22 Jul 2011 Family all set for summer fun

by Rachel Parker Dickerson

A new pool at Keller Johnson’s Centennial Valley home in West Conway has his family set for summer soaking.

The face behind Keller Johnson Builders Inc., Johnson has lived in his new home about six months. Johnson was born and raised in Conway. He has been self-employed most of his career, working in commercial rental properties, residential properties and new home construction. When he decided to put in a pool, he went to Jeremy Lawson of Luxury Pools and Spas.

“Whenever I started looking for a pool, I wasn’t just looking to dig a hole,” Johnson said. “I wanted someone who was going to maintain it. He’s really done a good job. Any questions I’ve had, he’s been at my door.”

Lawson is a third generation pool builder. His grandfather started the business about 40 years ago, and the company has locations in Russellville and Conway. He sold Johnson on the idea of a saltwater pool.

“It’s a very safe way to produce chlorine,” Lawson said. “You still have to take care of other chemicals, but it saves time and money.”

Johnson said, “I hate change. He had to sell me on it. But after a while, I saw that saltwater was the way to go. It’s cheaper to maintain, it doesn’t burn your eyes when you’re underwater and it’s easier on your skin, hair and clothes.”

The pool has a liner-covered step rather than white plastic for a more attractive look. In the deep end, a tanning bench is also liner-covered. A cantilever edge extends concrete over the outside edge of the pool rather than using a white aluminum covering. These cosmetic touches were Lawson’s ideas as well, Johnson said.

A waterfall flowing from a concrete fixture into the pool adds interest to the family’s back yard, but it also has a function.

“It’s not only cosmetic. It also cools the swimming pool during the hot summer days,” Lawson said. “When the temperature gets up to 100 degrees, a lot of pools get hotter than the owner likes them. In the morning, the waterfall cools it down a bit.”

The patio surrounding the pool is finished in stamped concrete in a warm brown color. Lasting Impressions Concrete did the work. Conway Sprinkler and Landscape installed large decorative rocks, small evergreen trees, sod and sprinklers. A large fountain in a dark bronze color was purchased at Fountains, Pots, Plants and More on Hogan Lane. Orange and yellow marigolds add color to the landscaped areas and coordinate with patio furniture from Hambuchen Home Furnishings. Conway Fence installed the black iron fencing. Moix Design did the site plan for the home and pool area.

Johnson said one thing he likes about having a pool is “you don’t ever have to worry about company. They’re here. I love company. Just about every night of the week, they’re here.”