Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

22 Mar

3 Reasons to Invest in a Patio Cover for Your Pool

Summer in Houston will be here before you know it. Is your outdoor living area in need of a patio cover? Don’t wait until the outside temperatures start rising– learn why a patio cover is a great and necessary choice for your pool.

Looking forward to using your pool this summer? Learn why you should invest in a pool cover to stay cool during Houston summers. Share on X

Why Do I Need a Patio Cover for my Outdoor Space?

Investing in a patio cover for your pool will provide comfort and shade from the intense summer sun. You can stress less about cleaning by keeping out leaves and outside debris. It will also help keep your pool at a pleasant temperature and reduce your risk of sunburn.

Keep Pool Temperature Down
Protect Your Pool from Gathering Debris
Provide Shade While Swimming

1) Keep Pool Temperature Down

The perfect pool cover will keep your pool at a comfortable, cool temperature. Pool water that is too warm tends to be off-putting, so using a cover will protect your water from getting too much sun. Nobody wants to get in a hot pool in the middle of a hot, Texas summer day. You can feel confident your pool is always at the right temperature.

2) Protect Your Pool from Gathering Debris

Wind and rain bring in leaves, bugs, and other dirt and debris into your pool. A patio cover for your pool will act as a leaf net to make cleaning a breeze. You’ll spend less time fishing out unwanted items and more time enjoying your pool!

3) Provide Shade While Swimming

We all know Houston summers can get swelteringly hot. Don’t let the sun deter you from enjoying your pool! A swimming pool cover will reduce the number of UV rays overhead that put you at risk of sunburn. While you should always use sunblock to protect your skin, a cover for your pool will make you feel more comfortable while you’re swimming.

ProTip: When you invest in a patio cover for your pool, consult with a professional pool designer that will help you choose the right style to fit the rest of your outdoor living space.

Use an Outdoor Living Professional to Install Your Patio Cover

Rely on in-ground pool experts to give you insight on other ways to benefit from a patio cover for your pool. They will help you with a custom pool cover for a unique and beautiful addition to your outdoor space.

Contact us for a consultation to learn more about custom patio covers and the benefits of having one for your pool.

15 Mar

5 Essential Poolside Kitchen Appliances

Having an outdoor kitchen is a fabulous opportunity for hosting pool parties and barbecues. Whether you are hosting a neighborhood party, family get-together, or simply enjoying time with your family, it’s always a fun idea to gather outside as a group. What could make these outdoor get-togethers even more enticing? We’re glad you asked!

An outdoor kitchen brings family and friends together for food and fun. Spruce up your poolside outdoor kitchen with these ideas! Share on X

How Can I Make My Outdoor Environment Even More Fun?

Don’t be afraid to explore different ideas for your outdoor space that can contribute to poolside entertainment. These outdoor kitchen appliances will spruce up your backyard for endless enjoyment.

Refrigerators
Overhead fans
Grill or smoker
Mood lighting
Consult with an Outdoor Design Expert

1) Refrigerators

In Houston, the humid weather can warm up your cold beverages quickly! With a beverage cooler or refrigerator, you won’t have to worry about serving your guests lukewarm sodas or hot waters. An outdoor refrigerator is necessary for keeping your refreshments cool.

ProTip: When you get your new outdoor refrigerator near your pool, stock it immediately so that guests can serve themselves at your next pool party!

2) Overhead Fans

The Houston humidity is unavoidable, especially during the summer months. You can still feel comfortable in your backyard when you have overhead fans above your outdoor kitchen to help eliminate any heat accumulation. The air circulation outdoor fans provide can also contribute to fending off any flying pests like gnats or mosquitos that might flock to your outdoor kitchen in the hot summer months.

3) Outdoor Grill or Smoker

Your outdoor kitchen isn’t complete without an outdoor grill. For some people, simply having an outdoor counter space for drinks and food is enough to entertain friends and family. For others, the enjoyment of cooking and mingling is what makes the get-together worthwhile. Grilling outdoors while being able to converse with guests is something we Texans pride ourselves on! It’s a unique experience to sit outside and smell the delicious food as it grills. An outdoor grill is a necessary addition to spruce up your backyard.

4) Mood Lighting

This idea might not be at the top of your list, but lighting goes a long way when you know you’re going to spend summer evenings by the pool. Many times, outdoor activities can go long into the evening. Wouldn’t it be perfect to have beautiful lights outside that will illuminate your surroundings? This is a great addition to any outdoor space, whether you are going to enjoy a freshly grilled meal on your patio or read a book in the solace of your porch. Mood lighting is essential to your outdoor kitchen space.

