Steps – Page 4 – The Deck and Patio Company

Infinity Pool Project in Cove Neck, Long Island (NY)
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Infinity Pool Project in Cove Neck, Long Island (NY)

Swimming at the edge of your world

Some say the first infinity pool was built at France’s Palace of Versailles, where from, say, one of the palace’s gardens, the eye is enticed across an expansive “infinite” pool of water up to the panoramic King’s palace.

Now perhaps it’s a breathtaking sunset that you want to draw the eye to on your property, or a gorgeous flower garden, or scenic bay. Indeed, in today’s project showcase, it was their property’s spectacular views of Oyster Bay on Long Island’s North Shore that drew these Deck and Patio clients to such a pool.

Infinity Pools

Man-made infinity (aka vanishing edge) pools expand the serenity of a backyard pool by drawing the eye to some other exquisite scene, thereby substantially increasing the restful beauty of any backyard retreat. However, the finished results belie their underpinnings. These pools — no matter which focal point you are drawing the eye to — require experts to design and install it.

“Vanishing edge pools are an optical illusion that suggest the water is vanishing out of the back edge of the pool,” says our outdoor living expert, Bill Renter. “Nothing is, of course, vanishing in a vanishing edge pool. The water is actually clinging to a recess in the pool wall which then drops into a catch pool below. And while this sounds simple enough, it requires a good deal of mastery to design it correctly. An undersized catch pool can almost never be corrected.”

Bill explains that if the catch pool or basin isn’t large enough there won’t be enough water returning to the main pool and can cause serious problems. Insufficient water may also be a real disappointment, since many like the idea of an infinity pool precisely because the water they swim in will never be stagnant, but will be continually recycled through the pool.

The key, then, is to make sure you deal with experts. And what you get for your effort, is — dare we say it — fit for a king.

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Additional note on catch basins: If the catch pool or basin isn’t large enough there won’t be enough water returning to the main pool and the catch pool will run dry. That can trigger huge water bills because it would have to be constantly refilled to compensate for not having enough room to store water. In addition, during rain falls, the basin could be overwhelmed, leading to it overflowing, or eroding or liquefying the soil behind it.

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Infinity Pool (Cove Neck/NY): Depending on where you are in this vanishing edge pool will determine which extraordinary vista your eyes are drawn to.

Pool Landscaping (Cove Neck/NY): Landscaping can play a key role in enhancing the experience of an infinity pool.

Infinity Pool Catch Basin (Cove Neck/NY): One reason people love infinity pools is that the water is never stagnant but flows into a catch pool and is recycled.

Vanishing Edge Pool (Cove Neck/NY): In addition to the recycled pool water, for this project, a custom “spillover” spa offers healthy aeration to the pool water.

Pool Landscaping (Cove Neck/NY): Everywhere you look in this completed backyard project there is a lovely scene worth pausing for.

Infinity Pool and Spa (Cove Neck/NY):: It’s wonderful when you can’t decide which is the best seat in the ‘house’ — the pool or the spa!

Vanishing Edge Pool (Cove Neck/NY): You don’t have to be a descendant of Louis IV to swim in royal waters.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:36-05:00November 5th, 2015|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Gardening, Infinity Pools, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Unique Pool Design: Bringing Adirondack Experience Back Home
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Unique Pool Design: Bringing Adirondack Experience Back Home

These clients had long-enjoyed time spent in their vacation home in New York’s Adirondacks and were fond of swimming in lakes, skiing, nature walks, etc. When they purchased another home in Merrick, Long Island, they decided to renovate the house and property to capture the spirit of their second home in upstate New York.

For their backyard, they asked us for something quite unique: “a swimming pool that looked like a pond — i.e., made entirely of rocks and not the usual concrete or steel — but filtered and treated chemically like a normal pool.

In designing and building it, our engineers verified the technical aspects throughout the process. This was necessary because creating such an all-rock pool was like fitting puzzle pieces together — only, instead of using cardboard pre-made shapes, we were dealing with 4-5 truckloads of randomly-size Pennsylvania moss rock boulders.

The undertaking involved looking over and measuring each rock before it was fitted in place. Once positioned, in order to ensure the soil pressure wouldn’t push the stones over or knock them down, instead of straight up, we leaned each stone into the grade, tapered upward.

On the bottom of the pool, however, no boulders were used. Here we installed a one-piece black rubber liner to contain the pool water, which feels to the feet much like a vinyl pool.

To continue the natural look, we used boulders to create the four steps leading into the pool as well as into the spa.

