Cool Landscaping Ideas That Require Little Maintenance

/in /by

Have you ever driven through a neighborhood to see houses with gorgeous landscaping only to wish that your home looked that good? Well, it can. In fact, you can choose from a host of cool landscaping ideas for your Overland Park, KS, home that not only look incredible but are also low maintenance.

For your enjoyment and to enhance curb appeal, a lush green lawn, blooming flowers, and green plants are perfect. However, with a busy schedule, you cannot dedicate a lot of time to keeping the landscaping looking its best. With low-maintenance plants, your yard will remain beautiful even without constant pampering.

  • Drought Resistant – Although Overland Park, KS, receives an ample amount of both rain and snow, during dry summers, it also experiences drought conditions. In addition to beautiful vegetation, plants that can go without a lot of water will reduce your monthly utility bill. Things like ornamental grasses and succulents are perfect.
  • Regional Choices – Another excellent tip for your Overland Park, KS, home is to choose plants that are popular throughout the region. Daylilies, switchgrass, and catmint are just a few possibilities. Because these and other plants grow best in Kansas, they require little maintenance.
  • Contrasting Color – You can make your home pop by using landscaping plants that produce blooms of contrasting color. Low-maintenance plants, like geraniums and carnations, make excellent additions. 
  • Outdoor Living Space – If you want to enhance an open patio or pool area, use ground covering plants to create a design around the perimeter. A little bit of weeding is all you need to keep the area gorgeous.
  • Rock Garden – Although you might think of someone in Arizona rather than Overland Park, KS, having a rock garden, this is a viable landscaping option. For a touch of color, you can add succulents in between some of the rocks. Even a few rose bushes scattered here and there are stunning yet easy to maintain.

Incredible Pool and Deck Lighting Ideas

/in /by

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your backyard? Do you want something that makes the area more enticing but also safer? If so, contact a reputable pool builder who can bring your dream of pool and deck lighting to fruition. Especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, the correct lights are essential.

If you have no idea what you want, you might start by considering some of the pool and deck lighting options mentioned below. Keep in mind that when you work with a professional pool builder that also handles landscape lighting, the two of you can work together to come up with even more possibilities.

  • Stair Lights – If your pool or deck has stairs, you want to illuminate them at night. In addition to enhanced safety, stair lighting creates a calming aura. For this, you could choose pole lights, recessed lights, and more.
  • Low-Voltage Lights – Another excellent idea involves the installation of low-voltage lighting. Due to the ease of installation, an expert can have the system in place in no time. A key benefit of low-voltage lighting is that it consumes less energy, making it an eco-friendly solution.
  • LED Lights – LEDs for pool and deck lighting are also perfect. These lights use at a minimum of 75 percent less lighting compared to incandescent bulbs. They are also more durable, have a 50 percenter longer lifespan, and they produce less heat. If you do most of your entertaining during the summer, LED lighting is ideal. 
  • Solar Lights – You might also consider solar pool and deck lighting. The advantage here is that instead of powering on using electricity, energy generated from the sun stores in small batteries. As soon as the sun goes down, the lights come on automatically and remain on until sunrise. 
  • String Lights – Do you want something a little more romantic or fun? Check out string lights. The installer would string these lights from different points to create a unique design. You can select from a broad range of styles, including star-shaped, miniature lanterns, globe lights, and so on.

Pool Preparation: Getting Your Pool Ready for Winter

/in /by

All too soon, Kansas and Missouri will experience winter conditions. In addition to bitterly cold days, both states receive quite a bit of snow. If you have a swimming pool, you need to develop a plan before things change. With pool preparation, you do not have to worry about damage to the pool itself or any of the mechanical components.

While you can handle some of the pool preparation items, you want to hire a professional to take care of the rest. Some examples include:

  • Water Quality Test – It is essential to have a water quality test performed. That way, the expert can add the proper winter products. If you plan to keep your pool filled, you want the water clear and balanced. Next summer, this will make opening the pool easier. As part of this, the professional would run the filtration system and then shock the water a few days before closing the pool. That individual will also add sanitizers and an algaecide that prevents the growth of algae.
  • Filtration System – Another step consists of turning the filter off and setting the valve to backwash. After connecting the proper hose to the port, the system would run for about 5 minutes. Again, the expert turns the filter off, turns the valve to rinse, and runs the system for roughly 30 seconds. If you have a DE or cartridge filter, the professional can disassemble it for winter storage.
  • Water Level – Even if you do not plan to drain the pool, the pool preparation plan would include lowering the water level approximately 6 inches.
  • Clearing the Lines – For winter pool preparation, it is also essential to have the lines cleared. Any water left inside would freeze. After expanding, the frozen water would cause the pipes to crack, leaving you with an expensive mess.
  • Compressor – By turning the multi-port valve to closed, air cannot enter the filter. With this complete, the expert will add winter plugs.