Blog | Phoenix Landscaping Design & Pool Builders, Remodeling

May 1, 2019

Top 4 Reasons to Install Artificial Grass in Your Phoenix Yard

This beautiful backyard is child and pet-friendly because the artificial grass reduces the allergens and the need for potentially toxic chemicals. And parents love that there is no water and no maintenance required leaving plenty of time for fun with the family.

Even though we live in the desert, most homeowners are fond of looking out the window and seeing a nice, lush, green lawn. But not only can it be very difficult to achieve that lofty goal here in the Valley of the Sun, but it can also be very costly. With the cost of water and the inevitable restrictions on lawn watering, keeping even Bermuda grass looking good can become quite a challenge. But artificial grass is an alternative to natural grass that is becoming very popular with homeowners who are not sold on the less than lush look of desert landscape. Call 480-969-1911 to schedule a free consultation with a UNIQUE designer to learn more about your options for eliminating your grass and enjoying all of the benefits of artificial grass.

Artificial grass is no longer that cheap looking carpet-like material that used to be popular in retirement communities as an outdoor carpet on patios. Today’s turf looks far more natural and real, in addition to being far more durable. In fact, some artificial grass manufacturers offer as long as a 15-year warranty on their products. And of course, there is the benefit of little or no maintenance required to keep artificial lawns looking great. This also means that you will not be spending money on fertilizer, weed killer, mowing, scalping and over-seeding or watering. But there are several other benefits to artificial lawns that you might not have thought about.

No Allergens With Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is the perfect grass to install at all play areas including sunken trampoline pits and other play equipment. The turf is durable enough for high traffic areas and gentle for children’s feet and pet’s paws.

One of the larger contributors to most people’s allergies is pollen. Natural grass is a major contributor to the pollen issues here in the Phoenix area. So for homeowners with allergies or who have children with allergies, artificial grass is a great alternative to staying indoors or being miserable when you are outside. It is also worth mentioning that many dogs also develop allergies. Pets with allergies tend to lick the areas that itch causing their fur to fall out. If your pet has bald areas on his or her paws, it could be due to a grass allergy. Artificial turf can provide welcome relief to pets who love the outdoors but suffer from allergies just as many humans do. And you never need to worry about pet urine or waste ruining your turf, as it can simply be removed and hosed off as needed.

Another concern for homeowners with small children and pets is the number of chemical treatments that are required to maintain a green and healthy lawn. Not only are some pesticides and herbicides toxic for pets but they can also be harmful to small children. But eliminating natural grass also eliminates the need for many of the chemicals that will be used in your yard, making it a safer and healthier environment for children and pets alike.

Reclaim Your Weekends with Artificial Grass

Homeowners can add fun and function to their backyard with an artificial grass putting green. This putting surface requires almost no maintenance and looks beautiful year round.

If you take care of your own yard, then you understand the time involved in cutting the grass, trimming and maintaining the sprinkler system. You also know that several times a year you need to allocate time for applying pre-emergent, post-emergent and fertilizer as well as the dreaded scalping and over-seeding process. But all of those chores can be removed from your evening and weekend time when you install artificial grass. Once the turf is installed, you have a pristine panel of green in your yard year round. There is no need to worry about having unsightly brown spots in the grass when you are having guests or rushing out to cut the grass before a big pool party. Your yard is ready to entertain or simply to relax and enjoy with the family, all day, every day. So if you are ready to save time, money and reduce the allergens in your yard as well as the hazardous chemicals, then contact the design team at UNIQUE to schedule a free consultation to learn more about artificial grass and why it will be a great addition to your Phoenix yard.

Even a small panel of artificial grass has adds a big impact to your yard. The lush green color and softer texture help to balance all of the hardscape features in outdoor living spaces.

April 24, 2019

Everything You Need To Know About UNIQUE Pergolas

The clean lines of this pergola provide a shaded retreat in this compact backyard without overpowering the space. The stucco columns match the home and complement the linear design of the modern fireplace.

According to the dictionary definition, a pergola is an arbor that is built with horizontal beams or trellises and is supported by columns or post. The purpose of the structure is to support or train vines or other plants to grow upward. But in the Phoenix area, a pergola is far more than just a structure to support plants. Pergolas are often the shade structure of choice used to create a protected relaxation oasis. These structures can be built with an open trellis like ceiling and are most often made from large wooden beams and wood rafters. The support for the rafters is provided by four large columns or posts which allow all four sides to remain open for easy access. To learn more about Arizona pergolas, call 480-969-1911 to schedule a free no obligation design consultation with a UNIQUE designer.

One of the biggest benefits of a pergola is that this shade structure can be constructed almost anywhere on your property. Unlike a covered porch or patio, a pergola can be located away from your house and provides a 360-degree view of your surrounding landscape and outdoor living features. Pergolas are often installed near a swimming pool, spa or splash pad to provide a shaded retreat for family and friends to enjoy in the heat of the Arizona summer. And with the addition of lighting, a pergola provides the ambiance for a quiet al fresco dinner throughout the year.