Unique Swimming Pools & Spas:

The pool was perfectly situated to reflect their newly renovated shingled-style home in its water. We added bright colorful plants in between the boulders, in such a way that they cascade into the pool, like they would in nature. This contributes to a beautiful all-rock pool, filtered and treated chemically, but which looks like a natural pond.

Using Pool and Pond Equipment Together:

We used a blend of pool and pond material for this unique pool and spa. The black liner, which reacts with the water to create a stunning pond-like appearance, is a 45-mil EPDM pond liner; we used Aquascape Inc.’s wide-mouth skimmers and bulkhead fittings to penetrate the liner.

Using Pool and Pond Equipment Together:

What you see is a beautiful pond-like pool; but there is a good deal of technology involved. For pool equipment, we used vinyl pool returns, main drains, SAVI color-changing LED lights, all Jandy equipment (energy efficient pump and gas heater), DE filter, salt chlorine generator and iAqualink automation.

Harmony Between House and Landscaping:

The exposed stones around the pool complement the stone base of the home’s columns and stone foundation, suggesting one harmonious whole.

Picture-Perfect Swimming Pool:

Deck and Patio’s design gives the vacation-style Adirondack feeling they wanted; they just step outside to a natural swimming pond where they can hang out with friends and use the hot tub when a chill comes on the evening.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:37-05:00August 13th, 2015|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Unique Ideas|4 Comments

What Does Your Outdoor Landscape Say About You?
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What Does Your Outdoor Landscape Say About You?

Design/Build: 1980s’ yard is updated by Deck and Patio into new millennium landscape

Foyers and entrance halls make strong first impressions of our homes’ interiors, as well of our tastes. However, the real first impressions are happening outside.

For this project showcase, the couple was modern in their thinking as well as their style, and they approached our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, seeking an innovative and modern look for their property.

Our finished custom landscape brought their outdated exterior landscaping into the new millennium, and more in keeping with their sense of style and views on life.

Front Step Style:

The newly installed front step and landing were subtly accented by a decorative circle kit giving a charming and aesthetically pleasing finish. Made of interlocking paving stones, the design perfectly suited the architecture of their home.

Techo-Bloc Driveway:

Deck and Patio Company replaced the old crumbling asphalt driveway with durable tan Techo-Bloc. The asphalt walkway was also extracted and a series of graceful Techo-Bloc stairs and landings installed.

Walkway Waterfall:

Our new “hardscape” design was tied together with lush, colorful perennials throughout, and at the top of the asphalt walkway a new waterfall creates a luxurious and soothing highlight.

Pondless Waterfall:

The “pondless waterfall we installed collects the falling water in an underground tank with a pump that circulates the water.

Updated Gardening:

If your plantings are over 10 years old, they are probably way overgrown; any original landscape design has long faded when plants have grown practically into trees. Here, fresh new plants, mixed with moss rock and river rock alongside the waterfall, make a beautiful impression.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:42-05:00September 4th, 2014|Deck and Patios, Driveways, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Steps, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

Different Level Patios, Flower Beds and Raised Waterfall Make Backyard Appear Larger
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Different Level Patios, Flower Beds and Raised Waterfall Make Backyard Appear Larger

The homeowners of this property had an existing small koi pond. They dreamed of also having a pool, with landscaping and a waterfall, but felt they didn’t have the space for it all.

When viewing the property, Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, saw the the main drawback was how flat the grade was. Through 3-D renditions, he showed the homeowners how different patio levels would make the yard appear bigger.

Bill designed the new pool, waterfall, patios and plant beds to fit perfectly with their pond. The new landscaping boasts hydrangeas, roses, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials.

The homeowners children were about 9 or 10. After the project was finished, the clients say they no longer had to go to family and friends to enjoy the outdoors, but their children could love growing up in their own home.

Our clients added that bringing in a special lighting scheme allows them to enjoy the backyard retreat from the day on into night. The lighting transforms their backyard into a completely different, yet still beautiful, atmosphere.

Gorgeous Patio Areas:

Beautiful plantings, punctuated by accent boulders and moss rocks, paint a natural setting around the multi-tiered tumbled stone patio. Adding crepe myrtles to the landscaping offers an extended picture-perfect landscape season — they bloom from August through October.

Backyard Al Fresco Dining:

Waterfalls cascading over natural rock creates the perfect mood for meditation or romantic al fresco dining. A sound system was added that pumps music, and with waterfall running, together is perfect for entertaining or more intimate family fun.

