Think about the sounds you typically hear in your backyard. Is it the distant hum of traffic, a neighbor’s lawnmower, or the peaceful sounds of nature you’d prefer? You have the power to curate the soundscape of your outdoor space, and adding a water feature is the best way to do it. The consistent, gentle flow of water introduces a calming auditory element that masks distractions and encourages relaxation. It’s a simple addition that has a profound effect on how your space feels, turning your patio or garden into a true retreat. The right water features dix hills families are choosing can completely change the ambiance of their home.
Investing in a luxury backyard redesign and pool renovation can be a great way to increase the value of your home. It can make your property more attractive to potential buyers and enhance your overall enjoyment of your outdoor space. Gappsi recently completed a total backyard renovation in Dix Hills NY.
We remodeled the original vinyl pool that was built with steel walls. A steel-walled pool is simply not a permanent structure while a concrete-walled pool is. A steel wall pool boasts many advantages over other structures, especially in a freeze/thaw climate such as ours. It is typically the least expensive option when compared to other pool structures. However, just because the pool itself is less expensive doesn’t mean you sacrifice the quality, aesthetics, and functionality of the pool. A vinyl liner pool can be customized like a gunite or concrete pool and offers homeowners versatility in design options.
Why Upgrade Pool Plumbing System?
We installed new plumbing, new skimmers, new jets, and a new liner. In addition, the equipment was installed on the side, away from the living space.
There are many reasons to upgrade your pool plumbing system, including:
- Water quality – Modern filters and pumps can improve water clarity and make it safer and healthier for swimming. They can also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to treat the water. For example, an ozone water purification system can neutralize bacteria and algae using natural minerals and low levels of chlorine.
- Efficiency – Variable-speed pumps can be more efficient than single-speed pumps, using up to 90% less energy. They can also improve circulation, which helps the pool filter water more effectively.
- Noise – Variable-speed pumps are quieter than single-speed pumps, which can make for a more peaceful pool experience.
- Plumbing issues – Pool plumbing systems can deteriorate over time due to age and climate, and may develop issues like leaks or cracked pipes. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a recommended plumbing material for in-ground pools because it’s durable and resistant to corrosion. If your plumbing is made of PVC, you should replace it if it becomes brittle or warped, or if you notice pinhole leaks.
We installed synthetic turf in all the remaining areas on both sides of the house. Artificial turf is a great alternative to natural grass for busy homeowners who don’t have the time to maintain a traditional lawn. It’s also much more forgiving than real grass, so you won’t have to worry about brown patches or bald spots. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and looks great all year long!
♦ GAPPSI’S SYNTHETIC TURF OPTIONS ♦
Artificial turf has all the great features of traditional grass but without all the hassle! Busy homeowners no longer have to worry about mowing, weeding, or fertilizing their lawn, because all that is required for artificial turf is the occasional hosing down. Keeping turf clean is a common concern for pet owners, so we designed our turf to be the best for your furry friends!
Planning Your Landscape Project
A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen by accident; it starts with a solid plan. Thinking through your project before breaking ground ensures the final result matches your vision and meets your family’s needs. A well-planned design considers not just aesthetics but also functionality, maintenance, and your property’s unique characteristics. Taking the time to map out the details will save you time and potential headaches down the road, leading to an outdoor space you’ll love for years to come. It’s the foundational step to creating a cohesive and inviting environment that truly feels like an extension of your home.
Define Your Budget and Scope
Before you start dreaming up elaborate water features and sprawling patios, it’s essential to ground your project in reality by defining your budget and scope. Knowing what you’re comfortable spending helps guide every decision, from the types of materials you choose to the scale of the installation. A clear budget allows your design team to suggest the best possible solutions that align with your financial plan. Similarly, defining the scope—what you absolutely want to include versus what would be nice to have—helps prioritize the most important elements of your new landscape design and ensures the project stays on track.
Essential Landscape Design Principles
Creating a stunning and harmonious landscape involves more than just picking out pretty plants. Professional designers rely on a few key principles to ensure the space feels balanced, unified, and visually interesting throughout the year. By incorporating these fundamental ideas into your plan, you can transform a simple yard into a thoughtfully curated outdoor retreat. These principles act as a guide, helping you make intentional choices that contribute to a cohesive and beautiful final look that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style.
Balancing Evergreens and Flowering Plants
A successful landscape design offers visual appeal in every season, and the key to achieving this is a thoughtful balance between evergreens and flowering plants. Evergreens provide the foundational structure and year-round color that act as the backbone of your garden, ensuring it never looks bare, even in the middle of winter. Flowering plants, on the other hand, inject seasonal personality with vibrant colors and textures. This combination creates a dynamic environment that evolves throughout the year, offering continuous interest and beauty from the first spring bloom to the last autumn leaf.
Considering Your Yard’s Unique Conditions
Every property has its own set of unique conditions, and a great landscape plan works with them, not against them. It’s crucial to discuss your goals and ideas with a designer who can assess your yard’s specific characteristics, such as sun exposure, soil type, drainage, and existing slopes. A plant that thrives in a sunny, dry spot might struggle in a shady, damp corner. By tailoring the design to your yard’s microclimate and topography, you ensure that your new plants will flourish and your hardscape elements, like a new masonry patio, are built to last.
Gappsi Natural Stone Collection – Fiorito Travertine G035
On the patio and pool coping we used G035 Fiorito Travertine selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. The natural beauty of travertine makes it a popular choice for pool deck coping or as a decking material for the entire pool area. A travertine pool deck and travertine pool coping are great options for the following reasons:
- It offers natural beauty with its earthy colors and interesting textures
- It creates a non-slip surface
- It isn’t hot to the touch, making it comfortable for bare feet
- It’s durable enough to handle typical poolside activities
- Luxury Backyard Redesign with Travertine
The same quality that makes travertine non-slip and comfortable to walk its porosity is the quality that makes it susceptible to staining. Because travertine is porous, it tends to soak up whatever spills on its surface, which can result in staining. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent stains from occurring:
- Seal the surface.
- Wash off spills as soon as they occur.
- Choose a travertine that has less of a sponge-like texture, as it’s the holes and crevices that provide spots for things to seep into its pores.
- If you have loose soil nearby that often gets onto the surface, make it a habit to spray dirt off the surface before it begins to stain.
Retaining Walls with Fiorito Travertine G035 – Luxury Backyard Redesign
We built a new retaining wall using cinder blocks, then veneered it with 2 inches of random-length Fiorito Travertine and coping to match the pool. When it comes to retaining walls, also sometimes referred to as site walls, natural stone embodies the timeless look that most people associate with this type of application. Natural Stone Veneer offers a diverse range of colors, sizes, shapes, and textures to customize a stone veneer retaining wall to the exact aesthetic of the landscape.
Raised Excite Passion Spa
The Excite Passion Spa is a spacious spa that provides room for up to seven people. This top-of-the-line hot tub has a variety of massage experiences that will melt your stress away. The foot dome and volcano jet provide excellent therapy for your tired aching feet.
Gappsi is a dealer for Passion Spas. Passion Spas are sold through select dealers whose experience and commitment to quality and service match their own.
We raised the spa and built a platform to the second-level patio connected by the stairs. The top patio was also paved with Fiorito Travertine in a French pattern and the walls were also finished with 2-inch veneers and coping was used to match all other wall caps in the backyard.
Choosing the Perfect Water Feature
Beyond the visual appeal of a well-designed backyard, the sounds of your space play a huge role in how it feels. The gentle trickle of water can mask neighborhood noise and create a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Adding a water feature is one of the best ways to introduce this calming auditory element, turning your yard into a true sanctuary. Whether you envision a grand, nature-inspired waterfall or a subtle, bubbling accent, there’s a water feature that can fit your space and style. The key is to choose one that complements your overall landscape design and meets your family’s needs.
From sprawling water gardens that become their own ecosystems to compact fountains perfect for a patio corner, the options are vast. Thinking about the scale of your yard, your maintenance preferences, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve will help you narrow down the choices. A well-placed water feature can serve as a stunning focal point, drawing the eye and tying different areas of your backyard together. It’s an investment not just in your property’s beauty, but in the daily sense of tranquility you’ll get every time you step outside.
Koi Ponds and Water Gardens
If you dream of creating a serene, natural retreat, a koi pond or water garden is an incredible choice. These features are more than just decorative; they are living, self-sustaining ecosystems that bring a piece of nature right to your backyard. The combination of aquatic plants, fish, and the gentle movement of water creates a dynamic and beautiful environment. A well-designed pond can become a habitat for local wildlife like birds and dragonflies, adding another layer of life to your landscape. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, watch the fish swim, and enjoy a moment of peace.
Pondless Waterfalls and Streams
For those who love the sound and look of moving water but have concerns about an open pond, a pondless waterfall is the perfect solution. This design gives you the beauty of a cascading waterfall or a meandering stream without the pool of water at the bottom. Instead, the water disappears into a hidden underground reservoir, where it’s recirculated back to the top. This makes it an exceptionally safe option for families with small children or pets. It’s also ideal for smaller yards where a full pond might not be practical, allowing you to enjoy the soothing sounds of water in any space.
Decorative Fountains
You don’t need a large area to enjoy the benefits of a water feature. Decorative fountains, such as bubbling rocks, urns, or custom-built structures, can fit into almost any yard or patio design. These features are incredibly versatile and provide a delightful auditory element that enhances the ambiance of your outdoor living area. A simple fountain can transform a quiet corner into a point of interest. Using beautiful materials like those in the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection allows you to create a piece that is both a water feature and a work of art, perfectly matching your home’s style.
Fountain Focal Point
Focal points can be restful, dramatic, or even whimsical. Fountains and other water elements immediately attract attention in the garden, drawing one’s eyes to the movement of water and one’s ears to the soothing sound.
We installed a beautiful fountain with its own pool and landscape area designed by Henri Studio in this luxury backyard redesign. This company specializes in hand-poured fountains and other expertly crafted products made in America. Their designs range from classic to contemporary, expertly crafted with an eye for detail and a timeless sensibility.
To complete the backyard we installed synthetic turf in the remaining areas of the house. This is the latest backyard renovation by Gappsi in Dix Hills NY. The Fiorito Travertine has beautiful variations of colors that cannot be reproduced with any other concrete products. A unique soft blend of beige, golden, grays, maroons, and many other natural patterns that you can only find in the Fiorito travertine is available in the Gappsi Showroom. Visit our showroom today!
How to Evaluate a Landscaping Company
Choosing the right team for your backyard transformation is a major decision. You’re not just hiring a contractor; you’re selecting a partner to bring your vision to life. A great company will listen to your ideas, respect your budget, and have the expertise to handle every detail of the project. To ensure you find a reliable and skilled professional, it’s important to look at a few key areas. Evaluating a company’s background, their business practices, and their standing in the community will give you the confidence that you’re making the right investment in your home.
Experience and Qualifications
When you’re vetting a landscaping company, their history is a great place to start. A company that has been in business for decades, like Gappsi’s 35+ years serving Long Island, has a proven track record of navigating complex projects and weathering economic shifts. This longevity speaks volumes about their stability and client satisfaction. Beyond just years in business, look at the team’s qualifications. Do they have designers with degrees in landscape architecture or certifications in specific areas like masonry and hardscaping? An experienced, well-trained team is better equipped to anticipate challenges and deliver a high-quality result that stands the test of time.
Guarantees and Business Practices
A trustworthy company will always stand behind its work. Before signing any contracts, ask about the guarantees or warranties they offer on materials and labor. For example, some companies provide a one-year guarantee on all plantings, which shows they are confident in the quality of their plants and their installation process. It’s also a good idea to review their portfolio of completed projects. Seeing real-world examples of their work, whether through a gallery on their website or videos on their YouTube channel, gives you a clear picture of their craftsmanship and style. This transparency is a hallmark of a professional and client-focused business.
Professional Memberships and Reputation
A company’s reputation is built on more than just beautiful photos. Look for affiliations with professional organizations, like local or national landscaping associations. These memberships indicate a commitment to upholding industry standards and staying current with the latest techniques and trends. Another significant advantage is finding a company that manages all aspects of the project in-house. When one team handles everything from the initial landscape design to the final installation of a pool or patio, it streamlines communication and ensures a cohesive final product. This integrated approach eliminates the headaches of coordinating multiple contractors and leads to a smoother, more efficient renovation experience.
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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel for Videos of the Cleaning and Sealing Concrete Pavers Process
https://youtu.be/ciH1lk0SxYQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travertine a high-maintenance material for a pool patio? That’s a common concern, but travertine is much easier to care for than you might think. Because it’s a natural, porous stone, the key is to have it sealed properly upon installation. This prevents spills from setting in and becoming stains. With a good sealer, routine care is as simple as sweeping it clean and rinsing off any spills quickly. It’s a small trade-off for a surface that stays cool underfoot and offers a beautiful, non-slip texture.
This project is beautiful but seems massive. Can I renovate my backyard in stages? Absolutely. A total backyard transformation doesn’t have to happen all at once. Many homeowners choose to phase their projects over time. The most important step is creating a comprehensive master plan from the start. This ensures that each stage, whether it’s the patio this year or the pool next, is designed to fit perfectly into the final vision, creating a cohesive and beautiful space in the end.
I love the idea of a water feature but have small children. What are the safest options? You can definitely enjoy the peaceful sound of water without worrying about safety. Pondless waterfalls are a fantastic choice because the water flows over rocks and disappears into a hidden underground reservoir, so there’s no open or deep water. Decorative fountains, like bubbling urns or rocks, are another great option. They provide that lovely ambient sound and a beautiful focal point while being completely safe for kids and pets.
My pool is old but seems to work fine. How do I know if it’s time for a major renovation? Look for signs beyond basic functionality. If you’re constantly dealing with plumbing leaks, your energy bills seem high from an inefficient pump, or the pool’s surface is cracked and worn, it might be time to consider an upgrade. A renovation isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s an opportunity to improve water quality, increase energy efficiency, and update the overall look and feel of your pool area.
Does synthetic turf really look and feel like real grass? Modern synthetic turf has come a long way from the bright green plastic of the past. Today’s high-quality options are designed to mimic the color variations, blade shapes, and soft texture of natural grass varieties. It provides a lush, green lawn all year without the constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing. It’s a practical and beautiful solution for creating a perfect-looking lawn with minimal effort.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade for a Better Experience: A full backyard renovation is the perfect time to improve functionality. Modernizing your pool’s plumbing enhances water quality and efficiency, while low-maintenance surfaces like synthetic turf give you more time to relax.
- Unify Your Design with Consistent Materials: Using a single, high-quality material like natural travertine for your patio, pool coping, and retaining walls creates a cohesive and luxurious look that ties the entire space together.
- Choose a Partner, Not Just a Contractor: The success of your project depends on the team you hire. Vet companies by reviewing their years of experience, looking at their portfolio of completed work, and asking about their guarantees to ensure a smooth process and a beautiful result.
Swimming in a Gunite pool is a great way to cool off, exercise, and have fun during the hot summer months. Add in an outdoor kitchen, and you won’t have to miss out on the fun that’s happening at your home. There are many benefits of an outdoor kitchen, and whether it be a simple or more complex outdoor kitchen design, you’ll find a benefit in both.
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