UNIQUE Pergola Features

This pergola is constructed of traditional wood posts and beams, but the posts are anchored to mini-pillars which are used throughout the landscape. Custom lighting adds to the ambiance as the sun begins to set.

As mentioned before, pergolas are most often constructed of wood, but that is not to say that wood is your only choice. The design team at UNIQUE Landscapes will be happy to work with you to custom design the pergola of your dreams. As a licensed general contractor, UNIQUE is fully qualified to build your shade structure to your specifications and taste. In some cases, the rafter of the pergola is constructed of custom ornamental iron to create a more ornate filigree pattern. Other options include creating support columns that match existing architectural features on your home or even installing custom carved posts. But regardless of the custom features and design requests, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your pergola is also engineered for safety and structural integrity as Chris Griffin, the owner of the UNIQUE companies is a civil engineer and has held a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors since 2003.

Other UNIQUE Shade Options

This ramada is the perfect location for an outdoor kitchen and living space. The roof is fully enclosed and the design mimics the architectural style of the home, including the matching roof tiles.

While a pergola is a relatively open shade structure, there are also options that will provide homeowners with even more protection from the sun as well as other weather. A ramada is a structure that offers a fully-enclosed roof but is still supported with just four posts or columns. These structures are most often designed to match the architecture of your home and can include stucco columns, stacked stone, matching roof tiles, and decorative accents. And your ramada can include additional custom features such as a misting system, ceiling fan, lighting, a BBQ island and more. Ask your UNIQUE designer for tips and ideas about which features you might enjoy when planning your ramada. And if you are interested in a more rustic look but still want the benefit of some shade, a palapa could be just what you are looking for. These structures are more similar to a large umbrella than an actual building. A single pine-peeled post or multiple posts are used to support a canopy made of dried palm fronds. Palapas are often installed over a BBQ island or at an outdoor seating area to create a natural looking shade structure.

Important Tips When Building A Pergola

This pergola creates an intimate seating area near the pool without blocking the magnificent view of the mountains. Traditional wood rafters are supported by classic stone columns with pillars that match the fireplace.

Every good construction project begins with a good plan and a great foundation. It is critical that any structure including a pergola be professionally designed and engineered. Not only is this important for your safety and that of your guests, but it is also required when you are submitting your plans to the city for approval and permitting prior to the construction process. Each city can have slightly different requirements and it is important that your pergola is designed and engineered to meet the specific code of your city. It is also important that the footers that support your pergola are correctly designed and installed. These footings will be the foundation for your pergola, and when designed and built correctly, they will support the pergola for a lifetime. And finally, your pergola should be constructed using the same high-quality building practices that were used to build your home. Only licensed contractors should be hired to build any structure. This ensures the integrity of the structure and the safety and quality of the finished product. For answers to your specific questions about building a pergola, contact the UNIQUE design team to schedule a free consultation.

April 17, 2019

14 Reasons To Select Unique Custom Pools

At UNIQUE Custom Pools we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality construction process and workmanship in the industry. In addition, we are committed to offering an equally high level of communication so that clients always know the status of their project and what to expect in the coming phases of construction. Our 14 step custom pool construction process sets up apart from other contractors from day one and ensures that our clients receive nothing but the highest quality finished product. To learn about our 14 step process in more detail, schedule a free consultation with one of our design specialists.

STEP 1- DESIGN, PLANNING & PERMITTING

Prior to construction, your new pool is reviewed by our design and construction team, CAD Department, Engineers and the UNIQUE Owner, Chris Griffin. All of the construction notes are carefully put on the plans for permitting and for use by our crews. Permits are then obtained. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the municipality.

STEP 2- LAYOUT

With engineering and permitting completed, all of the design plan is transposed to your yard. This allows homeowners the opportunity to see the scale and location in their yard before any excavation begins. Final changes and alterations can be made at this time. This process can normally be completed in just a few hours.

Pool Layout Plan — All of the details of your pool design and the services for your pool will be painted on the ground, to scale, for you to review.

STEP 3- EXCAVATION

This is the first step in the actual construction process and often involves the use of heavy equipment to dig the pool and remove the excess soil from your property. This process can range from 1 to 3 days in most cases.

Bobcats, backhoes and other equipment is brought into your yard to dig your pool and remove the excavated soil in a timely manner.

STEP 4- PLUMBING

Plumbing is one of the most critical aspects of UNIQUE pools. Because our primary focus is over-sized plumbing, hydrology, and pump efficiency, we take careful precautions during this phase. Pictures are taken throughout this phase of construction for documentation purposes. Plumbing most custom pools can be completed in 1 to 2 days.

The plumbing is run into the excavated area that will become your pool and stubbed up. These pipes will later be used for your in-floor cleaning system as well as the drains.

