Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

10 May

New Pool Construction: How Long Will It Take to Install Your Inground Pool?

You probably don’t want to wait too long to use your brand new pool. Rest assured that your construction team also wants to finish the job quickly to move on to other work! Exact times can vary greatly, but your pool should be completed reasonably fast.

Wondering why your pool construction is taking so long? Here’s what you need to know about inground pool design and installation. Share on X

For a no-complications pool building project, you can expect to wait about 6-8 weeks. Of course, delays will happen. Multiple problems can add days or weeks to your waiting time. Here’s everything you need to consider when it comes to installing an inground pool.

Custom Features

That waterfall will look amazing when it’s completed, but it will probably add an extra few days to your pool installation. The more custom features you want, the longer construction will take. As you customize your pool to your heart’s content, prepare yourself to wait a little longer.

Pro Tip: Don’t make changes to your pool design once construction starts. The builders may have to undo some progress to add in your new ideas, consuming yet more time.

Inclement Weather

Unpredictable Houston weather could cost your pool builders valuable construction time if constant rain or overwhelming heat makes it impossible to work. There isn’t really a good way to solve this problem. Your best bet is just to wait for the weather to improve so work can resume.

Building Material Delays

Finally, sometimes a material supplier won’t ship the necessary tiles, concrete, or other necessities in time, leading to a delay on your pool project. Your pool builders might be able to speed up the delivery if this happens, but chances are, you’ll just have to wait a little longer. You may be tempted to go to the hardware store and try to continue the work yourself, but don’t do that! When the materials arrive, having a weak spot in your new pool will just lead to disaster later.

Anticipating Your New Inground Pool

Delays can be frustrating, especially when they’re out of your control. Just remember that you can reduce some of the most common delays by choosing easily shipped building materials and a good time of year for the construction. While unexpected problems might still occur, at the very least you can reduce them.

Excited for your new pool? Connect with us and see what the finished product will look like!

03 May

New Pool Construction: Dig Day Expectations

You finally put down the money on that new pool you’ve been dreaming of! Once you’ve finished designing it and adding all the design features you’ve always wanted, it’s time to start construction. Day one of your pool construction project will consist entirely of excavating your new pool’s construction site.

Excavation seems simple enough, but there’s plenty of factors to consider as the day nears. Make sure your backyard is prepared for the pool building traffic and potential problems that may arise during the project.

Get ready to build your custom designed swimming pool! Here’s what to expect during excavation. Share on X

Identify Potential Hazards in Your Backyard

Make sure your pool builders locate and clearly mark anything that you know will get in the way of digging, such as water pipes or buried electrical cables. A reputable pool designer will understand the importance of this. However, be prepared to address other problems that aren’t so easily identified at first. For example, if the construction crew hits bedrock, a large boulder, or a shallow water table, construction may be slowed as the problem is dealt with or your pool’s location changes. You may have to accommodate delays or additional expenses resulting from inevitable problems like these.

Protect Your Backyard

A major construction project like a pool means a lot of people and machines will be in and out of your yard all day. To prevent damage to your backyard, make sure to move small decorations like bird baths to a safe location like your garage. Ask if you should remove part of your fence so construction vehicles can get in easily. Most importantly, consider how to protect unmovable features like an outdoor kitchen. Trustworthy pool contractors should already have a plan to protect your kitchen, but never forget to ask if there’s anything you can do as well. You don’t want to ruin one backyard landmark for the sake of a new one.

Pro Tip: Your grass will inevitably get trampled during a pool construction project. Make sure to buy some new sod when the work is done.

Decide What to Do with the Dirt

Regardless of how big your pool is, you’ll end up with a lot of excavated soil. Most swimming pool builders will let you choose to either pay a little extra to have the dirt hauled away or keep it for yourself at no extra charge. Keeping the dirt allows you to add a hill in your backyard and provide an elevated space for a cool feature like a firepit to overlook your new pool. On the other hand, paying a little more to get rid of the dirt forever cleans up your backyard that much faster. Whatever you ultimately decide, make sure your pool contractor can accommodate you.

