By the Builders – The Latest in Cool Pool Features

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build the custom pool of your dreams. What features would you like your pool to have? And if you need some inspiration, here are some of the latest (and coolest) swimming pool trends…

Infinity edge pools. Similar to how the edge of a waterfall looks from the top of the waterfall. This type of pool feature creates the visual effect that water in the pool is extending out to the horizon or to “infinity” with no edge to hold the water in. This feature is also called a zero edge, vanishing edge, negative edge, or disappearing edge pool. Infinity pools are often a common feature at luxury resort hotel pools, and give the pool a dreamy, “romantic” look that you’ll simply fall in love with.

Zero entry pool. Rather than steps leading into the pool, a zero entry pool has a slope entry that gradually gets deeper as you go farther into the pool. This is another elegant pool feature to compliment your infinity edge pool. This gives you the feeling of being at the beach and simply walking gradually into the ocean. Like being at the beach, this feature allows you to sit comfortably in a shallow pool of water maybe with a drink in-hand, just without sitting in wet sand.

Rock climbing walls. Why not add a climbing wall to your custom Tulsa pool design? Have fun rock climbing without the bulky ropes and harnesses. These fun and athletic custom climbing walls offer a great way to enjoy the sport of rock climbing while also enjoying the pool.

Jumping platforms. If you want to add more excitement to your Tulsa pool design, installing a jumping platform or a fun slide will do the trick. Whether a wooden platform or a slab diving rock, these jumping platforms offer a fun area for kids or adults alike. These platforms or diving boards (if your pool is designed to be deep enough to be safe for diving or jumping in) afford more functionality for your pool area. Stone pavers or boulders surrounding the jumping platform can add a natural elegance to the pool.

Volleyball net.  This pool accessory will be fun for the whole family, and a great way to entertain friends. It’s sure to take your pool games and fun to the next level.

Built-in hot tub. A classic Tulsa pool design accessories, in-ground hot tubs and spas are the quintessential poolside luxury. Create a romantic night at home with a built-in hot tub in your Tulsa outdoor environment. With a variety of options and designs available, a hot tub or spa would complete the look and function of your custom pool area.

The Tulsa pool builders at Oklahoma Landscape can design and build a custom pool for your Tulsa outdoor living space with all the latest trends in pool accessories. Call us today to discuss features for your dream pool!

 

Ways to Reinvigorate your Tulsa Patio without Breaking the Bank

With summer in full swing, are you looking to make over your patio area and create a more functional and stunning outdoor living space? Here are some tips on giving your patio look a boost on a budget.

Curtains. Sheer curtains are good for creating a whole new look for your Tulsa patio. Creating a little shade and flow of color around a pergola or patio, these interior design items are also great for an outdoor environment as well.

Container garden. Artfully placed containers can bring much added beauty to your patio area. They can be used to lead guests along a certain path or showcase a focal point in your outdoor space.

Lounge area. To add seating space to your patio, an old mattress or daybed that’s still in good condition can be placed on a platform or other raised surface to add a spa-like lounge area that you’ll be sure to enjoy with family and friends.

Reuse, recycle, reinvent. Create new purposes from your old furniture by staining the wood or adding trendy cushions and new slipcovers to enhance thrift store pieces.  Design rich pieces you find at flea markets or thrift shops can become focal points for a small patio area.  A large secondhand table can work great in a patio dining area. Paint or stain an old coffee table to create more dining space in your patio.

Outdoor Lighting. Easily add color and elegance to a patio area. Hanging lanterns are great for bringing both style and light to your Tulsa outdoor living space.

“Mixing and matching different patterns can give any space a designer look,” HGTV noted. Speaking of cushions, just buying new cushions and pillows for your patio area can really enhance your outdoor space.

Paint and Art. It can take only simple coat of paint to a patio area to completely change the look of your outdoor space. Add some unique pieces of art to your patio area that you’ve found a thrift stores over the years to reinvigorate the space. Design Sponge noted one South Carolina home that used a high-gloss light blue paint on the ceiling and floors on the porch.

For more design ideas about transforming your patio on a budget, visit http://www.babble.com/home/25-beautiful-patios-on-a-budget/.

If you need help or more inspiration for creating an amazing patio area or outdoor environment, talk to the Tulsa outdoor living space design/build professionals at Oklahoma Landscape.

 

 

 

 

Fertilization and Pet Safety Tips for Your Tulsa Lawn

We love our pets! We want them to be able to fully enjoy the grassy space of the outdoors. But at times our Tulsa lawn’s fertilization and weed control needs may require the use chemicals that if ingested can  have serious effects on dogs and cats.

“While small ingestions of fertilizer may only result in mild stomach upset, larger ingestions can result in severe poisoning from the iron, nitrogen, and other chemicals,” The Pet Poison Helpline noted.

It’s very easy for pets to pick up fertilizer on their paws, or body, by rolling around in a lawn, and thereafter quickly ingest the weed control herbicide or fertilizer.

Dr. Petra Volmer, a veterinarian and toxicologist at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana said in an article about pets and safety around fertilizers stated, “If you find your pet rolling or walking in a recently sprayed area or spray him by accident, immediately wash the substance off with a mild dish soap, such as Dawn, and contact a veterinarian.”

Dr. Volmer  also noted that insecticides like those used in the garden for roses and molluscicides for snails, , are often more toxic to pets than herbicides or fertilizers so it’s good for homeowners to be especially careful when using these around animals.

What can you do to protect your pets when you’re fertilizer or weed control treatment to your Tulsa lawn?

It’s always best to follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label exactly in how much to put down and when to permit access to lawn again. Applying too much fertilizer may cause the grass to retain the fertilizer residue for an extended period of time.

Carrie Gustavson with the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine stated “…make sure a treated lawn is completely dry after waiting the maximum period recommended on the label. To be extra safe, consider watering down the lawn after application and letting it dry before allowing pets into the area.”

Liquid fertilizers, may be harder to see on the lawn, and to know if they’ve been absorbed into the soil. Often water will be used along with a liquid fertilizer to help it be absorbed into the soil. You’ll need to keep pets off the lawn until the grass is visibly dry after being watered, an article in the SFGate Home Guide noted.

With granular fertilizers broadcasted across the lawn it can more easily be noticed that the fertilizer pellets have dissolved and been absorbed into the soil after a watering of the lawn. Generally, you can allow your pets back onto the lawn 24 hours from when you last saw any granules on the grass blades.

You may want to wait at least 48 hours after the fertilizer application before you allow your pets back onto the lawn, to be on the safe side.

“Consulting a professional landscaper for custom fertilizing instructions is the best way to stay safe if you are unsure of the application amount,” the SFGate Home Guide noted.

Oklahoma Landscape, Tulsa lawn care and landscaping company, can take care of all your lawn fertilization and weed control needs so that your lawn not only stays beautiful but is also safe for your pets.