Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast

Mike Farley

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. Ep 124 The Designer Secret of Metal Luxury Spas with Diamond Spas

    5D AGO

    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

    1h 17m
  2. Ep 123 Stop Designing ‘Patios’ and Start Designing Rooms: Ginny Brennan’s Secret

    FEB 24

    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

    50 min
  3. Ep 122 2026 Modern pool trends: Inside the hottest Vegas outdoor designs with Tanr Ross

    FEB 17

    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

    1h 2m
  4. Ep 121 The Authentic Home Sauna with Alan the Sauna Ambassador

    FEB 10

    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

    1h 10m
  5. Ep 120 The Plungie Pool Process

    FEB 3

    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

    1h 1m
  6. Ep 119 Outdoor Living and Pool Contractor Crimes… What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

    JAN 27

    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

    1h 5m
  7. Ep 118 How to Chose Your Outdoor Living Designer and The Designer’s Fees

    JAN 20

    Ep 118 How to Chose Your Outdoor Living Designer and The Designer’s Fees

    Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs delve into the often-debated topic of whether homeowners should pay a design fee for their outdoor living projects. Drawing from their 40 years of industry expertise, they explore the pros and cons of design fees from both consumer and business perspectives. They emphasize the importance of detailed, professional designs to avoid costly mistakes and ensure an efficient, cohesive outcome. They also cover various levels of design services, the role of certification, and how to choose the best designer for your project. The episode aims to provide homeowners with the knowledge to make informed decisions and achieve stunning, functional outdoor spaces.   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 Podcast 01:12 Introduction to Today's Topic 01:45 The Debate on Design Fees 03:07 The Value of Professional Design 03:55 Challenges in the Pool Design Industry 05:04 Understanding Design Fees and Client Expectations 06:41 The Importance of Certifications 08:32 Finding the Right Designer 15:22 Certifications and Qualifications in Pool Design 21:36 Navigating Social Media and Reviews 31:14 Design Fees and Consultation Processes 32:38 Understanding Different Types of Consultations 32:50 Site Analysis and Client Expectations 35:50 Conceptual vs. Working Drawings 38:57 Importance of Detailed Specifications 41:07 3D Renderings and Realistic Expectations 46:33 Choosing the Right Designer 52:10 Final Thoughts on Design Fees and Client Relationships 56:12 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    1h 6m
  8. Ep 117 Trends for 2026 in Luxury Outdoor Living

    JAN 13

    Ep 117 Trends for 2026 in Luxury Outdoor Living

    In this episode of the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast, Mike and Trey Farley of Farley Pool Designs delve into the latest trends for 2026 in outdoor living spaces. They discuss the continued popularity of indoor-outdoor transitions, the shift towards year-round outdoor spaces, and the growing trend of small, cozy niches. Key highlights include the rise of portable fire pits, the use of AI in gardening, the preference for multi-functional spaces, and the increasing importance of wellness features like saunas and exercise areas. The episode also covers the evolving preferences in outdoor furniture, the significance of built-in seating and ledge features in pools, and the integration of natural elements and colors in design. Whether it’s about creating versatile outdoor kitchens or implementing dog-friendly zones, Mike and Trey provide valuable insights for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor retreats.   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 01:12 Introduction to Trends of 2026 05:02 Adapting to Smaller Spaces 07:13 The Importance of Water and Fire Features 13:44 Incorporating Organic and Rustic Modern Designs 24:36 The Rise of Edible Gardens and Wellness Trends 32:58 Griddles and Outdoor Cooking Trends 34:23 The Rise of Outdoor Living Spaces 35:43 Heating and Electrical Considerations 36:43 Outdoor Fridges and Sinks 39:46 AI in Design and Realistic Expectations 46:58 Trends in Outdoor Furniture 50:33 Water Features and Low Maintenance Solutions 52:58 Pet-Friendly Outdoor Spaces 54:54 Trends in Pool Design 01:02:44 Final Thoughts on Outdoor Living

    1h 6m
5
out of 5
17 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!”

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