5 Ways to Wrap a Pool for the Holidays!

  Is it possible to surprise your family with a pool as a present? Absolutely! Here are five creative ways to “wrap up” a pool and generate excitement for the holidays – and all winter long! 1. Pool Toys Buy fun swimming pool items such as pool noodles, goggles, toys and rafts. Wrap each item separately and […]

The Best Gift: Family Time

Some gifts are magical. This is our story of how we gained more family togetherness and created many wonderful memories, thanks to our pool. As parents of three children, we were one of those busy families pulled in different directions. Sports practices, school happenings and social events meant “family time” was a rarity. However, once […]

Recipe: Tasty, Cool Treat for Your Pup!

By Patty Bednarcyk We love our pets here at Design Pool & Spa and want to be sure they’re kept cool and safe during these warm summer days.   Our dog, MacKenzie, always loves a quick dip in the pool. But, we make sure to keep her off the pool deck and in the shade, with […]

Top Outdoor Recreation Trends for 2015

  Wondering what the most popular backyard projects and additions will be this summer? Then check out the 2015 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).  It reveals that the most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2015 will include spa features—hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, and indoor/outdoor saunas—and swimming pools. But there’s […]


10 Differences (especially #6!) Between Owning a Pool and Owning a Boat

By Patty Bednarcyk Torn between buying a pool or buying a boat? We think you’ll appreciate this light-hearted
 comparison of two popular, but very different, forms of family 
recreation. Pool vs. Boat: You don’t need a trailer
hitch, a tank of gas or a four-wheel drive vehicle to use your
 pool. Your neighbors will never
 complain […]

When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders

When to Put out Hummingbird Feeders One of the benefits of outdoor living is enjoying the return of hummingbirds to Western New York. Offering a consistent source of nectar is the ideal way to attract hummingbirds. But, when should you put out your hummingbird feeders? While the exact dates can vary, the birds do tend to be reliable in their […]

Cool Fun with Your Dog

By Gary Bednarcyk It’s time for fun in the sun with your favorite four-legged swimmer! Adding a few pool toys can enhance this healthy form of exercise. This year our retail store will feature some great choices of dog water toys for your favorite pooch. Here are some key things to keep in mind when […]

Loving Outdoor Living

By Patty Bednarcyk One of the things we’ve all looked forward to throughout the long winter is warmer weather. And, now, with spring on the horizon, it’s time to start dreaming about what role outdoor living will play for you and your family. Redefining outdoor living spaces Many of our clients are looking at ways […]

Duck, Duck, Don’t!

Ducks are cute – but they don’t belong in your pool. There are three really good reasons to try to keep them out. It will harm the ducks. Drinking large amounts of pool water can damage their kidneys. Duck droppings can contain harmful bacteria. According to the Center for Disease Control, many germs in bird […]