Landscape Design:

By creating the multi level patio, waterfall and different levels and colors of plant beds, new dimensions were added. For example, the new bold apricot-pink roses attract attention, causing the landscape to recede behind them, making the overall area appear larger.

Stepping Stone Paths:

The homeowners wanted a path to the tool shed. But with extensive multi-level pavers being used, in such a small back yard, it was natural the homeowners didn’t want more swaths of brick. The stepping stone path offers a more natural feel and sofens the landscape.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:46-05:00May 22nd, 2014|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Steps, Terraces, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

Four Vinyl-Lined Pools We Love
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Four Vinyl-Lined Pools We Love

Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert, Bill Renter, designs and builds gunite pools, in addition to vinyl. However, he finds that many of his clients prefer the padded, smooth, soft feel of vinyl. And because advanced computerization of liner fabrications allow us to construct them in any shape, curve, or angle, there’s freedom in giving clients exactly what they want.

With such flexibility in pool design, homeowners are also not stuck with unattractive white interior stairs that do not blend with the rest of the pool, nor do they sacrifice a smooth bottom for the swimmers’ feet.

Of course, the base construction of a vinyl pool is much the same as any other. Vinyl simply means the method used to line a pool’s interior. These liners come in a large variety of colors, which can react with the water to create a romantic “grotto” or “lagoon’ effect, so popular today. Plus, the concrete walls of vinyl-lined pools have a lifetime guarantee.

Bill and his design team always begin by asking clients about their plans for a pool, their lifestyles and their children’s needs, then come up with a unique concept to fulfill every desire. Using CAD drawings, digital imaging and a 3D animation video on a flat screen television, we show clients how the pool will look with the existing home and environment.

These four projects are good examples of the flexibility and beauty of vinyl.

Backyard Sanctuary:

This serene backyard sanctuary gives no hint of high-tech energy efficient components supporting it all. The sounds of waterfalls, streams and sprays add tranquility to backyard retreat. Biggest challenge to project was creating four-inch ledge around pool which secures closed pool cover.

Vanishing Edge Pools:

The challenges for this ‘vanishing edge’ pool project included creating a vinyl-liner pool with 5 bar stools, complicated tri-level floor, 3 staircases, in-floor cleaning, vinyl spillover spa, and vinyl-lined catch pool. The success of accomplishing all this was sweet, indeed.

Cambridge Pavingstones:

We surrounded this vinyl-lined pool and spill-over spa in handsome Cambridge Pavingstones, with artful cut-outs for plantings. The beautiful hue of the pool water caused by its vinyl liner, set against the pavers, with a huge backdrop of lush green grass create a very special setting.

Destination Pools:

Because of the topography, the pool had to be located far from the house, down a steep grade. Deck and Patio’s vision included adding beautiful creeping ground cover and boulders, so that even the property’s challenging raised grades were turned into benefits.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00May 15th, 2014|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Resorts, Infinity Pools, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Bars, Patios & Decks, Plantings/Pondscapes, Ponds & Water Features, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

Turning a Tired Backyard Into Award-Winning Retreat
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Turning a Tired Backyard Into Award-Winning Retreat

Like many homeowners, you may already have a landscaped backyard, possibly with a pool that’s been through a number of summers. You’ve probably considered doing something with it, but what? Take a look at this pool renovation project that helped our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, capture the #1 ranking several years ago in patio design.

As the mason contractor on the job, our firm was dealing with a 20-year old pool with similarly-aged coping surrounded by grass where had never been a patio. There was also a concrete spa the family never used because it was uncomfortable.

The fact that the clients really loved the existing pool coping made Bill’s job even more interesting. After visiting several mason suppliers, and finding it impossible to obtain the original coping, he turned to Techo-Bloc to make a match. This coping had tan and grey tones, and Techo-Bloc’s sandalwood paving stones were an extremely good complement.

We also constructed a retaining wall and masonry steps down to the pool patio. The finished design featured a five-level patio all around the swimming pool. Later we added new maintenance-free decking.

So if you’re interested in creating your own backyard paradise, whatever the size of your space, a little creativity goes a long way.

Cascading Water Features:

There are five different patio levels around the pool, all comprised of Techo-Bloc. The design features cascading water, a hot water fall into a new spa, then a spillover from the spa five feet above the main pool.

Raised Spillover Spas:

We began by demolishing the old uncomfortable spa and replacing it with a new acrylic one. Using Techo-Bloc “Creta” wall stone, we created the face between the raised acrylic spillover spa and the swimming pool.

