01 / Ideas for life outside
Welcome to the Guy Robert Landscape blog! As specialists in fiberglass pools, we provide expert tips on installation, maintenance, and optimization so you can enjoy your pool year after year. You’ll also find landscaping trends, ideas to enhance your outdoor space, and sustainable solutions for a beautiful and functional yard. Explore our articles and get inspired by our expertise in pools and outdoor design!

How Often Should You Drain Your Pool: What to Know
Draining a pool isn’t always necessary, and for fiberglass models, it can be risky. This guide explains when to drain, how to avoid damage, and smarter ways to maintain water quality.

How Proper Grading Prevents Water Damage in Your Backyard
Proper grading is a critical defence against water damage in Eastern Ontario. Learn how slope design, soil compaction, and drainage planning protect foundations, patios, and pool installations.

Pool Waterfall Ideas: Types, Styles, and How to Choose
Pool waterfall ideas can transform a backyard into a refined outdoor retreat. Learn about waterfall types, design styles, material options, and planning tips to integrate a water feature seamlessly into your pool and landscape.

How Do I Know If My Pool Structure Is Shifting?
Pool structure shifting in Eastern Ontario is often linked to frost heave, clay soil expansion, groundwater pressure, and drainage design. Learn the key warning signs and how proper fiberglass pool installation and grading help protect long term stability.

How Often Should I Shock My Swimming Pool?
Shocking your pool regularly is key to safe, clear water. This guide covers how often to shock based on use, weather, and seasonal changes, plus tips for doing it right.

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Pool Opening Checklist
A successful pool season begins with a thorough opening. This step-by-step checklist covers everything from equipment prep and water testing to leak checks and sand filter backwashing. Learn how to get your pool swim-ready and safe for the entire summer with expert guidance and practical tips.

Pool Maintenance Tips for Summer
Proper pool maintenance in summer is key to clean, safe, and crystal-clear water. From balancing chemicals to optimizing filtration and preventing algae, this guide covers essential tips to keep your pool in top condition all season long.

How to Design a Pool for Nighttime Impact: Lighting, Materials, and Modern Outdoor Design
Discover how to create a pool that comes alive at night through strategic lighting, material choices, and layout design for lasting comfort and visual appeal.

Best Pool and Hot Tub Placement Ideas for a Luxurious Backyard
A well-planned pool and hot tub combination enhances relaxation, aesthetics, and property value. This guide explores the best placement ideas, design tips, and maintenance strategies for a luxurious backyard retreat.

How to Repair and Prevent Pool Deck Cracks
Cracks in your pool deck pose safety and structural risks. This guide covers causes, repair options like poly foam injection, and how to prevent future damage.

How to Select the Right Stone for a Pool Deck
Pick a pool deck stone that stays cooler underfoot, provides reliable traction, and stands up to your climate. This guide compares common stones and finishes, covers sealing and drainage, and shows how to balance safety, comfort, and long-term maintenance.

Pool Coping Materials: Pros, Cons, and Design Ideas
Choosing the right coping material protects your pool, enhances safety, and elevates backyard aesthetics. This guide compares popular options like concrete, natural stone, and pavers, with detailed pros, cons, and style ideas for Québec homeowners. Learn how to select coping that suits your climate, budget, and design goals.

The Ultimate Guide to Automating Your Swimming Pool
Pool automation centralizes control of heating, filtration, lighting, and water chemistry. Discover how smart systems enhance efficiency, reduce maintenance, and improve overall pool performance.

Designing the Perfect Home Landscape: Key Steps and Tips
Thoughtful home landscape design begins with planning, not planting. This article explores the key steps involved in creating a cohesive outdoor space, from layout and materials to drainage and long-term functionality, helping homeowners make informed design decisions that stand the test of time.

Designing the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
Transform your backyard into a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen with the right layout, components, and features for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

Mulching 101: When, Why & How to Mulch Your Garden
Master the art of mulching with our guide on when, why, and how to mulch your garden for improved soil health, moisture retention, and weed control.

How to Match Your Pool Design to Your Home’s Architecture
Learn how to design a pool that feels like part of your home, using aligned geometry, consistent materials, and thoughtful planning for elegant harmony.

The Importance of a Balanced Pool pH Level: Maintaining a Safe Swimming Pool
When it comes to pool maintenance, one of the most critical factors to consider is the balance of the pH level of the pool water. Indeed, pH levels play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and balanced swimming pool environment.

How to Prep Your Yard for a Smooth Pool Installation
Proper yard prep is key to a successful inground pool installation. From permits to soil evaluation and drainage, this guide covers everything you need to plan ahead with confidence.

Winter Cover vs. Safety Cover: Which Is Better for Your Pool?
Choosing between a winter cover and a safety cover depends on your pool’s needs. While winter covers offer affordability and debris protection, safety covers provide enhanced security and durability. Explore key differences, benefits, and expert recommendations to select the best pool cover for your home.

When and Why You Should Resurface Your Pool
Discover when and why your pool needs resurfacing. This guide explores warning signs, material lifespans, resurfacing steps, and tips for long-term maintenance.

Water Conservation Tips for Pool Owners: An Essential Guide to Sustainable, Efficient Pool Care
Learn how to keep your pool pristine while cutting water waste. Explore design, equipment, and maintenance tips for sustainable, efficient pool care in Ottawa.

Warm White vs Cool White Outdoor LEDs: Which Should You Choose?
Warm white vs cool white outdoor LEDs can dramatically affect ambience and material appearance. Learn how to select the right colour temperature for a cohesive, comfortable, and well-balanced outdoor lighting design.

Upgrading Your Pool Lighting for Ambiance
Upgrading your pool lighting can transform your backyard into a luxurious and inviting space. From enhancing ambiance and safety to improving energy efficiency, modern lighting options offer both style and functionality. Explore creative ideas, smart lighting features, and expert installation tips to elevate your pool experience.

Understanding Pool Maintenance Costs
Owning a pool can be a wonderful addition to any home, providing a refreshing oasis during hot summer months. However, it’s important to understand the costs associated with pool maintenance to ensure you can properly budget and maintain your pool’s cleanliness and functionality.

Ultra fast installation
Set-up in two days regardless of the weather. Much less damage on the field than our competitors.

Maintenance of a fiberglass pool
The smooth bottom and walls of our pool: prevent dust from adhering and eliminate the risk of algae formation. Read more

The Affordability of Fiberglass Pools
Saltwater have become increasingly popular for inground pools in recent years due to their lower maintenance requirements and the perceived benefits of swimming in saltwater.

How a Tanning Ledge Pool Can Transform Your Backyard
A tanning ledge transforms your pool into a relaxing, family-friendly retreat. Explore its benefits, design possibilities, and how to choose the right fit for your outdoor space.

Sustainable Landscaping Ideas to Make Your Yard Eco-Friendly
Sustainable landscaping helps conserve water, reduce waste, and support biodiversity. By using native plants, rain gardens, and eco-friendly materials, you can create a beautiful and environmentally responsible outdoor space.

How Long To Run Your Pool Pump In Summer
Running your pool pump 8–10 hours a day in summer keeps water clear and algae-free. Learn how to adjust runtime based on heat, usage, and energy-saving strategies.

Spring Lawn and Garden Maintenance Checklist
This spring lawn and garden maintenance checklist outlines essential steps to restore turf, improve soil conditions, address drainage issues, and prepare your landscape for a healthy and resilient growing season.

The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Landscape Maintenance
Keep your yard vibrant year-round with seasonal maintenance tips. Learn key tasks for every season to ensure a healthy and beautiful landscape!

Can You Use Saltwater in Fiberglass Pools?
Saltwater have become increasingly popular for inground pools in recent years due to their lower maintenance requirements and the perceived benefits of swimming in saltwater.

Childproofing Your Pool: Essential Safety Measures
Protect children with essential pool safety measures, including fences, alarms, and swimming lessons.

How to Extend Your Pool Season
Enjoy your pool beyond summer with smart heating systems, solar covers, and eco-friendly strategies. This guide explains how to warm your pool efficiently, reduce energy costs, and make your backyard inviting for a longer season of relaxation.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pool Equipment
Discover essential maintenance tips to prolong your pool equipment’s life, including cleaning routines, proper pump care, and balanced water chemistry.

Enhance Your Experience with Stunning Swimming Pool Water Features
Upgrade your fiberglass pool with waterfalls, fountains, and bubblers for a stunning backyard experience.

Drip Irrigation Systems: Benefits, Installation, and Maintenance
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, cutting waste and boosting plant health. This guide covers its advantages, how to install it, and tips for long-term care.

Concrete Around Pool : Is It Necessary ?
Explore whether concrete is necessary around your fiberglass pool. Learn about the benefits of a concrete deck, including aesthetics, functionality, and key considerations for installation.

Pool Fencing: Choosing the Best Fence for Safety and Style
Selecting the right pool fence is essential for safety, privacy, and aesthetics. This guide explores different fencing materials, compliance regulations, and design tips to help you choose the best option for your backyard.

How to Choose the Best Pool Fence ?
Learn how to pick the best pool fence for safety and style. Explore types, materials, legal requirements, and costs to secure your pool area.

Chlorine vs Saltwater Pools: Exploring the Pros and Cons
Saltwater have become increasingly popular for inground pools in recent years due to their lower maintenance requirements and the perceived benefits of swimming in saltwater.

Checklist for Fall Lawn and Yard Maintenance
Prepare your yard for winter with our fall maintenance guide. Learn tips for pruning, composting, gutter cleaning, and more. Start your seasonal prep today

How to Get Rid of Calcium Scale in Your Swimming Pool
Calcium scale is a common pool maintenance issue that can affect surfaces, equipment, and water clarity. This article explains why calcium scale forms, how to remove it safely, and how proper water balance helps prevent future buildup.

