We were planning on getting a swimming pool for many years, and therefore had many, estimates by other pool companies. I originally had no idea that Gappsi installed pools, until a friend recommended Giuseppe. We called on a Saturday morning to set up an estimate and Giuseppe showed up at 2 pm that day! Because of Giuseppe’s clear vision and honesty in explaining the cost of everything, we were sold. We started the permit process and the pool was started 1 week after getting the permits. We have 4 children who were more than anxious for their pool to be done. The hole was dug on May 5th and my kids were swimming in their pool on June 6th. As for the paving….the job was far superior to any other paving job we have had done. The men were meticulous and extremely professional…every cut is perfect. As a matter of fact, I don’t even want the loop-loc cover because I don’t want metal screws drilled into my perfectly beautiful patio! I have recommended Gappsi to my friends and family and will continue to do so. Thank you Giuseppe for the beautiful addition to our back yard! The Morawski Family
Find Out About the Many Amazing Stone Fountains Available on Long Island
Natural stone is one of the most popular ways to decorate any backyard or garden along with fountains, so of course stone fountains are a very popular choice. The types of stone fountains out there are just about as limitless as your imagination, and they are made using all sorts of different stones. In addition these stone fountains can serve a number of purposes, along with being a great decorative item.
Types of stone fountains
The materials used for stone fountains are as varied as the types of stones for any garden or backyard decoration including travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone and more. In addition many of these fountains are actually molded from ceramic, or are made from concrete molds. The differences between these options are many. Obviously natural stone, especially from a solid piece, is more expensive, more durable, and many argue more beautiful. This is not to say that less expensive options cannot also be very attractive. Other materials are far more common due both to price and availability. Another difference is how durable the fountain is. Most quality stone fountains are able to stand up to all kinds of increment weather and even the occasional topple and other backyard accident, however those made of real stone of course are considerably more durable, lasting for years and practically indestructible.
Next is the design of the fountain. The fountain assumes moving water, which means there is a pump in place. Sometimes this is a free standing fountain, other times it must be hooked up to some power source. The actual design can vary however, the most popular is a style resembling a bird bath, but the options are endless. You’ll find stone fountains in the shape of statues, like peeing seraph or little angels with water coming forth from their mouth. Animal shapes are also common for this type of fountain. Sometimes these will be in the shape of a woman pouring a jug of water or some other creative scene. Some stone fountains take on more the look of a waterfall, with the water flowing over a stone surface creating a soothing gurgling, bubbling sound, or a flowing stream with a similar but more calming effect.
Why should I get a stone fountain?
Of course whether to put in a stone fountain is primarily a matter of taste. Most find them to be very relaxing and the perfect addition to their backyard or garden. They often double as a convenient bird bath for those who enjoy watching fowl and they can act as a center piece to a garden area.
How much should stone fountains cost?
Many are surprised by just how inexpensive some stone fountains can be. Smaller ceramic models are often available for around a hundred dollars, or even less. Large fountains made of real stone may cost much more, and many times these will need to be professionally installed. One common feature is that all stone fountains can add beauty and value to your home.
Be sure to take a look at our Long Island Stone Fountains.
Learn About Quality Retaining Walls for Your Long Island Backyard
Have you thought about putting a retaining wall in your backyard? Or perhaps adding a decorative touch to areas of your yard where ground levels vary? A retaining wall is an excellent addition to nearly any yard, and there are a number of benefits to putting a retaining wall up.
Why do I need a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a wall put in place in order to “hold” areas where ground levels vary. There are actually many different uses for a wall like this, and in most instances this type of wall is not a decorative item but one which is necessary in areas like highways located on the side of hills or mountains and for residential areas in the shadow of large hills were landslides may be a danger.
Decorative retaining walls are actually built similar to this; however they are not necessarily put in place in order to divert a “landslide” in your backyard, but more as a great decoration in your yard.
Types of retaining walls
The visual style of the wall aside, there are four main types of retaining walls, each engineered and installed in such a way as to ensure it hold the land at a higher level in place. While not a huge danger in the back yard, the act of cutting away part of earth, or building a mound in order to install a retaining wall, can lead to minor slides even in a backyard. Nothing as dangerous as those on freeways, but enough to potentially harm a garden area for instance. This is why it is important that the wall is built the right way.
1. Gravity Wall – This is a wall sunk lower than bottom ground level, shaped flat facing the higher mound of earth and at an angle for extra strength going toward the lower end.
2. Piling Wall – This wall is also sunk lower in the earth, in this case even lower than a gravity wall. This type of wall is flat on both sides and must be made of a very solid material that can stand up to the weight of earth on the higher side without the benefit of an angle leaning in the opposite direction. This model uses the natural pressure the ground exerts in opposing directions to stay in place.
3. Cantilever Wall – This is shaped much like a gravity wall with a flat side and an angled side to counter the larger area of ground. Here though a section of the buried end juts out vertically beneath the earth, causing the ground to put pressure both forward toward the lower section and downward, canceling the forces out.
