Thinking About Solar for Your Orange County Swimming Pool

Have you been toying with the idea of installing a solar pool heating system to your Orange County swimming pool? It’s not just about solar panels, anymore. Technology has created great advances in solar power, and you may be surprised by how easily alternative energy sources can be added to your Orange County swimming pool.

Depending on your situation, installing a solar swimming pool system may greatly reduce the cost of heating your pool. Upgrades come in a variety of solutions, from installing a series of solar collectors to putting in an energy efficient heater or possibly a swimming pool cover, but the end result is a lower swimming pool heating bill and an extended swimming season, which is something ALL Orange County pool owners can appreciate.

Depending on your area and the amount of sunlight hours your Orange County swimming pool receives, you could probably save enough for a complete pool remodel (not really, that was just to make sure you were paying attention). However, you would see a marked savings immediately since the heat is free once your system is installed and pay for the system within 3-4 years, based on a six month cycle of use.

Dreamscapes by M.G.R. offers a variety of systems to control your solar pool temperature to the degree you desire. As a licensed swimming pool contractor, we can outline options to help you as you strive to save money and the environment. If you are an existing Dreamscapes customer, we can help you upgrade your systems to solar, as well. Give us a call at 800.446.1281 to see how you can be more energy efficient while still maintaining beauty in your Orange County landscaping!

Meet Your Neighborhood Swimming Pool and Landscape Contractor

Meet Your Neighborhood Swimming Pool and Landscape Contractor

Have you noticed anything new lately at Dreamscapes by M.G.R.?  We sure hope so! Our website just underwent an entire redesign to make it easier for you to find what you need to know when considering a Swimming Pool and Landscape Contractor in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego.

Pottery spillways into pool, Dreamscape by MGR leading pool contractor in Orange County

This post is designed to walk you through our site, step by step, and put you in touch with the resources you need to get your landscaping done professionally and hassle-free.

Our Gallery of completed work can be found in the Portfolio Section of the site and you’ll be amazed at the numerous finished backyards and landscaping projects to inspire you.  Clicking on individual images at the top of the page will lead you to a more detailed look as you consider our swimming pools, landscaping, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, custom water falls, patio covers, and concrete staining options.  We provide a wealth of swimming pool and landscaping design assistance and, to make sure the vision is complete,  provide swimming pool and spa construction services alongside the designs.  Please let us know your favorites and ask how Dreamscapes by M.G.R. can bring these looks (and others) to your home.

As you think through the process of landscape redesign, you’ll want to know more about our process.  You can find information by visiting the Design Section of our website or our Remodeling Section where you can see drastic change in our before and after images.  If you are specifically interested in how we do swimming pool remodels, click on the Pools & Spas Tab to learn all about pool finishes, decking, lighting, landscaping, and custom features.

Once you’ve been “wowed” by the service and beauty we offer, you’ll want to know about our affordability.  You can read About Us here or seek a custom estimate that considers your budget and needs by visiting our Contact Page to find the location nearest you.  We would love to be part of your next project whether you seek an Orange County Swimming Pool and Landscape Contractor or a swimming pool, spa, and landscape builder in Los Angeles, Riverside or San Diego. You can trust us to deliver a Dreamscape to you.  Call us today at 800.446.1281 to find out more!

Pool Safety

Though your pool will become your aquatic playground and provide countless hours of relaxation and pleasure, keep in mind that it is always a potential source of danger. You should always observe the following safety tips when you, your family and guests are in and around your pool.

  • Provide constant supervision when children are in and around your pool.
  • Running, pushing, shoving or horseplay should not be permitted.
  • Diving should only be done from the deepest end of the pool.
  • Only one person should use a diving board at a time.
  • Make sure your children know how to swim.
  • Learn basic water safety training, including rescue methods.
  • Keep a first-aid kit near the pool. Inspect the contents of the first aid kit frequently and replace supplies as they are used.
  • Invest in basic lifesaving equipment and always keep it near the pool. Inspect all lifesaving equipment regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and easily accessible. Basic lifesaving equipment should include a ring buoy with rope attached and a rescue hook.
  • Consider having a cordless phone near the pool for emergencies.
  • Take precautions by restricting access to your pool when no one is around. Do not permit other adults or children to use the pool by themselves. Consider installing an alarm system to alert you when someone enters the pool area.
  • Illuminate the interior of the pool and the area around it with ample lighting. Be certain that a swimmer can be easily seen before allowing nighttime swimming. Be sure that all lights are in good working order.
  • Inspect the drain grates of your pool or spa. Immediately replace damaged grates. Steer activities away from drain grates and do not allow children to sit on them. The suction from a drain grate can hold a person underwater.
  • Consider installing a childproof safety fence around the perimeter of the pool.

Landscaping

Any backyard paradise will ultimately be separated from the ordinary to the extraordinary by the elements surrounding the pool. This again is where having a talented design/build firm such Dreamscapes is key to a successful project. The softscape is what helps to beautify and accent the pool and hardscape while also providing privacy, shade, and segregating play and garden areas from poolside. The planting selection and design is also important around the pool because some trees, plants and flowers make better choices than others. Bees, fallen leaves/twigs, etc. can all effect the overall enjoyment and maintenance of your pool. Many clients forget to include the planting and landscape lighting for their yard in their overall budget but in many case these finishing touches are what will complete the yard and make for a perfect finished project.

A Perfect Balance

A key part of any great pool design is to create a perfect balance of water elements, hardscape and softscape. The proper use of shape, balance, textures and elements should attract and inspire an individual. We’re confident that we can design the perfect environment for any client which is visually stimulating and will complement the home architecture as well as be an extension of their interior living area. With the information you provide us on the important key elements of the pool and how it will be used we can then develop these elements into the perfect design for your yard. Other questions to ask yourself during this phase: Will the pool be used more in the morning, afternoon or evening? Is a back yard BBQ important to you? Would a fire pit or outdoor fireplace be of interest so you can better enjoy the yard on a chilly evening? Taking some of these things into consideration will help us create a pool and landscape design that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come.

Custom Pool Options

The pool industry has made big changes in the last decade with regard to options for pool finishes, pool lighting, water features, and energy efficient pool equipment. The beauty of any pool is in the small touches and details. We can help you select the right options for your pool that will distinguish it from all others and create the perfect ambiance. Serene water features, beautiful and durable pool finishes and the latest in pool equipment technology can make your Dreamscapes pool the perfect oasis.

LED Lighting

For years the industry used standard halogen lighting or halogen lighting with old school color wheels to create different color changing options. Newer LED technology now combines individual colored LEDs that are mixed and matched to achieve a seamless and vibrant spectrum of colors. New LED lighting is now also available for shallow water reef steps to create well lit pool entries like never before. LED lighting is also much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent and halogen pool and spa lights.

Interior Pool Finishes

The pool interior finish will affect the overall look of the pool and enhance the color and natural beauty of the water. This is an important decision and Dreamscapes can walk you through the options available. While standard white plaster used to be the norm today you can find finishes with quartz, stone pebbles, polished stone, glass beads or complete tile veneer.

Decking

Several options are available for your pool decking such as: travertine or concrete pavers, flagstone, brick, or concrete. Dreamscapes can help walk you through these options and can recommend materials based on overall desired look and budget. Desired space needed for sun bathing, seating and dining will need to also be considered. It’s very important that you have a good balance between the pool area, softscape and the hardscape. This is again where an excellent final landscape design is important and something that Dreamscapes shines in.

Automatic Pool Water Leveler

This is an important addition for any pool to maintain its water level. Surprisingly many pool contractors don’t mention it or show it as an option. Many contractors will give you a water fill line that is connected to a hose bib but will still need to be manually turned on. The negative of this is that you will still have to be available to turn the water fill line on (which is difficult if you’re traveling) and, more importantly, turn the water off or it could result in an overflowing pool which could flood your yard. Automatic water levelers can do this for you automatically, while guarding against everyday water evaporation.

Water Purification

We highly recommend and install salt-based chlorine generators to keep your pool water sparkling clean and safe. We have installed hundreds of them with great success and reliability. Many other options are available, from the traditional use of chlorine and other chemicals to more sophisticated systems such as mineral based purification systems or ozone systems.

Discover Your Perfect Oasis

Let us help create your perfect outdoor oasis. The prospect of putting in a new pool or spa can be overwhelming at first but our designers will help walk you through the designing process and all the options available thoroughly to create your new paradise. To help get you started on this exciting process we’ve broken down some of the more important aspects to begin considering so that you fully understand the options available to you and what best fits your family’s individual lifestyle.

Family Fun

We’re a family oriented company at Dreamscapes and for us knowing that were creating a space that your family can grow long lasting memories together is truly satisfying for us. Family fun can be had in abundance with your Dreamscapes pool. Options include rock water falls with grottos and slides, water features and water sports. If jumping off point and diving is important then you may want to look at having your pool be at least 7’ to 8’ to allow for any daredevils in the family to safely do unlimited cannon balls. If your focus is family time then find what’s important to your family interests and let us help incorporate these desires into your pool design.

A Play Pool for Exercise and Sports

Is your main interest in a pool for exercise or sports? When considering the element of exercise, you may want to consider a play pool. Play pools are generally designed with a depth of 3ft to 5ft to 3ft. This size and depth pool is great for water sports such as volleyball or basketball. If swimming laps is more important then, if your space will allow it, we can build a longer pool to allow for a better exercise routine.After your play time or exercise you can relax your tired muscles in an attached spa with massage jets to work out the kinks.

Serenity

Are you looking for your backyard to be your own personal escape where you can relax and unwind? A pool can be instrumental when it comes to relaxation and peace of mind. One that’s surrounded by tranquility yet alive with the serene sounds of moving water. Imagine the soothing sounds of water spillways or beautiful rock water features. The ultimate in relaxation can be a heated spa with new massage jet technology that is now available for gunite spas. The overall goal here is creating a space that inspires relaxation and escape from your busy lifestyle.

Pool Shape and Size

Once you’ve decided how you will be using your pool the shape and size can better be determined. Most times people want to combine all the elements mentioned above for the perfect pool escape.This is where a talented and knowledgeable designer is important. Our Dreamscapes designer and will help you select the perfect size, shape and location to best meet your needs and budget. Your custom design will be created to meet your individual tastes and requirements and not just be a cookie cutter boiler plate pool shape.

Water Features

From elegant water bowl features to beautiful rock waterfalls the possibilities are endless. Not only does a relaxing and beautiful water feature bring years of extra enjoyment, but it’s also an investment that adds to the value of your new pool and home. Dreamscapes can help design the perfect water feature elements into your project to help create the perfect environment.

Entertaining

Imagine a beautiful covered loggia with swim-up bar and stools. A place for entertaining of family and friends, or to just have a relaxing drink by the pool, while enjoying a break from the hot sun. A custom loggia is perfect place for parties and family gatherings.Your pool can be designed as an entertainer’s paradise!