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Pool Remodel

On March 2nd, 2021

Laying the groundwork for a beautiful outdoor terrace

The elite team at Beacon Irrigation & Lighting, Inc. is comprised of specialized contractors, designers, and technicians that collaborative from their unique realm of expertise to create your perfect outdoor living space. Why call multiple companies and coordinate between rivalrous contractors when you can hire and communicate with one company that can complete the job from start to finish. With decades of experience, Beacon is licensed and insured to perform all tasks required with precision and quality craftsmanship. Many of customers prefer to use us on complete outdoor remodels from underground work of irrigation and drainage to above ground pool remodels, terrace installation, hardscape design, and landscape lighting. Because all of these components are interconnected like the systems in the body, it makes sense to utilize one team of craftsman and contractors to progress through the project together.

Drain line
Drain line
turf
Turf
Complete Pool Remodel
Complete Pool Remodel
Equipped
Equipped
Deck
Deck

In this project, Beacon Irrigation & lighting, Inc. was tasked with a complete remodel of the exterior. Beacon started with demolition of the old deck and pool. A new drain line system was installed. The pool and deck were completely remodeled and turf was installed close to the canal. Beacon also installed a new driveway. The general contractor communicated closely with the homeowner as a liaison to the crew to insure that all design elements fulfilled the homeowner’s vision. Quality work is our top priority and our craftsmanship speaks for itself.

Call Beacon Irrigation & Lighting, Inc. today for a free consultation and allow us to make your dreams for the exterior of your home a reality! 561-883-1201. Get it done The Beacon Way! www.beaconirrigation.com

The sub-tropical life in South Florida leaves us enjoying the outdoors all year long. Keep your sprinklers in top shape and your lawn will stay green all year with these easy sprinkler repair and maintenance tasks.

Quality sprinkler systems are easy, water-efficient means to keep your lawn verdant and healthy. In addition to their programmable and scheduled irrigation, strategic sprinkler head placement ensures that water is evenly distributed across the yard. The system can be altered to provide optimal irrigation in response to changing seasons and needs. In order to provide this stellar care for your lawn, they require their own maintenance and care.

Beacon Irrigation & Lighting, Inc.

To assist you in keeping your irrigation system operating at its peak performance, the following sprinkler repair and maintenance tips ensure a smoother-running system that endures for years to come. While some of the tasks may be best left to a certified irrigation contractor, others require a quick consult with your owner’s manual.

  • Clean your sprinkler heads.

Its normal for sprinkler heads to become clogged with dirt and other ground residue. Clogged sprinkler heads will affect the distribution of water across the lawn, potentially leading to brown, dry patches. By checking to make sure that sprinkler heads are clear and clean, you will keep the whole system running evenly and efficiently.

One suggestion is to set yourself an annual reminder to clean sprinkler heads to ensure they continue to flow water properly and that water pressure remains consistent. The process will entail turning off the irrigation system and removing and soaking the nozzle, so consult with your irrigation system installer on how best to clean your sprinkler heads. Additionally, always keep an eye out for any potential clogs while in use such as dry spots and no water flow, and be sure to handle the issue right away. If you prefer, call Beacon Irrigation for regular system maintenance and service.

Sprinkler Head Replacement DIY

Sprinkler heads are often damaged during regular lawn maintenance and mowing. If you discover a damaged part leftover from the last time you mowed the lawn, follow this step-by-step on how to replace a sprinkler head.

  • DON’T ignore leaky sprinklers.


A small leak can create much larger problems. Not only could the lawn and garden become flooded at the leak while shorting irrigation elsewhere in the yard, but your water bill may also increase because of unneeded use and it is wasteful for the environment.

Notice the general water flow of the entire sprinkler system. Make sure water pressure is consistent, and that water is evenly distributed across the lawn. Promptly take action as soon as you notice the leak in the sprinkler itself or see puddles in the surrounding lawn to prevent the problem from compounding. You can either refer to a sprinkler installation guide for sprinkler repair steps, or contact an irrigation specialist if you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself.

Don’t ignore a leak
  • Make sure to check valves.

Faulty valves are the most common culprit causing sprinkler leaks. Valves are plastic parts that help direct water from its source, through the manifold or valve assembly, and out to the yard.

Again, irregular water pressure or patchy dry or brown areas in the yard may indicate a valve problem. . Check valves in both the central valve assembly and individual sprinkler heads, as well as their corresponding zones of the grass. The central assembly or manifold can be located above ground or underground and is usually found close to the house. Look for cracks, rips, or other signs of wear in each of the valves.

  • Repair faulty pipes.

Pipes are important for effective and efficient water flow in your sprinkler system. Pipes can become damaged by normal wear and tear as well as other unfortunate incidents, such as a burst from water pressure or a confrontation with a garden spade or shovel. As with a leak, you’ll want to keep an eye on water flow throughout the lawn and watch for any inconsistencies in different zones. If you’ve determined that the valves and other parts are fine, the pipes may be damaged. Refer to the installation guide and any other manufacturer’s resources online for pipe repair guidance as soon as possible.

Repair broken pipe
  • Test the voltage.

Use a multimeter to take a voltage reading to test the electrical function of your irrigation system. Sprinkler systems have many electrical parts, including a transformer, controller, solenoid, and wiring. Standard sprinkler systems typically operate on 24 volts, or “24 VAC” on a multimeter. The evaluative multimeter tests are not difficult to perform, but electric repair work is best left to an electrician, or in this specific case, to a certified irrigation specialist.

  • DON’T neglect transformers.

A fully operational transformer helps to power the sprinkler timer. Without it, the pipes, valves, sprinkler heads, and water can’t do anything for the lawn. A quality multimeter can again be used to test this electrical part to ensure if the transformer is operational or if it needs to be replaced. Test this electrical part with a quality multimeter to ensure it’s operational. This reading determines if the transformer is in good shape or needs to be replaced. Additionally, look for any other signs of wear and tear on the transformer, such as fraying. Pay attention to the system as a whole. If it is not operating according to schedule, the controller may not be receiving adequate power from the transformer to do its job of keeping the system running on time.

Sprinkler water distribution
  • Ensure connectors are waterproof.

Keep wire connections on each individual valve protected and dry by adding waterproof connectors. This will help your connectors to last longer and will maintain system communications for proper function. Combined with a sealant, waterproof wire connectors will keep the electric components of a sprinkler system protected from moisture.

  • Repair damaged wires.

Damaged wires will prohibit the controller from communicating with the valves and instructing them open or close on schedule. Normal wear and tear will deteriorate wiring over time, or there might be other more immediate causes, like as meddling critters or natural elements/weather. A qualified irrigation specialist can handle repair if the damage is significant.

Valve Parts
  • DON’T ignore detached wires.

Detached wires can disrupt a sprinkler system by causing a failure in communication between the controller and the valve. Evaluate the wire to determine the cause for detachment, such as extreme weather or broken parts.

Detached wires should be reattached immediately. Check connectors, valves, and the controller for potential causes as to why the wire detached and take preemptive steps to prevent wires from becoming detached again in the future. Consult the owner’s manual on how to reattach the original wire to ensure it is properly restored to its intended function. Check to make sure that the wire itself was not damaged in the process of detachment.

  • Replace the sprinkler solenoid.

A solenoid is an electromagnet that communicates with the controller to open and close the sprinkler system valves. If not working properly, they may inadvertently lead to leaks or other malfunctions.

Replacing the solenoid involves taking the valve apart and reassembling in the proper order. Consult the manufacturer’s guide for solenoid repair and replacement steps, or hire a certified irrigation contractor for this sprinkler repair job.

Call Beacon Irrigation & Lighting, Inc. for qualified technician to assist in your sprinkler design, installation, service, and repair. 561-883-1201.

The dramatic element of lighting can have a powerful impact on your outdoor ambiance. When done correctly, fixture choice and placement will create a masterpiece that compels the casual evening stroll with a sense of wonder and Beacon Landscape Lighting, LLC stands apart from competitors by creating a scene painted with the knowledge and experience of a certified arborist. Steve Ocampo earned his title as a Board Certified Arborist with ISA, designating him as an expert in serving tree care consumers around the country. Steve integrates his vast knowledge of native tree species to assess and accentuate the most beautiful aspects of your choice landscaping. https://www.floridaisa.org/how-to-hire-an-arborist/

In addition to an intimate working knowledge of Florida native and exotic species, our designer has a unique approach to lighting fixture placement. Ladders and bucket trucks are bulky and make it impossible to access certain key locations in your landscaping. They can also cause damage to your lawn. Instead, Beacon has attends regular trainings in tree climbing. This uncommon skill gives us access to every inch of your canopy. With Beacon Landscape Lighting, LLC your lights are placed where they will best convey the atmosphere you want to create, instead of just where it’s convenient. Our trained professionals are licensed and insured in the state of Florida.

Tree-climbing Arborist
At Beacon Landscape Lighting, LLC, lighting fixtures are installed by design – not by convenience.

If you want to illuminate your outdoor space by accentuating unique aspects of your landscaping, let Beacon Landscape Lighting, LLC offer you its experience and expertise. Call 561-883-1201

Landscape Lighting in  West Palm Beach, FL is an excellent way to animate the exterior of your home and invite you into the richness of the evening.  There are also benefits to your physical, emotional, and mental health.  Expansive research studies have proven that spending time outside benefits overall well-being: improves short-term memory, restores mental energy, offers stress relief, inflammation reduction, improves vision, improves concentration, promotes sharper thinking and creativity, potential anti-cancer effects, immune system boost, improved mental health, and reduced risk of early death.