4. Anchored Wall – This is a simple flat wall buried to a determined depth beneath the lower level, but with an “anchor” toward the top which is dug in from toward the top of the wall, at a downward angle canceling force much the same way as a cantilever wall, but at a higher point, meaning the wall actually does not need to be as thick.
The type of wall that is right for you all depends on your personal preference and the layout of your yard. Make sure you always higher a professional contractor for your Long Island retaining walls.
Find Out More About Beautiful Long Island Poolscapes
A poolscape is simply the landscape surrounding any pool, along with the shape and the type of pool itself. There are a plethora of options when it comes to the general design and within each theme even more options for the type of greenery and any other decorative items you may want. You can choose to play a hand in the design of the poolscape yourself, higher a professional designer, or rely on the expertise of a contractor. No matter how you choose to design your pool, it is essential you hire a professional to put it all together.
Some general poolscape categories
As mentioned the options are endless. Here are just a few of the popular styles:
• Asian Landscapes
• Bank Checks – This will incorporate a retaining wall
• English Landscape
• Tropical
• Hawaiian
• Fireplace
• Outdoor kitchen
• Garden
• Waterfalls
• Much more
People use combinations of these ideas and all kinds of different greenery.
What’s right for me?
The right type of poolscape all depends on personal preference; however there are some things to keep in mind. First of course is the size of your yard. This in itself may limit your options. Next is the type of ground. This only matters in so much as the amount of work it will take to create the look you want, but for instance areas with hard ground or desert areas may be more expensive when it comes to installing a lot of greenery or a tropical setting. Decide what type of features you want. There are many options like waterfalls, ponds, fountains and more. The actual shape of the pool is a consideration as well. Some settings may look better with a rectangular design, others will compliment curved pools.
Before choosing the style you like you will want to look at plenty of examples, catalogues and websites. Remember, once construction is underway it might be difficult to change your mind.
How much will it cost?
Price really will vary, but you will find that most contractors in any area are competitively priced. Look for a medium and from that list hire the company you feel does the best job from their reviews and samples they provide. Be careful of outliers – those contractors that are a lot more expensive, or way cheaper. This could be a sign something is not completely as it seems. Price will range from the thousands all the way up to the tens of thousands. Hotels and other businesses sometimes spend hundreds of thousands. Whatever you spend, you can be sure that a great design will improve the value of your home and will improve the quality of your time spent in the backyard.
Why do I need a contractor?
A contractor is essential for a job this large. Doing this job the right way will ensure a backyard you can be proud of. Many of the features may be difficult for one not familiar and experienced with creating poolscapes, meaning not hiring a professional can take much longer and can even become more expensive in wasted time and resources.
Looking for a Long Island Poolscape Design? Click here to see our poolscape work.
Different Advantages of Owning Your Long Island Own Swim Spa
Different Advantages of Owning Your Own Swim Spa
A swim spa is a relatively new idea, but one that more and more people is taking advantage of. Often called “endless pools,” these are much smaller than a traditional swimming pool but a little bit longer than your average spa. The jets in a swim spa can be set so that the current is constantly flowing in one direction. This allows you to swim against that current “endlessly” (thus the name endless pool). There are many different kinds of swim spas, and the jets can usually be set so that you may either enjoy a relaxing soak with the full benefits of a traditional spa, or you can get in a good swim without the need of a full size pool in your backyard.
Benefits of a swim spa
Obviously the main benefit is the ability to have a swim whenever you like. Studies show that swimming is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise, providing great cardio and muscle training while also easier on the joints than running. Swimming is a full body workout, unlike most exercises which focus on only one or a handful of parts of your body. This is actually better than a pool though, because it eliminates the need to “turn around” every dozen or so strokes. You can keep a comfortable pace all in one direction for as long as you want, you can usually also adjust the pace at which you must swim to keep with the current.
Along with being a great way to workout, a swim spa is perfect if you do not have a ton of room for a full size pool in your backyard. Also because it is smaller than a pool it is much easier to heat in the winter months, meaning you can swim year-round even if you live in a colder climate.
On top of that, in most swim spas the jets can be adjusted for when you just want to relax. Whether you need to loosen up after a swim or if you are inviting friends or family over to enjoy your spa, simply adjust the settings and you are ready to go.
Different types of swim spas
There are mainly three types of swim spas available; Molded shells you put inside of a deck, self-contained swim spas and component or modular swim spas.
1. Molded shells – These are usually 12 to 24 feet long and come with only the molding for the spa. Heaters, jets and filters are set within the deck however you wish—though generally you’ll need the help of a contractor to do this. The benefit is you can install them anywhere you would like in your yard and decorate the surrounding landscape however you feel.
2. Self-contained swim spas – Also called a portable swim spa, these are just like an above ground spa, but made to the specifications of a swim spa; meaning longer in length with jets that can be adjusted for swimming purposes.
3. Component swim spas – This can go inside or outside and is the most versatile type of swim spa. These can be built to nearly any specified length or depth.
4. Self-contained Fast Lane swim spa jets – While not a swim spa officially, this is one option where jets can actually be fitted to an existing pool, allowing for the “endless swim” experience without the need for an entire swim spa.
Click here to see our gallery of Long Island Swim Spas