Poolscapes

“Splash Into Your Backyard Paradise”

What Are Poolscapes?

"Poolscapes" is a term used to describe the landscaping and overall design surrounding a swimming pool. It goes beyond just the pool itself and encompasses the entire outdoor living space, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outdoor entertaining area. Poolscapes involve the careful planning and integration of various elements to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the pool area.

What Elements Are Inclusive In A Poolscape?

There are a variety of outdoor living elements that are typically incorporated into and around a poolscape. These elements listed below are used for both aesthetic and functional aspects to your outdoor living space:

  • Swimming pool and hot tubs

  • Hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls, pool decking, pool coping, etc.)

  • Plantings

  • Decks

  • Landscape lighting

  • Outdoor audio

  • Outdoor kitchens and bars

  • Covered structures (pergolas, cabanas, pavilions, etc.)

  • Fire pits and fireplaces

  • Fences

What Types Of Pools Can I Pick From?

When it comes to selecting the right type of pool for your backyard, there are many different options to select from. All pool options we offer do come in both chlorine and salt water options. Listed below are the pool options we offer to clients:

  • Gunite - Mixture of cement, sand, and water sprayed onto steel rebar forming a highly durable and customizable pool

  • Fiberglass - Pre Manufactured pools that are made from fiberglass reinforced plastic that are highly durable requiring little maintenance

  • Vinyl (Liner) - Made out of flexible yet rigid plastic resin that come pre-formed yet do required routine maintenance

  • Precast Concrete - Pre Manufactured cast in place concrete pool that offers a space saving alternative to other larger manufactured options. The provider we work with is Soak Pools who offers different sizing a features to fit your needs

Meet Our Pool Design Specialist

Brian T. Stratton is an award winning Pool Designer and a Licensed New Jersey Landscape Architect with over 23 years of experience designing Poolscapes. Brian is located in Hunterdon County and the majority of his pool projects are in North & Central New Jersey. Brian also designs pool projects globally, most notably in the Caribbean Islands.

Pool projects are incredibly complicated and Brian prides himself on a very thorough design process that will ensure the success of the project without any surprises for the client. Most people who have a pool project built go right to a pool builder and skip the most important step, which is a sophisticated planning process so that all costs and all variables are fully understood. Brian handles all aspects of the design process including the initial zoning and engineering approvals, all material selections, and even down to grout colors and furniture selections.

Golden Wolf owner Marcus Celiano and Brian are happy to have a 30 minute introduction video call where everyone can meet and discuss the project vision and all the steps necessary to create a Home Resort TM. Visit www.PoolArtist.com to learn more about Brian and see endless pictures of his work and photo tours where you can see the entire pool project process. Brian’s Instagram is the.pool.artist where you can quickly see lots of pictures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are many factors that go into the price of your pool. Variables such as type of pool, water type, site access, pre-existing conditions, site elevations, and specific finishes are all factors that do effect the final price.

    You can anticipate the approx. price of a pool installed to be anywhere between $60,000-$175,000 (+/-).

    This does not include any additional outdoor living elements such as hardscaping, plantings, lighting, covered structures, etc. Those elements would be in excess to the pool price listed above.

  • When planning an expansive outdoor living project, the design process is one of the most steps to allow for a successful installation. Our team works with Licensed Landscape Architects as well as Engineers to fully design, plan, and execute your project.

    Step 1 - Initial 30 minute video call upon requesting services. This allows our team to develop a more clear understanding of your needs and how we can help.

    Step 2 - On site consultation to assess the property, talk through ideas, develop a clear understanding of our design service agreement, and build a vision together.

    Step 3 - Our teams works diligently to develop a design based on your needs and wants as well as our professional expertise.

    Step 4 - Presenting the design on site with you to showcase the vision we developed for your backyard. Revisions can happen happen at this point.

    Step 5 - Design is approved and we provide a formal detailed proposal outlining the scope of work and pricing based off the approved design.

    Step 6- Our team provides a seamless turnkey process to submit all plans, permits, and documents to the town on your behalf to get the project approved for construction.

  • Gunite pools involve the construction of a pool structure using a mixture of cement, sand, and water applied pneumatically over a steel-reinforced framework. The surface of gunite pools is durable and can be finished with materials like plaster or pebbles. While the construction process is more complex and time-consuming compared to fiberglass and vinyl pools, gunite pools offer the highest level of customization in terms of shape, size, and features. Due to the complexity to install a gunite pool, these pool options are the on the upper end of the price scale when comparing options.

    Fiberglass pools are constructed from pre-manufactured fiberglass shells, providing a smooth and non-porous interior surface. These pools are known for quick installation, thanks to their factory-made design. While fiberglass pools come in various shapes and sizes, customization options may be somewhat limited compared to gunite pools due to them being pre-manufactured.

    Vinyl pools, on the other hand, have a framework made of steel, aluminum, or polymer, and their interiors are lined with a vinyl membrane. This type of pool offers a smooth and comfortable surface, and while installation is quicker than gunite pools, it usually takes longer than fiberglass pools. Vinyl pools provide good customization options in terms of shape and size, but the vinyl liner may need replacement every 10 to 15 years, and regular maintenance is required.

    Precast pools are pre-manufactured pools that are made primarily for smaller sites. These pools, manufactured by Soak Pools, are smaller than other Vinyl or Fiberglass options that can be used when the design space is a top consideration. Soak pools can be used year round due to their smaller size and ease to heat. They can also by exposed above grade and used to retain slopes provided a multifunctional approach that no other pool listed above offers.

    The choice between these pool types depends on factors such as budget, customization preferences, installation time, and long-term maintenance considerations.

  • Chlorine Pools:

    In traditional chlorine pools, chlorine is typically added in the form of liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets, or granular chlorine. Pool owners manually add chlorine to maintain the appropriate levels of disinfection.

    Chlorine levels need to be monitored regularly, and adjustments are made as needed to keep the water sanitized. Some people may be sensitive to the byproducts of chlorine, and there can be a distinct chlorine smell near the pool. Chlorine pools have a most cost effective upfront approach, but often cost move over time with ongoing maintenance compared to saltwater pools.

    Saltwater Pools:

    Saltwater pools use a chlorine generator or salt chlorinator to produce chlorine on-site. Instead of adding chlorine directly, salt (sodium chloride) is added to the pool water.

    The saltwater passes through the chlorine generator, where electrolysis occurs, breaking down the salt into its component parts, including chlorine. The chlorine produced by the generator sanitizes the pool water, and after its function is complete, it reverts back to salt.

    Saltwater pools are often perceived as having softer water and are considered more gentle on the skin and eyes compared to traditional chlorine pools. Saltwater pools have a most expensive upfront price, but often are more cost effective over time with ongoing maintenance compared to chlorine pools.

Ready to start your project?