Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

Epizodai

• Ep 139 The Ultimate Backyard Flex: Handcrafted Wooden Diving Boards with Mikel Tube & Farley Pool Designs 30.06.2026 56min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Mikel Tupe from Belgium, who handcrafts luxury wooden diving boards he calls “functional art.” Tupe explains he began after building a board for his own pool, then left a banking/insurance career as international demand grew, especially in the U.S. He describes two construction types—floating boards (more flexible, cheaper, require storing in winter and checking screws) and tension boards (more solid, less bounce, adjustable tension bars). He discusses materials (ipe and a shift toward afrormosia), oiling to prevent graying and cracking, optional UV-protective covers, anti-slip features, and U.S.-based safety standards, bracket heights, and stainless-steel bases. He highlights the Ocean One as the most popular model, notes 5–7 week high-season lead times, typical longevity and weight guidance, unusual installations, and emphasizes customer communication and trust.   Discover more: https://woodendivingboards.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesignshttps://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet the Guest 02:01 Wooden Boards Origin 04:24 Choosing the Right Wood 06:00 Handcrafted Production 07:30 Floating vs Tension 11:04 Oiling and Winter Care 15:27 Covers and UV Protection 18:38 Splinters and Grip 22:05 Safety Rules and Brackets 27:30 Bracket Designs and Ocean One 28:48 Ocean One Bestseller 29:06 Board Sizes And Profiles 30:09 Why Wood Boards 31:09 Wild Install Locations 32:46 Maintenance And Hardware 35:41 Ordering And Shipping 37:55 Longevity And Weight Limits 41:37 Wood Vs Fiberglass Bounce 47:10 Design Inspiration And Safety 50:31 Trust Customer Care Wrap 52:37 Rapid Fire Favorites 55:02 Final Thanks And Contact  
• Ep 138 Resort Style Living at Home: Outdoor Design Masterclass with Landscape Architect Kurt Kraisinger of Lorax Design Group 23.06.2026 1val 19min

  Mike and Trey Farley interview Kurt Kraisinger, landscape architect, owner of Lorax Design Group in Overland Park, Kansas, and co-founder of Tributary Revelation. Kurt recounts his path from aspiring architect to landscape architecture at Kansas State University, building his practice across 25 states, and explains his client-first design philosophy focused on context, lifestyle, and architectural fit rather than a single signature style. He describes how clients often fixate on Pinterest features, why trust is built by showing what clients ask for alongside better alternatives, and why circulation plus grading/drainage are foundational, especially in Kansas City’s freeze-thaw and rainfall conditions. Kurt outlines his “prescribed process” from concept to master plan, early contractor estimates to prevent budget surprises, phasing strategies, and stepwise 3D visualization. He explains the Lorax name origin, Tributary’s tours-based networking model, discusses trendy pool features and value engineering, and shares influences (Simon Sinek, Blue Ocean Strategy), plus personal favorites and travel inspiration.   Discover more: https://loraxdesigngroup.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesignshttps://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:23 Meet Kurt Kraisinger 02:54 Path to Landscape Architecture 04:39 K State Training and Early Work 07:51 Design Philosophy and Style Range 11:01 Guiding Clients Past Pinterest 15:48 Why Lorax Design Group 19:55 Outdoor Living After COVID 21:44 Site Walkthrough and Flow Basics 25:43 Master Plans and Phasing 27:24 Budget Reality and Cost Process 31:57 Luxury Features and Tradeoffs 35:21 Learning Negative Edge Details 37:51 How Tributary Started 39:48 Building Tributary Tours 42:17 Vendors Behind Scenes 43:47 Membership Rules Evolve 44:59 Midwest Build Challenges 49:56 When to Hire Designers 52:51 Hand Drawing Value 56:04 3D Workflow Funnel 01:01:22 Timeless Pool Design 01:05:36 Saying No to Clients 01:11:26 Books Food Movies 01:17:41 Wrap Up Contact Info 01:18:22 Show Mission Closing
• Ep 137 Year-round Luxury : Bringing the Oasis Indoors & Outdoors With Oasis Pools 16.06.2026 1val 23min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast with guests Chip Unnerstall and Nicole Newkirk of Oasis Pools, a St. Louis design-build firm focused on high-end residential pools and outdoor living. Chip shares starting his company at 17 after a client loaned him $50,000, leading to rapid early growth, while Nicole describes her design background, their collaboration, and her “Not Your Average Life” mindset brand. They discuss evolving from liners to custom concrete work through continuing education (Genesis and WaterShape University), bringing shotcrete and plaster operations in-house for quality and scheduling control, and lessons from COVID contract escalation. Topics include Midwest weather strategies using tents and heat for year-round building, winterization vs keeping some pools open, indoor pool costs and dehumidification, sanitation options like UV/ozone, material and design “true crimes,” and standout award-winning projects featuring rain curtains, hidden auto covers, entryway water, and perimeter-overflow/tiled pools.   Discover and connect: https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Chip And Nicole 02:42 How They Got Started 05:40 Growing Into High End 07:24 Training And Genesis 09:44 Going Fully In House 13:17 Weatherproof Building Tents 16:58 Full Backyard Packages 20:38 Service Area And Winterizing 23:25 Spas Hot Tubs And Shell Types 27:02 Indoor Pools And Humidity 30:37 Sanitation UV And Ozone 34:31 Indoor Design And Covers 43:03 Award Winning Projects 44:49 Limestone House Details 45:33 Who Builds Pool Houses 46:48 Modern Rain Curtain Pool 49:28 Cantilever Swings Feature 50:43 Mosaic Tile Reflection Pool 52:58 Lazy River Memories 55:30 Women In Pool Design 57:46 Social Media And Vetting Builders 01:00:28 Design Limits And Timelines 01:02:18 3D Modeling Versus Hand Sketching 01:07:41 Poolside True Crime Lessons 01:13:49 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:16:16 Travel Inspiration And Craftsmanship 01:20:01 Contact Info And Wrap Up 01:22:40 Show Mission Closing  
• Ep 136 Ryan and Sozan Hughes on how to Create your Vibe with Solana Outdoor Living 09.06.2026 1val 9min