Get Ready for the Next Step!

A typical pool excavation normally takes a full day and may expand to two or three with work complications. Once the digging is finished, it’s time to start on reinforcement and plumbing! The best way to prepare for this is to keep the new gaping hole in your backyard clean and easily accessible. Don’t rebuild your fence or install anything else until the construction is fully finished. Most importantly, don’t go into the hole yourself–without the structural reinforcement from further construction, the dirt could still collapse.

Preparing for Dig Day

You’re most likely excited about your new custom pool and increased outdoor time! Although the design and construction phase will not be as fun, your new pool will be worth it. The best way you can help is to make the contractor’s job as easy as possible. The faster they can work, the faster you get your new pool!

Interested in reading more about the pool construction process? Connect with us and see how to get started.

26 Apr

How to Choose the Best Houston Swimming Pool Builders

As the weather gets warmer, Houstonians are getting out their bathing suits again. An increasing number of people also want to swim in the privacy of their own backyards. If your backyard is in need of a swimming pool for the upcoming summer months, you’ll need to find a trustworthy Houston pool designer.

Choosing a pool builder is nearly as important as choosing a construction company for a brand new house. Every decision you make during the process will impact you and anyone you may sell your home to years down the road. Consider these critical factors when choosing your pool contractor.

Bring your backyard paradise to life with an excellent swimming pool design! These tips will help you make the best decision for your new pool. Share on X

Make Sure Your Ideas are Realistic

Unfortunately, not all of us can raise dolphins in the backyard swimming pool. When meeting with a contractor, bring your own ideas and preferences to the table, but also look over what the company is capable of building. They will probably have their own advice and design suggestions as well. This will save you from spending money on a massively bloated project and let you design a realistically ideal pool.

Find Positive References and Past Work

Every successful pool contractor will have past clients and work to show. Read their online reviews, find pictures of their projects, and ask questions about their relationship with clients.

Pro Tip: When looking for a pool builder to trust in Houston, ask any friends or neighbors with their own backyard pool which contractor they used, since you are very likely to get an honest answer.

Keep Records of Everything

Whenever your pool contractor makes an offer or discusses cost and labor with you, write it down or keep records in some fashion. This will guarantee that your contractor will stand behind his promises. Furthermore, a detailed record of every conversation will help you comparison shop to find the best possible price for your custom swimming pool project.

Ask About Insurance and Warranties

Accidents will happen. Can your chosen pool builder cover incidents during the construction process? What if a manufacturer defect or poorly installed equipment cause problems for you later? Make sure your contractor offers a reasonably priced warranty or knows a good place to direct you for insurance.

Don’t Make a Decision Too Quickly

Until you sign a contract, you’re under no obligation to choose any particular company. Trust your instincts. After all, your choice of pool builder and the quality of their work will affect your custom backyard pool for years to come. Weigh all the factors carefully and make your decision wisely.

Look Forward to Your New Pool!

Contractor negotiations are the hardest part of any pool construction project. The good news is, once everything is finalized, all you have to do is wait! The construction company will build the custom designed pool of your dreams while you send out invitations to the next pool party. Get ready to make the neighbors jealous!

Looking for inspiration for your own project? Connect with us to see how we can help you make your dream a reality!

19 Apr

How to Style Outdoor Pool Furniture

To add that extra touch of elegance to your patio, find your favorite style of pool-friendly furniture and decor. Search for the outdoor experts that carry nice furniture that strikes a perfect balance between style, durability, and affordability.

In the market for new patio furniture? Here are a few things to keep in mind. Share on X

In your search for pool furniture, keep several key factors in mind to help narrow down your options. Don’t settle for cheap pool furniture if it looks tacky. Likewise, don’t pay through the nose for really nice furniture that falls apart in the rain. Weigh every choice carefully.

How Does it Match Your Backyard’s Colors?

