders.

Also, some people recommend constructing a fence around the pool. If you have very young children (or young children run around in your neighborhood), consider a fence. The fence can be a decorative part of the hardscape. For example, hang decorations or plant vines around it.

Creating An Oasis

The plants for landscaping above ground pools must be able to take full sun, and even an occasional splash of chlorine water.

If you plan to put shrubs around the pool%26#039;s perimeter, choose something that stays short and rarely needs pruning. Landscaping for above ground pools involves avoiding plants that can drop leaves or debris into the water. And if you are pruning near the pool, some of those cuttings are going to end up clogging your filter. And do not select a shrub that will grow so fast it blocks access to the pool machinery.

Adding tropical-looking flowers to the deck is a great oasis touch. Pick plants that can take the full sun. Canna lilies are a good choice, for example. Something like lantanas are pretty too, but they may be prone to dropping flowers into the water.

Tags: amp, fence, ground pool, ground pools, Landscaping, plants, pool, shrub, shrubs
0

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• You Can Hide Your Goat and Avoid Being Emotionally Triggered

The Art Of Swimming Pool Landscaping

You just fulfilled your dream of putting a swimming pool in your backyard, and you can already envision the amazing pool parties and neighborhood get-togethers that will fill your summer weekends for years to come. Only one thing stands between you and your first big party: the challenge of landscaping your swimming pool area. Staring at the blank canvas of yard around your pool can make swimming pool landscaping seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these easy tips, your poolside will be gorgeous.

Swimming Pool Landscaping Begins With The Right Fence And Decking

Fencing a swimming pool is a major safety precaution that every pool owner needs to follow. In fact, many cities require fences as a part of getting a swimming pool permit. Since your fence will be a major focal point around your pool take the time to choose one that will look attractive next to your house and provide a great backdrop for swimming pool landscaping. Don t make the mistake of placing your fence too close to your pool, or you won t have room to place plants around your pool.

Depending on the type of pool you have, the way that you surround your pool will vary. Above ground pools often have wrap around wooden decks and in ground pools are often wrapped in cement sidewalks or flagstones. Choose decking that compliments the shape of the pool, type of fence surrounding it, and the type of swimming pool landscaping you want to pursue.

Swimming Pool Landscaping And Plant Choice

When you are landscaping your swimming pool area, sometimes the plants you don t choose are as important as the plants you do choose. Many people like the idea of shade around the pool, but planting trees around the pool means you will be cleaning leaves out of the pool on a regular basis. If you want shade choose evergreen shrubs, such as junipers and you will have a cleaner pool.

It is very tempting to plant highly fragrant or flowering shrubs next to your pool. As beautiful as a flowering bush can be, it can also be a haven for bees. If you don t want to deal with bee stings at pool parties, skip the types of shrubs that attract these insects.

A great way to bring foliage near your pool, with the ability to keep things portable, is to plant shrubs and annuals in containers and spread them out around your swimming pool.

Tags: annuals, cement, containers, decks, fence, fences, focal point, ground pool, ground pools, junipers, Landscaping, plant shrubs, plants, pool, Pool Landscaping, poolside, rta, shrub, shrubs, sidewalks
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The Art Of Swimming Pool Landscaping

You just fulfilled your dream of putting a swimming pool in your backyard, and you can already envision the amazing pool parties and neighborhood get-togethers that will fill your summer weekends for years to come. Only one thing stands between you and your first big party: the challenge of landscaping your swimming pool area. Staring at the blank canvas of yard around your pool can make swimming pool landscaping seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these easy tips, your poolside will be gorgeous.

Swimming Pool Landscaping Begins With The Right Fence And Decking

Fencing a swimming pool is a major safety precaution that every pool owner needs to follow. In fact, many cities require fences as a part of getting a swimming pool permit. Since your fence will be a major focal point around your pool take the time to choose one that will look attractive next to your house and provide a great backdrop for swimming pool landscaping. Don t make the mistake of placing your fence too close to your pool, or you won t have room to place plants around your pool.