  The Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast hosts Mike and Trey Farley interview Sozan and Ryan Hughes of Ryan Hughes Design and Solana Outdoor Living about expanding from a second-generation Florida landscape and pool firm into a holistic luxury outdoor living platform that includes furnishings, lighting, kitchens, and specialty products. Ryan explains how the business evolved after 2009 and how furniture became a critical element despite early rejection from manufacturers and consumer credibility hurdles, eventually won through marketing, media exposure, and social proof. Sozan describes joining the company around 2008–2012, negotiating dealer pricing, and launching their first major furniture success. They detail Solana’s 12,000-square-foot showroom in Tampa with vignette displays, customization options, trade support, warehousing/QC/logistics, and plans to scale locations and serve residential, hospitality, and nationwide clients.   Discover more: https://www.solanaoutdoor.com/ https://ryanhughesdesign.com https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Meet Sozan Hughes 00:57 Podcast Intro and Mission 02:09 Guests Welcome and Origins 02:54 Ryan Hughes Design Evolution 05:36 Sozan Joins the Business 08:52 Breaking Into Furniture 12:39 Selling the Vibe 15:09 Inside the Solana Showroom 18:45 Curating Luxury Brands 22:34 Trade Program and Logistics 26:49 Bespoke Customization and AI 29:53 Signature Products and Video Wall 36:04 Lighting Innovations Spotlight 38:53 How to Explore Solana 40:27 Showroom Visits Explained 41:29 Designing for Trends 44:11 Expanding the Showroom 45:04 New Brands from Italy 46:14 When to Start Planning 48:33 Guiding Clients in Store 50:42 AI and 3D Visuals 52:32 Scaling Solana Nationwide 54:33 Outdoor Kitchen Standouts 57:53 More Niche Product Lines 01:02:36 Advice and Rapid Fire 01:05:54 Travel Inspiration and Wrap 01:08:14 Podcast Mission Closing  
• Ep 135 From Pool Floors to Ceiling Stars with Fiber Creations and Farley Pool Designs 02.06.2026 58min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Rhonda Sheeran of Fiber Creations about Pool Stars, a patented fiber-optic “stars in the pool floor” product with a 3D twinkling effect that appears on the pool bottom and reflects off the water surface. Rhonda describes her background in pool tile, renovation, plastering, and early fiber-optic lighting, and explains how Pool Stars use high-quality Mitsubishi fibers bundled from an LED RGBW/DMX-capable illuminator (no electricity in the water) through minimal piping, then distributed as single/double/triple fibers for varied brightness. She details installation steps, plaster/tile considerations, remodel approaches, distance limits (~90 feet), dimming and app/DMX control, use cases (sun shelves, decks, walls, star ceilings, countertops), quality cautions, and typical costs varying by star count and labor.   Discover more: https://www.fibercreations.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Rhonda Sheeran 02:18 Pool Stars Origin Story 05:55 How Pool Stars Work 10:35 Installation Step by Step 15:17 Remodels and Tile Pools 17:02 Safety and Equipment Setup 21:25 Customization and DMX Control 25:10 Creative Applications Beyond Pools 27:53 Finish Tips and Longevity 29:25 Podcast Legacy Story 30:29 Remodeling a Star Pool 32:19 Drones and Dimming Control 33:43 Why Quality Fiber Matters 35:25 Acrylic Windows and Placement 36:23 Star Ceilings Installation 39:11 Backlit Stone and Showers 41:16 Controllers Apps and Music Sync 44:21 Product Evolution and Install Tips 47:35 Durability Big Clients and Future 50:16 Cost Ranges and Design Options 52:19 Rapid Fire Guest Questions 54:20 Seeing It In Person and Wrap Up
• Ep 134 Garden and Landscape Hacks for Great Outdoor Spaces with Jay White and Morgan McBride 26.05.2026 1val 24min

