Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

Ep 128 Five Tips for Better Deck Design w Industry Experts Robert The Deck da Vinci and Farley Pool Design

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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
 

Ep 119 Outdoor Living and Pool Contractor Crimes… What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Are you planning to transform your backyard into a stunning retreat? Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs, who have over 40 years of experience, share invaluable insights in this episode of the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast. With key topics like why you shouldn't pay for the entire pool up front, the dangers of incomplete contracts, and the importance of accurate 3D modeling, they ensure you avoid common pitfalls. They also touch on the necessity of hydrostats to prevent pools from floating, the repercussions of groundwater issues, and why adhering to proper safety standards for diving entries is crucial. Whether you’re looking at a simple design or a complex resort-style oasis, this episode empowers homeowners to approach their outdoor projects with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
 
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
01:59 Common Pitfalls in Pool Construction
05:03 Design Firm Payment Practices
06:03 Completion Date Promises
12:12 Variable Speed Pumps and Skimmers
14:09 Importance of 3D Modeling in Pool Design
20:32 Detailed Contracts vs. One-Page Contracts
24:16 Handling Cave-Ins During Construction
29:07 Ensuring Accurate Pool Placement
32:08 Unexpected Pool Construction Challenges
33:25 The First Pebble Tech Pool: A Colorful Misunderstanding
36:39 Understanding Gunite Pools and Rebound Issues
42:35 The Hydrostat: Preventing Pool Floatation Disasters
49:57 Easements and Their Impact on Pool Construction
54:41 Dealing with Underground Streams in Construction
01:00:13 The Dangers of Improper Diving Pool Design
01:03:24 Conclusion and Final Tips for Pool Owners