5) Consult with an Outdoor Design Expert

Outdoor design experts provide valuable insight into what is realistic for your particular space. They will listen to your wants and needs while guiding you to the best solutions for your needs. They work with you to make your dreams a reality!

Create an Incredible Outdoor Kitchen You’ll Love

You probably have ideas about how you want your outdoor kitchen to look and function. It’s important to rely on a professional outdoor living service to take your goals and show you how they can turn them into reality. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and be clear about your vision! Your designer will be glad to get any feedback necessary to do their job right.

Join the conversation and explore what other outdoor kitchen features people have added to their outdoor spaces!

08 Mar

3 Fun & Functional Patio Cover Design Ideas for Hot Houston Summers

With the Texas summer season gaining upon us, you might be wishing you had a way to properly shade yourself from the heating rays! Luckily, there are plenty of options, like patio covers, to keep you and your guests cool while still enjoying your luxurious pool!

In the Houston summer weather, is it even possible to relax outdoors? With these tips, you’ll feel at ease knowing you’ve taken the time beforehand to make comfort a priority. Share on X

How can Owning a pool be so relaxing, even in the hot sun?

You can avoid the stress and sweat of being a pool owner in the spring and summer heat by providing shade from the sun with these fun ideas:

Opt for a custom outdoor patio
Add a fun pergola
Go big with a custom built pool house

1) Opt for a Custom Outdoor Patio Cover

Take a look around your backyard and note the opportunities you might have for a custom-built outdoor patio cover. Work with a professional builder to match the colors and materials of your home with the design of your patio. Then, you can add extra features to match the space– like outdoor furniture.

2) Add a Fun Pergola

Pergolas can be efficient and festive any time of year! Enjoy the shade in your outdoor living space when you’d like, and decorate the beams with light strings or weather-resistant streamers. You can quickly drape a tarp over the top of your pergola at any sign of rain or storm.

ProTip: Not sure about how to dress up your pergola year-round? Hang some outdoor lights to brighten things up and enjoy the glow!

3) Custom Built Pool House

A custom pool house is a great addition to any outdoor space! Enclose your pool area and add furniture that doesn’t need to be weather-resistant. You will be able to enjoy your pool, rain or shine while creating the feeling of being outdoors with large windows and glass doors.

Consult with a Professional

To make your backyard dreams a reality, call a professional to discuss what can be done to design and build your custom patio cover. Explore your options and discover what appeals to you and what fits your taste. Ultimately, you won’t regret covering your patio come rain or (too much) shine!

Share your thoughts! What else can be done to cover an outdoor patio space? We’d love to hear!

01 Mar

What’s the Best Way to Clean a Grill Before Pool Parties?

To keep your grill performing and functioning at its best, it is vital that you keep it clean. You don’t want a bunch of grease built-up before having guests over for a pool party. The method that you use to clean and maintain your grill depends on what type you have. Are you planning springtime poolside barbecues? The last thing you want is a dirty grill! Here are some tips to follow for cleaning gas, pellet, and charcoal grills. Share on X

The functionality of your grill is dependant on being properly cleaned and maintained. How you do this depends on if you have a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill. Here are the top ways to keep each style of grill clean so you can make every season grilling season.

How to Clean a Gas Grill

To clean a gas grill, you’ll want to start by gathering a grill brush (or other course cleaning brush), cleaning rags, soapy water.

First things first–always turn off the gas to your grill before cleaning! You can also detach the tank from your grill.
Remove grill grates so you can thoroughly clean then by scrubbing them with your grill brush.
Clean anything on the burners, such as lava stones, ceramic briquettes, or metal heat tents. Clean burner tubes, as well as gas ports.
Clean the outside of your grill with hot soapy water and a cleaning rag.
Empty and clean the grease collection tray. Make sure to properly dispose of grease–never pour it down any drain. Your grease tray needs to be checked every time you grill to help prevent fires.
Wipe everything dry and put your grill back together and oil your grates prior to cooking.

How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Just like with the gas grill, you’ll need a grill brush, cleaning rags, and some hot, soapy water to clean your charcoal grill.

Remove the grill grate if possible. Scrub with your grill brush. You can also use a wadded up piece of aluminum foil to help remove any remaining gunk or debris that remains on the grate.
Empty the ash catcher and then clean the bottom and lid of your grill using hot soapy water and a cleaning rag.
Put your grill back together and oil the grates before grilling your next delicious meal.

