805 Living Magazine

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Cool ideas for your backyard pool:

Joseph Sorensen of Simi Valley-based Dreamscape Landscape & Custom Pools shares what you need to know when you're planning a pool:

Do your homework. Try and see various pool styles in person. "It's really important to look at all the unique designs — pond, lagoon, infinity, lap, diving, and play pools — to understand their benefits."
Choose a contractor. Solicit bids from licensed and insured pool builders. Check State of California records for consumer complaints. "When you are evaluating bids from different pool builders, be sure to ask for their references. You should talk with current clients. Go and look at those projects and see how they look finished."
Study the construction process. Purchase a book on pool design and familiarize yourself with the key elements of shape, size, depth, materials, and specialty features. "During the bid process, ask questions and expect your builder to guide you through each phase. Something might look great on paper, but once the pool is dug and shaped, you may see where adjustments need to be made."
Adjust your plans. Think long-term about novelty features. "For example, waterslides are expensive, and after a kid has gone down it for a summer or two, it might not be a big deal anymore."

For more information, check out the July 2009 issue of 805 Living.
--Debra Prinzing

Photograph by Eric Butters