  Mike and Trey Farley host Jay White, publisher of Texas Gardener Magazine, and Morgan, a longtime DFW landscaper now with Verde Growers, to answer homeowner questions about gardening and landscaping around pools. They stress planning for sunlight, drainage, and soil (often alkaline in North Texas), using soil tests, reading plant labels, and favoring local nurseries over big-box stores. Topics include soil prep differences for annual beds vs trees, backfilling trees with native soil, staking, container vs balled-and-burlapped trees, best planting season (fall), raised-bed vegetable gardening and crop rotation, chill hours for fruit trees, water efficiency and avoiding overwatering (drip on timers), fertilizing with balanced ratios and slow-release nitrogen, protecting trees during construction, common regional pests/diseases, privacy screens (hollies and junipers), invasive bamboo, and recommended perennials like roses and salvias.   Discover more: https://texasgardener.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet the Guests 03:20 Soil Prep Basics 05:02 Soil Tests Explained 08:37 Tilling and Living Soil 11:06 Skip Big Box Stores 15:12 Find Your Planting Zone 17:37 Gardens Near Pools 21:11 Crop Rotation 101 25:38 Best Time to Plant Trees 27:51 Container vs B&B Trees 33:02 Water Smart Gardening 40:19 Right Plant Right Place 43:01 Fruit Trees and Chill Hours 43:53 Chill Hours Basics 44:46 Early Bloom Plum Experiment 45:46 Avoid Big Box Fruit Trees 46:50 Plants and Memory Bonds 48:50 Best Shade Tree Picks 50:49 Privacy Screening Plants 53:32 Bamboo Planting and Removal 55:52 Favorite Perennials for Texas 59:33 Killing Poison Ivy 01:00:29 Garden Pets and Critters 01:02:08 Fertilizer Ratios Explained 01:08:38 Protect Trees During Construction 01:10:03 Texas Pests and Regulations 01:14:23 Synthetic Turf Pros and Cons 01:15:16 Texas Tomato Timing 01:16:27 Easy Starter Vegetables 01:18:28 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:22:49 Show Wrap and Mission  
• Ep 133 Delicious Water: Steve Kenny's AOP Recipe with Farley Pool Designs 20.05.2026 1val 5min

  Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs interview Steve Kenny of SRK Pools in East Hampton, Long Island, who describes his path from a family pool service business started in 1985 to building high-performance “chlorine-free” pools. Kenny explains how decades of service experience led him to advanced water treatment using high-output ozone with UV to create advanced oxidation (hydroxyl radicals), paired with activated glass media filtration, CO2 pH control, and a Blue Sentinel controller to maintain very low chlorine (about 0.1–0.2 ppm) with minimal manual intervention and monthly service. He details side-stream ozone injection, contact tanks, ozone destruction and safety monitoring, and floor-return/skimmer hydraulics to reduce dead spots. The conversation covers pathogen control (e.g., crypto/giardia), equipment “bunkers,” freeze-thaw considerations, keeping pools open year-round, wellness trends like cold plunges, and Kenny’s water-inspired mosaic art.   Discover more: https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Steve Kenny 02:26 From Culinary to Pools 04:46 Going Chlorine Free 07:42 AOP Hydroxyl Explained 09:08 Ozone System Sizing 11:53 Automation and Controls 14:32 Bunkers and Venting 17:39 Why Add UV 20:54 Glass Media Filtration 22:58 Hydraulics Skimmers Returns 25:13 Real World Results and Cost 30:26 Training Maintenance Teams 33:25 Delicious Water Philosophy 35:27 Proactive Water Care 36:10 Mindset Over Energy Costs 37:14 AOP Basics Ozone UV 38:09 Glass Media And No Minerals 40:21 Chlorine Sensitivity Explained 41:23 Building For Freeze Thaw 45:37 Plumbing Flow And Heating 46:55 Perimeter Overflow Artistry 47:44 Underwater Art And Tile 50:35 Designing For Lifestyle 51:51 System Capacity Dogs And Bugs 58:23 Wellness Cold Plunge Trends 01:01:37 Rapid Fire And Wrap Up 01:04:06 Show Mission Closing  
• Ep 132 Floatee: The Smart Tech Transforming Luxury Water Safety with Farley Pool Designs 12.05.2026 36min