ProTip: A warm grill makes grill grates easier to clean!

How to Clean a Pellet Grill

Because pellet grills are equipped with electronic components, it is imperative that you keep your grill dry to keep it functioning properly. This is especially important for the inside of your grill.

Warm up your grill to about 200 degrees. Close the lid and let it sit about ten minutes, loosening grease and leftover foods.
Using a grill brush, clean the grates thoroughly.
Remove and empty the ash container. Clean it before or after each time you use it.
Remove the drip tray and dispose of oil as recommended. Again, never discard oil down drains.
After you remove the drip tray, remove the heat deflector tray, as well, so you can clean the fire pot. There is a lot of ash that accumulates here, so use a shop-vac or vacuum cleaner to such out the ash from the interior of your pellet grill.
Replace the heat deflector tray, drip tray, and grill grates.
Using soap and water on a damp cloth, clean the outside of your grill. Remember not to use too much water, as not to ruin the electric parts of your smoker.
Remove your chimney cap and clean it with a damp cloth.

Keeping Your Grill Working at Peak Performance

By keeping your grill clean you can be sure that your grill will be safe to use and runs effectively. A grill should be cleaned frequently, especially if you use it often.

Do you want to learn more about how to clean your grill? Join the conversation to speak with our outdoor living professionals.

22 Feb

Custom Outdoor Kitchen and Cabana by Creekstone Outdoor Living in Houston Texas

Design Trends for a Swimming Pool You’ll Use All Summer

If you are thinking of renovating your backyard space and pool, or if you are about to have a pool installed for the first time, there is no better time than now. Updating your backyard space now allows you to have the work completed in time to enjoy your swimming pool all summer long. If you want to take your outdoor space and pool to the next level, you’ll want to make sure to pull in some of this year’s top design trends. Tired of your outdated backyard? These 6 swimming pool design trends will turn your outdoor space into your new family room! Share on X

Which Design Trends Will Create an Outdoor Oasis You’ll Enjoy All Summer Long?

It’s easy to create an outdoor oasis and swimming pool that you and your family will enjoy all summer long. With sunning shelves, a fire pit, and luscious landscaping and lighting, your backyard will be transformed from boring to beautiful in no time.

Dark Color Pool Interior
Custom Pool Shape
Sunning Shelves
Swim Up Bar
Landscaping and Lighting
Fire Pits and Places

1) Dark Color Pool Interior

A stunning new trend is the use of darker colored pool interiors. Pool interiors coated in azures and cobalt blues lend themselves to a lagoon-like effect: deep, dark, and soothing. These darker colors are welcoming and luxurious and make your backyard the perfect place to hang out all summer long.

2) Custom Pool Shape

These days, pools can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and when you choose to get a custom pool, you can help add personality to your outdoor living space. When choosing the shape of your pool, consider your lot size and available space, your budget, whether it meets safety codes, your home’s architectural style, sun exposure, as well as how you will use the pool.

3) Sunning Shelves

Sunning shelves are some of the most popular design trends for swimming pools. Tanning shelves are great to lounge, relax and keep you refreshed on a hot Texan day. Sunning ledges are a great to place gushers and create a splash pad for the kids, too.

4) Swim Up Bar

If your pool is a regular spot for celebration and get-togethers, then adding a swim-up bar is certainly the perfect addition! Usually, you only see these in the hotels and resorts – but imagine having one in your own pool.

ProTip: With a swim up bar, you can have drinks and snacks at the ready without having to leave the water. Just swim right up, have a seat, and unwind.

5) Landscaping and Lighting

There is nothing better than nice landscaping around the pool. Some of the benefits of having landscaping around your pool include having better oxygenation in the surrounding area and having an avid display of colors. Be sure to choose plants that will thrive in your climate and illuminate them with LED or other landscaping lights to help turn your outdoor space into an outdoor oasis.

6) Fire Pits and Places

No matter what type of look or atmosphere you’re trying to create, there’s one swimming pool trend that always seems to be on the top of the list: fire. Fire is lighting in one of it’s most natural forms and creates a wonderful ambiance and warmth to your swimming pool area. Choose from a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace for the perfect place to spend all summer long.

Swimming Pool Design Trends

Vamp up your backyard retreat with a custom swimming pool design. With the addition of the above swimming pool design trends, your backyard will be the place everyone will want to be–all summer long.

Join the conversation and learn the top pool design trends that will have your spending all your days and nights in your pool and outside oasis.

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey