Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

Mike Farley
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Dive into the world of pools and outdoor living bliss with ’Luxury Outdoor Living’ the podcast designed exclusively for homeowners eager to transform their outdoor spaces into havens of relaxation and entertainment. Join us weekly with hosts Mike & Trey from Farley Pool Designs as they embark on an exciting journey to help you make the most informed decisions when it comes to buying a pool, spa, or enhancing your overall backyard living experience. Our expert hosts, each have more than 30 years of industry experience, will demystify the process, offering invaluable tips on selecting the perfect pool or spa, navigating design and landscaping choices, understanding maintenance, and even optimising your backyard for year-round enjoyment. Each episode they’ll answer your questions, which you can submit at www.poolsideperspectives.com, and discuss a vocabulary word in the pool industry. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned backyard enthusiast, ’Poolside Perspectives Podcast’ is your go-to source for inspiration, advice, and insider knowledge to create the backyard paradise you’ve always dreamed of. Tune in to unlock the secrets of outdoor relaxation and entertainment, and turn your backyard into an oasis you’ll cherish for years to come. Subscribe today and start your journey towards backyard bliss!”

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 143 Design Outdoor Luxury :The Southern Komfort Swing podcast

    Welcome to another episode of the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast. Today Mike and Trey Farley interview Ryan Walta of Southern Comfort Bed Swings, who describes starting the business 16 years ago after building a better-looking bed swing for his wife and then receiving orders from guests at their rented lake house. Ryan explains how early demand grew quickly through magazine ads, leading from basement production to a showroom and a high-end custom brand using teak, powder-coated aluminum, and handwoven resin wicker, with hidden hardware and stainless fasteners to improve durability and deter copying. They discuss sizing options, custom projects (including hotels and international work), rope vs chain (using synthetic polypropylene Manila rope), quick-dry Dry Fast foam with Sunbrella fabrics, replacement parts, installation guidance and safety, popular models like the Conroy and Emerson, new products like the backless Chloe, and expanding into matching sofas and lounge chairs.   Discover more and connect with us: https://www.southernkomfortbedswings.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet The Guest 01:41 How It All Started 03:23 From Basement To Showroom 05:59 Beating The Copycats 08:29 Why Bed Swings 12:38 Sizing And Space Planning 14:39 Rope Versus Chain 16:54 Outdoor Cushions That Dry 19:58 Custom Fabrics And Layouts 21:55 Repairs And Replacements 25:24 Custom Builds And Safety 29:54 Why People Love Swings 32:17 COVID Photo Challenges 33:22 Renderings Over Photos 33:43 Comfort Creates Memories 34:33 Quality Materials Choices 36:26 Designing For Wellness 40:33 Models And Best Sellers 41:24 Emerson Storm Ready Design 43:15 Handwoven Craft Process 45:03 Knockoffs And Safety Risks 47:55 Installation And Hardware Tips 50:44 New Designs And Furniture Line 54:26 Trade Program Workflow 56:22 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:00:17 Inspiration Travel Ideas 01:01:49 Closing And Contact Info 01:02:24 Show Mission Wrap Up