  On this episode of Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast, Mike Farley interviews Scarlett Hanson, owner of Floatee US, during Water Safety Month about Floatee, a France-made anti-drowning T-shirt for children that looks like an anti-UV swim shirt but automatically inflates into a life jacket when submerged, inflating in under three seconds, keeping the wearer on their back with airways out of the water via an asymmetrical design. It won a prestigious design award, has been used by over 50,000 people in Europe, and has generated parent testimonials after real pool incidents. The system uses a dissolving sensor and replaceable gas canister; the inflatable insert can be moved between shirt sizes and bright colors aid visibility. Sizes currently cover 10–25 kg, with 25–40 kg in development, plus adult manual/automatic versions. Scarlett shares pricing, certifications (ISO 12402), washing instructions, travel guidance for canisters, and plans for awareness, retail expansion, and trade-show demos, with info@floateeus.com.   Discover more: https://www.floateeus.com/ https://floatee.co/en https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:17 Water Safety Month Intro 01:59 Meet Scarlett and Floatee 02:21 How Floatee Works 05:04 Inside the Tech 08:23 Fit Sizes and Reuse 10:35 Travel and Layering Tips 12:23 Adult Versions Explained 14:46 Scarlett Safety Journey 20:26 Why Drowning Gets Overlooked 24:32 Real Life Saves and Pricing 27:35 Future Plans and Care 32:42 Rapid Fire Questions 34:23 Contact and Trade Shows 35:54 Final Wrap Up    
• Ep 131 What Your Builder Won’t Tell You with Sean of Deck Remodelers and Farley Pool Designs 05.05.2026 1val 18min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Sean of Deck Remodelers from Northern New Jersey about his background from an Irish carpentry family through construction and culinary school to specializing in high-end decks since 2007–08. Sean describes winning 70+ national design awards, focusing on team-building, and advising homeowners to start with an honest budget rather than bidding games, then vet contractors by details and materials (steel framing, premium PVC, fewer posts, better beams). He explains his in-house architects and exterior-focused interior designers, custom fabrication and board bending for curved decks and stairs, full-yard design/GC scope, VR walkthroughs, and standardized training via “Deck Remodelers University.” Topics include fire features and clearances, covered spaces, lighting and electric infrared heaters (Infotech), under-deck drainage (Haven Under Deck), code/climate considerations like frost depth, and common remodel failures from inadequate blocking. He also discusses NADRA’s education/community, his book and favorite book “Die With Zero,” and a road-trip ride to Niagara Falls.   Discover more: https://deckremodelers.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:17 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:34 Spring Weather and Busy Season 02:01 Why the Name Deck Remodelers 02:24 Origin Story and Early Carpentry 05:35 From Culinary School to Construction 06:49 Deck Medic to High-End Decks 08:20 Awards and Building a Team 09:08 Homeowner Mistakes and Budget Talk 12:08 In-House Designers and Architects 13:46 Curved Decks and Board Bending 18:08 Fire Features and Material Safety 18:48 YouTube Experiments and 50 Cal Test 19:50 Full Backyard Design and GC Scope 20:38 Standardizing Quality with DRU 22:44 Service Area and Expansion Plans 25:05 Climate Loads and Louvered Roofs 27:04 Designing Transitions and Materials 28:56 Tough Home Styles and Review Boards 30:32 Writing the Book and Going Full Service 31:38 Grand Staircases and Glue-Lams 32:45 Heaters and Lighting Expertise 36:58 Frost Lines Steel Framing and Durability 40:02 Designing for Function and Furnishings 41:02 Making Under-Deck Space Usable 42:38 Waterproofing Done Right 43:38 Details That Add Value 46:15 Cover It For Comfort 47:46 Building Docks On Ice 50:17 Lifestyle Upgrade Mindset 51:39 Football Fan Banter 53:51 Master Planning Backyards 57:24 Gunite And Clay Engineering 01:01:20 Contractor True Crime 01:05:14 NADRA And Community 01:09:26 Fire Features Under Roofs 01:11:23 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:17:15 Wrap Up And Mission  
• Ep 130 Hidden Details of the Ultra Luxury Patio with Armen of Arto with Farley Pool Designs 28.04.2026 59min

  Mike and Trey Farley introduce and interview Armen from Southern California’s Arto Brick, a family business founded in the 1960s by Armen’s father after emigrating from Egypt. Armen explains how the company began with handmade clay thin-brick veneer sold on a milk route, grew from installation into full-time manufacturing, and expanded staff significantly. He discusses working through family-business conflicts, Arto Brick’s “rustic elegance” look and how trends affect demand, and the value of handmade products and factory tours. Armen outlines current offerings—handcrafted concrete and low-absorption clay tiles for walls/floors indoors and outdoors, trims/coping, custom colors/shapes, and curated stone/porcelain—plus installation and maintenance issues like sealing, expansion joints, and hot-weather setting, with notes on saltwater pool impacts. He also shares favorites (movie Patton, books Gates of Fire and How the Mighty Fall) and travel interests.   Discover more: https://www.arto.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Armen Arto Brick 02:01 Immigrant Origin Story 03:39 Thin Brick Innovation 06:06 Scaling the Family Business 07:58 Working With Family 10:37 Celebrity Client Tales 12:02 Trends Rustic Elegance 14:53 Handmade Factory Advantage 19:06 What Arto Brick Makes 22:48 How Customers Discover It 27:14 Pool Coping Throwback 30:05 How Tiles Are Made 31:12 Molding and Packing Tiles 31:54 Concrete vs Clay Process 33:12 Low Absorption Benefits 34:48 Indoor Outdoor Transitions 35:42 Freeze Thaw and Waterproofing 37:04 Saltwater Pool Material Choices 39:54 Common Install Mistakes 41:31 Expansion Joints and Movement 42:37 Sealing and Cleaning Tips 43:36 Patina Expectations and Trends 45:41 Ceiling Install Stories 48:44 New Art Tazo Brick Line 50:47 Growing in California 52:43 Legacy and Customer Value 54:52 Rapid Fire Favorites 57:16 Travel Plans and Wrap Up 58:30 Podcast Mission Statement    
• Ep 129 Step 1: The Dream to Your Luxury Pool and Outdoor Living Oasis with Farley Pool Designs 21.04.2026 44min