(Check out this article published last year by Business Insider)

There are countless sources citing the health benefits of spending more time outside.  Science Daily published research revealing that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.  (See the article here sciencedaily.com)  In addition to physical and mental health, your social connections are vastly improved in an atmosphere you are invited to unplug from devices and embrace the fresh air.  Let Beacon Landscape Lighting create that atmosphere for you and redefine your exterior with expert landscape lighting.

You may be curious as to how all of these studies relate to Beacon Landscape Lighting and your home in West Palm Beach, FL.  Here at Beacon Landscape Lighting, Inc., we are real people with real families.  Through excellent landscape lighting expertise and experience, we gain genuine satisfaction and a sense of purpose by improving the lives and happiness of our customers.  What better way to accomplish that goal, then by inviting all West Palm Beach homeowners outside to revel in the abundant green space surrounding them.  In south Florida we are lucky to live among a humid sub-tropical climate type that supports luscious, vibrant flora.  As homeowners, we invest time and money into creating radiant outdoor landscapes.  Through revitalizing landscape lighting, you will amplify your access to the greenspace at your doorstep and illuminate a path to improved mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.

How Rain Sensors Can Reduce Waste and Save You Money

It’s official!  Spring is here and with it comes an abundance of rain.  With the frequent downpours we experience, it’s hard to believe that we are actually facing some dire challenges here in South Florida. When it rains, water percolates down through the soil where it is stored in a layer of porous limestone rock.  This layer underlies the entire state and is known as the Florida Aquifer System.  https://fldep.dep.state.fl.us/swapp/Aquifer.asp  It is the major source of ground water supply to Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Town of Gulfstream, and Boynton Beach in South Florida.

South Florida continues to see a rise in tourism, which is good news for our economy.  Unfortunately, with the influx of consumers comes a strain on our natural resources.  When too much water is pumped from the ground, the level of water that flows freely through the Florida Aquifer System is reduced.  This system relies on pressure to maintain the flow of water through the system as source to the state’s hundreds of springs.  If the ground level of water is reduced too far, the pressure weakens because pore spaces are compressed when devoid of water.  In this scenario, water holding capacities are permanently reduced within the aquifer.   In an interview about the state of water availability in Florida, Robert Knight, founder of the Florida Springs Institute, in High Springs, FL stated, “Water flow is the lifeblood of the springs, so when you reduce their flow, they start getting sick.”  The truth is that our aquifer is getting sick.  https://www.constructiondive.com/news/is-development-draining-the-fl-aquifer-system-beyond-repair/448474/

You may be wondering how this affects you and how you can help to save water.  The biggest waste of water in South Florida is mismanaged irrigation systems.  Problems include antiquated “zone change valves” or indexing valves, irresponsible installers that chose not to utilize rain sensors, and the landscaper’s mentality of setting the system for 30 minutes regardless of plant or soil type, sun exposure, and season.  https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/splsenssprnk.pdf  As Certified Irrigation Contractors in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Town of Gulfstream, and Boynton Beach, we witness these issues on a daily basis.  We are professionals with families and small children, which drives our intense desire to protect our environment for future generations.  You can be sure that Beacon Irrigation & Lighting will properly manage every drop of water and waste nothing.

Rain gauges or sensors are the first and easiest line of defense against indiscriminate water waste.  Rain sensors not only work to reduce waste, they save you money of your city water bill.  Everybody wins!  There are various types of rain sensors/gauges available and our trained technicians are happy to assist you in weighing the pros and cons of each, along with pricing options.  See the link below for a simple how-to on installing your own rain sensor if you are the DIY type.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx6zGNPApEc

After you have identified the rain sensor of your choice, one of our trained technicians will walk your property with you to identify any areas where there is low head drainage, overspray onto paved areas, and any leaks or breaks in piping or heads.  The technician will assess for faulty zone change valves that may need to be replaced.  https://www.thespruce.com/replacing-a-sprinkler-valve-2718921.   Technicians at Beacon Irrigation and Lighting, Inc. can provide information on zone change valves, indexing valves, and electric valve conversion to help stop wasting water and to start saving you money.  Finally, your technician will set your digital controller to water your landscape based on the season, plant and soil type, and sun exposure utilizing the appropriate irrigation scheduling formula.

It may be tempting to simply employ your landscaper to install your irrigation.  After all, the landscaper’s goal is to keep your plants alive which is a good thing, right?  The problem is that misled goal simply means using as much water as possible, a strategy that results in devastating consequences for your groundwater supply in South Florida.  Using excessive amounts of water is actually to opposite of what promotes plant health and overwatering can lead to sick plants.  Watering at the first sign of stress, or just before this period occurs, is the best way to encourage root growth and therefore a healthy lawn/plant.  (See our previous post on the importance of hiring the right irrigation contractor https://beaconirrigation.com/blog/licensed-insured-hiring-the-right-irrigation-contractor/)

We are certified irrigation contractors in the state of Florida and we care about water conservation.  Our passion is what makes us good!