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A “maintenance-free backyard” with synthetic grass and a vinyl pool means you won’t need to mow, weed, or heavily treat the grass. The pool’s vinyl lining requires minimal upkeep, making it a low-maintenance option overall. Just focus on basic pool cleaning and occasional debris removal from the synthetic grass surface. Our team recently completed this maintenance-free backyard makeover in Smithtown, N.Y.

Synthetic Grass and Vinyl Pool Installation with Sheer Descent Waterfalls

We started by installing a new vinyl pool. The pool measured 16 x 36 inches and had a depth of 43 to 66 inches, including a gradual slope. In addition, we installed stairs to the raised turf area on both sides of the pool.

A vinyl pool with a sheer descent waterfall refers to an inground swimming pool lined with vinyl, featuring a water feature called a “sheer descent” where a thin, continuous sheet of water cascades down a vertical wall, creating a clean and elegant waterfall effect, often considered a modern design element for pools; this type of waterfall can be easily integrated into a vinyl liner pool due to its design flexibility.

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Key points about a vinyl pool with a sheer descent waterfall:

• Water Feature: Unlike traditional rock-style waterfalls, the “sheer descent” creates a smooth, curtain-like water flow down the wall.
• Design Flexibility: This water feature can be customized to fit the shape and size of the vinyl pool, with options to adjust the water flow and the length of the waterfall.
• Installation: Special considerations may be needed when installing a sheer descent waterfall on a vinyl pool. This often requires a raised wall or specially designed coping to accommodate the water flow.
• Customization Options: The height and width of the waterfall can be customized depending on the pool size and desired water flow, allowing for varying levels of drama.
• Lighting Integration: Adding LED lighting behind the waterfall can create a stunning visual effect at night, especially with color-changing options.

Benefits of a Sheer Descent Waterfall on a Vinyl Pool:

• Elevated Aesthetic: The clean lines and smooth water flow add a modern and sophisticated look to the backyard.
• Relaxing Soundscape: The gentle cascading water creates a calming ambiance.
• Increased Functionality: The waterfall can provide a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the water flow.

Things to consider when planning a sheer descent waterfall on a vinyl pool:

• Pool Layout: Determine the best placement for the waterfall based on the pool’s shape and existing features.
• Water Flow Control: Ensure the waterfall system has adjustable water flow to control the sound and visual impact.
• Maintenance: Consider the additional maintenance required to keep the waterfall clean and functioning correctly.

Retaining Wall Built with Eldorado Cultured Stones

Due to the grade change from the neighbor’s yard, we built a retaining wall. The wall was veneered with eldorado cultured stones.  A retaining wall for a vinyl pool is most commonly constructed using interlocking concrete blocks (segmental retaining walls) stacked together to form a strong and stable wall, offering a good balance of cost-effectiveness and durability compared to other options like poured concrete or large stones.  However, the best material for your specific situation will depend on the slope of your yard and the height of the wall needed.

Key points about retaining walls for vinyl pools:

• Concrete blocks: Concrete blocks are the most popular choice due to ease of installation and versatility.
• Poured concrete: Stronger and more suitable for very tall walls, but can be more expensive.
• Natural stone: Aesthetically pleasing but can be labor-intensive and costly.
• Timber (pressure treated): Suitable for smaller walls but requires regular maintenance due to potential rot.

Some considerations when choosing a material for the retaining wall:

• The yard’s slope: Steeper slopes require more substantial materials like poured concrete.
• Wall height: Higher walls may need additional support or engineering calculations.
• Aesthetics: Consider how the retaining wall will blend with your backyard design.

Important Design Elements

• Drainage: Proper drainage behind the wall is crucial to prevent water buildup and soil erosion.
• Geotextile fabric: A layer of geotextile fabric can be placed behind the wall to prevent soil erosion further.
• Proper installation: Ensure the wall has a level base and appropriate backfill materials.

Pool Coping and Design Elements

Many pool operators may initially overlook pool coping. However, it is an essential part of building a swimming pool. Understanding the various types of pool coping available, the materials used, and their features is crucial for creating a durable, stylish pool.

Pool coping refers to the material or structure that forms the edge or perimeter around a swimming pool. It essentially acts as a protective cap that separates the pool shell from the surrounding deck. The coping allows people to sit or stand on the pool’s edge, preventing water from spilling over the side. It’s the area on which people typically sit when at the pool’s edge.

Key Points About Pool Coping

• Function: It protects the pool shell, prevents debris from entering it, and provides a safe, comfortable area to sit or stand at the pool’s edge.
• Material options: Can be made from concrete, natural stone, pavers, or ceramic tiles.
• Different styles: Includes bullnose coping (rounded edge), top mount coping (attached to the pool wall), and drop edge coping (sharp vertical edge).

For the coping on the top of the wall and the pool, we used G036 marble from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. This gray natural stone was installed in a French pattern on the top patio.

Synthetic Turf for a Maintenance-Free Backyard

We installed synthetic turf on top of the raised area in the backyard area, adding to the maintenance-free features of the backyard makeover.  This unique artificial turf is manufactured in Italy by a great company that makes synthetic turf for all FIFA regulation soccer fields for European teams.

Synthetic lawns require almost no maintenance besides occasional cleaning. They don’t need mowing, fertilizing, aerating, or weeding. Durability is a big plus. Artificial turf stands well to heavy use and extreme weather, from UV rays to freezing temperatures.

Vinyl Liner Pool Auto Covers

The pool is also equipped with an autocover.  A pool auto cover is primarily used to significantly reduce water evaporation, conserve heat in the pool, minimize debris buildup, and, most importantly, provide a safety barrier to prevent accidental access to the pool, especially for children and pets, all with the convenience of opening and closing with the press of a button.

Key Benefits of a Pool Auto Cover:

• Safety: The primary function is to act as a safety barrier, preventing unauthorized access to the pool and significantly reducing the risk of drowning, particularly for young children and pets.
• Energy savings: Covering the pool when not in use drastically reduces heat loss from evaporation, meaning less energy is needed to maintain the desired water temperature.
• Water conservation: Minimizing evaporation translates to less water loss, reducing the need to refill the pool frequently.
• Reduced maintenance: A cover keeps debris like leaves and insects out of the pool, decreasing the need for regular cleaning.
• Chemical conservation: Fewer pool chemicals are needed to maintain proper water balance by preventing evaporation.
• Convenience: Unlike manual covers, an automatic cover can be opened and closed with a button, making pool usage effortless.

Check out our page to learn more about the benefits of pool auto covers.

We installed synthetic turf in the rest of the yard, creating a play area for the kids and a maintenance-free backyard.  This is the latest Gappsi design and complete installation in Smithtown, NY.

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