  Mike and Trey Farley introduce the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast from Farley Pool Designs, explaining their goal of helping homeowners avoid “dream-to-nightmare” outdoor projects by sharing industry knowledge, trends, and insider tips. In this episode, they outline step one of a homeowner’s journey: define the dream and establish a realistic budget using photos to clarify style and features, align priorities with a partner, and identify must-haves versus compromises due to space or cost. They discuss how backyard projects can be major investments that may return value at resale, and how media and social platforms inspire new ideas. Mike describes a “shopping list” budgeting method that factors in site conditions like soil, access, grades, utilities, and HOAs to price features individually. They preview future step-by-step episodes covering site analysis, patios/structures, outdoor kitchens, aesthetic features, and pools. https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:12 Step One Overview 02:28 Avoiding Backyard Nightmares 03:56 Big Investment Value 06:29 Where Dreams Begin 09:47 Media Inspired Ideas 12:29 Use Photos to Communicate 16:57 Compromise and Priorities 19:27 3D Models and Lot Types 21:04 Outdoor Kitchen Segment 22:14 Warm Towel Hack 22:44 Dream Pool Options 24:35 Water And Fire Features 25:45 Outdoor Kitchens And Comfort 27:00 Tech Wellness And Fitness 28:56 Privacy Landscaping And Budgeting 31:59 Shopping List Budget Method 37:28 Real World Overbudget Story 41:48 Cost Of The Dream Wrap Up 42:26 Next Episodes Roadmap 43:55 Podcast Mission Statement  
• Ep 128 Five Tips for Better Deck Design w Industry Experts Robert The Deck da Vinci and Farley Pool Design 31.03.2026 1val 10min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Ontario-based deck designer Robert Hodichak (“Deck Da Vinci”), who designs complex outdoor structures and co-runs 33 North Design with contractor John Lee while also designing for Decks & Docks. Robert explains how remote design is enabled by photos, tools like Hover, SketchUp, and Lumion, and stresses that homeowners should prioritize proper space planning, flow, and understanding use cases (gatherings, dining, kitchens, hot tubs) before aesthetics. He recommends NADRA as a resource for finding qualified deck builders and highlights common mistakes from unqualified contractors, including code and waterproofing failures. The conversation covers material choices (wood vs composites vs PVC), heat and expansion concerns, steel/aluminum framing longevity, under-deck drainage for usable dry space, railing options (aluminum vs glass), lighting for ambiance, stairs and landings, and trends around wellness features like saunas, cold plunges, and spas.   Discover more: https://www.instagram.com/33_northdesign/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Robert Hodichak 01:56 Deck Da Vinci Origin 03:46 Remote Design Reach 04:23 Launching 33 North 05:57 Social Media Backstory 08:07 Finding Builders NADRA 11:48 Deck Planning Mistakes 15:31 Deck Materials Guide 22:13 Steel and Aluminum Framing 24:50 Permits and Runoff Rules 26:01 Dry Space Under Deck 29:27 Railing Options 33:08 Cantilevered Fireplace Build 34:44 Lightweight Stone Cladding 35:20 Decks That Belong 36:20 Tying Decks Into Homes 38:34 Wellness Outdoors Trend 41:04 Biophilic Design Benefits 43:03 Lighting For Ambiance 44:33 Railing Lights Explained 46:10 Fire Pits On Decks 47:23 Signature Project Styles 48:33 Stair Design Essentials 51:38 Built In Seating And Code 53:56 3D Design Workflow Tools 58:18 Deck Failure Horror Story 01:01:52 Extend Season With Porches 01:03:58 Design Due Diligence 01:05:46 Contact And Rapid Fire Qs 01:09:29 Podcast Wrap Up  
• Ep 127 Luxury Unlocked: Wintergreen Grass Backyard Oasis Solutions with Farley Pool Designs 24.03.2026 1val 27min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Winter Moore of Winter Green Synthetic Grass, a company he started in 2014 with a borrowed $10,000 that has grown to about 60 employees providing full-service artificial grass for residential and commercial uses. Winter explains why turf appealed to him, how it performs in real dog-heavy backyards, and key pros and cons: low watering and reduced maintenance (but not maintenance-free), aesthetic appeal, heat, pet urine odor, and higher upfront cost with ROI over time. He emphasizes base preparation and drainage (crushed concrete, drain rock, French drains, irrigation rinse cycles) to prevent settling and odors, discusses product quality/testing (ASTM, lead-free), and covers applications including playgrounds with fall ratings/padding systems, sports surfaces, poolside transitions, pavers with turf strips, putting greens from recreational to tour-style chip-accepting builds, and HOA/permeability considerations.   Contacts and Connections: https://www.wintergreengrass.com/ or 469-537-4747 https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Winter Moore 01:54 Starting Wintergreen 04:21 How Turf Won Him Over 06:54 Pros Cons and ROI 10:34 Quality Testing and Safety 17:22 Choosing the Right Turf 21:23 Matching Old and New Turf 23:40 Pet Installs Drainage Basics 28:07 Maintenance Smell and Repairs 31:46 Playgrounds and Fall Ratings 35:02 Sports Courts and Padel 40:05 Sports Turf vs Landscape Heat 41:18 Pads and Infill Basics 42:34 Backyard Putting Green Boom 43:30 Recreational Green Design 45:06 Pro Greens and Chipping 47:35 Bunkers and Turf Durability 49:56 Golf Complex Design Team 53:10 HOA and Permeability Rules 57:04 Protecting Trees Near Turf 01:00:48 Turf as Pool Decking 01:03:56 Paver Strips and Zero Edge 01:06:38 Putt Putt and Play Berms 01:11:29 Maintenance and Wear Patterns 01:13:43 Turf Installation Horror Story 01:16:21 Grain Direction and Seams 01:18:31 Industry Growth and Luxury Golf 01:21:43 Contact Info and Wrap Up 01:23:33 Rapid Fire and Closing 01:26:26 Show Mission Outro  
• Ep 126 The Truth About Infinity Pools: Skip Phillips on Mastering the Vanishing Edge 17.03.2026 53min