The Best Types of Hardscape Materials
Discover the top hardscape materials like brick, stone, and concrete. Learn their uses, benefits, and how to create a durable and stylish outdoor space!

Pool Placement: How to Find the Right Location for Your Pool
Choosing the right location for your pool is crucial for maximizing sun exposure, ensuring safety, and complying with local regulations. This guide explores key factors like terrain, accessibility, and landscaping to help you create a functional and visually appealing backyard oasis.

Choosing the Best Inground Pool for Your Backyard
Choosing the right inground pool means weighing design freedom, upkeep, and budget. This guide compares fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl options to help you invest wisely.

Prepare Your Backyard for Winter Step by Step
Learn how to prepare your backyard for winter with easy, practical steps. From harvesting and soil care to pruning and tool maintenance, this guide helps protect plants, equipment, and landscape features so everything is ready to thrive when spring returns.

Best Privacy Solutions for Your Backyard Pool
Privacy transforms a backyard pool into a serene retreat. This guide explores top solutions like fencing, trees, outdoor structures, and water features to enhance both comfort and style while respecting local regulations. Create a personal oasis that’s functional, beautiful, and perfectly tailored to your space.

Essential Guide to Pool Alarms: How to Keep Your Backyard Safe
Pool alarms are a key part of backyard safety in Québec. This guide explains how they work, what features matter, and how to integrate them with other protective measures. From model comparisons to legal insights, discover the tools that help prevent accidents and support responsible pool ownership.

Guide to Choosing the Best Pool Contractor
Discover tips to find a reliable pool contractor. Learn how to verify credentials, check reviews, and avoid mistakes for a high-quality pool installation.

The 5 Basic Elements of Landscape Design
Mastering the five basic elements of landscape design, color, line, texture, form, and scale, helps you plan beautiful, cohesive, and functional outdoor spaces.

The Importance of Irrigation Maintenance
Proper irrigation maintenance ensures system efficiency, conserves water, and promotes plant health. By addressing common issues, adjusting watering schedules, and leveraging smart technology, you can prevent costly repairs and create a sustainable landscape.

Discover the Benefits of an Insulated Pool with High-Performance Polyurethane
Explore the advantages of insulated pools with polyurethane. Enjoy year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and low maintenance for your outdoor oasis.

High Voltage vs Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
When deciding on the best landscape lighting for your outdoor spaces, it’s essential to understand the differences between high voltage and low voltage systems. Both options have their unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs in terms of energy efficiency, cost, safety, and installation. In this comparison, we’ll break down the…

Heating a fiberglass pool
Fiberglass is an insulating material. Our pools are insulated with polyurethane foam. Your water will be at least 8°F warmer.

Hardscape vs. Softscape: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between hardscape and softscape is key to building a cohesive landscape. Learn how these elements combine to create structure, beauty, and lasting outdoor function.

The Ultimate Guide to Pet Pool Safety
Keep your pets safe around pools with tips on barriers, life vests, training, and pet-friendly maintenance to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

All About Landscape Lighting: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the benefits, types, and installation tips for landscape lighting in this guide. Learn how to enhance your outdoor space’s beauty and safety today!

Algae Growth Prevention in Inground Pools: Effective Strategies for Clean, Clear Water
Learn how to prevent algae in your inground pool with proper water balance, filtration, and upkeep for clear, healthy water all season long.

Free Chlorine vs Total Chlorine: Understanding the Difference
Saltwater have become increasingly popular for inground pools in recent years due to their lower maintenance requirements and the perceived benefits of swimming in saltwater.

First Aid Supplies to Keep by the Pool
From bandages and antiseptics to rescue tools and CPR tips, this guide covers the essential first aid supplies every pool owner should keep nearby for a safe, stress-free swimming season.

Best Fire Features for Backyard Swimming Pool Landscaping
Enhance your backyard pool with fire features like bowls and tables, adding warmth, style, and functionality for year-round enjoyment.

How Long Do Fiberglass Pools Last (Life Expectancy Guide)
Saltwater have become increasingly popular for inground pools in recent years due to their lower maintenance requirements and the perceived benefits of swimming in saltwater.

Fiberglass Pool: Will it Crack?
Fiberglass pools have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, like any other pool material, there are concerns about whether fiberglass pools can crack, or develop coat problems.

Common Fiberglass Pool Myths Debunked
Many homeowners still believe fiberglass pools are fragile, expensive, or limited in design — but today’s technology proves otherwise. This article separates myth from fact, showing how modern fiberglass pools offer long-term value, beauty, and low maintenance for every backyard.

Fiberglass Pool Installation Timelines
If you’re considering installing a fiberglass swimming pool in your backyard, one of the key factors to consider is the timeline for installation. Understanding the various stages involved in the installation process of your pool can help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations.
