Tag Archives: hot tub

5 Features Your Backyard Will Need This Spring

We know the weather outside is still frightful, but that’s no excuse for letting your home’s outdoor space go without a makeover for the New Year. There are plenty of ways to prepare your backyard for the warm weather that is only weeks away. So, what exactly do you need to get started? Here are a few product ideas that will turn your outdoor living space into a relaxing retreat.
BEFORE:
Single or multi-level decks added to the rear or side of your home can create an endless number of possibilities. Decks can be built using many types of wood, fiberglass, vinyl and even recycled materials like plastic.
A hearth is a heating option used for outdoor living spaces. Fireplaces (wood or gas) and firepits offer the warmth and coziness you need during the cold winter months, but they’re also perfect for cool nights during the spring, summer and fall.
Outdoor furniture is a must if you plan to truly enjoy your backyard area.  Create an lovely oasis with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, a hammock and other comfortable furnishings.
Gazebos, sun-screened rooms, and awnings all provide wonderful shaded shelter for any time of the year. Be shielded from the scorching summer sun or protected from cold wind and rain.
No outdoor living area is complete without some type of water feature. A swimming pool is the obvious choice here. But you can always take it a step further with a spa, hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pond with a waterfall.
AFTER:
Are you ready to get your outdoor living area ready for spring 2011? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Tips on How to Purchase a Hot Tub

Hot tubs are gaining popularity. Unlike the pool, a hot tub can stay open year round. But before you purchase your hot tub, there are a couple of things you need to consider.  Let our list below help you make a more informed decision on buying a hot tub.

  1. Make sure you properly measure the space available for the hot tub to determine the size you need. Whether you are looking to accommodate 2 or 10 people, you need to calculate the area first.
  2. Contact your insurer to find out how much space you need between the hot tub and the home as well as the edge of the property.
  3. The shell of the hot tub, usually made of acrylic, fiberglass and resin, must be at least 5 millimeters thick. Microban technology is used in certain finishes to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  4. Make sure all four panels of the hot tub are well insulated.
  5. Choose which type of skirt, a wooden structure surrounding the hot tub, you’d like for the hot tub. The skirt is usually made of cedar or resin. You’ll need to preserve the skirt with a water-repellent treatment. You’ll want to make sure that parts of the skirt can be removed in case you need to get to a part in the hot tub.
  6. Choose a pump that best suits your needs. If you want a more therapeutic massage two pumps might be necessary. The more jets in a hot tub, the more powerful the pump needs to be.
  7. You’ll want to make sure the light and control panel for the hot tub are within easy access once you are sitting in the tub.
  8. The cover of the hot tub must be at strong enough to support the weight of a small child and we recommend getting one with a lock.
  9. The filtration system should be closely monitored and we recommend purchasing two filters so you can rotate them during cleaning.
  10. The water heater must have an output of at least 5.5 kilowatts.

Below are some of our hot tub enclosures, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Spotlight on Decks: A Patio Primer

In Kansas City, harsh winters and extreme temperatures mean our porches and decks can take quite a beating. This means putting forth extra time and efforts towards making sure the materials used are extra tough—without sacrificing aesthetics.shellyafter

We’ve designed hundreds of decks and outdoor living spaces in the Kansas City area, so let us help you maximize the potential of your backyard, whether it’s a screened-in porch, room extension, multi-level deck or a hot tub and spa enclosure.

As you begin to settle in for a long winter’s rest, here’s a little primer from our friends at Kansas City Homes & Gardens on some of the most popular (and sustainable!) decking options out there—from mahogany and redwood to cedar or pressure-treated wood.

By Samantha Wells