  On the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast, Mike and Trey Farley interview renowned pool designer Skip Phillips about his career path from a family tool business and pool service company to pioneering vanishing-edge, zero-edge, and perimeter-overflow pools, and his role elevating industry standards through education and expert-witness work. Phillips explains his design premise—intentional water/deck relationships, minimal materials, quiet and reflective water surfaces—and how vanishing edges blur water with surroundings.   Discover more: https://skipphillips.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Skip Phillips Legacy 00:57 Podcast Welcome 02:39 From Tools to Pools 04:36 Vanishing Edge Origins 06:28 Designing for Daily Use 10:08 Common Edge Misconceptions 11:31 Weir Details and Sightlines 13:30 Robb Report Recognition 16:31 Where Edges Work Best 19:12 Overflow Into the Garden 20:50 Genesis Education Mission 23:43 Engineering and Surge Basics 25:54 Surge Tanks and Failures 28:23 Edge Tolerance Basics 29:40 Equipment Placement Strategy 30:56 Keeping Water Mirror Calm 32:53 Bigger Pipes Smaller Pumps 34:38 Clients Ignoring Engineering 36:18 Wet Coping Vs Latner 38:22 Vent Pipes Stop Gurgle 40:11 Avoiding Lawsuits 43:12 Designing The Full Experience 47:03 Hardest Builds St Lucia 49:22 Rapid Fire Favorites 51:45 Wrap Up And Contact  
• Ep 125 PAINTING WITH LIGHT: Transforming Nightscapes with Scott Beverly of Signature Illumination Designs. 10.03.2026 1val

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Scott Beverly of Signature Illumination Designs, a Dallas-based exterior lighting contractor providing turnkey design, installation, and lifetime servicing for bold residential lighting. Scott explains how professional lighting differs from DIY kits by using symmetry, layered uplighting and downlighting (“moonlighting”), and depth beyond pools to reveal property boundaries.   Discover more: https://www.lightsbysignature.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Scott Beverly 02:16 How He Got Started 03:17 Lighting Misconceptions 04:42 Working With Contractors 06:33 Visualizing The Design 08:36 Moonlighting Without Big Trees 09:39 Low Vs Line Voltage 10:50 Color Changing Basics 12:05 Kelvin Color Temperature 13:35 Matching Indoor Outdoor Light 15:50 Layering For Mood 17:50 In Ground Marker Lights 19:24 Downlighting Without Trees 20:46 HOA Dark Sky Rules 22:42 Motion Sensors And Security 23:51 Pool Strip Lighting Trends 24:45 Tape Light Installation Details 27:29 Waterproof Ratings And Corners 30:05 Where Strip Lighting Shines 31:18 Modern Step Lighting 31:37 Outlining Turf Effects 32:43 Permanent Holiday Lighting 34:27 Fixture Materials Quality 35:59 Moisture Ratings Durability 37:06 Value Engineering Fixtures 38:30 Phasing Wiring Night Set 40:29 Maintenance Longevity 41:24 String Lights Pole Setup 43:18 One App Nolu System 46:20 Structures Umbrellas Lighting 47:24 Safety Security Lighting 48:19 Travel Install Process 48:59 Zoning Controls Calibration 50:29 Lighting Mistakes To Avoid 52:33 Control System Best Practices 54:07 Cost Expectations Catalog Trap 55:13 Why Night Lighting Wins 56:19 Pool Light Reflection Reality 57:27 Contact Info Guest QandA 59:16 Show Wrap Up Conclusion  
• Ep 124 The Designer Secret of Metal Luxury Spas with Diamond Spas 03.03.2026 1val 16min