    Ep 143 Design Outdoor Luxury :The Southern Komfort Swing podcast

  2. Jul 21

    Ep 142 How Island Stone Textures Shift The Energy Of Your Backyard Oasis

    In this episode Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast Mike and Trey Farley welcome guests Feras Irikat (VP of Brand and Design) and David Futula (Director of Technical Services) from Island Stone, discussing how tile choices shape outdoor living spaces and how to specify products for pools. David explains his role co-authoring the TCNA P602 pool tile installation standard and outlines key performance factors for submerged/exterior use such as freeze/thaw, thermal shock, breaking strength, chemical resistance, and stone-specific issues like rust. Firas describes Island Stone’s origin in Bali creating mesh-mounted pebble sheets, ongoing innovation in dimensional/fractal patterns, and environmentally conscious pebble sourcing. They cover how homeowners should balance emotional goals with functional requirements, the importance of mockups and grout/sealer choices, details on Sukabumi stone behavior and sealing, mesh-backed glass manufacturing differences, V-cap trims, and saltwater pool compatibility.   Discover more and connect: https://islandstone.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Island Stone Experts 02:36 Pool Tile Standards 04:47 Firas Tile Journey 06:27 Dave Trade Background 08:38 Indoor Outdoor Design Shift 10:35 Biophilic Home Healing 12:32 Island Stone Origin Story 20:28 Ethical Pebble Sourcing 22:45 Designing for Feeling 25:37 Choosing Tile Basics 30:25 Pool Suitability Testing 36:33 Sukabumi Stone Deep Dive 43:10 Natural Stone Variation 44:05 Patina and Biophilic Color 46:34 Slip Resistance and Formats 49:04 Sealants Grout and Mockups 51:12 Fractal Design Philosophy 55:10 Water Walls and Spec Limits 59:47 Mesh Backed Glass Explained 01:04:14 V Cap Trim and Salt Systems 01:07:58 Ceramic Kits and Coverings 01:11:54 Designing for Client Feelings 01:14:07 Wrap Up and Contact Info 01:16:47 Favorites Travel and Closing

    Ep 142 How Island Stone Textures Shift The Energy Of Your Backyard Oasis

  3. Jul 14

    Ep 141 Built for the South: The Ultimate Guide to the Luxury Pool Enclosure

    Mike and Trey Farley host Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast and interview Robert, owner of The Pool Enclosure Guys, who has 24 years specializing in designing and building luxury aluminum and stainless-steel pool screen enclosures across 9–10 states. Robert explains what pool enclosures are, how they extend outdoor living while keeping out leaves, mosquitoes, snakes, and other animals, and why his engineered, higher-vaulted designs feel open and clear rather than claustrophobic. They discuss retrofit vs. new construction, permitting, setbacks, footings, drainage considerations, maintenance recommendations (Dawn and water; avoid harsh chemicals and high PSI), screen types, lifespan expectations, storm performance (noting Hurricane Ida), lighting options, HOA approval challenges, and how enclosures can replace fences for safety codes. Robert also shares unusual use cases (birds, koi ponds, butterflies) and advises homeowners to research contractors, reviews, and long-term referrals.   Discover more: https://thepoolenclosureguys.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet The Guest 02:05 What Is A Pool Enclosure 04:05 Why Enclosures Matter 05:15 How He Got Started 08:36 Design And Engineering 12:17 Year Round Enclosures 15:20 Screen Types And UV 19:07 Wildlife And Pest Stories 23:49 Attaching To The House 25:54 Colors And Powder Coat 29:04 Permits Setbacks Footings 33:03 Cleaning And Maintenance 34:56 Retrofits Drainage Access 37:07 Weather Durability Lifespan 44:14 Lighting And Climate Control 47:08 More Problems Enclosures Solve 48:36 Safety Codes And Fencing 49:17 Why Enclosures Exist 50:39 Self Closing Doors 52:05 Storm Proof Strength 55:47 Costly Weather Risks 56:23 Maintenance Mistakes 58:08 Choosing The Right Builder 01:02:11 Where They Build 01:03:25 Custom Glass And Tint 01:04:15 Resale Value Reality 01:06:26 Biggest Builds And Design 01:08:05 HOA Approval Battles 01:09:25 Plants And Contractor Issues 01:12:24 Dream Projects And Privacy 01:13:59 Keeping Pets And Wildlife Out 01:18:18 Personal Favorites And Wrap Up

    Ep 141 Built for the South: The Ultimate Guide to the Luxury Pool Enclosure

  4. Jul 7

    Ep 140 Hear to Believe :Experiencing music below the Water Surface with Clark Synthesis

