So your thinking about a new swimming pool.....

Beautiful Outdoor Living Created by Shaping Water...

Backyard Swimming Pools have been bringing together friends, neighbors and families for thousands of years. Most of you have wonderful childhood memories of cannon ball contests, water volleyball and diving for pennies but since that time swimming pools have come a long way.

The days of “Kidney Bean Shaped” swimming pools with three feet of concrete apron, inefficient loud pumps and chlorine pucks have been replaced with custom waterscapes incorporating natural stone patios & landscaping, Variable Frequency Drive Pumps, web based automation, in-floor cleaning systems and architectural details that boggle the mind. In fact, todays pools can be completely run from from your computer or iPhone.

Let’s start with the design process...You are not looking for a “Pool” design, you are looking for an “Outdoor Living” design. A proper design details every item that you want to incorporate into your yard. These items should include the swimming pool, patio, walkways, steps, landscaping, lighting, outdoor kitchen & fireplace, drainage, equipment location utility routing, fencing, etc. The plan should be drawn to scale including elevations and all the architectural details should be specified. Remember, you get what you pay for, you should plan on paying for a quality outdoor living design. “Free Designs” are a waste of time unless you are looking for a very basic pool. These designs are rarely creative, lack a cohesive vision between all aspects of the outdoor living environment and many times are the same design your neighbor was just presented with.

Now it’s time to accessorize...Your options are almost limitless when it comes to swimming pool features so lets talk about some of todays trends. Swimming pools are getting a little smaller but are incorporating more technology and architectural features. Some of the most popular items now are:

• Shallow lounging areas that allow you to lay in a lounge chair in 8 inches of water.
• Hot Tubs cascading into the pool
• Speciality pool interior surfaces including Pebble and Glass Bead Finishes.
• Saltwater Swimming Pool Chlorination
• In-Floor Cleaning Systems
• Variable Frequency Drive Pumps (60% more efficient than std. pool pumps)
• Full Automation Integration - Push button control of your entire swimming pool
• Beach Entries, Perimeter Overflow and Infinity Edge Details
• Natural Stone & Boulder Waterfalls

While this is not a comprehensive list of all features, we find that these elements are integrated into almost every pool we design & build.

How do I know if I’m on the right track?...Looking back, our happiest clients all have a few things in common. The first is that the clients decided not to skimp on the pool and go with the upgraded energy efficient equipment, a maintenance free pool interior (Like PebbleTec), integrated full chemical automation and any other features that save on maintenance time and cost. And Secondly, they had a well balanced project. We suggest that the pool account for 1/3 of the budget, the hardscaping including patio, walls, outdoor kitchen & fireplace, etc. 1/3 of the budget and landscaping, fencing, electrical, gas and all other items should be the final 1/3 of the budget. The goal of any outdoor living environment including swimming pools is that one element should not stand out more than any other element.

How to pick the right contractor...Choosing a Raleigh pool builder is much like choosing a husband or wife. Remember that once you make your decision you will be "married" to your builder not only during the installation period but for as long as you own your pool. We're all grown-ups here and all know to check references, tour completed projects, verify insurance, blah...blah...blah... you know the deal but what I suggest is a little more. Every reputable builder should be able to meet these basic requirements, so all things being equal think about what could make the pool building process as enjoyable as possible. Look for a company that you are socially compatible with and pick the company that you "feel" good about. After all isn't your "gut" feeling usually the right choice? Don't go into the process with an adversarial attitude toward your contractor, trying to beat every penny out of them. Instead create a team environment with the common goal of creating the backyard swimming pool of your dreams.

Getting it Done...There’s no clean way to excavate 100 tons of soil, bring in 50 tons of concrete, dig plumbing & electrical trenches,install retaining walls, pour 30 yards of concrete sub-deck and then install 20 tons of flagstone decking. Your yard will be a construction site and you will be tired of having workers at your house from morning to night but it will all be worth it. Once the pool is filled and the final flower is planted, it’s time to grab a bottle of wine, tell the kids to jump-on-in, have your husband cook a great dinner in the new outdoor kitchen and let new memories of your family replace the old memories of your childhood.

Frank Bowman - Frank Bowman is the principal and founder of Frank Bowman Designs, Inc. a progressive swimming pool and outdoor living contractor based in Raleigh, NC. For more swimming pool information visit www.FrankBowman.com or contact Frank directly at Frank@FrankBowman.com

Pebble Technology has created a new pool plaster color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As an authorized Pebble-Tec Builder, Frank Bowman Designs is pleased to see this recognition for such a worthy cause. For more information on how to get your pool resurfaced with Bahama Rose Pebble Fina or any other Pebble-Tec plaster application, please contact us at (919) 291-8354.

Submitted By: Frank Bowman Designs serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston and the Triangle . We are a complete outdoor contractor installing outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, natural stone & paver patios, landscaping, Raleigh swimming pools & spas, pool houses, cabanas and much more...Our speciality is unique and unusual swimming pools & spas. Visit Frank Bowman Designs at www.FrankBowman.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Variable Speed Pumps Save Energy and Money

You may not know that that a standard pool pump uses more electricity than any other appliance in the home, except for an air-conditioner. You also may not know that most pumps are too big and use more energy than you need to keep the swimming pool water sparkling clean.

The culprit: a single-speed pump. A small pump is probably fine if all you want to do is circulate the water, but it might not have enough speed to run your pool cleaner, waterfall or other electrical extras that need a blast of energy.

If that's the case, your pool service probably installed a pump large enough to handle the extras. But with only one speed, it's running full-blast even when your pool cleaner and waterfall aren't operating.

That huge waste of energy is costing you about 80 percent more in electric bills.

Don't let the high cost of running your swimming pool outpace its value as your family's go-to place for fun, relaxation and keeping cool. Making your pool more energy-efficient will save hundreds of dollars a year. Here are a few tips.

• Replace your single-speed pump with a variable-speed unit. High-performance models from such manufacturers as Pentair Water Pool and Spa let you run them on low most of the time. You can crank them up bit by bit when you need to run accessories.

The manufacturers claim the pumps can cut energy use by up to 90 percent compared with single-speed pumps. Frank Bowman, owner of Frank Bowman Designs in Raleigh, North Carolina, says his customers who have switched report saving $300 or more a year on their electric bills.

A variable-speed pump costs more than twice a single-speed model, but you'll recoup the cost in lower electric bills within two years, he estimates. Plus, he says, the pumps are quieter and last longer than older pumps.

As an alternative, two-speed pumps cost less than variable-speed models. And although they're not as efficient as variable-speed pumps, they use far less energy than the single-speed unit.• Run your pool pump less often. Most manufacturers recommend running it between eight and 10 hours a day in the summer and about half that in the winter.

• Put a timer on the pump so it automatically shuts off, and set it to run only when you're paying off-peak rates.

• Switch to LED lighting, which uses up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent underwater lights, and lasts for years.

• Keep your chemicals in balance. If you don't, your filter can run non-stop and the water will never sparkle.

• Clean trap baskets, filters, and pool walls and floor regularly. Clogging can prevent the water from flowing freely. The harder the pump has to work, the more you'll pay to run it.

Submitted By: Frank Bowman Designs serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston and the Triangle . We are a complete outdoor contractor installing outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, natural stone & paver patios, landscaping, swimming pools & spas, pool houses, cabanas and much more...Our speciality is unique and unusual swimming pools & spas. Visit Frank Bowman Designs at www.FrankBowman.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Let's turn your pool "Green"

Everywhere you look more and more people are going green when it comes to their household purchases. Frank Bowman Designs is taking the green movement by storm with the introduction of "Green" products for your swimming pool.

The old standard residential swimming pool uses an alarmingly high amount of energy to run. With the cost of pools going down and more and more people jumping on board the swimming pool bandwagon, going Green is really the only way to go.

According to Green Living Online, "With just over eight million Pools in the U.S. and more than 600,000 in Canada, there is a growing awareness that residential pools may not be the most environmentally friendly form of recreation." They use a lot of electricity and gas with pumps to circulate the water through filters and heaters, typically running 24 hours a day. This is unnecessary when the average pool owner only spends about an hour a day swimming.

Frank Bowman Designs is aware of this and is in full swing with a variety of Alternative and Low Energy Efficient products for pool owners looking to "Go Green". According to their website this, "North Carolina based swimming pool design and construction company encourages the use of environmentally responsible swimming pool products by incorporating healthy, resourceful, energy-efficient products, materials, and methods in the design and construction of swimming pools"

Going Green with your swimming pool is not just a hot trend, it will save you money. They offer products such as the Pentair Intelliflow Variable Frequency Swimming Pool Pump that will reduce energy costs by at least 60% utilizing its internal electrical design system and self-adjusting pool filter run-times year-round. Pool Owners' can become less dependent on high output products using outdated technologies. They can upgrade to more environmentally friendly, cost saving, "Green" products.

According to Frank Bowman Designs, "Almost every manufacturer has developed enhanced products with low Amperage or Solar pumps to decrease energy bills from homeowners and to increase the value of homes living green,"

Even if you don't live in Raleigh, North Carolina you can check out their website for updated consumer information and Energy Saving tips for pool owners.

With Americans jumping on the green living bandwagon they are preparing to see a huge increase in consumer actions searching for Energy related Pool products.

Submitted By: Frank Bowman Designs

Frank Bowman Designs of Raleigh, North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Lake Gaston and the surrounding areas. We specialize in the Design and Installation of Custom Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Frank Bowman Designs at www.FrankBowman.com or Contact us at Info@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Swimming Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec

Is the existing surface of your swimming pool rough, stained, chipping or just plain ugly? Then now is the time to consider renovating your pool. The swimming season is quickly approaching and now is the time to schedule your pool renovation to ensure your pool will be open for the beginning of the season.

Frank Bowman Designs resurfaces both residential and commercial swimming pools using many different brands of "Plaster or Marcite." Plaster and Marcite are different terms for the same thing. It is the material that coats the concrete shell of the pool and what you walk on when you are in a concrete swimming pool. Today we are going to discuss a product called Pebble Tec which is our most used and in our opinion "hands down" the best product to install in your swimming pool when it comes to longevity, appearance and maintenance. Pebble Tec is available in 18 attractive colors, our original Pebble Tec pool interior is the perfect choice for individuals desiring a more natural look for their pools, spas or water features.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PEBBLE TEC®

What is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec is a patented interior surface for swimming pools utilizing finely screened natural river rock worn smooth by years of nature's tumbling. The rock is geologically tested for hardness, angularity, content, and size.

What is the history of Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec was developed in Australia more than two decades ago. Over 50,000 pools have been installed in Australia and the United States. This means you are considering a time proven, quality product that has gained strong customer acceptance worldwide.

How are the pebbles placed on the surface?
Predetermined ratios of Pebble Tec stone and cement are combined with water and additives, then pneumatically applied with a standard pool plaster pump to a thickness of approximately 1/2". Once the Pebble Tec is applied, it is hand troweled utilizing a special process by trained applicators. At a precise time the material is "exposed" by a method which uncovers the top layer of pebbles. When the finish is thoroughly hardened, the pool is then cleaned with a solution to enhance the brightness and luster of the natural stone.

Is the surface rough?
The surface can be described as "orange peel" smooth with indentions. The stones used in Pebble Tec are finely screened and naturally tumbled resulting in a bumpy non-abrasive surface. The pebble surface is also comfortable for walking in the shallow end.

What if algae grows on the Pebble Tec finish?
Algae can be a problem on any pool surface if pool maintenance has been lacking. However, algae does not bond as readily to Pebble Tec as it does to conventional pool plaster due to the tumbled stone surface. Pebble Tec can also be cleaned more easily than plaster.

Does the Pebble Tec pool vary in color?
A pool done in this finish is intended to duplicate the natural appearance of a lake or stream bed and therefore color variation is a desired result. Water has a tendency to reflect hues and tones depending on sunlight intensity and angle that can vary depending on the time of day.

Will the pebbles fall off?
It is normal to experience a small loss of pebbles for a short period of time after Pebble Tec installation. You may find a handful in your strainer basket after you vacuum for the first few weeks but don't worry...your pool is covered with in excess of 30 million pebbles.

What is the warranty on Pebble Tec?
Splash Pools offers a written 15 year unconditional warranty on all Pebble Tec Installations. That's a piece of mind investment. Please consult with your installer as to their warranty terms and conditions.

Please feel free to contact Frank Bowman Designs if you have any additional questions about swimming pool resurfacing.

Submitted By: Frank Bowman

Frank Bowman Designs serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Lake Gaston, Southern Virginia and the surrounding areas. We specialize in the design & installation of Custom Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Frank Bowman Designs at www.FrankBowman.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBomwan.com or (919) 291-8354.

Raleigh, North Carolina Swimming Pool Renovation - Frank Bowman Designs

Is your concrete swimming pool starting to show it's age? Does your once stunning backyard oasis no longer receive compliments from your friends and family? Then it's probably time for a swimming pool renovation.

Let's break down the most common items addressed during a swimming pool renovation:

1. Interior Surface: The interior surface of your concrete swimming pool is either coated with plaster / marcite or paint. Plaster and Marcite are interchangeable terms for the same product. If the surface is rough, discolored, pitted, chipping, delaminating or just outdated it's time to replace it. The process involves removing the existing surface by manually chipping it off down to the concrete or if it's still structurally sound they can just cut out around all the fittings and tiles. Next the surface is acid washed to make the surface as rough as possible for the new surface to adhere to. Finally the new surface is installed. Your choices are practically endless and include: White Plaster, Colored Plaster, Quartz Aggregate, Pebble Tec, Beadecrete or an all tile pool. Basically the White and colored plaster are the most economical but carry the shortest warranty (usually 1 year) and are the most affected by poor water chemistry. Quartz aggregate finishes are more durable and fall in the mid-range price matrix and usually carry a 1-5 year warranty depending on the product. Pebble Tec,Beadcrete and all pebble finishes are by far the most durable most carrying a 5 - 15 warranty but are typically twice as expensive as a standard white plaster. If you are looking for the Rolls Royce of pool finishes then you are in the market for an all glass tile swimming pool. These are highly custom finishes and start around $50,000 for the finish alone and we have installed some in excess of $300,000. You must be able to appreciate your pool as a piece of artwork and no longer a utilitarian object.

2. Tile and Coping: This is the portion of the pool along the edge and where the waterline meets the wall. Tile and coping is generally replaced every 8-10 years due either to maintenance requirements oraesthetic purposes. The days of "pool blue" water line tile and brick coping are gone. Pool owners are now looking for a more dynamic look with mosaic and glass tile waterlines with natural stone coping. Generally pool owners complete the tile and coping at the same time as the pool resurfacing. This minimizes redundant costs associated with both items.

3. Deck and Patio: After time your deck or patio will start to show the signs of age. Due to freeze / thaw conditions your deck can start to heave, crack, discolor and spall. Or maybe you just have additional space needs. The easiest and least expensive way is to have an overlay system applied to the existing concrete. This could involve an acid stain, Kool Deck, acrylic deck stain, etc. These topical coatings can refresh the look of you pool but will not fix structural issues or cracks. Realistically, it doesn't cost that much to have your existing deck removed and a new one installed. Once the deck is removed you can choose any material you want. Plain Concrete, Colored Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Pavers and Natural Stone are a few of the options to choose from.

4. Equipment Upgrades: If your equipment is more than 5 years old than most of the components are outdated and energy hogs. I recommend that EVERYONE replace their current pump with a Variable Frequency Drive Pump. We recommend the Pentair Intelliflow Pump. This pump will save you about 60% on energy consumption and they run about 80% quieter than a standard pump. Heaters are another energy hog that have had large efficiency upgrades in the past 5 years.

5. Outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces: These are the two items that we are installing with almost almost every renovation we complete. Complete outdoor living is the goal of most of our clients. By installing an outdoor kitchen and fireplace you have extended your outdoor living season by at least four months. There's nothing better than cooking out and then sitting around a fire in your backyard with friends when the temperature starts to fall to the Lower 50's at night.

6. Landscaping: Most new pool owners spend their entire budget on the pool and hardscaping but generally neglect the landscaping portion of the project. Get a professional landscape plan and stick to it. Don't let the landscaper fool you...a one gallon plant will not grow 5 feet in one year. Spend a little more up front and get larger plants so you won't have to spend 5 years nurturing your landscape to get the look you were hoping for.

Submitted By: Frank Bowman Designs

Frank Bowman Designs serves all of North Carolina and Southern Virginia including Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Apex, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, Blowing Rock, Greensboro, Charlotte, Outer Banks, Lake Gaston and more. We specialize in the design and installation Complete Concrete Swimming Pools and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec, Landscaping and more. Visit Frank Bowman Designs at www.FrankBowman.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Custom Infinity Edge Swimming Pools

Many people think they can only have an infinity edge swimming pool if they live on the side of a mountain or have an ocean front view...not the case at all. Sure these are great places that the infinity edge works well but that is just the beginning. Many times we incorporate the infinity edge design on completely level or uphill slope conditions. Infinity edge designs are truly dynamic for the fact that they draw you eye toward and over the edge swimming pool. For this reason we may design a level lot infinity pool and place a piece of art, sculpture or specimen tree at the end of the edge. Allowing the reflection of this primary focal point to create a secondary focal point on the surface of the water. Or maybe, the infinity edge falls back toward the house or sitting area. This will give you a great waterfall effect as well as the infinity illusion while swimming in the pool. Other designs feature two, three or all four sided infinity edge pools...your imagination is the limit when it comes to design possibilities so don't think a infinity edge design won't work on your project. Leave that decision up to the design professional and you will be surprised at what will fit within the architecture of your site.

Frank Bowman is the President of Frank Bowman Designs, Inc. a Wake Forest, North Carolina based Swimming pool and outdoor living Design / Build Company. They specialize in upscale and unusual projects including infinity edge pools, perimeter overflow, glass tile, boulder pools, saltwater and have mastered the art of building green with extremely low operating costs. Please visit us at www.FrankBowman.com or Frank@FrankBowman.com for more information.