  Mike and Trey Farley interview Mitch Martinez, design manager at Diamond Spas, a 30-year-old company fabricating custom stainless steel and copper vessels including spas, cold plunges, plunge pools, pools, swim spas, and water features for luxury residential and commercial wellness projects. Martinez explains benefits over fiberglass/gunite such as 316L shells, 304 supports, 25-year warranty, contemporary straight-line designs, lighter weight for rooftops, energy efficiency from closed-cell spray foam insulation, and two-stage containment via a vault with access for maintenance and leak monitoring. He compares stainless vs copper mainly by aesthetics and copper’s antimicrobial properties, notes salt/chlorine/bromine void warranties, and recommends UV with hydrogen peroxide or AOP systems. The episode covers customization (jet layouts, loungers, acrylic windows, infinity edges, covers, movable floors), installation logistics, bonding, lighting, climate-related heating/chilling, and common issues like improper sanitizers or rigging.   Discover more: https://www.diamondspas.com/ (720) 864-9115 https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Mitch Martinez 01:50 What Diamond Spas Makes 02:58 Mitch Career Path 04:40 Who Buys These 05:15 Metal vs Fiberglass 06:27 Stainless vs Copper 08:39 Tile and Finishes 09:59 Heating and Insulation 11:21 Climate and Chillers 12:28 Equipment Options 13:43 Rooftop Weight Benefits 14:12 Leak Protection Strategy 16:18 Welding and Quality 17:24 Expansion and Movement 18:36 Custom Features and Ergonomics 21:19 Edges Windows Covers Floors 22:55 Sanitizers and Chemicals 24:52 Wellness Center Boom 26:46 Coastal Salt Considerations 29:45 Delivery and Installation 32:01 Wild Install Stories 33:51 Recycled Metals and Repairs 35:40 Shipping Size Limits 37:39 Structural Support Planning 38:28 How to Start a Project 40:18 Pre-Patina Copper Finish 40:55 Cost vs Gunite Pools 42:47 Infinity Edges and Acrylic 44:07 Water Color and Reflection 45:35 Surface Feel and Slip 46:52 Bonding and Electrical Safety 47:28 LED Lighting Options 48:20 Covers and Debris Control 51:12 Install Risks and Scope 54:54 Warranty and Jobsite Protection 58:50 Vault Access and Drainage 01:04:53 Rapid Fire Personal Q&A 01:08:42 Cold Plunges and Chillers 01:15:20 Wrap-Up and Show Mission  
• Ep 123 Stop Designing ‘Patios’ and Start Designing Rooms: Ginny Brennan’s Secret 24.02.2026 50min

  Mike and Trey Farley host the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Ginny Brennan, co-founder of One Affirmation, an online home decor shop launched after forming an LLC in 2015 and going live in 2016. Ginny shares her background (former actress with roles including Entourage and The Hit List), her move from Brooklyn to Texas, and how a 2015 trip to Thailand inspired her to source handmade textiles and teach herself sewing via YouTube, leading to her first Etsy sales and a growing pillow business.   Discover more: https://www.oneaffirmation.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:40 Backyard Design Story 03:51 What Is One Affirmation 04:30 From Acting to Etsy 05:55 Sourcing Textiles and Designers 07:56 Outdoor Pillow Essentials 09:56 Custom Cushions and Wind Fixes 11:19 Outdoor Living Trends and Comfort 12:46 Shopping the New Website 13:42 Pillow Consultations and Styling 16:40 Scaling the Business 18:39 COVID Boom and Texas Move 20:36 Inventory and Shipping Timelines 22:01 What Makes a Luxury Backyard 24:50 Rugs and Custom Work 26:00 How to Contact and Follow 27:27 How Many Pillows Is Too Many 28:41 Bench Depth Planning 30:05 Layering Outdoor Comfort 32:31 Pet Friendly Fabrics 34:03 Design Rules And Value 34:55 Textiles And Career Shift 36:15 Neutral Pillow Trends 37:18 Social Media Design School 38:47 Outdoor Inserts And Mold 40:14 Dogs And Backyard Life 42:28 Luxury Feel With Accessories 44:35 Sizing Rugs And Refreshing 46:31 Rapid Fire Favorites 48:35 Wrap Up And Show Mission  
• Ep 122 2026 Modern pool trends: Inside the hottest Vegas outdoor designs with Tanr Ross 17.02.2026 1val 2min