    In this episode Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs interview Bill Phillips, owner of Clark Synthesis in Colorado, a major manufacturer of underwater swimming pool speakers. Bill shares his path from Kentucky to high-end audio and eventually buying Clark Synthesis, and explains how their underwater speakers work by radiating sound more like a cello, producing full-frequency audio with strong bass rather than the tinny sound typical underwater. They discuss design help (plan markup in about 24 hours), installation in standard light niches, custom powder-coated finishes, and considerations like waterfalls, swim jets, and volume safety. Bill describes broader uses of their vibration/transducer technology in massage tables, drummers’ hearing protection, decks as subwoofers via bone conduction, resorts and yachts, float tanks, therapy applications, and VR/theme parks, plus key tips: mix audio to mono, use proper amplifiers, and test speakers in water.   Discover more: https://clarksynthesis.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:17 Meet the Guest Bill Phillips 02:04 Bill’s Audio Journey 03:04 HGTV Lazy River Story 04:52 How Underwater Sound Works 07:05 Full Frequency Bass Explained 08:04 Underwater Movie Nights 09:06 Speaker Placement and Install 10:19 Design and Color Customization 11:23 Feeling Music Underwater 12:31 Beyond Pools Massage Tech 15:00 Where to Try Them Out 16:00 Marine and Portable Options 17:28 Float Tanks and Wellness 19:14 Wildest Backyard Use Case 20:17 Planning for Water Noise 22:05 Volume Safety and Control 23:02 Deck Transducers for Bass 24:18 Decks as Speakers 24:48 Why Wood Resonates 25:09 Bone Conduction Explained 25:58 Car Gravel Road Demo 27:50 Barefoot vs Shoes 29:32 Marriage Saved by Sound 31:13 Company Evolution Story 33:22 Ordering and Dealer Support 35:17 Therapy and Deaf Dance Floors 36:42 Biggest Unexpected Use Cases 38:26 VR and Future Healthcare 40:04 Setup Mistakes to Avoid 41:32 Hearing Safety Questions 42:46 Contact and Rapid Fire Qs 44:32 Papua New Guinea Memories 46:16 Wrap Up and Show Mission

    Ep 140 Hear to Believe :Experiencing music below the Water Surface with Clark Synthesis

  5. Jun 30

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

    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/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://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 139 The Ultimate Backyard Flex: Handcrafted Wooden Diving Boards with Mikel Tube & Farley Pool Designs

  6. Jun 23

    Ep 138 Resort Style Living at Home: Outdoor Design Masterclass with Landscape Architect Kurt Kraisinger of Lorax Design Group

    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/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://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 138 Resort Style Living at Home: Outdoor Design Masterclass with Landscape Architect Kurt Kraisinger of Lorax Design Group

  7. Jun 16

    Ep 137 Year-round Luxury : Bringing the Oasis Indoors & Outdoors With Oasis Pools

    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 137 Year-round Luxury : Bringing the Oasis Indoors & Outdoors With Oasis Pools

  8. Jun 9

    Ep 136 Ryan and Sozan Hughes on how to Create your Vibe with Solana Outdoor Living

    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 136 Ryan and Sozan Hughes on how to Create your Vibe with Solana Outdoor Living
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Dive into the world of pools and outdoor living bliss with ’Luxury Outdoor Living’ the podcast designed exclusively for homeowners eager to transform their outdoor spaces into havens of relaxation and entertainment. Join us weekly with hosts Mike & Trey from Farley Pool Designs as they embark on an exciting journey to help you make the most informed decisions when it comes to buying a pool, spa, or enhancing your overall backyard living experience. Our expert hosts, each have more than 30 years of industry experience, will demystify the process, offering invaluable tips on selecting the perfect pool or spa, navigating design and landscaping choices, understanding maintenance, and even optimising your backyard for year-round enjoyment. Each episode they’ll answer your questions, which you can submit at www.poolsideperspectives.com, and discuss a vocabulary word in the pool industry. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned backyard enthusiast, ’Poolside Perspectives Podcast’ is your go-to source for inspiration, advice, and insider knowledge to create the backyard paradise you’ve always dreamed of. Tune in to unlock the secrets of outdoor relaxation and entertainment, and turn your backyard into an oasis you’ll cherish for years to come. Subscribe today and start your journey towards backyard bliss!”

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Farley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast