Thanks Pam, I am still in the planning stages. Werever is sending a sample. It is under an overhang, but the afternoon sun beats right into the area we want to put the counter. Hopefully others will be able to give me some ideas too. Katy

angeldog- We are using Smarthome's "Reporter with voice" heat sensors around our pool. This provides a level of security as well as pool safety. When any of the sensors are triggered, the wireless receiver in our house sounds and you can also listen to anything going on around the sensor. You can also talk from the house to the sensors at the pool (like an intercom system). The sensors also have a relay that closes when triggered and can be used to turn on a loud outside siren which can be reset from the house. This is a wireless system that is super easy to install and is battery operated. I replace the batteries in our outdoor sensors about once a year and the receiver in the house will let you know when it is time to replace the batteries in the outdoor sensors before they die totally. The sensors are small and can be hidden easily. We have found multiple uses for our system: security, detecting when someone is close to the pool for safety, intercom system between the house and the pool and we also use one for a driveway alarm to tell us when someone is approaching our house down our long driveway. Each sensor has its own sound so you can easily tell which sensor was triggered. We have 6 total outside. We are also using one of these sensors to turn on our pool slide pump automatically when someone approaches our slide to help save energy when the slide is not in use. I continue to be amazed at the flexibility of this system for the relatively inexpensive investment. Hope this helps!

I think Home Depot has a brand they offer special order. Less expensive than Naturcast. Naturcast is high end, top of the line...nice stuff! Figure about a grand per cabinet.

Thanks everyone for all the great thoughts on temperatures! It’s been on my mind too. Our covered patio faces east and is shielded by a wall on the north. It abuts a 40’ deep backyard bordered by tall cedars to the east. We haven’t spent long periods of time out there yet, but so far it’s been comfortable on our warmest days. It’s possible that a ceiling fan and/or mister will come in handy later. DH has also mentioned the possibility of some kind of sun shade on the south side. As we head into Fall, I’m also curious about how much heat the fire table will throw off and whether that’ll be sufficient for our chilliest evenings. Oh, and the outdoor Ruvati sink was delivered today. The pieces are slowly but surely coming together. Anyone have recommendations for a faucet?