MCM pool update

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi guys! The pool is finished and I think it looks fabulous! The blue tile you all helped me pick looks amazing! The pools steps look perfect! I went with white arctic white pebble sheen with abalone added for sparkle. I am really happy with how it turned out. I still have more plants to add for the planters. I decided to get a boojum tree also.

I also have decided to bury an electric line, so I am going to wait on the fake grass on the end of the pool and put the money towards burying the line. I'm waiting on my new patio furniture to arrive, installation of a rusted metal pool enclosure and rusted fence (chain link on mtn. side will come down), and stabilized dg driveway. I cant wait for my new furniture to come in. I hope you dont mind if I post more pics with the new furniture later to see what you all think of it.

Here's some pics:

Steps:

From inside:

Need to figure out how to turn pool lights on:

Going to wait on fake grass in this area of dirt to the left:

Waiting on more plants for the flower beds:

This guy was in my flower bed the other day. Isnt he beautiful?

Lastly, a pic of Scout, all healed from her toe amputation, in her new stainless steel 4 ft. wide cage:

Featured Answer

palimpsest

9 years ago

I like it a lot better than the previous one.

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Comments (48)

MtnRdRedux
9 years ago
It looks great! I love the simple lines.

Post away! I love seeing everyone's projects.
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I'm just now seeing this post. Seeing pics of your many birds and hearing about their antics has been enjoyable, although I feel for poor little Scout. I hope that you'll continue to keep us posted on them all, as I'm a huge lover of birds of all kinds. I'm loving the landscape progress, too. Regarding Xeriscaping with rocks, gravel, etc. It gained great popularity here in New Mexico, as it did in many other arid and semi-arid locals across the Southwest, back in the early-Eighties. This was when I was studying to become a Master Gardener. I still recall many of my instructors telling us that people would soon see "the dark side" of using rock as mulch in their xeriscaped yards. And we did. On one hand, it's very practical, but even with the best weed barrier put down underneath, you'll end up with weeds within a year. That's because the wind will always blow dirt in, which settles down between your rocks, gravel, etc., thus creating a good environment for many weeds. The heat from our intense southwest sun is absorbed by the rocks, gravel, etc. It can easily create an environment too hot/ harsh for many flowers to do well, but our feisty, tough SW weeds seem to thrive on it. Yes, the accumulated dirt may be shallow, but those tricky weed roots can easily grow sideways to take hold. So then you're stuck with what to do with the accumulating dirt between the gravel, etc. You can, of course, pull out the weeds as they sprout, but you'll eventually need to shovel up the rocks -especially if you're using gravel or the crusher fines- get rid of the accumulated dirt around them and start over again. Gardening here in the Southwest can be trying, to say the least! I've used the crusher fines. I've used larger rock. I've left the dirt exposed. There are pros and cons to them all, but you end up with weeds, regardless (LOL). What works for me here is to forego the weed barrier and just use several inches of treated bark mulch around my plants. The blown in dirt just drops down to the dirt below. I add more bark on top every couple of years. It works for me, But regardless of what you go with, invest in a good narrow headed, long-handled weeding pronged rake for working around your cacti. The breezes and winds also blow in trash that is much easier to pull out with the right tool. Those cactus spines are vicious!
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Lyban zone 4
9 years ago
Looks perfect, please post as much as you can, your home and landscaping is a joy to see.
jlc712
9 years ago
Very nice! The turquoise tile looks great, and the pool is just right with your house. The whole exterior has come together really well. You have done such a nice job with your restoration! I'm looking forward to seeing the outdoor furniture.
MagdalenaLee
9 years ago
Really wonderful. Now you need to figure out how to turn on the pool lights and take another picture!
joaniepoanie
9 years ago
Very pretty! Can't wait to see the furniture!
C Marlin
9 years ago
Love it, When I see MCM in my area it tugs at my heart, we will buying another house in about a year, I have hopes a MCM will be to my liking.
Nothing Left to Say
9 years ago
Stunning.
cat_mom
9 years ago
It's going to be such a pretty setting! May you enjoy it for years to come!
emmarene9
9 years ago
I love it. I am excited about the thought of artificial grass. Your place shows every sign of a home owner who was meticulous and involved. In fact, when I see the view of the pool I think how lucky every visitor will be to see it.
justgotabme
9 years ago
Aw, sweet Scout. I'm glad she's all healed now. Poor dear.
Your home always blows me away. You must wake up feeling thinking you are still dreaming each morning. It's absolutely beautiful!
steph2000
9 years ago
I was all set to break down and ask if I could move in - then I saw the snake! lol Egads, you are doing a great job. It's no small trick to evoke the look of an infinity pool in a desert.
amykath
9 years ago
Gorgeous! I bet you are thrilled! Can't wait to see more photos with your furniture!
Annie Deighnaugh
9 years ago
Beautiful! And that tile is ideal. Well done!
OutsidePlaying
9 years ago
How gorgeous it all is! Keep posting, as I know we all can't wait to see the furniture and other progress you are making.

BTW, I like the snake too. What kind is it? I'm totally unfamiliar with what types you have.
alexamorrie
9 years ago
Beautiful pool, classic and modern and best of all it really fits in with your gorgeous house.
Yayagal
9 years ago
You've made wonderful choices. Stunning.
sjhockeyfan325
9 years ago
Just gorgeous - if I were a swimmer (I'm just a poolside lounger LOL), I'd want to jump right in!
robo (z6a)
9 years ago
Rocky, it looks great, so much better! I can't wait to see it furnished. I just hate waiting for plants to grow - the landscaping looks good now and will look awesome in a few years.
the_foxes_pad
9 years ago
Oh my goodness! That is all fantastic!
violetwest
9 years ago
wonderful pictures! and hey, I think you're closer to me than mtnrdredux --can I come over and swim when it gets warm enough? eh?
Errant_gw
9 years ago
It came out perfectly!

How is Scout doing? Did she have a hard time adjusting?
blfenton
9 years ago
It is so beautiful. The fourth picture down labeled "from inside" is perfect. Gosh, we, I mean you, did a nice job. :)

And yes more pictures when the furniture comes. And maybe you could stage the furniture with a pool towel and a drink on a tray and an open book beside it and then I could be really envious.

Glad to see Scout has recovered. Poor birdie.
lilsophie
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Just gorgeous, love your whole space.

I have a question. Now that these boards are on Houzz. Do we not have a swimming pool forum anymore?? We had so many people posting pics of their pools and the process of building ones too on the other forum. Just curious, what happened to those forums and all the swimming pool pictures. Anyone Know???
rockybird
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you guys! You
don’t know how much all your comments mean to me. I am really happy with how it turned out and
you all were such a big help with it all –the planter position, the step
design, the tiles choices, etc. I will say though that I freaked out last night. The pool suddenly was filthy. I spend an hour scrubbing it with the pool brush. I am so worried the pebblesheen will stain. It looks better today. If the dirt came from the yard, it makes me second think delaying the fake grass.

Emmarene – The landscape arch. Is afraid it will be too
shaded for real grass next to the pool on the far side, so I am putting in fake
grass. I am glad you agree with it! I think it will look good and cut down on my growing water bill!

Justgotabme – I am really excited to live here!

OutsidePlaying – I think it’s a California king snake. It would curl around the agave, completely
hidden by the leaves. It left though and
seemed a little perturbed at all my picture taking.

Robo-I agree! It
looks so much better than before, but I think it could be lusher. There are still more plants that need to go
in though.

Violetwest- Yes! Come
on over. It’s already warm enough to
swim in AZ.

Errant gw– Scout is doing great! The first couple days with
the collar off she was not happy. I
think she may have been abused in the past and she would scream if she saw my
hand from the side. She also started
showing repetitive behavior that she exhibited when I found her on craigslist
(rubbing her head back and forth on the cage bars nonstop) in a very small cage. I think the whole traumatic experience of
the amputated toe must have brought back old memories from a previous
owner. But she is back to her old self now. She is extremely affectionate towards me –constantly
nuzzling my cheek and giving me kisses.
She also mumbles like she is having an animated conversation, moving her
head up and down. She is a hilarious
little clown. She has only been in the
new cage for one day, but I think she will really like it.

bfenton - Thanks! I will definitely post pics of the new furniture when it arrives. I already have new towels! :)

lilsophie - Thanks! yes there is a pool forum. I posted a couple times, but got limited or no response. I think they are better for technical questions. I think for design advice this is the best place to come to.
lilsophie
9 years ago
Where is that forum Rockybird, I can't find it.
blfenton
9 years ago
lilsophie - Here it is Link to pool forum: Pool Forum
theclose
9 years ago
Looks beautiful!!!
ck_squared
9 years ago
It looks fantastic! Love the aqua blue color. Looks so cool... literally! Love the pic of Scout, too.
User
9 years ago
Beautiful! Glad Scout is doing well.
Bethpen
9 years ago
I think it looks great. The color is wonderful. No likey the snake, but I super love Scout and her little face.
desertsteph
9 years ago
oh it is beautiful! gee, I wish you lived closer... where you are is like another city to me (oh wait...it is!). ok, like another state - a very, very long drive. I seldom go out of a 15 mile range from home. But I will be thinking of you! anyway, jumping into one would shock my body too much - it did 20 yrs ago, so I'm sure it'd be worse now.

Temps? ha! our first yr here on a Sat about 9.30 a.m. I asked my son why they weren't out swimming (late May/1st wk of June) - he said "mom, it's too cold - it's only 104 out!" I was one to wait til the 3rd wk of June or so myself. The silly thing is, we moved there in Dec - by March they were in the pool. I guess having a pool in the back yard was old stuff by May/June.

King snake was my first thought. Still, I don't like snakes of any kind! and for someone who said they don't know what we have, we have RATTLERS here! ick!

I love the aqua color for a pool. I don't like the dark colors - I want to see the water - and what else is in it with me. Love them at night w/ the lights on!

We had some wind out here last night (some still today). My dog was trying to chase it... it could have whipped up a dirt devil going thru your yard (and over the pool). Looking at the dirt/plants behind your pool, yep - you'll have stuff blow into it. Are you going to get a crawler thing to clean it? It won't stain in a day. Just brush it down a time or 2 a wk (or after a storm). Check with a local pool place - or are you going to have a pool service? We had a pool vac (and the brush). In today's world, I'd have a crawler. Back then, I had the kids home to help with it - and I was a lot younger.

Do you have a pool kit to check your water?
happy2b…gw
9 years ago
inviting, sleek, and beautiful
Oaktown
9 years ago
Your pool is just lovely.

But why the fake grass (as opposed to gravel, more of your drought-tolerant landscaping, or something else)? I'm not up on the latest synthetic turf but I thought that stuff gets quite hot, sheds and fades? Has it improved a lot?
rockybird
Original Author
9 years ago
LOL Desertsteph- we are a lot alike! I like to stick to my 15 mile range also! It's funny how we adjust to the heat, isnt it? Tonight after work, I thought it was a little nippy, but it's 78 degrees!

I dont trust myself to manage the pool, so I hired a pool service to do it. I called the pool service owner and he was very nice and said all the dirt is from the pipes. He said this is very common and the dirt will not clear out for another week. He also said the pool will get even bluer as the pebblesheen cures. I had them put install an in floor cleaning system, so I dont need a crawler, but I am not sure the in floor system is very good to be honest. Yes, you are right about the dirt. I am worried about it blowing in. I may have to add dg. Argh! More money!

Thanks oaktown! I dont know much about fake grass, but I think it has improved a lot. I see it around a lot of homes. The landscape architect is suggesting I use it. I am worried about it getting too hot or looking too fake. I will definitely do my research before I install it.
ruthpets
9 years ago
Dee-vine!!!! Really love it :)
mudhouse
9 years ago
I love to see your updates, always. That pool is so beautiful...and the night time photos of your house and pool look so peaceful and calming. I can just imagine how wonderful it will be to enjoy sitting by the pool on a starlit night...wow.

That snake was beautiful. We seem to be too much in the city proper to see rattlesnakes (that is fine with me.) Gopher snakes show up occasionally. Yours is much prettier!

I have a Boojum Tree that was about 4" tall when I mail ordered it; nine years later it's about 15" tall, lol. So I guess it's more of a little Boojum Shrublet. ;-) It has to live in a pot here, too cold to plant in the ground. They are such unusual plants...it's wonderful that you have the climate to use them in your landscaping. I hope you post a photo!

Best wishes to our little Scout.
desertsteph
9 years ago
" LOL Desertsteph- we are a lot alike! I like to stick to my 15 mile range also! It's funny how we adjust to the heat, isnt it? Tonight after work, I thought it was a little nippy, but it's 78 degrees!"

that is funny! I can only go N and E or W (south of me is mountain). Well, I could drive a good distance E and then around a bit and be S of the mtn area - but I don't anymore. Too much on me and my old junk heap. I think you probably go S (and E and W)? N of you is the land/mtn area behind you? or maybe I'm turned around about the direction your house faces...

It was nippy out here too. When I took the dog out about 9.30 I put my jacket on. It was a bit windy - and again she tried to chase the wind 'monster'... It does sound weird to many when you think you're having a cool down because it's only 100 out (in the summer). These days I'm good with temps between 65 and about 85.

I do remember a time (around 20 yrs ago) that my nephew was visiting and we were in the pool about 1 a.m. - it was 103 out and I had my big chenille robe on a chair at the edge of the pool - knowing that when I got out I'd freeze! But it was beautiful being in there with the stars overhead and the pool light on. The water was warm after all day in the sun.

A pool really isn't as much work as people told me it'd be - but then, your pool is a lot bigger than either I had. I did have a pool svc when I rented - the LL didn't want to chance bad upkeep and he only did the chemicals. I still did brushing and vac. The crawler was the new thing when I last had a pool. I have no idea what great new 'cleaner' they have available now.
jakabedy
9 years ago
It looks wonderful! I swear, RockyBird, if we ever make it down to Phoenix to see the FLW stuff, we're dropping in on you!!
OllieJane
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We are putting artificial grass on a pretty large strip behind our pool. It is the only "grass" in our backyard, as most of it is landscaping and pool and outdoor kitchen. My husband and I are in a little tiffle about it though, because he wants it more like a putting green and I want it more like grass and play Bocce Ball. LOL! We have real grass around the rest of our house.

We have had high quality artificial turf in our homes before and they are very nice! There are a couple of homes in my town where their whole yard is artificial grass and it looks so good-you can't tell-by driving by at least. They have come a long way!

Can't wait to see pics of your outdoor furniture!
rockybird
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you guys! I really appreciate the comments, because I had to redo this pool after only two yrs. I felt like I was taking an expensive risk, but it looked so bad I couldnt leave it. It means a lot to me to hear that you all think it looks good!

@mudhouse- Thank you! I love snakes, as long as they are not in the house. I havent seen any rattlers but I know they are out here. I see them dead on the side of the roads when I am out biking, and I used to see them at night mtn. biking the trails around here. One summer, I lost count count at 35 rattlers! I had one mis experience where I almost stepped on a huge one rattling and warning me, when my bike malfunctioned, but never had any other close encounters. Most want to be left alone. Look at this tiny one I found on my patio during a rainstorm. He couldnt get any traction on the concrete (pre-remodel). I brought him in until the rainstorm ended and then out him in the yard. Unfortunately, I found him dead a couple weeks ago. I think the landscapers were planting and accidentally mangled him, not knowing he was in the dirt. :(

I will post pics of the boojum tree! I didnt realize they grow so slow. I was hoping to get a larger one. I saw them at the botanical garden in phoenix and immediately wanted one!

desertsteph- We are lucky this am with cool temps! I remember those 100+ nights. It always boggles my mind how it can be so hot at night. I hope you are right on the pool being a little bit of work. This new pool service guy seems very competent. The last one had problems running the computer, and I had a lot of issues with the pool. :(

jakabedy- You are always welcome! If I am ever in your neighborhood, I would love to visit your wonderful mcm home also! BTW, I dont live far from an FLW home (he built for his son).

Olliesmom, I vote for your choice of grass! Can you post pics of it when it is installed? I see the fake grass around here, and sometimes I have trouble knowing if it is real or not. I do agree in that they are getting better at mimicking the real thing.

I'm glad I hung around the house today, because two pieces arrived! The knoll furniture is coming Monday.

I won the petal table on ebay, and I bought the chair on sale at modernica. I'm tempted to use the teak table in the house, though, because I need a side table by a lounge chair.
blfenton
9 years ago
Like the furniture. The petal table is stunning and you won it?!. You lucky thing.
rockybird
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks bfenton! By "won," I mean I paid for it, but less than retail. I competed with other bidders. It was a dwr floor sample that they put on ebay. I think it save $150 over retail price.
gsciencechick
9 years ago
Wow, it's gorgeous. Everything turned out so well. Love the petal table.
mudhouse
9 years ago
You're more brave about rattlers than I am, by far. Thank goodness you did avoid stepping on that one when your bike malfunctioned! If we see a snake it has often already been killed by a car or by birds, so we get excited if we see any kind of snake dash by in our yard.

That tiny orange snake was beautiful. I did some poking about, and my guess is it was a Ground Snake. The interesting thing is these guys can apparently be quite variable in color; solid colors like your orange one with a cream belly, or boldly striped.
Ground Snake at www.snakesofarizona

I think my little Boojum tree will always be small and slow, because I have to grow it in a pot in my greenhouse, which restricts the roots. I think yours planted in the ground (and living as nature intended) will be a whole different story!

Your furniture looks good! That is a beautiful little table.
Olychick
9 years ago
What a beautiful space and everything in, on and surrounding it! Yes, move that little table inside. Even protected, the elements will wear it down. Gorgeous!
rockybird
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks mudhouse! That looks to be exactly what it was. I am so sorry he died. Good to know about the boojum tree! I think the landscape architect said we could get some fairly tall ones locally. One more snake pic...I saw this one out mtn. biking at night, years ago. It looked like a giant earthworm. Really neat to see.

thread snake

Thanks olychick! I suppose I should move the table in. The top is teak, but I suspect it was a dwr display sample as it already shows wear. It was made for outdoors, but I think the sun out here wont be good to it.
OllieJane
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
rocky, I will post when we get it done. Our backyard should be done in a couple of months, hopefully. We are trying to beat the hot weather here and get in our landscaping, a huge fence to stain, sprinkler system and landscape lighting still to go, besides the artificial grass. I am in process of ordering outdoor furniture, but we have such a small space to work with-I have to be careful how long chaise lounges are, etc. or they won't fit. We are on a large corner lot in town, but, our backyard is packed with pool, outdoor kitchen and an extra garage/carport we added.

I hate snakes, but have to admit-THOSE are awful PURTY!
rockybird thanked OllieJane