Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

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Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

I know it is winter time now but that means that while everyone in the cold climates are stuck indoors and getting cabin fever already, we can start to imagine our backyard makeover for next summer….

Maybe you have always wanted a pool or maybe a portable spa?

Some of you may already have these items but need to give your back yard a facelift, how about a new deck or patio?

One of the most common makeovers is the patio or deck; these can be made from all different kinds of material,

    ·       wood

          ·       treks decking

·        pavers

                                             ·       Concrete the options are plentiful.

First thing you need to do is decide how big or small of a deck or patio you need or want. When it comes to spas a good rule is to have the patio at least 3 feet larger than the spa itself to have some walking room around it.

Another great makeover idea is landscaping, I love to see backyard gardens around a pool or spa they just add some peacefulness to the area, I think so anyway.

·       When considering landscaping it is best to hire a professional to do the layout and install as most of the contractors have a detailed education and experience in these matters and can give you some great ideas.

Lighting is also a great mood enhancer. There are several lighting options as well.

                    ·       Spot lighting to highlight a beautiful tree or the house itself.

·       Low level garden lights to accent a walking path

               ·       Stick lights to go around the perimeter of the deck or spa

               ·       Paver lights. Designed to be flushed with the pavers but illuminate

                      ·       Step lighting for wood or treks decking, a lighted step area for safety when going up or down the steps.

Fire pit area is one of my favorite things to do as well. There are several types of these you can choose from.

          ·       Wood burning

·       Propane

     ·       Natural Gas

                                                ·       Outdoor fireplace (also wood burning)

No matter what your ideas are; start thinking now about what you would like to do so you will have plenty of time to design and re-design the plans (believe me you will be glad you started now).

Until Next Time….

Should you sink that new spa into your deck or not?

Rick the Spa Guy

Should you sink that new spa into your deck or not?


Lately several potential spa customers have told me they plan on sinking their new spa into their deck, while I agree this look is very nice it does present it's own set of important issues.

Photo courtesy of Sundance Spas

1. First and foremost "How will the spa get serviced"? There isn't a spa manufacturer out there that makes a perfect spa. You can expect to need a service call within the first two years of spa ownership, usually it is very simple like a loose fitting that needs tightening or a blown fuse but you will still need to access the front panel and have room to work.
2. Will the spa company that services your spa climb under a deck to do warranty service repairs. They are not required to do so by the contract from the manufacturer, it is the owners responsibility to provide access to the spa for all needed repairs.
3. In the event that your spa has a leak, a service company may need to remove all the panels around the spa to search for where the leak is coming from this will entail that the spa be removed from the deck and refilled and powered up while up on top of the deck so that the leak can be found, all of the expense to remove the spa and re-direct the electric will fall on the homeowner.

With these issues being considered does it still make sense to drop your new spa into the deck? That is a question only you can answer but I will tell you that about 30% of owners that drop the spa into the deck regret it after needing service a couple of times.

Photo Courtesy of Sundance Spas

What's the solution? Have the area within 2 feet of the spa removable, create trap doors that can be lifted out to access the spa cabinetry. A good contractor can do this and make it look like the trap doors are not even there. I feel the expense for this is FAR less than the expense of removing the spa from the deck for service and you only need to do it once. So please plan out your deck ahead of time.


FYI... Six more weeks of winter according to "PHIL" ...


Until Next Time....