Techo-Bloc Patios

The couple didn’t want to deal with much maintenance and our solution was a raised patio design. The challenge was the steep slope that ran away from the house making it necessary to put solid compactable materials underneath to avoid settling issues later on.

Backyard Retreats:

In total, there are five waterfalls, plus a swim-up bar in the pool that features stunning granite countertops and a shade pergola. From the highest waterfall, to the lawn below, is an elevation change of twelve feet, all with a different grades.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00May 8th, 2014|Awards, Deck and Patios, Patios & Decks, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|0 Comments

When an Outdoor Oasis Includes More Than a Pool
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When an Outdoor Oasis Includes More Than a Pool

These clients had five children under age of six, and they were seeking a vision that would suit their large young family. They knew they wanted a pool, but because of the topography, the pool would have to located far away from the house. Therefore, any pool would become a “destination” pool, with an outdoor kitchen, bathroom, living room area, changing room, etc. nearby.

However, as Deck and Patio’s Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter, looked up the hill from the designated pool area, he felt: yes, it was nice, but it was also a great opportunity to create something spectacular. The clients loved his complete vision that included the pool area, plus a meandering stream that would cascade down the slope into a new koi pond.

However, there was one major concern. How could they enjoy the waterfall and stream from the house and upper patio area? It seemed they would have to be down at pool area to enjoy it.

We ended up creating an additional waterfall at the top of the slope that faced the house-kitchen area. That way, they could see a waterfall, and the beginning of the stream; from slightly beyond that vantage point, the stream takes an abrupt U-turn, and flows down through five separate cascades, before ending in the lower area pond.

Destination Pools:

Because of the topography, the pool had to be located far from the house, down a steep grade. Our vision included adding beautiful creeping ground cover and boulders, so that even the property’s challenging raised grades were turned into benefits. Also, by installing enough retaining boulders and plant materials, we coaxed Mother Nature’s own gravity into pumping water naturally into a pond.

Attracting Wildlife In Backyards:

Not just humans appreciate a pond water feature. Birds and butterflies will be attracted as well. Birds love gently moving water. Just provide a place for them to land, such as rock platforms, or design a shallow end as part of the feature. And by keeping the water circulating, this will also help prevent mosquito larvae from hatching.

Backyard Water Features:

Our vision was to take advantage of the steep property grade to create a beautiful slope with five cascading waterfalls, moss rock boulders, evergreens, perennials and annuals, plus a series of stairs and landings to bring them down to a new lower pool area.

Backyard Ponds:

A properly-designed pond will not attract mosquitoes, as mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to produce their offspring. Most backyard-ponds have constantly moving water because of the stream feeding it. Additionally, any mosquito larvae that manage to hatch will either be sucked into the pond skimmer, or eaten by the fish.

Picture-Perfect Waterfalls:

We ended up creating an additional waterfall at the top of the slope that faced the house-kitchen area. That way, they could see a waterfall, and the beginning of the stream; from slightly beyond that vantage point, the stream takes an abrupt U-turn, and flows down through five separate cascades, before ending in the lower area pond.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:47-05:00April 10th, 2014|Ask the Experts, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Steps, Unique Ideas, Updating Landscape|0 Comments

When to Use Paving Stones
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When to Use Paving Stones

Whether it is for a patio, stepping stone path, driveway, or spa and pool surround, there we often recommend concrete pavers. In many cases, these are not only cost-effective, but because they come in so many designs, shapes, and colors, they are extremely flexible and adaptable to a large variety of jobs.

Also, we love them because they look so natural. Instead of one-sized brick being placed throughout an entire patio or retaining wall, some manufacturers’ kits — which include varying shapes — ensure an attractive design, for example, a random pattern in lieu of straight lines and flat images, or in a running block pattern. It also means that because of manufacturers often offer a wide list of product materials, matching stones are readily available for complementary retaining walls, steps, risers, coping, etc. The following is one example of an attractive random pattern.

For this project, we helped our clients choose an attractive random pattern for their patio.

For another design and build project (below 2 photos), our outdoor living expert created five different patio levels around a pool and integrated moss rock stone with the pavers.

In addition to the patios, this overall project features cascading water, a hot water fall into a new spa, then a spillover from the spa five feet above the main pool. In total there are five waterfalls. From the highest waterfall to the lawn below is an elevation change of twelve feet — all with different grades.

We created five different patio levels around the pool, all comprised of concrete pavers.

Five feet above the main pool, this backyard retreat renovation features cascading water into a new spa surrounded by spa patio made from concrete pavers.