  Mike Farley of Farley Pool Designs hosts Tanr Ross of Pool Scapes (Las Vegas) to discuss pool and outdoor living design, with an emphasis on when 3D modeling is necessary and how it improves client understanding. Additional topics include challenges and benefits of LED strip lighting and uplights (installation complexity, costs, and preference for PAL lighting support), the value of reviewing recent, verifiable work and visiting active job sites when selecting a designer/builder, and functional design principles such as sightlines from open-glass interiors, communal layouts over paper “balance,” and frequent use of fire pits with ergonomic, cushioned sunken seating.   Discover More: https://www.poolscapes.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Welcome to the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast (What to Expect) 01:12 Meet Tanr Ross + Do You Really Need 3D Renderings? 03:40 Tanr’s Origin Story: AutoCAD, Pool Studio & Early 3D Experiments 07:29 Renderings That Feel Real: Scale, Furniture & Adding People 09:39 Pool Scapes Business & Career Path: Vegas → Texas → Back Home 12:48 Why Modern Design Wins (and When Curves Get Tricky) 16:43 Nevada’s 600 Sq Ft Pool Rule: Workarounds, Zero-Edge Math & Remodels 24:27 Signature Project Breakdown: The “Cube” Water Feature & Build Challenges 27:08 Where Inspiration Comes From + How Tanr Actually Designs in 3D 29:48 Getting Better Without “School”: Reps, Pressure, Freelance & Speed 31:29 Why He Doesn’t Travel Anymore (Motion Sickness, Anxiety & Work Mode) 32:11 Vegas Trade Shows, Networking & Staying ‘Nose Down’ Busy 33:47 LED Strip Lighting in Pools: Nightclub Vibes, Install Headaches & Real Costs 37:58 How Homeowners Should Vet a Pool Designer (Recent Work, Site Visits & References) 39:33 Custom Design Philosophy vs. Copy-Paste Software (And AI Concerns) 42:41 Designing for Real Life: Communal Spaces, Sight Lines & Pool Orientation 45:48 Favorite Part of the Process + Managing Long, Stressful Builds 48:29 Must-Have Feature: Fire Pits, Sunken Seating & Cushion Ergonomics 54:52 One Tip to Avoid Regret: Due Diligence, Similar-Scale Projects & In-Progress Tours 57:23 Rapid-Fire Personal Questions + Monaco/F1 + Vegas Growth (Wrap-Up) 01:01:07 Show Mission & Final Sign-Off  
• Ep 121 The Authentic Home Sauna with Alan the Sauna Ambassador 10.02.2026 1val 10min

  Mike and Trey Farley sit down with Alan, a sauna expert and ambassador, to discuss the rich history, cultural practices, and health benefits of traditional Finnish saunas. Alan shares his personal sauna journey, starting from infancy, and delves into details about the authentic sauna experience, including the importance of elements like proper ventilation, wood-burning heaters, and the use of birch branches. The conversation also touches on the distinction between traditional saunas and infrared saunas, offering insights into their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, listeners learn about unique practices like cooking food on sauna rocks and the significance of the thermal cycle. The episode emphasizes the profound mental, physical, and social benefits of regular sauna use, advocating for a deeper appreciation of this ancient wellness tradition.   Discover more: https://kivia.ca/podcast/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Introduction to Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast 01:23 Meet the Expert: Alan's Sauna Journey 02:04 The Cultural Significance of Sauna 03:11 Growing Up with Sauna: Alan's Personal Story 04:20 Sauna Rituals and Family Traditions 07:51 From Enthusiast to Sauna Ambassador 09:54 Health Benefits and Popularity of Sauna 22:53 Sauna Etiquette and Best Practices 35:01 Sauna Myths and Truths 36:36 Understanding Sauna Duration and Temperature 37:38 Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Needs 39:00 The Social Aspect of Saunas 41:15 Sauna Hats and Their Benefits 41:52 Cooking in the Sauna: A Unique Tradition 43:54 Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas 46:13 Debunking Sauna Myths 47:22 Health Benefits and Studies on Sauna Use 49:36 The Importance of Sauna Experience 54:44 Comparing Saunas to Other Wellness Options 58:53 Traditional Sauna Practices: Birch Branches and Aufguss 01:03:17 Final Thoughts and Future Trends  
• Ep 120 The Plungie Pool Process 03.02.2026 1val

  Join hosts Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs in an engaging conversation with Ty from Plungie, a manufacturer of prefabricated concrete pools. With a legacy of turning backyards into personal retreats, they explore innovative solutions for adding swimming pools to various spaces, emphasizing efficiency, customization, and affordability. Ty shares insights into the design and installation of Plunge pools, their adaptability for different sites, fast turnaround times, and their applicability for new constructions and smaller backyards. They also discuss pool maintenance, finishes, accessories, and the broader market potential for these unique prefabricated pools.   Discover more: https://plungie.com/en-us/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/   00:00 Welcome to Luxury Outdoor Living 01:17 Meet the Hosts and Today's Guest 01:48 Ty's Journey and Plunge's Origin 03:22 Plunge Pools: Concept and Design 11:58 Customization and Installation Insights 18:58 Engineering and Strength of Plunge Pools 27:58 Installation and Site Considerations 30:50 Introduction to Skimmer Design 31:14 EcoFinish Application Process 31:45 National Network and Adaptations 32:27 Ordering and Installation Process 35:05 Hydrostat Relief and Fire Provisions 36:58 Cost and Market Expansion 38:55 Customization and Additional Products 46:54 Ideal Customers and Market Niches 56:31 Construction and Installation Tips 57:54 Personal Insights and Conclusion