Depending on the type of pool you have, the way that you surround your pool will vary. Above ground pools often have wrap around wooden decks and in ground pools are often wrapped in cement sidewalks or flagstones. Choose decking that compliments the shape of the pool, type of fence surrounding it, and the type of swimming pool landscaping you want to pursue.

Swimming Pool Landscaping And Plant Choice

When you are landscaping your swimming pool area, sometimes the plants you don t choose are as important as the plants you do choose. Many people like the idea of shade around the pool, but planting trees around the pool means you will be cleaning leaves out of the pool on a regular basis. If you want shade choose evergreen shrubs, such as junipers and you will have a cleaner pool.

It is very tempting to plant highly fragrant or flowering shrubs next to your pool. As beautiful as a flowering bush can be, it can also be a haven for bees. If you don t want to deal with bee stings at pool parties, skip the types of shrubs that attract these insects.

A great way to bring foliage near your pool, with the ability to keep things portable, is to plant shrubs and annuals in containers and spread them out around your swimming pool.

Tags: annuals, cement, containers, decks, fence, fences, focal point, ground pool, ground pools, junipers, Landscaping, plant shrubs, plants, pool, Pool Landscaping, poolside, rta, shrub, shrubs, sidewalks
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Pool Landscaping Will Require Significant Thought

Coming up with ideas for pool landscaping will require a little thought as there are many considerations in plant choices. Whether your pool is above ground or in the ground will make a difference in the types of plants you choose and the possibility of their exposure to chemically treated water will also help choosing the right pool landscaping easier. For in the ground pools, shrubs and trees should avoided if planting in close proximity as the growing roots can cause problems later when they begin to grow into the pool s foundation.

Since most in the ground pools will be surrounded by a privacy and safety fence, plants can be chosen for the perimeter as well as in any open areas inside the fence. For inside pool landscaping, plants should be non-deciduous, meaning they won t lose their leaves every year, which will often accumulate in the water. Even evergreen shrubs run the risk of needles blowing in to the water during stormy weather and clogging the pool s filtering system.

All plants placed near the pool should be low blooming varieties and most often the simpler the better. Many annual plants will wither and die if exposed to water from the pool, especially those pools treated with chlorine. Keeping the pool landscaping simple for inside the fence is the best plan as they are also easier to care for. Creeping plants can help cover any open ground around the pool, but you will have to keep it trimmed to prevent it from taking over the entire area.

Protect Your Pool From External Forces

Outside the fence allows more flexibility in the choice of plants, but remember the more flowers and plants you put in, the more work you will have to maintain them, detracting from the time available for using the pool. When choosing pool landscaping for around the pool s fence, the plants should not grow higher than the fence as their leaves will end up on the water before the summer is over.

Small grouping of low flowers, with plenty of open space between them can add a neat look to your pool landscaping and still provide a splash of color around the fence. An occasional shrub strategically placed around the fence s exterior can contribute to the apparent height of the fence but, again, should not be allowed to grow over the fence.

Another consideration for pool landscaping is the type of flower that may attract flying pests. Many flowers are attractive to honey bees and other flying insects that can interrupt your enjoyment of the pool.

Tags: fence, ground pool, ground pools, Landscaping, open areas, plants, pool, Pool Landscaping, shrub, shrubs, shrubs and trees
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You just fulfilled your dream of putting a swimming pool in your backyard,Backyard Landscaping and you can already envision the amazing pool parties and neighborhood get-togethers that will fill your summer weekends for years to come. Only one thing stands between you and your first big party Backyard Landscaping: the challenge of landscaping your swimming pool area.

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Tags: ackyard Landscaping, Backyard Landscaping, cement, decks, fence, focal point, ground pool, ground pools, Landscaping, plants, pool, Pool Landscaping, poolside, sidewalks, Yard Landscaping
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