We also believe that using pavers will not only provide a beautiful pool deck, but they offer a safer surface that prevents slipping.* In addition, they maintain a cooler walking area and can handle moisture better than concrete surfaces. And because the pavers we recommend to our clients are stronger than regular concrete, they are extremely durable for regular entertaining.

In another design and build project (below), we added a swim up bar in the main pool that features stunning granite countertops, as well as in-pool bar stools, swim out steps, a slide, and pergola.

Durable and resilient, certain concrete pavers can create a pool surround that stands up to lots of foot traffic.

In addition to using our favorite paving stones for the following patio project, we recommended using one manufacturer’s “Rocka” steps, along with moss rock boulders and creeping plant material. This combination handsomely stabilized a hill area without the need of a retaining wall.

The “Rocka” steps we recommended have a wide-walking slip-resistant surface* — key to any project that is part of a water feature. www.deckandpatio.com

*Note: Some pavers claim to surpass the slip resistance standards established by the American Disabilities Act. However, these manufacturers also say that some sealers on the market can decrease the friction coefficient of pavers under wet conditions. Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert therefore recommends speaking with a professional when considering sealing pavers where non-slip resistance is desired.

By June Sullivan|2017-01-21T16:34:51-05:00August 8th, 2013|Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Pools & Spas, Spillover/Custom Spas, Steps|0 Comments

How to Breathe New Life into Pool and Landscaping
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How to Breathe New Life into Pool and Landscaping

Just as indoor living areas become outdated over time, outdoor landscaping, patios and pools require updating as well, says our Deck and Patio outdoor living expert. When he was brought in by the homeowners to consult on this special project, for example, he worked out a plan of what to keep and what to improve or restore.

Before work began, our outdoor living expert showed the homeowners exactly what their transformed backyard would look like using our AutoCad 3-D animation computer program. Through this software application, the clients were able to get a clear picture of our proposal which included (1) upgrading the pool and spa; (2) expanding the property’s confining upper and lower patios to open up the space and show off their property’s spectacular views of Long Island Sound; (3) the addition of new colorful plants and flowers to enhance the opened up water views.

Using a 3-D animation computer program, we were able to show clients what upgrades to pool and patios would look like.

The Pool: The existing 20-plus-year-old gunite pool was operating with equipment that was out of date. Since the plan called for tearing out all the existing patios, this presented the perfect opportunity to gain access to the pool’s equipment for upgrading. The old plumbing system was replaced. Also, new items such as piping skimmers, filter, heater, pump and inlet valve returns were added.

We also refinished the inside of the pool, changing it from white to a dark gray. This new color reacts with the water to give a more desirable “natural lagoon” effect. Swim-out steps were added, as well as a new stepping stone path beside the pool to provide a swath of natural charm within the expansive patio areas.

This upgraded pool with its new amenities will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The pool upgrade included refinishing the inside of the pool, adding new pool plumbing, filter, pump, piping skimmers, and inlet valve returns.

The Patios: Our outdoor living expert transformed what the client described as a “problem area” — a confining upper patio — into a special feature. The upper patio was where the clients liked to sit in the shade and enjoy the view and it was expanded to allow flexibility in outdoor furniture choices as well as opening up their property’s vistas of Long Island Sound. In addition, an equally confining lower patio was enlarged for sunning and an outdoor kitchen was added for entertaining.

Backyard retreat renovation includes enlarged patios and beautiful new landscaping.

The existing spa, which circulates pool water, constantly fills up with pool water, then water falls via the spillover channel into their pool. When expanding the patio near the master bedroom, we took the opportunity to upgrade the spa by adding boulders and turning the spill over into a larger waterfall to create a more beautiful pool scene.

Boulders and a waterfall were added to the existing spillover spa. The spa patio was also enlarged by the master bedroom.

Landscaping: In addition to adding a new outdoor kitchen to the main pool patio area, Deck and Patio created a secret garden path at the side of the house that leads to the clients’ private barbecue patio and a new pondless water feature. Other landscaping upgrades included new plantings to screen out unwanted views and the addition of colorful plants and flowers to enhance the breathtaking water views. The result of the overall transformation is the homeowners enjoy stunning vistas and a feeling of space from all areas of their yard.

The landscaping was upgraded to screen out unwanted views and also to enhance the property’s stunning views of Long Island Sound.

Our outdoor living expert says of this job, “The clients’ ideas were turned into reality with the blending of the old pool and expanded new patios, waterfalls, boulders and, of course, landscaping. Plus the upgrade of the pool — the heart of their outdoor retreat — means they can enjoy this special backyard retreat for many years to come.”