If you already have some backyard furniture or decor that you’re particularly attached to, try to match colors and patterns on both sets. If you can’t find exact matches, use a color wheel to see what complements your original choice. Contrasting hues, like orange throw pillows on a dark blue couch, are very pleasing to the eye and make classy design choices.

Pro Tip: Have a party in the backyard! Make sure your outdoor dining set is big enough for all your friends and family.

Is it Weather Resistant?

Inevitably, your pool furniture will either get rained on or bake in the Houston sun. Of course, going straight from the swimming pool to your chaise lounge chair also means your nice furniture will get wet. Custom designed patio covers and umbrellas can help protect your furniture from the elements, but don’t rely on them to entirely protect your furniture. Water- and sun-resistant pieces will keep their color longer and require less maintenance, making them the ideal choice for your lounge area. Partially plastic weather-resistant furniture feels more comfortable than it sounds. Choosing durable furniture will keep your backyard pool area looking stylish for a long time.

Is it Practical in Houston Weather?

Pool furniture gives you the chance to be clever with practical applications. For instance, an end table may look like a normal woven ottoman when it’s shut, but it conceals a hollow inside to shield cushions from bad weather or keep beer chilled. You could also install more conventional cabinets against a wall or barrier. Patio storage can be clever!

Is it Safe Around Fire?

If your pool furniture will be anywhere near your backyard fire pit or grill, ask yourself this question before buying anything new. Weather-resistant materials are likely already fire-resistant, but it pays to double-check everything. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Build the Backyard of Your Dreams!

Regardless if you’re buying new outdoor furniture or upgrading your original collection, let your imagination run wild! Experiment with your favorite color combinations and unique furniture with hidden features. The more durable and long-lasting your new decorations are, the better.

Connect with us for more inspiring outdoor design ideas.

12 Apr

Swimming Pool Design: Expectations vs. Reality

Designing and planning a brand new swimming pool is an exciting time for any homeowner. But as you weigh your options, make sure to keep a few important factors in mind. Not all of your ideas can plausibly be built, and not all pool builders will give you the best deal.

What Should I Know About Swimming Pool Designs?

Pool designs come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s exciting to consider your design options for what will look best in your yard. However, don’t forget to give serious thought to the basics of pool building. Your expectations for pool design and construction may not be realistic. Here are some factors worth paying attention to:

Cost expectations
Hills and uneven ground
Benefits of a pool house

When you’re ready to add a pool to your outdoor space, keep these considerations in mind before the building process begins. Share on X

1) Cost Expectations

The first thing to look into is what type of pool design works within your budget. If fountains or waterfalls make up your dream pool, it’s important to consult with a builder about all of the features you’re hoping for and assess the cost up front. You may decide to reconsider certain pool additions if you find that the cost of materials is more than you expected.

ProTip: When making your decision on what pool design is best for you, create a wish list of all the features that are important for your outdoor oasis. Assess the cost of each and narrow down your choices to only what’s practical for your budget.

2) Hills and Uneven Ground

Before beginning any build, evaluate the space where your new pool will be. Make note if it’s at the bottom of a hill or will sit on uneven ground. Consider rainstorms– will your pool be easily flooded if there’s a large amount of rain? Will one end of the pool have more or less water in it due to a difference in elevation? Don’t wait until the building is in progress to think about these potential problems. A reputable pool builder should evaluate these potential scenarios before excavation.

3) Benefits of a Pool House

In the excitement of building a new pool in your backyard, you might have forgotten about the purpose of a pool house. Do you have tile in the entryway to your backyard? Wet feet are a hazard and can be messy with guests getting out of your pool and coming inside the house. A pool house is beneficial because it can be used as a changing room or a “towel-off” station.

Speak with a Professional About All Concerns

After thinking over all of the above expectations, speak with an outdoor living specialist and ask them if they have any other insights you may not have thought of. An outdoor living specialist will give you honest advice and provide you with the quality customer service you deserve.

Join the conversation to learn more about pool building services and what you can expect from your pool builder!

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey