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There’s no question that the range of mosaic tiles for swimming pools these days is extraordinary. A far cry from the compulsory checked-hue-of-blue mosaics that became the measure of when the water evaporation called for topping up the pool, the world of mosaics is a veritable Disneyland waiting to enchant. Mosaic tiles are considered a premium finish for pools these days.

The Pros of Mosaic Tiles

From mermaids and dolphins to octopus and seahorses, mosaics certainly add decorative and ascetic value to swimming pools. There are now whole scenes available to fascinate bathers with a world of discovery below the surface. Practicality is also serviced by mosaic pool tiles in that one can place non-slip mosaics where it matters. Steps are one area and shallow areas are another. To bring attention to built-in pool benches is yet another area where mosaic tiles are regularly used to good effect. Similarly, water features can be enhanced with clever visual effects using mosaic tiling. Today’s glass mosaic tiles can create a vanishing edge for your pool. They create a seamless look that appears to blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape. Why not have a ‘wow’ factor for your prize investment?

The Cons of Mosaic Tiles

Often white or calcium deposits build up on the mosaics. Whatever the cause – be it efflorescence from the grouting or a calcium issue in the water, it is not easy to rectify without throwing off the pH balance of the whole pool. The expansion and contraction of the pool from the weight of the water can cause the grout to loosen and the tiles to loosen in turn, and even fall off. Be aware that direct and indirect sun bouncing off the tiles can cause a blinding effect. No one wants to go swimming if you can’t see. This aspect is especially a concern when glass mosaics are chosen.

Weighing up the Mosaic Tile Tale

All in all, though largely a matter of style and taste, there are very practical reasons for making use of mosaic tiles in a swimming pool. Swimming pools can become distinct water features all year round with aquarium effects and scenery afforded by today’s range of mosaic tiles. It’s up to you – go minimalist or go all out but mosaic tiles could very well make or break the monotony level of your pool.

Above ground pools are becoming ever more popular. The days when the pool was stuck at the bottom end of the garden where a pool house needed to be built alongside to accommodate wet bathers and equipment are fading fast. Above ground pools, set into a deck pretty much takes the headache out of tons of soil, grass and whatnot piling into the pool every time the kids have friends over for a pool party. These days, pool engines run at half the decibels they used to, so coming closer to home really starts to sound attractive.

Logistics of a Deck Pool

The first decision is whether the deck is to be of concrete or wood and whether it needs to incorporate natural stone. May our first tip be that wood is fabulously versatile when it comes to shaping and are very forgiving when it comes to levelling. Besides, if you need to install benches, a table or flower boxes, you just use the decking wood and keep the continuity and convenience going. On the other hand, there’s everything to be said for constructing a concrete pool to wrap around a corner of the house and let it ‘rim-flow’ over into the garden. Someone may have commented that it's just as bad digging the holes for the poles as it is digging the hole for a pool in the first place. Not necessarily. Area permits notwithstanding, floating supports that simply stand on levelled ground can be passed and so are concrete pole stands perfectly acceptable for holding up the weight of the deck. No digging needed! If you’re wanting to cut into an existing deck to accommodate a new pool, the weight bearing aspects will need a professional assessment. There may also be by-laws in your area about fencing pools in, which will affect the ascetics and the practicality of your ideas. Once again, the professionals at the pool shop can assist you with current trends, how to overcome obstacles and how to remain law-abiding citizens. Whether you’re looking at installing an above ground pool inside of an existing deck or wanting to do the two together – new pool, new deck, there are ingenious ways to make this the best feature of your property and the most favoured spot for friends and family alike. Give us a call ….

Today there is a wonderful array of aquatic pond plants available. Smart selection means there is a strong possibility of having flowers blooming from different varieties all year round. If the pond, however, is to be a Koi pond, then whatever plants chosen, need to be placed in containers around the pond. Koi are essentially plant-eating fish! Secondly, plants, consume oxygen in the dark which makes it stressful for the fish who may be literally be gasping for air while you’re tucked up sleeping in bed. Still, plants filter and clean the water, and the leafy varieties provide shade and shelter for fish. That means that planting with skill and thought, such problems can be accommodated and suitably circumvented. If the pond is large, however, a balance of some floating plants placed strategically in pots will do the trick. Let’s introduce some of the most beautiful and popular pond plants:

• The Golden Spectre a.k.a. Bloodroot; is among the taller variety, grown in clusters producing fabulous yellow flowers.
• The Yellow Water Lily; grows on the water with pretty heart-shaped leaves and dainty yellow flowers – these pond plant beauties will need to be anchored in pots to the floor.
• The Orange River Lily; also nice and tall and very handsome aquatic loving plant and is perfect for border definition.
• River Stars; live up to their name. A recent release and gaining in popularity by the day. Slim leaves support delicate white star-shaped
• The Cape Pond Weed a.k.a. Waterblommetjies; are the orchids of the aquatic pond plant family. Exceptionally pretty white flowers group together on oval leaves and grace the winter while other pond plants die back.
• The Cape Blue Water Lily; is the untouched traditional queen of pond plants, unrivalled as to floral display and show quality. The flowers perch atop long, elegant stems and will do any pond feature proud.

There are illegals in the world of aquatic pond plants believe it or not - the Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce are illegal to have in or on any pond. But with such an exquisite selection of pond plants to choose, there’s no need to complain.

Creating a welcoming environment is no longer considered an optional extra in commercial buildings and outlets. Understanding that there’s more value than just attracting feet, it is how to keep those feet lingering in commercial spaces that counts. Aquarium features have the domino effect of immediately easing people’s stress levels and delivering them out of their frazzled state. Come to think of it, it should be legislated that commercial aquariums for corrective facilities and prisons are mandatory. It might forever change the aggressive culture of such institutions. Till that sweet day, commercial outlets are starting to champion aquariums as part of the décor.

Commercial Aquariums For Office spaces

The effect of a large aquarium showpiece in office reception halls has a beneficial calming effect on the everyday office workforce, let alone visitors, who may need their feathers smoothed when appointments are delayed and tempers rise. Even the old goldfish bowl idea has developed into snazzy desktop versions. Some are tall with a fitted downlight under a dome lid.

Commercial Aquariums For Hotels, Health Spas, Restaurants And Bars

Besides the obvious places like lobbies and stairwells, an executive suite in a hotel may include an overhead aquarium installation above the headboard for the main bed. Nothing more magical than lying down at the end of a hectic day and watching beautiful fish in soft tranquil light float by above you. An entire room divider can be a two-sided installation from floor to ceiling with spectacular effect. Restaurants often have their crayfish, crabs and lobsters on display, so installing an aquarium for beauty is an easy commercial value-add. Restroom aquariums are also popular and create respect for keeping the place attractive. Set in with the mirrors or as the divider of the restroom door opens onto open stalls. Upscaled bar lounges lend themselves to commercial indoor aquariums because there is usually already ambient light and plenty of downlighting to highlight the rows of bottles bearing various shades of intoxicating liquid. We say upscale because no one wants to put an aquarium in where brawls are likely. Health Spa aquariums are a no-brainer. People have come to de-stress and detox from their everyday environments. An aquarium in the reception area and the cafeteria makes complete sense.

Commercial Aquariums For Queues And Waiting Rooms

Due to the tranquilising effect of having an array of colourful fish floating peacefully about in an aquarium, places where stress levels tend to go through the roof like waiting rooms makes total sense. Hospital lounges, cafeterias and doctors’ rooms are immeasurably enhanced with the addition of an aquarium. Wherever people are required to wait patiently in queues, a well-placed aquarium will do the trick of keeping people amused, interested and calm. That should be mandatory in banks and home affairs offices.

Commercial Aquariums For Malls And Shopfronts

When people are spending their hard-earned money, tranquillity is likely the last quality experienced. Providing the calm and relaxed ambience, aquariums are actually silently making the most noise and having a profound effect on the mood of shoppers and the workforce alike. In commercial spaces as large as shopping malls, the deliberate positioning of a huge aquarium feature may be spectacular enough to draw people to return again and again to food courts for example. The size and shape of today’s aquariums are no longer just the traditional oblong tank. Some are tall and round, others only as wide as a wall but installed from the ceiling to the floor. Some rise majestically up from indoor gardens or are part of a bookshelf or other display. The options are endless. Before you sigh and wonder who will care for your aquarium projects, many installers and pool maintenance crews specialize in commercial aquarium upkeep. Paying a team to keep your showpiece sparkling clean is worth every sent, you’ll see.

Don’t be fooled by the neighbour who slapped up a pond in an afternoon using black refuse bags taped together with duct tape to line his latest garden feature. The success of your pond is not in finishing the feature in the shortest possible time but in that which will assure zero headaches down the line. When it comes to pond liners, It’s not even a case of what’s best, but more about what’s suitable for your conditions. In no particular order, let’s take a look tried and tested possibilities.

• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene - synthetic rubber, Diene Monomer- two carbon-to-carbon double bonded hydrocarbon alkene) pond liner is a superbly flexible membrane. If you have odd shapes to work with, this is your dream come true. It fits into curves and corners as if it were liquid, makes shallow ponds appear deeper, is UV resistant and is plant and fish friendly.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pond liner comes as RPE (reinforced Polyethylene) which can be heat welded together and is lighter than regular PVC, making it super easy to handle. Don’t be misled, lightweight doesn’t mean fragile. PVC is a known strong, durable polyester. It is puncture and tear resistant and is great for larger ponds – able to handle up to 1 000 gallons of water. This pond liner has the additional feature of a textured finish, which promotes microbial growth and therefore a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
• Preformed pond liners are fabulous for small installations as all you have to do is sink it into the ground and hey presto – there’s your feature, neat and sweet. On the other hand, it can be an indoor installation or placed on verandas with rocks and plants around it. It is sturdy, durable and fantastic for plants and fish.
• Geotextile Underlayment pond liners add a cushion between the pond and any rocks or roots hidden below, reducing wear and tear, precluding puncturing (within reason). This is a great option if you fancy a Koi pond.

The choice in pond liners is yours. Other factors needing consideration involve how much exposure the proposed pond will have, in which case, UV capability will count. If you are wanting plants or fish in your pond then the liner must not contain arsenic obviously, so ask! Otherwise, go for it and enjoy the delights of a feature that will enhance the beauty wherever you decide to place it.

Ponds that are a focal point in the day all but disappear when the sun goes down. Pond lighting gives your prized garden feature a nightlife. Besides that, you don’t want guests stumbling into your pond in the dark, so whether for safety or for beauty, we take a look at three viable options to enhance pond and water features. White or coloured lights turn the garden into a fantasy wonderland.

Downlights - Natural Pond Lighting

Mimicking nature, downlights produce soft diffused illumination. Installing these onto overhanging branches all but creates your own moonshine (so, ja, don’t get the wrong idea). Whereas submersible lights show off your pond, downlighting enhances more than just the pond. The surrounding foliage also gets a fair share of the limelight. They also last longer than their submerged cousins and are naturally easier in the maintenance department.

Uplights - Accented Pond Lighting

The versatility of uplights lies in that they can be directional. Placed close to the edge of the pond, preferably hidden in the surrounding foliage, the effect is as dramatic as you want it to be. Accentuating rock features and highlighting the movement of bubbles from fountains or waterfalls, and endless kaleidoscope is created.

Submersed Pond Lights - Sparkling Effect

There are pros and cons to submersible lighting, the downside being that dirt shows up and algae tends to grow over the lenses. The cure is to keep the pond really clean. The upside is that the fish, if you have such in the pond, are lit up as they swim past. Submersed pond lights come absolutely into their own when angled underneath waterfall pond features. The water absolutely sparkles and the constant agitation keep dirt away and discourages algae, which prefers still water. With a wide range of pond lights available these days, your creativity can find satisfying fulfilment. You may choose Halogen or LED lights, plain or coloured globes for your feature. Another good idea is to have more than one visual option – one relay could be used for muted lighting so that no one inadvertently falls into the water in the dark of night, or when no one’s about to appreciate spectacular lighting (and to save electricity). Another phase can be laid for when there’s an audience to applaud the full concert of your selected lighting effects. Chances are you’re going to love your pond feature more at night than during the day once you’ve cleverly installed some pond lighting.