All of the pipes are then run to the pool equipment in one centralized location for easy access and maintenance

STEP 5- STEEL

The structural integrity of the pool is defined here in the “STEEL” phase of the project. The rebar shell of the pool is made of 3/8″ rebar at every 12″ on center or more if required by engineers. UNIQUE uses additional steel in all of our pools with our 5-bar bond beam and center shell reinforcement for longer and larger pools. The steel phase normally lasts for 1 to 2 days.

This rebar mesh system is what provides the structural integrity that allows UNIQUE pools to last a lifetime.

STEP 6- ELECTRICAL

During the electrical phase, all of the electric service and lines needed to operate the pool pump, lighting, and other electric components are installed. Our designers also make sure we can integrate your pool electrical service with your landscape features which require electrical such as Outdoor Kitchen and Barbecue outlets, Ramada lighting, and landscape lighting. Electrical can often be completed in 1 to 2 days but more intricate designs and integration with other outdoor features can increase the length of this phase.

All of the electrical components of your pool are mounted at the pool equipment. This can also include additional wiring for landscape lighting, features in your outdoor living area or outlets for future use.

STEP 7- SHOTCRETE

This is when you really get to see your pool begin to take shape. The steel cage that was created is covered with 6″ – 8″ of solid concrete. UNIQUE uses only the highest strength concrete with fiber-mesh in all of our pools. This ensures that your pool will truly last a LIFETIME. The shotcrete is completed in a single day.

Shotcrete is applied to the steel cage to form the actual shell of your pool. This is when your project really begins to look like a pool!

STEP 8- TILE & DECKING

Depending on the type of deck you select, the waterline tile will be installed right before or after your pool decking. At this same time, out craftsmen will also set the tile on other features in your project such as the outdoor kitchen countertop or on a tiled water feature. Tile can last for 2 to 5 days on average.

Waterline tile and water feature tile installation is coordinated with the installation of your pool decking.

In some cases, the decking is installed first, but in other cases the tile must be installed first. Your designer will be able to tell you the progression of your specific selections.

STEP 9 WATER FEATURES

Water features can be natural rock, artificial rock, block or stone. UNIQUE’S pool construction process integrates our water features at different points throughout the project depending on the type of feature. A properly designed and well-built water feature is key to any new swimming pool and spa project. Depending on the size, location, and material, construction of a water feature will require 1 to 3 days.

Grottos and waterfalls are often build with large surface select boulders or artificial rock. Our staff of skilled masons will custom build the water feature of your dreams.

STEP 10- LANDSCAPING & MASONRY

UNIQUE’S Landscape Division completes all of our pool masonry and hardscape projects. Our staff of masons build all of the block water features, walls, BBQ islands, fireplaces, fire pits and more. This is usually followed by an application of stucco, stone, and paint. The scope of the project will determine the length of time required to complete the work but most projects range from 2 to 10 days.

The UNIQUE Landscape division will arrive to build all of your structures including walls, BBQ Islands, fire pits and other outdoor accents.

STEP 11- FINAL INSPECTION

At this point, your project is coming together and we are ready for the inspection to be certain that your pool meets all requirements, codes, and regulations of the city/county. It normally takes a day or 2 for the city or county inspector to come out and complete his or her inspection.

STEP 12- INTERIOR FINISH

The final construction phase is the application of the pool’s interior finish. This signifies the completion of your UNIQUE pool. While the actual application of the pebble or plaster only takes a day, there are several processes which follow to finalize the interior of our pools. After an acid wash and light polish on day 2, we will start filling your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, this can take 1 to 3 days.

The installation of your pools interior surface means that we are very close to the completion of your UNIQUE custom pool. The installation is relatively fast but there are critical processes to follow to ensure a durable and perfect interior finish.

STEP 13- START-UP & ORIENTATION

Your new swimming pool is now complete but showing you how to use it takes a few days. First, chemicals are added and the pumps are started (STARTUP). After everything is perfect, you get a few hours of lessons in our very own Pool School. We can also explain to you the benefits of using the UNIQUE pool service division to maintain your new pool.

We will spend a few days getting your pool water perfectly balanced and ready for you to enjoy before we begin your tutorial on pool care. We will also explain our pool service agreement if you are not interested in maintaining the pool on your own.

STEP 14- TIME TO ENJOY YOUR CUSTOM POOL!

It has been anywhere from 30 to 60 days since the beginning of your custom pool construction process. But now you are the proud owner of a UNIQUE pool that is designed and built to last a lifetime.

It is now time to begin to enjoy your UNIQUE custom pool and all of the features that you have selected to create your dream outdoor living space. We thank you for your business and look forward to hearing how much you are enjoying your oasis.

These 14 steps and our dedication to communication and customer service are what sets UNIQUE Custom Pools apart from all of the other pool contractors in the valley. We welcome your call to schedule a free consultation with one of our pool designers to learn more about our company and how we can turn your dream pool into a reality.